Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5
BEST SELLER
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
By Shoreline Sightseeing
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
About
Get views of Chicago’s most famous buildings, as well as insider info from an expert guide, on this architecture-focused cruise. See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. View the skyline from the Chicago River while listening to live commentary. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, Wrigley Building, and more.
from per adult
C$75.74
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 250 per group
Duration: 1h 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- See all of Chicago's architectural masterpieces in a single tour
- Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy schedule
- Learn about the city's architectural history through an expert's live narration
- Prebook this must-do Chicago activity, which frequently sells out
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
- Live expert commentary on board
- Restroom on board
- Pet-friendly
What's not included- Drinks (available for purchase)
- WiFi on board
- Make your way to the specified departure place, either the Michigan Avenue riverfront or Navy Pier, in time for your chosen cruise departure. Since you’ve pre-purchased your tickets, skip the line and have no worries if this popular Chicago tour sells out. Find a comfortable seat and settle in as your guide, an architecture expert, gives an introduction to Chicago's architectural history. Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Willis (Sears) Tower, Wrigley Building, and more, and learn which buildings famous architects Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed. You have plenty of photo opportunities. Some cruises include a full bar. Your cruise ends at its starting point.
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USAFROM 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.
- Option 2124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USAFROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5580ARC- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- 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.
- Tour times cannot be changed.
- Departure locations cannot be changed
- Beginning November 6, 2023 through April 2024, tours will be 60 minutes in length.
- Cruises are dog-friendly
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5580ARC
Reserve your spot
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.Pass byChicago SkylineNavy PierTribune TowerJohn Hancock Center
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- dennisdP92XR0 contributionsDefinitely recommend!This was a wonderful experience. We went really went far out into the water for just gorgeous views. Could even see Buckingham Fountain from the boat. Afterwards go right over to Navy Pier and spend some time. Worth the price and will do again.Written June 12, 2024
- simonemW9596RL0 contributionsPeaceful and smoothIt was very peaceful. The boat was smooth and the tour was informative about the architecture. The boat wasn’t crowded.Written May 1, 2024
- Arielle2510 contributionsBeautiful!We went on the Skyline Chicago River boat tour back in October, it was very windy. But also, very pretty! Really enjoyed it and got some great pics of the skyline and water. Loved it!Written April 19, 2024
- Shirley01270 contributionsNot worth the rideNot worth the ride too expensive for nothing, you better off walking to see the city of Chicago, instead of looking at it from this boat that it’s really only 25 minute boat ride.Written March 4, 2024
- Bria10100 contributionsDo it!My significant other and I had a WONDERFUL experience aboard one of the Hot Chocolate Cruises. It would make a great family outing as well; short and sweet. I would definitely recommend going after the sun has set.Written December 29, 2023
- Beemoney970 contributionsGreat Views and a Great GuideThis tour is amazing! Even on a snowy day, we got a great view of the city. Our tour was on 11/26, and our guide Tori was amazing! She was very knowledgeable and friendly. Have your cameras out because you're gonna want to take pictures the whole time.Written November 26, 2023
- travel_sco_lb0 contributionsAmazing - loved every minute!This is a must for anyone visiting Chicago! Stephanie was absolutely great! So knowledgable and interesting! I honestly cannot fault this experience, it was amazing from start to finish! We left the boat with the best pictures of the city and some really interesting facts!Written November 22, 2023
- barbaraw8150 contributionsFun thing to do on a nice dayBeautiful day and a lovely cruise. Wish it lasted longer. Narration was very informative. Best seats are in the middle so you can hear the narration. Especially hard to hear in the back.Written October 23, 2023
- 674sylviai0 contributionsEnjoyed the rideWe enjoyed the ride which takes you outside the city. But the views are great. The bad thing for us was the parking. The website says to park at a public parking but it was a mile or more away on foot! Recommend parking at Navy PierWritten October 22, 2023
- LoreG1150 contributionsBest Concierge in town!Erin was the best concierge. She provide all the information needed to have the best time in Chicago Downtown. She is very friendly and made my stay incredible!!! Loved her!Written October 19, 2023
- marykays3580 contributionsSkip this and go on the Architectural Tour.Meh...This isn't really a tour so much as a shuttle between 2 points. You cannot really hear the prerecorded audio information during the cruise and it's not that exciting. The Architectural Tour on the river is MUCH better. Spend your money there.Written October 17, 2023
- rebelee0 contributionsLived up to expectations!The reviews for this experience are great and the tour lived up to the lofty expectations. Beautiful views, knowledgeable tour guide, even on a cold and dreary fall day.Written October 16, 2023
- karenpC1575ET0 contributionsRelaxing boat tour.The time we went it turned from day to night. The view was stunning and the information was just enough.Written October 11, 2023
- dorothym6830 contributionsDon’t miss this. Stunning architectural tour.We did the architectural River cruise. Great tour, well-managed, informative and covered safety issues. The boats are mostly open, there is some shady seating, but anything overhead blocks your view.Written October 9, 2023
- Melissa Pirani N0 contributionsEnjoyable way to see the buildings along the Chicago RiverWe had a wonderful time! Our guide was witty and informative. She pointed out all of the buildings along the three branches of the Chicago River and told bits of info about each of them. The ride was 75 minutes in length, but it never felt dull or boring - even our 5 year old was entertained!Written October 2, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
5,583 reviews
Excellent
5,114
Very good
342
Average
51
Poor
27
Terrible
49
Whitney A
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Beautiful views of historic and new architecture. The captain of the boat was fantastic! I can’t remember his name but he did say he had lived there for 2 years and was in his 20s. He did a phenomenal job! Loved all the history of the city and the accessible bar and restrooms. Very clean. Get there early so you can get a good seat.
Written July 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth R
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
Awesome experience with our tour guide Josh. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Boat was clean and very friendly staff
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin R
Boston, MA13 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
This was a very informative, educational and entertaining tour. Truly demonstrated the concept of “infotainment”. There were many families and the guide humorously engaged both young and old alike. Friendly service staff, nice selection of on-board beverages with full bar service. Sit upstairs outside if possible and dress appropriately. We went in the summer with nothing more than t-shirts and shorts and I was fine while my wife wore a light summer (jean) jacket. It was great and I highly recommend !!!
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony C
1 contribution
We had an awesome time on the Chicago Architecture River Tour! Family of 8: 2 grandparents, 2 parents and 4 daughters and niece in 20s/30s. Very impressed with guide Dylan and crew. Shoreline was cooperative in letting me switch my location.
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Q38pierre
Tullins, France45 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We had a very good time doing this cruise . All the information given by our guide Brenda was interesting and help to understand the history of both the architecture and the town? Thank you again Brenda
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine G
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Being an architecture tour I wasn't sure how interested I'd be in it all, but wanted to do a river cruise anyways. It turned out to be a lot more interesting than anticipated and included lots of Chicago history!
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda R
7 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
We went at the 9:30 AM time and it was hot but a great experience. I learned so much about all the different buildings and found it super informative. Our tour guide was fun, energetic, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeorgiaStarry
Georgia187 contributions
Nice outing with an educational spin. I wasn’t sure if it would hold the attention of my kids but they enjoyed the boat, spotting birds, the skyscrapers, and even picked up some fun facts.
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Personal traine... P
18 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Awesome cruise
the tour guide was so so knowledgeable. Loved every minute of it.
It was our first day what a great way to start our trip
the tour guide was so so knowledgeable. Loved every minute of it.
It was our first day what a great way to start our trip
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonlea12
Ponoka, Canada19 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
This cruise was the highlight of our trip. We boarded at Navy Pier, as it was one of the few cruises that I could roll onto with my powerchair. The staff were accommodating with boarding and disembarking. Our guide was funny and informative. If we had more time, I would have loved to do it again.
Written July 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, hay guía español? Me pueden decir cuando? Veo que ya comentarios que si hay y otros que no. Gracias!
Written September 25, 2023
Al menos en la última semana de abril de este año, había un recorrido en español, pero únicamente los sábados a las 9.00 hrs... el resto eran en inglés
Written September 26, 2023
I believe kids 2 years and under are free. And I think kids 3 to 12 year old prices were around half of the full price ticket. Plug your group's particulars (# for each age grouping) into the availability link on the web site and it will give you the actual pricing for the day in question.
Written May 17, 2023
What time do we need to book on a Wednesday evening to see the fireworks?
Written January 16, 2023
What happens if it's raining and or snowing during the time of my scheduled tour?
Written December 5, 2022
They run as usual. Carry an umbrella, dress warmly for the cold Chicago weather. I would advise not booking until the last minute if you are uncertain of the weather.
Written December 6, 2022
I would contact the organizer and ask them
Written September 4, 2022
I got the city pass explorer pass in which is is included. Is there a way we can reserve a set time? We have limited availability so I would like to ensure we can have a reserved time.
Written August 26, 2022
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