USA · CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE AND RIVER CRUISES
19 tours
Ninety minutes on the river explains the city better than a week of walking it. Below are the architecture cruises compared: which docks they leave from, how long each runs, whether the guide is a trained docent, and which boats have a bar.
Chicago River architecture cruise with live expert commentary, pet-friendly comfort, and skyline views from Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue.
“The tour guide was great! Loved his insight, knowledge, and personality. It wasn’t always easy to hear him as other passengers We’re on their phones or talking to each other loudly.”
Chicago River Architecture Tour with Wendella: 90 minutes of skyline views and stories, with indoor seating and restrooms included.
“It was raining outside – in this company did not provide a dry area to stand while waiting for the boat. This was a good opportunity to maybe hand out some temporary umbrellas – but instead – they were just OK with everybody getting soaked. Not a great trip.”
A 1.5-hour Chicago River architecture cruise with expert live guides, indoor climate control or open-air decks, and major skyline sights.
“guide made the trip so interesting and quite funny engaging from start to finish also enjoyed the bar”
Chicago Loop gangster and ghost walk with a historian, haunted hotels, Riverwalk stories, and optional minibus upgrade. 2 hours, $52.
“Such a fun way to see the city and learn some more about its history. Our tour guide was great and answered all of our questions.”
Ride the Chicago River on First Lady for 90 minutes of docent-led architecture, riverwalk boarding, and heated indoor views.
“Awesome tour!! Very informative! It was a beautiful day but a little chilly in the shade. The heated area below was a welcome touch! Seeing Chicago from this perspective is a must!!”
Timed entry to Willis Tower Skydeck, The Ledge glass balcony views, and interactive Chicago exhibits in about 45 minutes.
“It was really well organised and enjoyed the history and museum aswell as the Skydeck experience.”
Chicago River architecture cruise with skip-the-ticket entry, live docent narration on all three branches, and great skyline views for about 75 to 60 minutes.
“The tour guide!! He was fabulous. Informative, funny and knowledgeable.”
Coach tour of Chicago’s mob past with live guide stories, photo stops at Biograph Theatre, Holy Name Cathedral, and Harry Caray’s vault.
“Our host Dane was energetic and entertaining! We learned a lot on the tour and enjoyed the stops. Would recommend to those wanting to know more about Chicago history!”
Skip the ticket desk and ride to 360 Chicago’s 94th-floor deck for fast skyline views over Lake Michigan and beyond, with optional Tilt upgrade.
“The view is amazing! Yes, you need some luck with the weather. I recommend to visit after 7pm in summer. You‘ll have a great view od the sunset!!”
A 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise from the Magnificent Mile with live narration, great views, and indoor warmth for $28.
“Great tour of Chicago River with excellent live narration from Tess describing the various buildings in the Chicago Skyline. Boarding is very orderly. Highly recommended.”
A 1.5-hour Wendella cruise with live narration on Chicago River architecture and Lake Michigan skyline views, tickets from $45.
“Boat very clean, personnel very nice. The boat left on time as scheduled. During the ride they explained the different architecture with a little of history.”
A 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise for families with indoor and outdoor decks, expert live narration, and optional cash bar.
“The tour and the guide were fantastic. Everything was clear and engaging, we didn’t even notice the time flying by. As a small extra, having an audio guide in other languages would be a great addition.”
Hop-on hop-off Big Bus Chicago lets you tour downtown sights like Millennium Park and Navy Pier for 24 to 72 hours, with audio and live tracking.
“I loved the ability to be outside on the top level and not be cold because the first half is covered with a glass dome/ roof with sides”
1.5-hour Chicago architecture cruise of river and Lake Michigan. Expert guide, deck or indoor seats, Chicago Lock, great skyline photos.
“We LOVED our guide Lucas, he was hilarious and very informative. 10/10 recommend!!”
3-hour Chicago food and walking tour with classic deep-dish, hot dogs, Italian beef, popcorn, plus a free 2-hour bike or kayak.
“AJ did an amazing job not only bringing us to some amazing food but also telling us about the history of the city as we went, we learned so much we otherwise may have never learned!”
