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Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Chicago, USA
From $53.70
Select Date and Travelers
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
- 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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).
- Discover all three branches of the Chicago River with your guide
- Enjoy the best vantage point to admire Chicago's skyline and architecture
- See more than 40 buildings, like the Wrigley Building and Willis Tower
- Discover the events that shaped the architectural history of Chicago
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This ultra-flexible cruise runs more than 20 times daily from Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue.
What's Included
- Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
- Live expert commentary on board
- Restroom on board
- Drinks (available for purchase)
- WiFi on board
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
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End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Make your way to either Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue (depending on option chosen) for your cruise departure. Board your riverboat and find a comfortable seat; a restroom and sometimes a full bar are available on the boat. Listen as your guide, an architecture expert, gives you an introduction to the city's landmarks.
Along the scenic route, see buildings by world-famous architects including Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. A boat on the river is the best vantage point to admire the distinct city skyline.
Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the John Hancock Center, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Wrigley Building, and more. Learn about how the invention of balloon-frame construction revolutionized how homes were built, and hear the dramatic story of Chicago's rise from the Great Fire of 1871. Both of these milestones led Chicago to become one of the cradles of modern American architecture.
Your cruise ends at its starting point.
Along the scenic route, see buildings by world-famous architects including Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. A boat on the river is the best vantage point to admire the distinct city skyline.
Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the John Hancock Center, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Wrigley Building, and more. Learn about how the invention of balloon-frame construction revolutionized how homes were built, and hear the dramatic story of Chicago's rise from the Great Fire of 1871. Both of these milestones led Chicago to become one of the cradles of modern American architecture.
Your cruise ends at its starting point.
Chicago River
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Chicago Skyline (Pass By)
Navy Pier (Pass By)
Tribune Tower (Pass By)
John Hancock Center (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Wheelchairs or other walking assistance equipment are not provided.
- Tour times cannot be changed.
- Departure locations cannot be changed
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Deanna_R
It was all delightful! Tour guide was great! The views were beautiful! Drinks were nice! I would highly recommend!
Reviews
5.0
12,329 reviews
Elizabeth_F, Apr 2024
I learned a lot of interesting things. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Glad I went. Will do it again when more family comes to town.
Silvio_B, Apr 2024
A very well presented architectural review of the city, fast paced. The guide was absolutely outstanding.
Shanyn_R, Apr 2024
We really enjoyed our architectural boat tour. Our guide was fantastic and so knowledgeable. The bar was a nice extra. It was a little chilly with the wind but we all snuggled in and had a great experience. 10/10 recommend!
Tracy_G, Apr 2024
Mary Rose was a delightful guide The boat tour was very interesting. We also appreciated the stocked bar.
Andrew_H, Apr 2024
Stephanie was very knowledgeable and delivered her commentary in an enthusiastic style. Great way to see the city from a unique perspective.
Michael_C, Apr 2024
Great ride…a little cold on our day. The guide was friendly, funny and knowledgeable. Well worth the trip!
Shaun_A, Apr 2024
The view was phenomenally beautiful and I’m glad I didn’t pass up the opportunity to have gone on this tour.
James_W, Apr 2024
Great guide, fabulous experience! Wonderful way to learn about the history of Chicago architecture. Highly recommend!
Jeffrey_S, Apr 2024
The tour guide was very engaging and really fun to listen to. She clearly loves giving these tours and did a great job of bringing the architecture and history to life!
Carolina_A, Apr 2024
This tour is incredible. Our tour guide Kevin was amazing! He has such a great personality and kept us entertained the whole time. I fell in love with this city and its architecture. 100/10 recommend!
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Current
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
12,329
1 hour 15 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$53.70
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