Top Illinois Sightseeing Tours

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River, where your guide will point out architectural highlights. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.

Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).

Experience a colorful side of Chicago history with this gangsters and ghosts tour. With a historian as your guide, you’ll step back to the Roaring Twenties, when the Chicago Loop was a hub for bootleggers, speakeasies, and gangsters like the infamous Al Capone. Visit onetime gangster hangouts and haunted sites like the Palmer House, Congress Hotel, and Death Alley.

Tower above the Windy City’s world-famous skyline with admission to 360 Chicago. Ascend one of the tallest buildings in North America aboard its lightning-fast elevator, and be rewarded with bird’s-eye views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. You can also upgrade to the Sip and View ticket, which includes one drink at the newly renovated CloudBar. Once onsite, you can purchase tickets to TILT, 360 Chicago's top attraction.

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Take in views of the Chicago skyline and its many landmarks during this Lake Michigan sightseeing boat cruise. Climb aboard your vessel for a laidback ride, enjoying panoramic views from a unique perspective. Along the way, you'll listen to informative audio commentary and take in views of the Navy Pier and the Willis Tower, along with many other landmarks. Plus, feel free to bring your own lunch or grab a drink at the onboard bar (own expense.)

Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience when you go on an architecture-themed river tour. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel—the Lady Liberty—directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Your trained docent guides will give you a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and you can spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.

Visit the Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) with this pre-paid ticket. From the highest point in the city, admire panoramic views of the sprawling Windy City. Peruse the interactive displays and exhibits showcasing Chicago's history, which are geared toward curious learners of all ages. Then walk out on to the Ledge, a glass balcony that allows views of Navy Pier and Wrigley Field from one of the world's tallest buildings.

Don’t spend time figuring out what to see in Chicago and how to get there—this hop-on hop-off tour provides a mapped-out itinerary of the city's top sights. With several strategically located stops, the tour allows you to explore the Windy City at your own pace. See the world-class Art Institute and landmark skyscrapers, while audio commentary onboard gives you insight into the city's colorful history.

Explore Chicago's gangster past on this mafia tour in a coach vehicle. Drive around the Windy City to see where Al Capone, The Untouchables, Hymie Weiss, and John Dillinger, among other thugs hung out. A history-savvy guide introduces you to some of the most storied locations of Chicago’s criminal past, including Holy Name Cathedral, Biography Theatre, and the site of the bloody St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. You'll be able to get out and pose for pictures in front of a historic courthouse, among other infamous sites.

Sample some of the Windy City’s tastiest donuts on this Underground Donut Tour, celebrating the magic of Chicago’s tastiest sugar-filled concoctions. Donut-lovers are sure to enjoy this visit to some of Chicago’s tastiest donut purveyors, offering a chance to savor all of your favorite varieties, on the city's only donut-themed excursion. All tastings are included, and vegan, gluten-, and nut-free options are also available.

Enjoy a unique creative outlet—and learn the ins and outs of graffiti and street art—during this hands-on urban art workshop. Pick from multiple class times, and make your own way to the Chicago studio. You’ll learn different styles and techniques from your instructors (including guest artists), can try out stenciling and spray-painting, and can even create your own work of art on canvas to bring home at the end of class.

Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, plus chocolates and pastry. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. A bike or kayak rental is also included in the tour cost.

Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of admission to three of the following attractions: Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, or Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour.

Chicago is known internationally for its architectural diversity and dynamism—and this in-depth tour will introduce you to many of the city’s best-known and most influential landmarks. Meet at the pier right off Lake Shore Drive, hop aboard your boat, and set off. You’ll spy highlights ranging from Chicago’s skyscrapers and bustling Navy Pier to the famous “Bean” sculpture—and will learn about the different architectural movements that shaped the city. Upgrade your experience to a small boat with a maximum of 60 people.

Perfect for families, groups, and corporate outings, the Spirit of Chicago lunch cruise lets you kick back and enjoy a great meal while taking in the sights of Chicago's most famed landmarks. See and photograph the dramatic city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium. The cruise includes a delicious buffet lunch with salads, entrees, desserts, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. There's also a DJ, games, and a dance floor to keep your group entertained.

Explore Chicago's buzzing food scene in a small group (or upgrade for a private experience) on this walking tour. Stroll around Downtown, learning how how important the immigrants that built this city are to its food scene. Taste classic Chicago foods, from deep-dish pizza to the world-famous dipped Italian beef sandwiches. At the end, you'll enjoy a delicious secret dish that will be revealed only on the day of the tour.

See the overlooked highlights of Chicago’s Loop district with a walking tour that takes in the best of the bustling, vibrant neighborhood’s inside spaces. Get behind the façades to explore stunningly designed interiors as you follow a specially designed route with an experienced guide. Learn about the city’s architecture, art and history while visiting a side of Chicago that’s beyond the tourist trail, and experience the Windy City with a local perspective.

The easiest and most affordable way to explore some of Chicago's top attractions, the Chicago Explorer Pass by Go City saves you up to 50 percent off compared to buying individual attraction tickets. Create your own sightseeing itinerary by choosing 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions, tours, and activities from among more than 25 top sites, including the Skydeck Chicago, a sightseeing cruise, a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour, Navy Pier, and more.

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.

An excellent choice for first-time visitors, this tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city and hits on both classic attractions and little-known sites. Beginning at the Chicago Theatre, work your way to the Chicago Pedway, an elaborate network of underground tunnels used by locals and commuters. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and see Millennium Park; then, embark on a food tour to taste some of the city’s famous foods.

One of Chicago’s most popular and recognizable landmarks, the Field Museum of Natural History offers a wide array of treasures, from its Hall of Gems to Sue—one of the best-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils ever found. Guarantee your admission to this in-demand museum, and prevent any stress, by booking your tickets before you travel. Upon arrival, you can explore the museum at your own pace, and even embark on a complimentary, docent-led tour.