Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Experience the stunning beauty of Chicago on a captivating cruise along the historic Chicago River. This architectural tour takes you down the main branch of the river, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past the iconic Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the historic Old Post Office Building.
Marvel at the magnificent city skyline as you pass by over 40 notable buildings, including:
John Hancock Center: An iconic skyscraper that defines the Chicago skyline.
Wrigley Building: Known for its distinctive white facade and clock tower.
As you sail, an expert architecture guide will provide fascinating insights into the distinctive designs and history of these architectural marvels. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, this tour offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Sit back, relax, and let the architectural wonders of Chicago unfold before your eyes.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 `14, 2025 through April 2026, 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pet-friendly
Restroom on board
Live expert commentary on board
Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
Drinks (available for purchase)
WiFi on board
What To Expect
Chicago River
Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.
Chicago Skyline
Enjoy an amazing view of the city's skyline.
Options
From Navy Pier
Starting point:
124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
+ Add-On: Skyline Lake Cruise
After your Architecture Tour,: enjoy a separate 45 minute Skyline Lake Cruise. You’ll select your lake cruise time at our ticket booth.
Starting point:
124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Spanish Tour from Michigan Ave
Starting point:
401 North Michigan, 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
From Michigan Ave
Starting point:
401 North Michigan, 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Spanish Tour from Navy Pier
Starting point:
124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Reviews
15,736 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Save your money!
Sherri H,
Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00When booked they said there was a below deck to stay warm from the extreme cold in Chicago. Only flaps cover window below. It was freezing from the temperature and wind. They sold merch to warm peeps. For example flimsy blanket and gloves. Which looked like they were from the dollar store. The tour guide spoke so fast we lost interest after 12-15 minutes because we couldn’t understand him. We spent first 20 minutes asking each other what he said. Sounded like reading from a script. No fun facts no humor, no nuggets we could tell people about. Finally we gave up and turned on football game from our device. Women who served snacks told me what I ordered, and basically implied you asked for it, your stuck with it. Also all the people below deck were not listening. Everyone was talking, as they too lost interest. Only one crew member thanked us as we left with a Thank you. Wouldn’t recommend.
Great way to see Chicago skyline
JoLe H,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Very informative. Ashley was a great guide. They tend to push buying your pictures, buying their drinks and snacks. Wish they had seat warmers for you.
Amazing cruise tour
Escape40189264112,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience with my friends. We went for bachelor's party , I had the best time of my life, i experienced amazing views
Even in cold weather,...
MICHAEL H,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Even in cold weather, this trip is worth it. Entertaining and enjoyable to see Chicago from the river!
We loved everything about...
Olivia R,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved everything about this tour. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and kept everyone engaged.
Perfect^^
SOONWON K,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything is awesooooooooooooooom~ Thank y for service👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Avoid in winter ! (really)
CedricInOz,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The guide was really good, and the cruise is short enough for winter, and it clearly goes through the right places, but it's clearly not the best boat for an architectural cruise: the first level is not well isolated, there is no heated place anywhere on the boat, the upper deck is all open with plastic chairs. There is no blanket provided, you have to buy them 10$, every hot drink at the bar is 12$, and there is a minimum 18% tip on the desk for this (it's a bar, there is no service)... All the kind of things that makes you feel as a tourist trap than a cruise where they take care of the customers ! Look somewhere else and you will understand my point, as I tried a few of them on the river already.
Definitely a great idea
Suzy M,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous opportunity even in below freezing temperatures . Great info and guide for this tour. Book it now
The view, history and the freezing air were worth the ticket price, every single penny!
toorjo,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was chilling! But the narration by Liam was quite detailed, involving and extra funny with low-grade jokes (more like puns with disclaimer). Would love to take it again during summer.
Wonderful Experience
marybinCO,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super informative and a great way to see Chicago's architecture from the river. Victor, our tour guide, was excellent.
From US$44.43
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