Chicago River Tours and Tickets

Admire some of the Windy City's most iconic views—and enjoy a time-saving, relaxing way to sightsee—aboard this Chicago River architecture boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including dozens of notable buildings, like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. In just one tour, you'll cover multiple branches of the Chicago River, and will learn insider facts and stories you'd otherwise miss.

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Chicago is known internationally for its architectural diversity and dynamism—and this in-depth tour will introduce you to many of the city’s best-known and most influential landmarks. Meet at the pier right off Lake Shore Drive, hop aboard your boat, and set off. You’ll spy highlights ranging from Chicago’s skyscrapers and bustling Navy Pier to the famous “Bean” sculpture—and will learn about the different architectural movements that shaped the city. Upgrade your experience to a small boat with a maximum of 60 people, or choose the combo tour option which includes a 90-minute sightseeing tour of Chicago's architecture by minibus.

Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River, where your guide will point out architectural highlights. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.

Explore Chicago's gangster past on this mafia tour in a coach vehicle. Drive around the Windy City to see where Al Capone, The Untouchables, Hymie Weiss, and John Dillinger, among other thugs hung out. A history-savvy guide introduces you to some of the most storied locations of Chicago’s criminal past, including Holy Name Cathedral, Biography Theatre, and the site of the bloody St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. You'll be able to get out and pose for pictures in front of a historic courthouse, among other infamous sites.

Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore Downtown and North Side neighborhoods. You have a chance to get out and visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.

Don’t spend time figuring out what to see in Chicago and how to get there—this hop-on hop-off tour provides a mapped-out itinerary of the city's top sights. With several strategically located stops, the tour allows you to explore the Windy City at your own pace. See the world-class Art Institute and landmark skyscrapers, while audio commentary onboard gives you insight into the city's colorful history.

See Chicago from its best side and marvel at its top architectural gems with this one-of-a-kind Chicago River cocktail cruise. Sip the cocktail of your choice—or glass of wine or beer—as you glide down the river past landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Michigan Avenue Bridge. Learn about the history and design of 50 of Chicago’s most significant skyscrapers with on-board commentary and snap spectacular photos while cruising through the heart of the city.

Explore the darker history of the Chicago Loop without the hassle of having to navigate the city’s busy streets. Cover more ground in less time aboard a luxury minibus and immerse yourself in the haunts of Chicago’s Prohibition-era gangsters—and the stories of the ghosts they left behind. Pass by Chicago landmarks and sites of gangster lore as your guide provides context and insight into a fascinating time in Chicago’s history.

An excellent choice for first-time visitors, this four-in-one tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the city's top landmarks, history, culinary highlights, and shows the legacy left behind by the Prohibition Era. With just a small group for company, you'll set off on foot to discover Chicago architectural icons and visit highlights like the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, and more. In between, enjoy generous tastings of beloved dishes from deep-dish pizza to Italian beef sandwiches and beyond.

Walk Chicago to see the legacy left behind by the Prohibition Era. See the gorgeous Chicago skyline and discover why this city's architecture is among the best in the world. Take in famous landmarks like the Chicago Riverwalk, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Magnificent Mile, and many more, all while your guide shares insider tips and stories you'd miss on your own. Then, taste surprise local treats along the way.

Discover Chicago by road and river with our new 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket and Shoreline Architecture Cruise combo! This ticket includes a 48-hour pass for our hop-on, hop-off Chicago sightseeing bus tour, and a pass for admission to Shoreline Sightseeing's must-do 75-minute Architecture River Cruise! You'll see the city's world-famous architecture from iconic streets like Magnificent Mile, Lake Shore Drive, State Street, Clark Street and Grand Ave, and from all three branches of the Chicago River. Create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace with unlimited bus exit and entry. Over 40 Chicago landmarks await you on the 75-minute Shoreline Architecture Cruise, from hidden architectural treasures to the city’s most famous landmarks. Expert live guides explain how Chicago’s buildings, architecture and engineering made the city famous.

Most people have to decide between a boozy Sunday and a river cruise. During this special boat ride in Chicago, you get the best of both worlds. Enjoy a range of mimosas and other brunch drinks for purchase as you cruise down the Chicago River. Enjoy front-row seats as you pass by iconic skyscrapers and other downtown landmarks, with staff available to answer your questions.

Discover the ‘dark side’ of the Windy City thanks to this 2.5-hour, bus-based, nighttime crime history tour of Chicago. Explore the lives of notorious mobsters like Al Capone, Frank Nitti, Bugs Moran, and more as you explore infamous crime scenes like the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, learn about ‘The Enforcer’s Safe,’ and stop by local watering holes.

Experience the best of Chicago by land and water on our exclusive Luxury City Minibus Tour & Riverboat Architecture Cruise! Start with a 90-minute guided luxury minibus sightseeing tour through downtown, and seamlessly transition to the Chicago Architecture Riverboat. Here you will glide along the Chicago River and learn about the city's rich history and iconic architecture from a knowledgeable guide.

See the top Chicago landmarks aboard a historic yacht, focusing on architecture in the Windy City. Board your yacht and get comfortable. Your captain navigates and your guide explains all what each building is that you pass along the way. Learn all about the architecture of the Wrigley Building, Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, and much more.

Walk along the Chicago River and gaze at the memorable architecture and landmarks Chicago has to offer. Combine sightseeing with a little education as you learn about the city’s history. Chicago in particular has many architectural wonders–see buildings and sculpture that are Gothic Revival, Art Deco, Spanish-inspired, and more. See many of the city’s most recognizable buildings in one engaging tour.

The Windy City is known for its food, architecture, and haunting history! Walk with us as the sun sets through downtown Chicago, hearing some of the most gruesome and creepy Chicago stories. The first stop is the Congress Hotel, the most haunted hotel in Chicago. Walk along the streets that H. H. Holmes, Chicago's first serial killer, wandered as he stalked his prey, get a glimpse of Chicago’s sordid past through stories of the Everleigh Club and the 1900s Red Light district, and learn about downtown prison breaks.

CHOOSE from our range of discounted tour passes below & save up to $55 per person! Children aged 0-6 are free! Hassle free booking - no referral to third party operators, we own all of the tours! 5 tour pass - SAVE $55 PER PERSON (redeemable March - Oct) -Gangster & Food Walking Tour -Secret Interior Architectural Walking Tour -Gangsters & Ghosts Minibus Tour -Luxury Minibus City Sightseeing Tour -Riverboat Architecture Tour 4 tour pass - SAVE $40 PP (redeemable year-round) -Gangsters Food Walking Tour -Secret Interior Architectural Walking Tour -Gangsters & Ghosts Minibus Tour -Luxury Minibus City Sightseeing Tour 3 tour pass - SAVE $25 PP (redeemable March - Oct) -Riverboat Architecture Tour -Secret Interior Architectural Walking Tour -Gangsters & Ghosts Walking Tour 2 tour pass - 2 TOURS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 (redeemable year-round) -Secret Interior Architectural Walking Tour -Gangsters & Ghosts Walking Tour All tours are led by an expert tour guide. Book now for the best value!

Chicago is renowned for its wealth of spectacular architecture—and this small-group tour gives you the special chance to discover building interiors that most visitors overlook. In the afternoon, meet your guide in Downtown Chicago, and get ready to discover the interiors of five of the city’s most striking art deco skyscrapers. As you go, soak up the skyline views, and learn more about the city’s unique architectural history.

Learn the history that makes the Chicago River and its recently updated Riverwalk historically unique.   Chicago is home to one of the world’s most recognizable and celebrated skylines and the Riverwalk’s intimate vantage provides an ideal perspective from which to learn and appreciate its incredible buildings.Discover Chicago's Rich History and Iconic Architecture Experience the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s past and present with our Chicago Riverwalk Tour. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious visitors, this 2-hour guided tour uncovers fascinating stories and architectural marvels that define the Windy City.

Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture during this sightseeing cruise. Board a comfortable riverboat for a trip down the Chicago River, viewing landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower while listening to in-depth commentary from your guide. Then board a speedboat for an exciting ride up the shore of Lake Michigan for views of Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and other top sights.

Enjoy a magical perspective on the Windy City—and discover the city from multiple angles—on this two-in-one, evening tour. Following pickup at your hotel, set off with just a small group for company: you’ll first ascend to the Willis Tower’s Skydeck for sweeping views over the city. Then transfer to an evening boat tour, where you’ll watch the city’s lights come on as you float along the Chicago River.