Sightseeing Cruises

Chicago River Architecture Cruise

Chicago River with skyscrapers at sunrise in downtown Chicago.

Tour guide speaking to a group on a Chicago River Architecture Tour with city buildings in the background.

Person on a boat enjoying the Chicago River Architecture Tour with city skyline views.

Chicago skyline with Wrigley Building and Chicago River at sunset.

Duration

45 min - 1 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.8/5

(650)

Maye M

Couple

Verified booking

Mar 2026

Our tour guide was the best we've had, hands down. She unequivocally knew her history and kept us all engaged! Her esprit de corps is unparalleled and should be recognized! Others in the industry should emulate her enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge "before" they clock in. My wife and I had monotone tour guides basically reading from their notes and it ended up being a waste of money to include a boring experience! Promote her please!

Miracle L

Family

Verified booking

Last week

The thing I enjoyed most about the cruise is that it's kid friendly this is actually one of the 4 things I did with my 4 year old for her birthday she enjoyed every bit of it , from watching the lights to looking at the water to getting snacks and taking pictures and videos on board this was a very nice experience and because we live in the city we will definitely be back when it warms up.

Amy J

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The architecture boat tour was one of our favorite touristy activities of our visit to Chicago. Everyone we've told has nodded and agreed that this tour is great. This particular company did a fantastic job of managing the crowd and giving directions in a way that didn't make you feel like annoying cattle. Friendly, funny, and informative!

Nils H

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

A very well-planned tour. The tour guide was extremely friendly and, as a native Chicagoan, very knowledgeable. The experience slightly exceeded expectations. Additionally, there were no issues with the billing.

Hardik C

Family

Verified booking

Last week

Amazing cruise. Amazing team the guide Bobby was absolutely fantastic. The correct mix of architectural information with a little bit of humor was just about perfect. Would definitely recommend.

Cheryl P

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The guide provided a lot of information and entertaining stories. We learned alot about Chicago history and the river, along with architecture. The boat interior allowed us to stay warm.

Discover Chicago's architectural wonders on a guided cruise along the Chicago River with live commentary.

As you set sail, enjoy insights from your local guide on Chicago's architectural heritage.

Take the cruise to gain a deeper appreciation of Chicago's legacy by exploring its most famous landmarks from a unique vantage point on the river.

See over 50 landmarks, including the Wrigley Building, Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, and Willis Tower, offering a blend of educational insights and comfort.

Choose to upgrade from a 45-min cruise to a 60-min or a 90-min cruise for a more in-depth exploration of Chicago's history.

45-minute narrated architecture boat tour along the Chicago River (as per option selected)

60-minute narrated architecture boat tour along the Chicago River (as per option selected)

90-minute narrated architecture boat tour along the Chicago River (as per option selected)

Expert English-speaking guide

Access to the upper deck for fresh air and views

Access to the climate-controlled lower deck lounge

Full-service bar onboard (available for purchase with a valid ID)

Food and beverages (available for purchase at the bar)

Parking fees

Refunds or transfers after the scheduled departure time

Gratuities

TOTAL DURATION45 minutes
1 Boarding point
Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks
Get direction
Sights covered
London Guarantee Building
Carbide and Carbon Building
Crain Communications Building
35 East Wacker
Leo Burnett Building
77 West Wacker
Chicago Riverwalk
LaSalle/Wacker Building
333 West Wacker
Civic Opera Building
CME Center
Willis Tower
2 North Riverside Plaza
100 N Riverside Plaza
150 N Riverside Plaza
River Point
Merchandise Mart
Reid-Murdoch Center
Marina City
AMA Plaza
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Wrigley Building
Tribune Tower
NBC Tower
Centennial Fountain
Lake Point Tower
TOTAL DURATION75 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
2 Boarding points
Michigan Avenue
Get direction
Navy Pier
Get direction
Sights covered
Tribune Tower
Lake Point Tower
Centennial Fountain
NBC Tower
Wrigley Building
Trump International Hotel & Tower
AMA Plaza
Marina City
Reid-Murdoch Center
Merchandise Mart
Wolf Point Development
River Point
333 West Wacker
Chicago Riverwalk
77 West Wacker
Leo Burnett Building
35 East Wacker
Carbide and Carbon Building
London Guarantee Building
Crain Communications Building
Aon Center
Aqua Tower
Chicago Marine Safety Station
TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
1 Boarding point
Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks
Get direction
Sights covered
Lake Point Tower
Centennial Fountain
NBC Tower
Tribune Tower
Wrigley Building
Trump International Hotel & Tower
AMA Plaza
Marina City
Merchandise Mart
Reid-Murdoch Center
Residences at River Bend
Kinzie Park
River Point
150 N Riverside Plaza
100 N Riverside Plaza
2 North Riverside Plaza
Old Post Office
Union Station Power House
Canal Street Railroad Bridge
River City
The Southbank
311 South Wacker
Willis Tower
Chicago Board of Trade
CME Center
Civic Opera Building
333 West Wacker
LaSalle/Wacker Building
Chicago Riverwalk
77 West Wacker
Leo Burnett Building
35 East Wacker
Carbide and Carbon Building
London Guarantee Building
Aon Center
Aqua Tower
Vista Tower
Crain Communications Building
Chicago Marine Safety Station
Goose Island
The Domain

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

650 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
578
38
16
6
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Guests from Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico and over 35 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Amy J
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The architecture boat tour was one of our favorite touristy activities of our visit to Chicago. Everyone we've told has nodded and agreed that this tour is great. This particular company did a fantastic job of managing the crowd and giving directions in a way that didn't make you feel like annoying cattle. Friendly, funny, and informative!
Martha P
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The service, the tour guide, the route. Everything was wonderful. The food and beverage selection was really good. Even the restrooms were on point.
Deborah H
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
We loved the cruise! The guide was amazing and very informative! The views of the city were so beautiful! We would definitely recommend!
Elizabeth M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Our tour guide Josh was knowledgeable and hilarious! I appreciated the anecdotes and architectural information. Excellent experience!
Maye M
Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
Our tour guide was the best we've had, hands down. She unequivocally knew her history and kept us all engaged! Her esprit de corps is unparalleled and should be recognized! Others in the industry should emulate her enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge "before" they clock in. My wife and I had monotone tour guides basically reading from their notes and it ended up being a waste of money to include a boring experience! Promote her please!

What to bring

Carry a valid photo ID for ticket verification.

Dress according to the weather and consider bringing sunscreen if needed.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and alcohol are not permitted onboard.

Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on the cruise.

Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible from the West Dock.

Select boats feature an elevator between decks.

ADA-compliant restrooms are available onboard.

Additional information

All bags are subject to mandatory security screening.

Children under 4 can ride for free.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board.

The tour operates rain or shine, with most boats offering climate-controlled indoor seating.

Guests should arrive 45 minutes before departure, with boarding typically starting 15 to 30 minutes prior.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.