Viator.com: Book things to do, sightseeing tours, activities and attractions in more than 70 countries worldwide.

What's so great about Viator?

USA Chicago
Chicago Tours
Things to Do in Chicago
Recommended
Nearby Destinations
Get the
Inside Scoop

Privacy Policy

Book online or call

Call (888) 651-9785

Navy Pier

240 Photos | Add your photo

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 3854 Reviews

Add your review

  • Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue, at N. Lake Shore Drive, Streeterville, Chicago 60611, USA
  • Admission: Varies

Chicago ATTRACTIONS See all

Navy Pier Tours

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations—and with good reason. The 3,300-foot (1,010-meter) pier jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan, originally constructed in 1916 as a freight dock and public space, encompasses almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions.
 
The Basics
Most Chicago sightseeing tours (by foot, bike, bus, or Segway) include a stop at Navy Pier, which buts right up against the Streeterville neighborhood and the distinctive Chicago skyline—and is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the United States. The pier is also a departure point for the must-do Chicago architecture river cruises and classic lake tours. For kids, Navy Pier features the Chicago Children’s Museum, plus a collection of high-tech rides, hands-on fountains, kid-focused educational exhibits, restaurants, and trinket vendors that will transport your child into the realm of overstimulated joy. Adults will appreciate the lakefront views, cool breezes, and a ride on the gigantic Ferris wheel or classic carousel. Skyline Stage, a 1,500-seat rooftop venue under a canopy, plays host to a variety of shows throughout the summer; and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the pier puts on a whopping fireworks show.
 
Things to Know Before You Go
  • Navy Pier is a must-do for families visiting Chicago with children.
  • For a unique view of Navy Pier or the fireworks show, book a dinner cruise.
  • The Chicago Explorer Pass includes admission to several Navy Pier attractions, including the Ferris wheel and miniature golf.
  • Most attractions and businesses on Navy Pier are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
 
How to Get There
Located east of the Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier is easy to get to by bus and El trains from anywhere in the city, including on the free pier trolley bus. In summer, Shoreline Sightseeing runs a handy water taxi between Navy Pier, the Sears Tower, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
 
When to Get There
Although Navy Pier is open year-round, it really comes alive in the summer—in fact it can get mobbed, so arrive early and take public transportation. An IMAX Theater and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater are both good cold-weather options, and there is a winter festival held every year.
 
Navy Pier History
Originally named the Municipal Pier, it was renamed Navy Pier in 1927 in honor of the naval veterans from the First World War. During World War II, the pier was used as a naval training facility, where about 10,000 people lived, worked, and trained.

Tours & Tickets

See all

Chicago Segway Night Tour, Chicago, null
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 5

Chicago Segway Night Tour

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 37 Reviews

Hop on the most innovative tour to hit Chicago in years! Gliding through the Windy City on an eco-friendly Segway is the coolest ride of the 21st century! Far ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

From USD $70.85
Chicago Lincoln Park Bike Adventure, Chicago, Night Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 5

Chicago Lincoln Park Bike Adventure

4.5 star rating: Recommended 3 Reviews

Enjoy the car-free lakefront trail and explore Chicago’s beaches, parks, lagoons, and gorgeous Lincoln Park Zoo (free admission). This tour offers a diverse ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $42.50
Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Chicago, Bike & Mountain Bike Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 2402 Reviews

Experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities on a 75-minute cruise on the historic Chicago River. On this architecture cruise, head down the main branch ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 75 minutes (approx.)

From USD $43.68
Chicago City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise, Chicago, Day Cruises
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Chicago City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 92 Reviews

Don’t miss Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city. Travel through Chicago with an expert ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

From USD $35.00
Skydeck Chicago Admission, Chicago, Half-day Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Skydeck Chicago Admission

4.5 star rating: Recommended 583 Reviews

Gaze upon the city sights from the pinnacle of Chicago, the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower -- the third-tallest ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: Flexible

From USD $24.00
Chicago Explorer Pass, Chicago, Attraction Tickets
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Chicago Explorer Pass

4.5 star rating: Recommended 167 Reviews

Create your own sightseeing itinerary with the Chicago Explorer Pass, saving up to 42% on ticket prices. This multi-attraction pass, valid for 30 days after ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: Varies

From USD $79.00
Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Chicago, Sightseeing & City Passes
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

4.5 star rating: Recommended 93 Reviews

The lakeside metropolis of Chicago is famous for its striking skyscrapers, world-class museums and colorful political history. Explore the Windy City at your ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 1- or 2-days

From USD $40.50
Spirit of Chicago Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet, Chicago, Hop-on Hop-off Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Spirit of Chicago Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet

4.5 star rating: Recommended 77 Reviews

Celebrate a night out in Chicago with dinner, dancing and sightseeing aboard a three-hour luxury cruise on Lake Michigan. Glimpse top Chicago attractions like ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $108.66
Viator VIP: Willis Tower Skydeck Early Access, Trolley City Tour and Chicago River Cruise, Chicago, ... 
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Viator VIP: Willis Tower Skydeck Early Access, Trolley City Tour and Chicago River Cruise

4.5 star rating: Recommended 98 Reviews

See classic Chicago sights with this Viator VIP package that includes early entry to the Skydeck in Willis (formerly Sears) Tower where you'll be greeted and ...  Read more

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

From USD $124.00
Chicago Architectural River Cruise, Chicago, Viator VIP Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Chicago Architectural River Cruise

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 130 Reviews

Take in the views on this 90-minute Architectural Tour, a jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defied all expectations … even the laws of gravity.

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)

From USD $48.16

See all

Customer Care
Company
Partnerships
Sites
Social
Find your next activity!
Top destinations

Some content licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
© 1997–Thu Apr 26 23:54:44 PDT 2018 Viator, Inc. CUR015 - 330205 All rights reserved. Viator is a registered trademark of Viator, Inc.
is a Service Mark of Viator, Inc. Travel with an Insider is a Service Mark of Viator, Inc.
Use of this website constitutes acceptance of Viator's Terms & Conditions.

BBB logo

Viator uses cookies to improve your experience on our website. Learn more about how we use cookies and how to change your cookie settings | Close message