USA ·CHICAGO TOURS
The architecture river cruise is the one thing every Chicagoan tells visitors to book, and it earns that. These 15 compare the river boats, the lakefront cruises, the skydeck tickets and the food walks on price, length and which season they run.
Cruise Chicago’s river for skyline views, expert architecture stories, famous buildings, pet-friendly comfort, and practical booking tips.
“Very informative. Ashley was a great guide. They tend to push buying your pictures, buying their drinks and snacks. Wish they had seat warmers for you.”
See Chicago’s greatest buildings from the river on a 90-minute Wendella cruise with expert narration, indoor seating, and practical tips.
“With temperatures at 10° and a windchill of -15 they had about twice as many people on the boat as they had indoor seats. So your options were sit outside in the cold and get frostbitten, or stand and only be able to see the river banks because most of the windows are where people are sitting, and you can’t get to them if you’re standing. They should have enough indoor seats for everyone who booked. Very disappointed.”
See Chicago’s skyline from the river on a 90-minute architecture cruise with expert guides, open decks, indoor seating, and a cash bar.
“everything was good really enjoyed the tour and the guide was great would recommend 😁”
Explore Chicago’s Loop through true gangster tales, haunted hotels, and Al Capone lore on this lively two-hour walking tour.
“Avery our tour guide was great. Highly recommend while visiting Chicago. Light walking and nice stops.”
Cruise Chicago’s river with expert docents, striking skyscraper views, and practical tips for making the most of this 90-minute tour.
“This was a great tour aboard the First Lady, and the docent, who was a volunteer from the Chicago Architecture Center, was so knowledgable and gave a great tour. He gave the history of Chicago and its architecture and the tour provided a chance for pictures at choice locations. There was plenty of room on the boat. I would highly recommend this tour. Well worth it!”
Review of Chicago’s Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge, with views, exhibits, timing tips, value advice, and practical details.
“I had a great time with my son in Chicago. My first stop was the Willis Tower Skydeck. The whole operation was very well run and was very efficient. Everything was clean and run very professionally. Every employee I encountered was courteous and helpful. I would highly recommend this experience!”
See Chicago’s skyline from all three river branches, learn about 40 landmarks, and compare timing, comfort, value, and practical tips.
“This is my first time to be in Chicago. The tour was great. Our guide was not only informative but made it fun & interesting. I enjoyed learning about some of the history of Chicago.”
Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour review: see Capone sites, the Biograph Theatre, Dillinger’s final stop, and a hidden mob vault for $49.
“Great tour guide. Interesting facts! Fun way to see parts of the city. This is fun for tourists and locals.”
Review of 360 CHICAGO at 1,000 feet, with skyline views, CloudBar, CloudWalk, ticket tips, TILT costs, and advice on the best time to go.
“great views of the city, plenty of time to look around and take photos”
Review of Wendella’s 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise, with skyline views, live history, practical tips, seating advice, and value details.
“Great experience, definitely worth it and a must do when in Chicago! Just very chilling in January buh worth it.”
Review of Wendella’s Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour, with route details, seating tips, value advice, accessibility, and booking guidance.
“This was a great tour if you are wanting to many of the buildings and the skyline from the lake. The guide was knowledgeable with the history and construction of the buildings”
See Chicago’s skyline from the river on a 45-minute family cruise with live architecture commentary, indoor seating, and sunset views.
“The skyline is incredible. The tour guide was fantastic! On time too!”
Big Bus Chicago review covering routes, stops, timing, weather, audio, app tracking, and whether the 24, 48, or 72-hour pass is worth it.
“There was no working heat on our second bus upstairs. We froze waiting for the bus to arrive since they were only running each hour and times were way off. No one would communicate back with me on when they would arrive or how far away anyone was for our pick up location. They sign times and the app times were completely different also. We had a group of 6 and all were unhappy with the communication. On a good note both bus drivers were wonderful and the recorded information was great. I totally understand that this was an extreme cold day but any heat would have been nice and…”
Cruise Chicago’s river and lakefront for 90 minutes of architecture, skyline views, expert stories, and a trip through the famous Chicago Lock.
“We LOVED our guide Lucas, he was hilarious and very informative. 10/10 recommend!!”
Taste Chicago classics, see Loop landmarks, and add a free bike or kayak rental on this easy three-hour downtown food tour.
“The food walking tour was awesome! Our tour guide, Gabe, was fantastic! He was very informative and a great person to show us around a small part of the city. I wasn't sure if this tour would include enough food, but I was so wrong! At the end of the tour, my wife and I were both stuffed! The food at all of our stops was really good. Nothing that blows your mind away, but all really tasty and fresh! Lots of walking, lots of food and lots of great facts/stories about Chicago.”
Start on a coastline and work inland.
