Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
By Shoreline Sightseeing
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About
Get views of Chicago’s most famous buildings, as well as insider info from an expert guide, on this time-saving, architecture-focused cruise. See the city's most important buildings all on one tour—including the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, Wrigley Building, and more—and enjoy a more relaxing way to explore the city. As you go, your guide's live commentary will bring their stories to life.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 250 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
Highlights
- See Chicago's top architectural masterpieces in a single tour
- Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy schedule
- Learn about the city's architectural history through an expert's narration
- Admire some of the most picturesque angles of the city
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
- Live expert commentary on board
- Restroom on board
- Pet-friendly
What's not included- Drinks (available for purchase)
- WiFi on board
- Make your way to the specified departure place, either the Michigan Avenue riverfront or Navy Pier, in time for your chosen cruise departure. Since you’ve pre-purchased your tickets, skip the line and have no worries if this popular Chicago tour sells out. Find a comfortable seat and settle in as your guide, an architecture expert, gives an introduction to Chicago's architectural history. Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Willis (Sears) Tower, Wrigley Building, and more, and learn which buildings famous architects Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed. You have plenty of photo opportunities. Some cruises include a full bar. Your cruise ends at its starting point.
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1401 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, 401 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USAFROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.
- Option 2124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USAFROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5580ARC- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- All boats have full restrooms and a full bar.
- Some boats are single deck vessels, the type of vessel you are placed on cannot be guaranteed.
- Wheelchairs or other walking assistance equipment are not provided.
- Beginning November 11, 2024 through April 2025, tours will be 60 minutes in length.
- Cruises are dog-friendly.
- Tours can be rescheduled through Viator 24 hours prior to the departure dates.
- Wheelchair accessible from Navy Pier dock only.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5580ARC
From
AU$79.01
per adult
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.Pass byChicago SkylineNavy PierTribune TowerJohn Hancock CenterMarina CitySkydeck Chicago - Willis TowerAqua Tower
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- jangT5327TP0 contributionsA wonderful view of the shorelineThey sold hats, gloves and blankets on the boat I had told my family of adults not to worry about the cold because every boat I’ve been on had blankets that they give you that’s This is the first place that sold them and that’s why they get a four instead of a fiveWritten 10 November 2024
- TravelerGabe0 contributionsFun, enjoyable, and you get to learn about Lake Michigan.Personally I always love being able to get a break and spend some time on a boat. I only spent one day in Chicago and I happened to be by the pier and made a spontaneous decision to experience this tour. It wasn’t very crowded, so I was able to get a good seat towards the front. I thought it was really fun and enjoyable experience. Plus you get to learn a little bit about Lake Michigan. It may be a little pricy for what you get but if you are in to this kind of activities, I would say it’s worth it.Written 15 October 2024
- ericmQ2934DI0 contributionsLake CruiseReally enjoyable lake cruise with great views of the city and a comfortabe boat with friendly staff, we also used this company for water taxi which was also really goodWritten 23 September 2024
- lucianep4410 contributionsEnjoyable boat tour with excellent narrationThis was an enjoyable short boat tour on Lake Michigan with lovely views of the Chicago skyline. The recorded audio narration is excellent: it’s easy to hear and understand, the facts are interesting and relevant, and the narration is occasional not constant, which works really well. Highly recommended.Written 8 September 2024
- sonyaf5960 contributionsRelaxing and picturesque boat tourAshley provided us with an informative and interesting tour of Chicago's architecture. A relaxing way to get to know the city. Highly recommended!Written 1 September 2024
- newjerseyfamily0 contributionsThe perfect solution for tired feet!We had finished visiting the Field Museum and enjoyed a snack outside. As we were trying to figure out how to get to the Navy Pier, my husband happened to spy a sign that said they offered water taxi services to the pier. What a perfect solution! We saw a lovely view of the Chicago skyline, it was safe, enjoyable and fun. We landed right were all the restaurants were and happily picked out somewhere for dinner. Great way to get around without looking at traffic.Written 29 August 2024
- kaitlynd5260 contributions10/10 Booking Experience! Thank You, Vanessa!10/10 booking experience. Shoreline Sightseeing & specifically, Vanessa in the sales office have outstanding customer service. We had a large party of 25+ with a scheduling mishap on our part. Shoreline accommodated moving all of us onto another evening reservation. Vanessa really went above and beyond and we are so thankful!Written 25 August 2024
- joshuabG9324PY0 contributionsJill rocks!Our friend Jill was hilarious and did a wonderful informative tour! Give her a raise, she ruled! Definitely made me want to check out other tours offered!Written 25 August 2024
- Burmac0 contributionsMagical ChicagoThe most amazing views of the city of Chicago!! A must for each visit there.. Tried different time of the year day and each viewing is amazing’Written 11 August 2024
- amandatD1278LC0 contributionsRelaxing Cruise with Great Views!This was a relaxing, enjoyable experience. The staff were friendly. The views were incredible! An audio-recorded script provided interesting information about the city. This was my favorite part of my family’s short visit to Chicago.Written 31 July 2024
- dennisdP92XR0 contributionsDefinitely recommend!This was a wonderful experience. We went really went far out into the water for just gorgeous views. Could even see Buckingham Fountain from the boat. Afterwards go right over to Navy Pier and spend some time. Worth the price and will do again.Written 12 June 2024
- simonemW9596RL0 contributionsPeaceful and smoothIt was very peaceful. The boat was smooth and the tour was informative about the architecture. The boat wasn’t crowded.Written 1 May 2024
- Arielle2510 contributionsBeautiful!We went on the Skyline Chicago River boat tour back in October, it was very windy. But also, very pretty! Really enjoyed it and got some great pics of the skyline and water. Loved it!Written 19 April 2024
- Shirley01270 contributionsNot worth the rideNot worth the ride too expensive for nothing, you better off walking to see the city of Chicago, instead of looking at it from this boat that it’s really only 25 minute boat ride.Written 4 March 2024
- Bria10100 contributionsDo it!My significant other and I had a WONDERFUL experience aboard one of the Hot Chocolate Cruises. It would make a great family outing as well; short and sweet. I would definitely recommend going after the sun has set.Written 29 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
5,948 reviews
Excellent
5,450
Very good
358
Average
57
Poor
30
Terrible
53
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Sylvia M
3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Everything was well planned and the stories told by the guide made the buildings much more interesting. I would strongly recommend to take the tour at 16;00 because you get to see the city with daylight and with the buildings' lights on during the sunset. So beautiful!
Written 1 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SanMateoTravelers
San Mateo106 contributions
Our group ranged in age from teens to older adults and every one really enjoyed the river cruise. We had planned to go at 7:30 to catch the changing light but because of a scheduling snafu where I booked on the wrong night, we ended up on the 8:45 PM boat. They were very accommodating with making the change. I would definitely recommend going at a time when you can see the city lit up at night though would have also enjoyed seeing golden hour. The bonus was that we did finish just in time to catch the fireworks over Lake Michigan. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cullan S
Milwaukee, WI2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We took a Chicago day trip with very little planning as it was short notice. We had 8 people in our group, including 4 teenagers (notoriously hard to entertain). The weather was 75 degrees with a slight breeze. It couldn't have been better. Our orator was SUPERDAN who was very knowledgeable on Chicago history and architecture. He was funny as well as informative and the trip was well worth it as we were all captivated. I recommend this tour to anyone interested in traveling or just looking for something to do with 70-80 minutes.
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabby
13 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Wonderful. We got lucky with the weather in October and it was a perfect day. The tour guide - Dan or "Super-Dan" - was truly super, very engaging and a good storyteller. The boat was roomy enough so I did not feel squished next to others at all. We passed by other boats on the river that were similar tour boats and they seemed much more cramped and uncomfortable in seating. I would recommend lining up early so that you can be in the front row as I was, though I don't suspect that you will have any bad view at all from anywhere on the boat. There is a bar as well if interested. It is not a fast boat through the river, minimal wind. I learned so much about Chicago and felt immersed in its history and architecture. There is a lot to do nearby as well (I walked to Navy Pier and had Giordano's Deep Dish Pizza after the boat). Overall, very wonderful and I would do it again next time I visit Chicago.
Written 20 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elias
47 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We weren’t entirely sure what to expect from the Architecture River Tour with Shoreline, as it seemed like a typical tourist activity. Luckily, we booked our spot on a dry day with even some sunshine breaking through the clouds, which made for a fun outside experience.
The tour turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. Our guide (unfortunately, we forgot his name) was both enthusiastic and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights into the history of Chicago’s skyline with a few humorous touches along the way. The tour’s length felt just right, not too short, not too long.
Looking back, booking this tour was a great decision. It gave us a deeper understanding of Chicago’s architectural history, much of which we would have otherwise missed. Now we can see why it’s considered one of the city’s top attractions, and we wholeheartedly recommend it!
The tour turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. Our guide (unfortunately, we forgot his name) was both enthusiastic and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights into the history of Chicago’s skyline with a few humorous touches along the way. The tour’s length felt just right, not too short, not too long.
Looking back, booking this tour was a great decision. It gave us a deeper understanding of Chicago’s architectural history, much of which we would have otherwise missed. Now we can see why it’s considered one of the city’s top attractions, and we wholeheartedly recommend it!
Written 7 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drew
16 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
We booked from Navy Pier at dusk so we could enjoy a “sunset cruise” and be positioned to see the last fireworks of the season. Unfortunately, the weather changed to blustery and cool. We chose to sit at the back of the boat to avoid rain, if it happened. Wrong choice! To hear the commentary, we should have been front and center. The sound system was weak and a number of families sat around us making it doubly hard to hear the speaker. Our docent spoke for almost 1 1/2 hours without notes (!) but he spoke so quickly that we couldn’t process half of what he said. I would recommend he pepper his phenomenal amount of information with less statistics and more stories. We eventually gave up, sat back and tried to enjoy the sights. It was very disappointing.
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene M
3 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The tour is amazing and we have been incredibly lucky with our guide Claire.
She explained everything so detailed and also sounding enthusiastic and funny in several parts of her speech.
The city looks more wonderful even by discovering it from the river.
Recommend to catch the schedule prior sunset so you can see day and night light in the city. We took 6:45 p.m tour (september) and it was perfect.
Again thanks Claire and Shorelinesightseeing for this great activity!
She explained everything so detailed and also sounding enthusiastic and funny in several parts of her speech.
The city looks more wonderful even by discovering it from the river.
Recommend to catch the schedule prior sunset so you can see day and night light in the city. We took 6:45 p.m tour (september) and it was perfect.
Again thanks Claire and Shorelinesightseeing for this great activity!
Written 9 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJRF2
2 contributions
July 2024 • Family
The architecture tour was awesome very scenic and we took lots of pictures. Our guide his name was Dylan and he was amazing narrating the whole time telling wonderful stories and making the tour very interesting. This tour was well worth the money that we paid and I would highly recommend everybody to take it at least once.
Written 4 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola
Darwin, Australia5 contributions
An fantastically entertaining, informative and enjoyable tour among some gorgeous cityscapes. We did the tour at dusk and watching the city light up along the river was magical. Joe’s commentary was not only enlightening but humorous and fun.
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juju
100 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Since reopening in mid-October, this is the second time we have gone there. We therefore confirm our first review for the month of October 2023. We were very well received. The service, despite a room three quarters full, around 40 people, was fast. The local dishes ordered were of very good quality and very well cooked, for a suitable overall price. We will come back.

Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, hay guía español? Me pueden decir cuando? Veo que ya comentarios que si hay y otros que no. Gracias!
Written 25 September 2023
Al menos en la última semana de abril de este año, había un recorrido en español, pero únicamente los sábados a las 9.00 hrs... el resto eran en inglés
Written 26 September 2023
I did not see any animals, including support animals. I recommend calling the tour company for confirmation.
Written 17 October 2024
What time do we need to book on a Wednesday evening to see the fireworks?
Written 16 January 2023
What happens if it's raining and or snowing during the time of my scheduled tour?
Written 5 December 2022
They run as usual. Carry an umbrella, dress warmly for the cold Chicago weather. I would advise not booking until the last minute if you are uncertain of the weather.
Written 6 December 2022
No it’s nonrefundable and unchangeable
Written 4 September 2022
I got the city pass explorer pass in which is is included. Is there a way we can reserve a set time? We have limited availability so I would like to ensure we can have a reserved time.
Written 26 August 2022
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