Water activity

Chicago River Architecture Cruise: Skip-the-Ticket-Office

Activity provider: Shoreline Sightseeing
Water activity

Chicago River Architecture Cruise: Skip-the-Ticket-Office

Activity provider: Shoreline Sightseeing

From US$ 46.87 per person

Cruise along the Chicago River on a 60- or 75-minute tour, and discover hidden architectural gems among the city’s renowned landmarks. Led by a docent providing live narration, the tour passes more than 40 structures and sails under historic bridges.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 75 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Host or greeter
Spanish, English

What customers loved

Experience

Highlights
  • Cruise along all 3 branches of the Chicago River
  • Get an insight into 40 landmark buildings from an on board docent
  • See Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, Marina City, Willis Tower and more
  • Relax on board with a drink from the cash bar
  • Skip the ticket office and go directly to boarding line by pre-purchasing your ticket online
Full description

Skip the lines at the ticket office and climb aboard a state-of-the-art cruise for a 60- or 75-minute cruise of all 3 branches of the Chicago River, and marvel at the architecture that has made the city so legendary. Get an insight into the buildings and engineering of a city that gave birth to the skyscraper and is the spiritual home of modern American architecture.

Your expert guide will lead you down the Chicago River to uncover hidden gems, as well the city’s most renowned landmarks, such as the John Hancock building, Trump Tower, Marina City, Willis Tower, and more. Relax with a glass of something cold from the cash bar, as you cruise the Windy City’s waterway, and learn its status as a modern metropolis and one of the world’s most beautiful cities. End your tour in the same place where you boarded the boat.

Includes
  • Architecture river cruise
  • Live commentary
  • A barcoded ticket allowing you to skip the ticket office and proceed directly to the boarding line
  • Boarding photo
  • Food and drinks (may be purchased)
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

Not allowed

  • Food and drinks

Know before you go

  • The regular tour is 75 minutes long, but in the colder months (November 1 – April 15th) the tour is 60 minutes long
  • Please dress for an outdoor activity
  • A cash bar is on board most vessels, depending on the season
  • Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure time
  • Don't forget your camera
  • A $10 per ticket change fee will be charged by the local partner for any date or time changes made on the original date of the tour
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 3490 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5
  • Safety
    4.9/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

This was one of my favorite things we did. It was a great way to see the city while learning of its architecture history. Our guide was funny and made it very interesting. Great touch to have blankets, hats, snacks and beverages (both alcoholic and non) for sale. Even with being a little cold I would do this again!

October 20, 2022

This tour was so fun! Our guide Antonio was very informative & knowledgable and told us funny stories along the way. We covered over 15-20 buildings, from modern marvels to historical landmarks. The ride on the water was smooth and easy, and bathrooms were easily accessible. We brought our 3 month old with us & he enjoyed it too! Such a great value!

Read more

September 10, 2022

Becky the Docent was engaging, knowledgeable, and entertaining. Chicago is gorgeous, loved her explanations of the different styles of architecture and the history of each building. Definitely a great start to our day in Chicago, helped us decide other “must dos” for the day. Great tip about the 95th floor on the Hitchcock building - thanks! Boat was clean and comfortable, bar was reasonable (even the heads were clean, not an easy task on a boat). Would definitely recommend this tour.

Read more

September 4, 2022

Product ID: 46389