2 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Chicago is famous for its architecture, and the best way to see it is on a cruise down the Chicago River. Glide by historic and modern marvels like the Civic Opera House, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower from the comfort of an open-deck boat. Live narration reveals each building’s fascinating history, so you'll learn more than you would just observing on your own.
Operated by
Tours and Boats
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.85
/ 5
1360 traveller ratings
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A Must-Do Experience
815reecel, Jan 2025
I recommend an architecture tour for any first-time Chicago traveler! My college honor society went during our business conference to Chicago and this was by far the highlight of the entire weekend! Our tour guide Dave was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging with the entire crowd. His jokes were great and the way he told the story of the city's history was rich and engaging. We were able to see everything interesting in the city and also get great recommendations for food and sight-seeing. Going right before sunset is by far the best time of day to ride; you get to see the buildings in the daylight and at night when they are all lit up! Smooth ride, and the bar at the bottom of the boat had nice staff. I would definitely go again!
Highly Entertaining and Informative
Benjamin_C, Dec 2024
Guide was friendly and approachable. I brought my parents and a friend on a perfect, sunny day. I would highly recommend this group for the Chicago tour (this is the second Chicago boat tour I have taken).
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you and your guests enjoyed the sunny day out on our Chicago tour. It's great to know you'd recommend us, especially after experiencing other tours in the city. We look forward to having you aboard again soon! ????????
A lot to look at
931laurencep, Nov 2024
You get to see a lot on this tour. The tour had plenty of information and was very interesting. The speed boat used dose a quick spin along the water front after the tour. And you may get wet. Great fun going up the river to see the building from below. Quite amazed at how much British history got this far inland.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and the exciting speed boat spin. It's great that you appreciated the mix of thrilling moments and historical insights. We hope to welcome you back soon for more adventures! ????????️
Amazing day out with my Besty
wannaleavetown, Oct 2024
I was born in old town and have lived in Chicago and suburbs for over 65 years and had a wonderful, informative, and Beautiful view of the best city on earth. If you haven’t been on an architectural tour recently, you need to take this one to see all of the new buildings, there inspiration, and Beauty. Highly highly.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for sharing such a glowing review! It’s wonderful to hear that, as a lifelong Chicagoan, you enjoyed the architectural tour and found it so inspiring. We’re thrilled to have been part of your experience of rediscovering the city and its incredible skyline! ????
Itinerary
Wrigley Building
Located in the center of the Magnificent Mile, and steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, The Wrigley Building has been a hallmark of Chicago’s skyline since 1920. Designed as the headquarters for the successful chewing gum, the building was modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower in Spain. Today, it is still home to Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, and is perhaps best known for its dazzling white towers that illuminate the city at night.
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
Willis Tower is the heart of downtown Chicago and the future of work and play. The 110-story building is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the second tallest building in Chicago, making it impossible to miss when appreciating the city’s skyline.
Aqua Tower
Aqua Tower is an 82-story mixed-use residential skyscraper in the Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Chinatown
The Chinatown neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois is on the South Side and is an example of an American Chinatown, or ethnic-Chinese neighborhood.
Merchandise Mart
Chicago's Merchandise Mart is an iconic building housing top home showrooms and plenty of office space.
Navy Pier
Drawing crowds for over 100 years, the Navy Pier is a must-see on any visit to Chicago.
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Fully enclosed interior with air conditioning, seats, & windows
- Outside seating available (seating is first come first serve basis)
- On-board restrooms
- Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
Exclusions
- Full bar & snacks (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- $12 to $15 discounted parking lot connected to marina
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour times cannot be changed
- Cruises are on rain or shine
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Please arrive 30 min before your cruise time
- Seating is first come first serve. If you have a large group, arrive early
- Child Ticket (3 and under) is for free but needs a registered ticket
- Youth Tickets available on our main ticketing page
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- Vessel has full bar and restroom
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.