Chicago · ARCHITECTURE RIVER CRUISES
22 reviewed
The river cruise is the tour Chicago does better than anywhere. These are the best architecture cruises: which dock you leave from, whether a Chicago Architecture Center docent or a general guide narrates, how long you stay on the water, and what each seat costs. Take the docent boat if you can.
Chicago River architecture cruise with live English commentary, iconic skyline views, pets welcome, and a restroom onboard.
“It’s a nice ride, and our tour guide was a great storyteller . Lots of great information about Chicago history and architecture.”
Enjoy a 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with indoor and outdoor seating, expert narration, and views from Michigan Avenue for $45.
“Great views on this tour, highly recommend! Our tour guide was great. We went on the last tour of the night, the lights were great on this tour. The boat has a bar with a few treats (chips, pre bagged Garrets popcorn and candy) along with seasonal drinks and soda. The boat does have a rest room.”
90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with expert guides, indoor or open deck options, skyline sights, and local drinks at a cash bar.
“The host was outstanding, very knowledgeable but also humouress”
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise on the First Lady. 90 minutes of docent narration, iconic skyline views, and a cozy onboard bar.
“Well worth the money on a beautiful sunny day. We did not venture inside so I can’t speak to that. Guide was very knowledgeable and added her personality to make her presentation lively.”
Skip the ticket line for a live-narrated Chicago River architecture cruise covering all three branches and about 40 landmarks for $39.
“Love this cruise! Even if you have done it before, you always learn something new!”
A 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live guide stories, open-air or sheltered seating, and $28 value right by the Wrigley Building.
“You will definitely receive alot of knowledge on this tour, the night tour is beautiful. Get there early seats full up and there is heat on the bottom area if touring during winter.”
Cruise Chicago’s river and Lake Michigan for live architecture narration, skyline views, and climate-controlled comfort from Wendella. 90 minutes.
“Excellent tour! The tour guide was so good. And we loved learning all about the history of the downtown area. Such a beautiful tour! Highly recommend it!! Shout out to our tour guide John! So entertaining and informative.”
45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with a live guide, indoor and outdoor decks, and a cash bar. Prebook to skip the line.
“A great boat ride with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. We had the best time and it was a great way to end our trip!”
See Chicago’s architecture from both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan on a 90-minute cruise with expert narration, deck or indoor seating, and a cash bar.
“We LOVED our guide Lucas, he was hilarious and very informative. 10/10 recommend!!”
A 90-minute narrated Chicago River cruise with skyline icons, three river branches, and easy deck viewing for $37.
“Heath was an energetic, knowledgeable, and funny tour guide. Throughly enjoyed the tour and some drinks on board!”
Cruise Chicago’s river with a friendly guide on a 90-minute architecture tour, with options for a small-boat upgrade or land-and-sea combo.
“This tour was great! Non stop information and lots to learn. Would definitely recommend. It’s a good way to see the city and know its history.”
90-minute Chicago River architectural cruise with live docent narration, 50+ landmarks, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks for about $50.
“Nothing that I can think of. It was well informative and the captain and crew were great. The building were beautiful”
A small-group Chicago minibus tour with skyline stops and an optional Chicago River architecture cruise. Fast, easy, and built for first-timers.
“Chicago Bob was exceptional with the amount of information he had to share. Excellent, non-stop commentary. All of us enjoyed it immensely.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture boat tour with guide-led stories and included coffee, tea, lemonade, water, and soft drinks for $42.
“Bery good and informative tour. I can highly recommend this tour to everybody who comes to Chicago.”
Chicago’s First Lady architecture cruise with CAC docents. 90 minutes, open-air 360° views, 50+ buildings and 13 bascule bridges.
“The volunteer docent leading the tour was personable, knowledgeable, and a joy to listen to. He kept the energy up the entire trip and had so much information about the buildings and the city itself. This tour, and our guide, were a delight.”
