Chicago River Architecture Tour and Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Save 20% when you bundle these two iconic Chicago experiences!
Discover Chicago by road and river with a 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket and Shoreline Architecture Cruise combo! This ticket includes a 48-hour pass for our hop-on, hop-off Chicago sightseeing bus tour, and a pass for admission to Shoreline Sightseeing's must-do 75-minute Architecture River Cruise! You'll see the city's world-famous architecture from iconic streets like Magnificent Mile, Lake Shore Drive, State Street, Clark Street and Grand Ave, and from all three branches of the Chicago River.
Create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace with unlimited bus exit and entry. Over 40 Chicago landmarks await you on the 75-minute Shoreline Architecture Cruise, from hidden architectural treasures to the city’s most famous landmarks. Expert live guides explain how Chicago’s buildings, architecture and engineering made the city famous.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Self-guided tour options include Chicago Architecture, Chicago Riverwalk, Public Art, and Millennium Park Tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket with unlimited access
Open-top double decker bus
Save 20% off retail when you bundle these two experiences!
75-minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Professional Digital Commentary on bus tour with souvenir earbuds
Expert architecture guide on Architectural River Tour
Four self-guided digital walking tours to explore more of the city
What To Expect
Duration:2 hours
Operating Schedule:Single loop journey on the red loop is 2 hours. Guests may enter or exit at any stop to explore the city. Pass is valid for 2 days.
98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower)
Skydeck Chicago - 319 W. Jackson Blvd (opposite Willis Tower/Skydeck entrance)
200 S. Michigan Ave (in front of Potbelly's)
800 S. Michigan Ave
500 E. Solidarity Drive (bus loading zone near entrance)
425 E. McFetridge Drive (next to Field Museum car park)
441 N. Columbus Drive (across the street from NBC Towers)
600 E. Grand Ave
163 E. Pearson St (near the corner of Michigan Ave)
150 E. Chestnut St (near the corner with Chestnut St)
614 N. Clark Street (in front of McDonald's)
Options
Chicago: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour & Architecture River Cruise
Chicago River Boat Tour: 75-minute architecture boat tour along the Chicago River
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at convenient stops around Chicago and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
Digital Walking Tours: Choose from 4 tour options to explore more of Chicago by foot
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unclear instructions to redeem tickets
Edith M,
Sep 14, 2025
- Viator
1.00It’s better to buy tickets with the venues directly! We used Viator for a combo experience Big bus + boat ride. We spent 45 minutes trying to find the place to redeem tickets. There were other Viator customers trying to find the venue as well. The instructions Viator provided were confusing and not clear. Boat ride was ok, big bus was great.
Excellent tour
Marta F,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour guide was very knowledgable and lead a great tour!! The hop on hop off tour very informative and a great way to see the city.
Confusion
PAMELA M,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
3.00Very confusing! Almost impossible to find stop #1 on the hop on/ off bus. The signage is not put out until 10 am. Stop 1 is NOT across from the Trump Tower, it's across from the Royal Sonesta on the river side, next to a statue of someone?, not sure if his name. Equally confusing, is where to pick up the architecture tour. I didn't realize there are two places where the boat tour starts but was never told which starting point I should start from. I arrived at the Navy Pier dock but I was supposed to be down the street. Fortunately, the boat let me switch my tickets. The boat ride was very informative. There was no inside cabin so bring your sunscreen in the summer. Juan was fabulous as a tour guide!
informative cruise.
Thomas P,
Jun 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00very informative cruise. Justin, the tour guide was charismatic and very informative. We got beautiful photographs of Chicago buildings on the Riverwalk.
Photographers Dream City Cruise
Grant H,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00A number one on the list. Excellent tour guide, not rushed, relaxing ,beautiful views of the city, photographers heaven.
Related Experiences
Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA