Category Tour Reviews

Chicago · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Chicago

211 reviewed

Every tour on this site, one page, best first. These 15 bookings beat everything else in Chicago right now: what each costs, how long it runs, and why it earns its place. The full catalog sits underneath if none of them fits your trip.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - Timing and meeting points: Navy Pier vs Michigan Avenue

1.Chicago Architecture River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15,756 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

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.”

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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour - The route experience: all three branches of the river, guided through change

2.Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,629 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

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.”

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Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise - Price and Value: What $44 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour

Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour - A historian guide, not a script: how the storytelling lands

4.Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,155 reviews · from $52

A 2-hour Loop walk blending prohibition gangland lore with reported hauntings, led by a historian and ending at Congress Plaza.

“Taka was our guide and she was fantastic! The stories were interesting, her directions were clear, she kept the group on time, and she projected her voice and spoke very clearly in a large group on loud city streets. We would definitely recommend this tour!”

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - Docent narration: how the guide makes skyline photos make sense

5.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,536 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $57

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.”

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Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket - The museum walk-up: Chicago themed exhibits before the view

6.Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,350 reviews · 45 min · from $42

Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge with timed entry, museum-style exhibits, a skyline film, and a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet.

“Willis Tower and The Ledge offer an unforgettable experience with stunning panoramic views of Chicago. Stepping onto the glass floor of The Ledge is both thrilling and surreal. A must-visit for anyone looking to see Chicago from a breathtaking perspective!”

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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - The Route That Actually Shows Chicago: Three Branches, One Big Picture

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour - Pearson Street Check-In and How the Timing Really Feels

8.Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,186 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour whisks you through Capone-era streets with a live guide, photo stops, and a mini mob museum for $49.

“Had a blast with our tour guide Sofia. Thank you for the tour and the laughs. The coach was roomy and comfortable. We had a great time!”

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Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile - Starting at the Wrigley Building: Meeting, Seating, and Timing

10.Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,924 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $28Best value

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.”

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Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour - The Chicago River stretch: where the city’s water story comes alive

11.Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,308 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

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.”

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Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise - Price and Value: What $28 Buys You on the Chicago River

Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass

Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass - Museum Campus to the Architecture Center: Adler, Field, and Chicago Views

13.Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,191 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Big Bus Chicago hop-on pass covers 11 downtown stops with audio, WiFi, and flexible 24–72 hour riding for about $45.

“Audio poor. Only one driver explained things. Some staff were crabby. It was a nice way to see the city. Gave coupons for ice cream but didn’t tell us where the ice cream museum was to get some. Would say it was good way to see city so worth in that way. Expensive for what you got.”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise - Deck vs. Indoor Seating: Choose What You Can Actually Stand

Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour - The Route Stops That Make It Feel Like Chicago, Not Just Food

15.Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,962 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $84

Eat classic Chicago favorites on a 3-hour Loop walk with deep-dish, hot dogs, Italian beef, brownie or gelato, popcorn, and a free 2-hour bike or kayak.

“Awesome tour. Great way to hit the touristy spots without it taking up the whole weekend. Greg was 10/10 and wish he could give every tour.”

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