Chicago P.D. TV Show Set Tour

Chicago P.D. fans get the rare treat of seeing the real Chicago places used for the show, from Lottie’s Pub to the exterior of District 21. You travel by private vehicle, so you can cover a lot of ground without spending your day researching addresses or piecing together public transit.

I like the small-group setup, which keeps the outing relaxed and makes it easier to hear the guide’s filming stories. I also like the included downtown hotel pickup and return, a real help when Chicago weather turns sour. The main consideration is price: $315 is reasonable for a group of three, but less attractive for one person.

Key points

• Lottie’s Pub is a real Chicago bar used as the fictional Molly’s on television.
• Firehouse 51 is filmed at Engine 18, where you can see the exterior associated with Chicago Fire.
• District 21 is filmed at the UIC police headquarters, not a working TV set open for public tours.
• The two-hour route mixes filming locations with major sights such as Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center.
• Pickup and return are free within five miles of downtown Chicago.
• The tour is independently operated and has no affiliation with the Chicago Fire Department.

What this Chicago P.D. tour really offers

This is best understood as a compact driving tour of recognizable Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire locations, not a studio visit. You will not walk through working police offices or enter every building shown on screen. Instead, you see the exterior settings, hear how they connect to the shows, and pair that TV connection with some of central Chicago’s best-known sights.

That distinction matters. Fans sometimes picture a set tour as a backstage experience with props, costumes, or actors. This outing is more practical: you ride between real city locations and take photos where the characters’ world was filmed.

The route lasts about two hours. That is enough time for several stops, but not enough for long visits at each one. Some stops last only 10 minutes, so you should think in terms of quick photo opportunities and short explanations rather than extended sightseeing.

The tour can be booked for a group of up to three at $315. The booking information also says a minimum of one and a maximum of six people is required per booking, and a small group may be combined with another small group. Because those details do not perfectly match the advertised group size, I would confirm the final passenger limit and pricing arrangement before paying.

Lottie’s Pub, the real bar behind the fictional one

The first stop is Lottie’s Pub, known to Chicago P.D. fans as the fictional bar used in the show. This is one of the most appealing stops because it is not merely a building dressed up for television. It is a real Chicago pub with a life beyond the series.

You get about 10 minutes here, with no separate admission charge. That short visit is enough for a quick look and a photo, though it is not long enough for a full meal or a leisurely drink as part of the scheduled tour.

For me, this is the kind of TV location that gives the outing some character. A fictional bar filmed in a real neighborhood feels more connected to the city than a generic exterior chosen only because it looks good on camera.

Food is not included, but the guide can take you to Chicago-style popcorn, hot dogs, or doughnuts. That option may be useful if you want to add a local snack, though you should treat it as an extra stop rather than part of the planned tour.

Engine 18 and the Firehouse 51 exterior

At Engine 18 Chicago Fire, you see the exterior filming location associated with Firehouse 51. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, making it the longest stop on the route.

This is likely the strongest stop for anyone who follows both Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire. The firehouse exterior gives you time to take photos and connect the real building with the firefighters and paramedics seen on the NBC dramas.

The wording matters here: the experience focuses on the exterior. You should not expect to tour the active firehouse or enter restricted work areas. The attraction is the connection between the real building and the television setting.

I like the longer stop because it gives the guide room to share filming details without rushing you immediately back into the vehicle. It also gives fans time to take in the location instead of snapping one photo through a car window.

The tour is not affiliated with the Chicago Fire Department. That note is important, especially for anyone expecting official access or department-led explanations. This is an independent television location tour.

District 21 at the UIC police headquarters

The show’s District 21 police scenes are filmed at the UIC police headquarters. You get about 10 minutes here.

Again, this is an exterior-focused stop. You can see the building used for the police department scenes, but you should not expect to enter a working police facility or receive access to areas closed to the public.

That limitation does not make the stop pointless. For a fan, recognizing the facade and understanding how it functions on screen can be satisfying. The short timing also fits the nature of the visit: this is a photo and context stop, not a building tour.

I would keep your expectations realistic. If your main goal is to see actors, props, or indoor filming rooms, this experience will not provide that. If you want to connect familiar scenes with actual Chicago locations, it does the job efficiently.

The Chicago Fire Academy and a useful photo stop

The Chicago Fire Academy is another exterior location on the route. It is the modern building where firefighters train, but the building is not open to the public for tours.

You have around 10 minutes to see the outside and take photos. That makes this a straightforward stop, but it also gives the tour some variety. You are not seeing the same type of city facade again and again. The academy adds a training and public-service setting to the route.

The lack of interior access is the key practical point. You should plan on looking from outside rather than touring classrooms, training rooms, or operational spaces. For fans, the building still provides a useful connection to the show and a quick picture.

Museum Campus and the Chicago skyline

The route then passes Museum Campus, where characters have had intense moments on the show. This is also one of the better spots for city views and photos.

The scheduled visit takes about 10 minutes. The experience is described as a drive-by, so this is not a museum visit and does not include admission to any of the campus attractions. You see the setting and skyline rather than spending time inside a museum.

That pairing works well. The stop is not only for television fans. Even if you are less interested in the show’s dramatic scenes, the city views give you a reason to enjoy the pause. It helps the tour feel like a short introduction to Chicago, rather than a series of disconnected addresses.

You will want to have your camera ready. The timing is brief, and the tour is moving on to the next location.

Columbus Drive Bridge and its police connection

The itinerary also includes a drive to Columbus Drive Bridge, a modern bridge dedicated to police officer William P. Fahey.

The supplied timing does not list a separate duration for this stop, so I would treat it as a brief route highlight rather than a long photo visit. Its value comes from the connection to Chicago’s police community and from the modern city setting.

This is a good example of how the tour adds local context around the TV locations. You are not only chasing familiar buildings. You are also seeing parts of the city tied to the police theme that runs through Chicago P.D.

Millennium Park and Cloud Gate

Millennium Park gives you about 20 minutes, one of the longer stops after Engine 18. The main draw is Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean, along with the surrounding city views.

This stop is not presented as a filming location in the same direct way as Lottie’s Pub or District 21. Instead, it is a major Chicago sight included in the route. That makes the tour more useful for someone visiting the city for the first time, especially if a TV-location outing alone would feel too narrow.

Twenty minutes is enough for a quick look at The Bean and a few photos. It is not enough for a detailed exploration of Millennium Park or the nearby cultural attractions. You may need a separate visit if you want to linger.

I like this addition because it gives the tour a familiar Chicago centerpiece. It also provides a break from exterior filming locations and helps you see why the city itself plays such a large role in these shows.

The Chicago Cultural Center and its Tiffany dome

The final listed stop is the Chicago Cultural Center, scheduled for about 10 minutes. The building is known for its striking architecture and the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome.

This is another stop that broadens the experience beyond television. You get a quick architectural visit in a historic civic building, with the dome as the main visual feature.

Ten minutes is short, so do not expect a full building tour. Still, the Cultural Center can be a worthwhile final stop because it offers an indoor setting and a change of mood after the outdoor locations and city driving.

The stop also shows the tour’s basic balance. It is designed for fans, but it does not assume every person in the vehicle wants only TV trivia. If one member of your group is a casual viewer, the park, skyline, bridge, and Cultural Center help keep the outing interesting.

Why private transportation matters in Chicago

The vehicle is a major part of the experience. Private transportation lets you cover locations spread across Chicago without figuring out separate train routes, bus connections, parking, and walking directions.

Pickup and return are included for hotels or other locations within five miles of downtown Chicago Center. You need to provide your pickup address ahead of time. If you are staying farther out, this benefit may not apply, so confirm the distance before booking.

Bottled water is included. It is a small touch, but useful during a compact sightseeing route where you may be getting in and out of the vehicle several times.

The vehicle-based format also explains the pace. You can see more locations in two hours, but most stops are short. If you prefer to spend an hour at each place, this will feel rushed. If you want a broad overview with little planning, the format makes good sense.

All travelers must be able to get in and out of the vehicle on their own. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation, although the tour itself is conducted by vehicle.

Is $315 good value for your group?

At $315 per group of up to three, the value depends heavily on how many people share the cost. Three people pay about $105 each. Two people pay about $157.50 each, while a solo booking carries the full group price unless the provider confirms another arrangement.

For a fan who would otherwise spend hours researching addresses, planning a route, and navigating between scattered locations, the price includes useful convenience. You are paying for transportation, a driving guide, pickup and return within the service area, bottled water, and the route planning.

The value is weaker if you only want to see one or two famous sites. Lottie’s Pub, Millennium Park, and the Cultural Center can be visited independently, and the tour does not include admission to paid attractions or food.

I would book it when the group contains at least two or three committed Chicago P.D. fans. For one person, the cost is harder to justify unless the convenience and show connection matter more to you than saving money.

Who will enjoy this most?

This tour suits a Chicago P.D. fan who wants a simple way to see filming places without doing research. It also works well for a mixed group because the route includes major Chicago sights and skyline photo stops.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy exterior locations, short visits, and local filming stories. The guide’s insider information is a central part of the experience, so listen closely during the drives between stops.

It is less suitable if you want interior access, a full-day sightseeing program, or a formal tour of the fire department. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes getting in and out of a vehicle or prefers long, slow visits.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Booking, timing, and cancellation advice

The experience is often booked about 54 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your Chicago dates are fixed. Confirm your pickup location, passenger count, and the final group arrangement before booking, especially because the pricing summary says up to three people while the additional information allows up to six.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Cut-off times follow Chicago local time.

The good-weather rule gives you some protection, but it also means you should keep your schedule flexible. If weather cancels the tour, the provider offers another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Chicago P.D. TV Show Set Tour?

Book this tour if you want to see Lottie’s Pub, Firehouse 51, District 21, and other Chicago P.D. locations in one organized outing. The included hotel pickup, private vehicle, and small-group format make it easy, while Millennium Park and the Cultural Center give non-fans something to enjoy too.

Skip it if you expect a studio tour, indoor firehouse access, actors, or a long visit at each location. The best value comes when two or three fans share the $315 cost and appreciate the guide’s filming insight.

For a serious Chicago P.D. fan, this is a focused and practical way to connect the show with the real city. Just book it for what it is: a fast-moving exterior location tour with a few classic Chicago sights along the way.

FAQ

How long does the Chicago P.D. TV Show Set Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $315 per group of up to three people.

How many people can join the tour?

The booking information states a minimum of one and a maximum of six people. The advertised group price refers to up to three people, so confirm the final arrangement before booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup and return are offered from hotels or other locations within five miles of downtown Chicago Center.

Do I need to provide my pickup location?

Yes. You must communicate your hotel or other pickup location ahead of time.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, though the guide can take you to Chicago-style popcorn, hot dogs, or doughnuts.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Can I enter the Chicago Fire Academy?

No. The Chicago Fire Academy is not open to the public for tours. You can visit the exterior and take photos.

Is the tour affiliated with the Chicago Fire Department?

No. It is independently operated and has no affiliation with the Chicago Fire Department.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted and are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund.