Chicago Architecture River Cruise | 1 hour

14058 Reviews | Chicago
From $48.78 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (13-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (3-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Infant (0-2) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Please select a travel date and travelers to show booking options.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English, Spanish
  • 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

Overview

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.

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Chicago River

    Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.

    1 hour

  • Chicago Skyline (Pass By)

    Enjoy an amazing view of the city's skyline.

  • Navy Pier (Pass By)

    50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, including a 15-story Ferris wheel.

  • Tribune Tower (Pass By)

    The neo-gothic tower's signature is the exterior collection of stones from other famous edifices, like the Parthenon, St. Peter's Basilica, Notre Dame, the White House and most recently, the Berlin Wall.

  • John Hancock Center (Pass By)

    The John Hancock Center, is a 100-story, 1,128-foot supertall skyscraper

  • Marina City (Pass By)

    The twin corncob towers are a unique part of Chicago’s urban landscape.

  • Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (Pass By)

    Once the tallest building in the world, it's a striking presence in the skyline.

  • Aqua Tower (Pass By)

    Notable for its wave-like balconies, it's a modern architectural wonder.

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • 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 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.

Free Cancellation

June 12100% refund
June 13No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.8

14058 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    12680
  • 4 stars
    918
  • 3 stars
    203
  • 2 stars
    82
  • 1 star
    175

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 12680 reviews with 5 stars

Day trip from LA to Chicago Part1

Published on Jan, 2025

Beautiful Skyline…. Rich history… smooth… peaceful… nice for fall season visitors…, knowledgeable tour guides … pre purchase tix if you can ! There are links to websites posted at the dock were you may attain tix…

Excellent commentary

Published on Jan, 2025

Excellent commentary of waterway and buildings with all surrounding areas. Guide was very personable and energetic. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Chicago.

AMAZING

Published on Jan, 2025

This was included in our City Pass. We took the boat at 4:00 pm approximately and it was the ideal time to do so, because on our way to the Pier it was dawning and the light was spectacular… and then, on our way back it was already nighttime, so the moment the boat turned around to make its way back, it was a breathtaking surprise to see the skyline change. Our tour guide was extremely kind, charismatic, well-informed and well-spoken. We understood everything perfectly, despite the fact that English is not our first language. He made jokes but wasn’t over the top with the humor, it still felt professional and enjoyable. Also, since it was around Christmas time, they gave us a complementary candy cane at the entrance. We enjoyed it a lot despite the cold weather. Actually, I’d say it was one of the highlights of our trip to Chicago. Be sure to reserve your place ahead of time though, as it can get pretty crowded on the holidays and the high seasons. The information given on the tour covers everything: history, architecture, film locations, pop culture and so on. I think it is a very complete experience to understand Chicago. I loved every second of it!

So so worth it.

Published on Jan, 2025

My third time on this tour with different people. Always a blast. It so amazing how there are so many different styles of buildings in one city. And this is a great way to enjoy.

Must do

Published on Jan, 2025

This was a lot of fun, educational, and filled beautiful views. The architecture there is world class and the fact you are able to experience it in this awesome way a core memory!I highly recommend the sunset trip. I will do it again when I’m in town. The tour guide was fun and informative. Make sure that you wear a jacket!!

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5580ARC
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
14,058
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Arch ...
5713P139
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
927
From
$132 /   Person
Chicago River Architecture Tour with Sma ...
Likely To Sell Out
92538P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
817
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago River Cocktail Cruise
Likely To Sell Out
92538P2
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
86
From
$59 /   Person
Chicago: Culture and Architecture of the ...
5713P138
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
79
From
$50 /   Person
Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrape ...
3173P22
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
48
From
$35 /   Person
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Luxury Mini ...
New On TravelOne
61552P20
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
38
From
$65 /   Person
Chicago Luxury Minibus City Tour and Arc ...
Likely To Sell Out
92538P7
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
15
From
$99 /   Person
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Minibus Tou ...
New On TravelOne
61552P21
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
From
$99 /   Person
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
6138CCT
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,758
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tou ...
Likely To Sell Out
76126P5
time

45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
2,050
From
$28 /   Person
Chicago Night Crimes Tour by Bus
6138NCT
time

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
424
From
$55 /   Person
Chicago Private Tour
New On TravelOne
485936P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$300 /   Group
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking To ...
61552P8
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
7,121
From
$35 /   Person
Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightsee ...
5096CHICAGO
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,953
From
$50 /   Person
Skydeck Chicago Admission Ticket
5671SKYDECK
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,538
From
$44 /   Person
Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Arch ...
5713P139
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
927
From
$132 /   Person
Chicago River Architecture Tour with Sma ...
Likely To Sell Out
92538P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
817
From
$49 /   Person
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
5580SKY
time

30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
761
From
$33 /   Person
Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Fo ...
Special Offer
7812P19
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
649
From
$80 /   Person
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural ...
92538P4
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
613
From
$29 /   Person
Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour
61552P17
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
472
From
$75 /   Person
2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago
85696P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
422
From
$65 /   Person
Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Mic ...
5042CHISUN
time

2 hours to 3 hours

time Non Refundable
347
From
$122 /   Person
Go City: Chicago Explorer Pass: Save up ...
3958EXPCHI
time

24 hours to 1440 hours

time Non Refundable
321
From
$84 /   Person
Recently Viewed
All-in Phi Phi, Maiton, MayaBay, Khai, B ...
214179P2
time

8 hours to 10 hours

time Free Cancellation
258
From
$66 /   Person
Barreal Adventure
73448P17
time

96 hours

time Free Cancellation
6
From
$650 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!