CHICAGO · ILLINOIS
The best of Chicago.
The 15 best chicago river architecture cruises in Chicago, with honest prices, run times and who you book through. Which ones are worth your time downtown, and what each one actually gets you.
Chicago Architecture River Cruise with live expert commentary, skyline views, mobile tickets, pet-friendly boats, and about 1 hour on the water.
Most Popular“Must do in Chicago! Tour operators are funny and knowledgeable. Recommend lining up early so you have your pick of the spots. We chose front row and it felt like you were on a private tour.”
A 90-minute Chicago River cruise with architecture narration, indoor climate control, and major-sight views of Wrigley Building, Marina City, and more.
“Great experience. Very educational but beware to bundle up. Riding on the upper level was nice but we had to go inside on the lower level a couple times to warm up.”
Chicago River 1.5-hour architecture cruise covers main stem plus north and south branches. Expert guides, indoor comfort, deck views.
“Excellent tour, it’s a must do trip. Our tour guide was so enthusiastic and passionate about the information he was giving us, he was great and really made the experience so memorable. Great tour”
Chicago Architecture Center cruise aboard First Lady. 90 minutes of docent-led river views of Willis, Marina City, Navy Pier, and more.
“This was a WONDERFUL experience! And the hot chocolate was *chef’s kiss * good! The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly too.”
Skip the ticket line for Chicago’s architecture river cruise with a live docent, 40 landmarks, and a cash bar on 3 river branches.
“Jeremy was a wonderfully engaging guide pointing out historical buildings, architectural styles and more as we rode the Voyageur. The boat was comfortable and not too crowded. And the staff was courteous and helpful. Great way to see the city and learn of its history while you sit back and enjoy the ride and a…”
Take a 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise from the Magnificent Mile with live narration, top-deck views, and major landmarks.
“Great information and well presented, we did a January tour and is was freezing but fun! Boat staff was friendly.”
One-and-a-half-hour Chicago architecture boat tour with live narration, River and Lake Michigan views, skyline photos, and climate-controlled seating.
“This was a great tour if you are wanting to many of the buildings and the skyline from the lake. The guide was knowledgeable with the history and construction of the buildings”
A 45-minute Chicago River family architecture cruise with live English guide, indoor and outdoor decks, and skip-the-line entry for $28.
“Short and sweet good info I lived in Chicago and didn’t know some of thing things about the buildings definitely going again”
Chicago’s River and Lake Michigan architecture cruise. 90 minutes, expert narration, Chicago Lock, skyline photos, and indoor or deck seating.
“Our tour guide Jay was amazing. She knew her sightseeing facts and explained everything in an amazing way. She kept everyone’s attention.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live narration, covered seating, and big skyline moments from Wrigley Building to Navy Pier.
“Great informative tour!! Wonderful history points presented, tour guide extremely knowledgeable . Great views up top!”
1.5-hour Chicago River architecture boat tour with a local guide, stops near Navy Pier and Cloud Gate, plus drinks and snacks.
“The tour guide on the boat was AMAZING. It was super enjoyable! The boat was clean and the snacks and beverages were great!”
90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live narration, free coffee and lemonade, and views from Lake Point Tower to Navy Pier.
“Speaker was great. She was amazing. Knew the city very well. Interesting facts and side note. Worth a good tip.”
Small-group Chicago architecture tour by minibus, with optional open-top river cruise. Hit the Loop, skyline views, and top icons fast.
“Love all the information of the buildings’ history! Seeing them in one area was amazing! The tour took about an hour. I didn’t visit the bar/cocoa area downstairs but it’s great that they have one. The guide was funny and friendly. He interacted with us as well. Once trip was over, he stood by to…”
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour with drinks: 90-minute river cruise past the Willis Tower and Wrigley Building, with live guide and soft drinks.
“Extremely knowledgeable guide. Interesting and entertaining.”
Chicago First Lady architecture cruise narrated by Chicago Architecture Center docents. 90 minutes, 360° river views, and optional CAC entry.
“The guide was excellent speaking the whole 90 minutes to history and future of the river and buildings. I also visited the Exhibition. Very good.”
From the river and the skyline to the gangster trails, the lakefront and the deep-dish counters, every way to spend a day in the city.
