Chicago Architectural River Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Take in the views on this award-winning 90-minute Architectural Tour, a jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defies all expectations!

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum drinking age is 21 years

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Coffee. Lemonade. Coke products.

Live commentary on board

Beer, wine, and cocktails (available for purchase)

What To Expect

Chicago

Throughout our signature cruise one of our award-winning Docents will present more than 50 skyscrapers, bascule bridges, and historic sites.

Admission Not Applicable

Chicago River

On your Architectural Tour, you will learn how the Great Chicago Fire jumped a river and allowed for visionaries of structural steel and plate glass, such as John Wellborn Root, William Le Baron Jenney, Louis Sullivan (Wright’s mentor) and Daniel Burnham, in less than ten years, lift Chicago from the ashes of the fire to new heights. Chicago’s ascent continued into the 20th century with titanic figures such as Bertrand Goldberg, Fazlur Khan and Mies van der Rohe – (higher/taller) buildings, sleeker – and it has soared in the 21st century with audacious new steeples such as The Trump Tower and Aqua designed by Jeanne Gang, an internationally known artist of architectural design.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Architecture River Cruise

Reviews

4.65

804 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

626

126

Ed was a great guide!
Gerda R,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ed was a great guide who knew everything about each building, told stories and had humor. Guests were greeted individually and asked about their origins. Perfect!
Awesome Experience
Linda L,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was more than just an informative or educational experience. This was a totally awesome experience. Our guide, Tyler was exceptional. He really new his stuff. So very knowledgeable. I appreciate everything, it was wonderful. The weather was a bit chilly, but it didn't take away from the wonderful cruise we had.
A tour led by a local who loves his city.
Natalie M,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our tour guide was great! He was a local Chicagoan, and you can tell how much he really loves his city. I was engaged the entire time!
A VIEW FROM THE RIVER
2208DAC,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Seeing Chicago from the river was great. The views were spectacular. Our guide she was so informative and knew so much. Interesting history and stories. We were lucky to have a beautiful weather day. Take the time to learn about the architecture and history.
Art on a boat
Clifford H,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience! Valerie did a great job sharing the history of Chicago. She brought the architecture to kife and was able to offer a picture into the life of these very influential people that make the Chicago skyline the tapestry it is for millions of people.
Tour to remember
Patricia A,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A fantastic tour from start to finish thanks to Staff. Crew and Superb guide. One of the best Viator tours we have tsken over the year and our first in Chicago and provided so much background information about the city 😀! Talented. Professional and knowledgeable Guide made the tour astounding as she provided history. Hearsay and Art and Architectural information. ENJOYED HER HUMOR and Candid perspective as a native and highly educated and experienced individual. THANK YOU to all the staff, who made us feel welcome and provided courteous and friendly customer service to all. Kudos !
Below deck without a view!!
Audrey F,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
It was a very nice boat ride. We enjoyed it, but….. it was not what we expected. We got to the boat 15 minutes before start time and the top deck was full, so we had to sit below under the top deck. We could not see the buildings on the sides or see the buildings as they were pointed out by the guide. Other tour companies we saw on the river did NOT seat customers below where they couldn’t see. They limited seats sold to those with an appropriate view. As the tour went on, people lost interest because we couldn’t follow the guide’s talk. While it was nice to see the river and the first two floors of the tall buildings, I would choose another tour operator.
Go on this tour!
tfitz695,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I have been on this cruise four times now. It's a good repeat event because of the different docents. Ed was at the mic this time and was OUTSTANDING. Ninety minutes of interesting facts, history, and of course, architectural info (with no notes). We came away feeling like Chicago might be the best "architecture" city in the US. The day was lovely, I felt the price was fair, and Ed was awesome.
Highlight of Chicago
Evelyn L,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Arrive at least 15-20 mins before tour begins. Brian was a wealth of information sharing history of Chicago and the beautiful architecture. Learned about so many architectural greats and their influence on the city. Will do this tour again. Well worth the time and great value for the dollars.
A must in Chicago
Haihai Y,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is absolutely phenomenal — hands down one of the best ways to experience the city! From the moment we boarded, our guide brought the skyline to life with fascinating stories, humor, and deep knowledge about Chicago’s architectural history. Cruising along the Chicago River, you get unbeatable views of iconic landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, and the stunning Marina City towers. The boat itself was clean and comfortable, with plenty of seating and great sightlines no matter where you sat. I especially appreciated how the pace of the tour allowed us to really take in the details — the mix of old and new buildings, the way the city has evolved, and how architecture reflects Chicago’s resilience and creativity. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this tour gives you a whole new appreciation for the city’s skyline. It’s relaxing, informative, and downright inspiring. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago — a must-do experience!