Tea Around Town Chicago – The Ultimate Guide to a Luxurious Afternoon Tea Experience

February 8, 2026

Chicago is a city known for its stunning skyline, world-class dining, and unforgettable experiences. Among its many unique attractions, Tea Around Town Chicago stands out as a luxurious and elegant way to explore the city while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea. This mobile tea party on wheels combines sightseeing, delicious treats, and social fun, making it a must-try experience for both locals and visitors.

In this complete travel guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Tea Around Town Chicago, including what it is, how it works, ticket prices, routes, menus, private bookings, special events, and insider tips to help you make the most of your journey.

What Is Tea Around Town Chicago?

Tea Around Town Chicago is a unique sightseeing experience that takes place aboard a beautifully decorated double-decker bus. Instead of a standard tour, guests enjoy a delightful afternoon tea service while cruising through the iconic streets of Chicago.

This experience blends luxury, relaxation, and sightseeing into one unforgettable adventure. Guests sip premium teas, enjoy freshly baked pastries, and indulge in gourmet finger sandwiches while taking in breathtaking views of Chicago landmarks.

Unlike traditional tea rooms, Tea Around Town offers a moving tea party, giving guests a chance to explore the city in a stylish and comfortable way.

Why Tea Around Town Chicago Is So Popular

There are many reasons why travelers and locals alike love Tea Around Town Chicago:

Unique sightseeing experience
Elegant afternoon tea service
Comfortable luxury bus seating
Stunning city views
Perfect for celebrations and special occasions
Fun for friends, families, and couples

This experience offers something different from typical tours, combining relaxation, dining, and sightseeing into one seamless adventure.

How Tea Around Town Chicago Works

The experience begins when guests board a specially designed double-decker bus, beautifully decorated with elegant tea-party themes. Once seated, the tea service begins, and the bus starts its scenic journey through Chicago.

Step-by-Step Experience:

Arrival & Check-in – Guests arrive at the departure point and check in.
Boarding the Tea Bus – Guests are guided to their seats.
Tea Service Begins – A selection of teas, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts is served.
Scenic City Tour – The bus drives through major Chicago landmarks.
Relax & Enjoy – Guests enjoy socializing, sipping tea, and taking photos.

The entire journey usually lasts about 90 minutes, providing ample time to relax, eat, and explore.

Tea Around Town Chicago Route & Sightseeing Highlights

One of the most exciting parts of Tea Around Town Chicago is the scenic route. The bus drives through some of the most famous and picturesque areas of the city.

Popular Landmarks You May See:

Millennium Park
Grant Park
Navy Pier
The Magnificent Mile
Chicago Riverwalk
Lake Shore Drive
Museum Campus
Chicago Skyline Views

The panoramic windows and elevated seating ensure excellent views, making it perfect for photography lovers.

Tea Around Town Chicago Menu – What’s Included?

The food and beverage experience is just as impressive as the sightseeing.

Tea Selection:

Guests can choose from a variety of premium teas, including:

Classic English Breakfast
Earl Grey
Green Tea
Herbal Teas
Seasonal Flavors

Savory Treats:

Finger sandwiches
Mini croissants
Gourmet wraps
Savory pastries

Sweet Treats:

Scones with clotted cream and jam
Cupcakes
Mini cakes
Macarons
Chocolate desserts

The menu may vary seasonally, but the quality remains consistently high, offering a refined and satisfying experience.

Tea Around Town Chicago Tickets & Pricing

Ticket prices for Tea Around Town Chicago vary depending on the package, seating, and special events.

Average Ticket Prices:

Standard Experience: $65 – $85 per person
Premium Seating: $90 – $120 per person
Special Event Packages: $100 – $150+

What’s Included:

90-minute city tour
Afternoon tea service
Gourmet food and desserts
Premium tea selection
Photo-worthy luxury ambiance

Prices may increase during holidays, weekends, and peak tourist seasons.

Best Time to Experience Tea Around Town Chicago

Chicago is beautiful year-round, but certain seasons offer the best experience.

Spring & Summer (April – September)

Best weather
Clear city views
Perfect for sightseeing
High tourist demand

Fall (October – November)

Stunning autumn colors
Cooler temperatures
Cozy tea experience

Winter (December – March)

Holiday-themed events
Festive decorations
Cozy indoor experience
Magical winter skyline views

Each season offers a unique charm, so you can plan your visit based on personal preferences.

Tea Around Town Chicago for Special Occasions

One of the biggest advantages of Tea Around Town Chicago is its suitability for celebrations and special moments.

Perfect For:

Birthday parties
Bridal showers
Baby showers
Engagement celebrations
Anniversaries
Girls’ day out
Date nights
Corporate events

The elegant setting and delicious food make it ideal for unforgettable memories.

Private Bookings & Group Events

If you’re planning a private celebration, Tea Around Town Chicago offers customizable private tours.

Private Booking Benefits:

Exclusive bus access
Custom menu options
Personalized decorations
Special routes
Flexible scheduling

These private tours are ideal for larger groups, wedding parties, and corporate outings.

Tea Around Town Chicago vs Traditional Afternoon Tea

While Chicago offers many excellent tea rooms, Tea Around Town Chicago provides a completely different experience.

Traditional Tea Room:

Static setting
Indoor dining
No sightseeing

Tea Around Town Chicago:

Moving sightseeing experience
City views
Unique ambiance
Entertainment plus dining

This combination makes Tea Around Town stand out as one of the most creative ways to enjoy afternoon tea.

Tips for the Best Tea Around Town Chicago Experience

To make the most of your journey, consider these helpful tips:

Book Early

Tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Arrive Early

Arriving 15–20 minutes early ensures smooth boarding.

Dress Smart-Casual

Elegant casual outfits are perfect for photos and comfort.

Bring Your Camera

You’ll capture amazing skyline and landmark shots.

Inform About Dietary Needs

Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are available if requested in advance.

Is Tea Around Town Chicago Family-Friendly?

Yes, Tea Around Town Chicago is family-friendly and suitable for children. Kids especially love the moving tea party experience, sweet treats, and city views.

However, it’s best suited for children aged 6 and above, as younger kids may find it difficult to sit through the entire experience.

Tea Around Town Chicago Accessibility

The service aims to accommodate guests with mobility needs. However, accessibility may vary based on bus design.

It’s recommended to contact customer support in advance to confirm wheelchair access and seating arrangements.

Photography & Social Media Opportunities

Tea Around Town Chicago is incredibly Instagram-worthy. From beautifully arranged tea trays to Chicago skyline views, every moment is photo-ready.

Popular photo spots include:

Upper deck panoramic views
Dessert trays
Window seats
Landmark backdrops

It’s one of the best Chicago experiences for social media content creation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the Tea Around Town Chicago tour?

The experience typically lasts 90 minutes.

Is alcohol served during the tour?

Traditional afternoon tea is served, focusing on premium teas. Alcohol may be available in special packages or seasonal events.

Can I host a private event?

Yes, private bookings are available for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and group tours.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are available when requested in advance.

Is parking available nearby?

Yes, paid parking facilities are available near the boarding locations.

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How to Book Tea Around Town Chicago Tickets

Tickets can be booked online through the official booking platforms. It’s strongly recommended to book in advance, especially during weekends, holidays, and tourist seasons.

Look for:

Official website
Trusted travel platforms
Experience marketplaces

Always confirm the departure location, timing, and dress guidelines before booking.

Final Thoughts – Is Tea Around Town Chicago Worth It?

Absolutely! Tea Around Town Chicago offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore the city while enjoying a luxurious tea experience. It combines elegance, sightseeing, delicious treats, and memorable moments into one unforgettable journey.

Whether you’re a visitor looking for a unique tour or a local planning a special celebration, this experience is well worth adding to your Chicago travel itinerary.

From stunning skyline views to delightful tea service, Tea Around Town Chicago truly redefines afternoon tea in a modern and exciting way.