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  • Private and Luxury
  • Curated Catalog
  • Viator Experience Award 2023
  • Water Tours

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

4.8(17,156 reviews)Chicago, USAOperated by Shoreline Sightseeing
  • Duration1 hour – 1 hour 15 min
  • GroupShared · max 250
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

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.

What to expect

1 hour – 1 hour 15 min8 stopsShared tourMax 250 travellers

  1. Chicago River

    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    1 hour

    Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.

  2. Chicago Skyline

    Chicago, Illinois, 60605, United States

    Pass by

    Enjoy an amazing view of the city's skyline.

  3. Navy Pier

    600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60611-3419, United States

    Pass by

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

  4. Tribune Tower

    435 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    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.

  5. John Hancock Center

    875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    Pass by

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

  6. Marina City

    300 N State St, Chicago, Illinois, 60654-5414, United States

    Pass by

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

  7. Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower

    233 S Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60606-7147, United States

    Pass by

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

  8. Aqua Tower

    225 N Columbus Dr Ste 220, Chicago, Illinois, 60601-7910, United States

    Pass by

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

Pickup & meeting point

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

End / drop-off

FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

Redemption

PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT DEPARTURE LOCATIONS FOR THIS PRODUCT DEPENDING ON OPTION BOOKED! MAKE SURE YOU GO TO THE LOCATION THAT MATCHES THE OPTION YOU CHOSE (EITHER 401 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE OR NAVY PIER) Beginning November 11, 2024 through April 2025, tours will be 60 minutes in length. Once order has been submitted, no changes can be made. Additional passengers need to make a separate reservation. This is your ticket. Please proceed directly to the boarding line of the boat and a Shoreline greeter in bright orange will assist you. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time. Public parking ramp is located 316 E. Illinois St, Chicago IL 60611. Parking is an additional fee.

Pickup details by option

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: Signature Tour - 75m Navy Pier

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.

End / drop-off

FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: Classic Tour from Navy Pier

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.

End / drop-off

FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: Classic Tour from Michigan Ave

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

End / drop-off

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: Spanish Tour from Michigan Ave

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

End / drop-off

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

Pickup & meeting point

Applies to: Signature Tour Michigan Ave

There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.

Start

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

End / drop-off

FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.

What's included

Included

  • Pet-friendly
  • Restroom on board
  • Live expert commentary on board
  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River

Not included

  • Drinks (available for purchase)
  • WiFi on board

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 30 travellers per booking
  • Age bands: Infant (0–2), Child (3–12), Adult (13–99)

Additional information

  • 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.
  • Cruises are dog-friendly.
  • Tours can be rescheduled through Viator 24 hours prior to the departure dates.
  • Wheelchair accessible from Navy Pier dock only.

Languages

Guide
English, Spanish

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per traveler
Local time zone
America/Chicago
Product code
5580ARC

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Any special requirements

Traveller reviews

4.8/ 517,156 reviews
  • 515,482
  • 41,094
  • 3254
  • 2108
  • 1218

Ratings aggregated from Viator (9,739) and Tripadvisor (7,417).

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Ready to book Chicago Architecture River Cruise?

From USD 39 per person · Free cancellation available

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Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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