Chicago River Tours and Activities

Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).

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.

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

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.

Enjoy unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline—and glimpse many of the city’s top landmarks—on this architectural boat tour. Pick from multiple convenient departure times, and hop aboard the open-air vessel right off the Chicago Riverwalk. As you trawl the Chicago River, spy skyscrapers and historical marvels from the Willis Tower to the Wrigley Building, and learn all about the Windy City’s world-famous architecture from your guide’s narration.

Chicago is well known for its architecture and many visitors admire the buildings on a cruise along the Chicago River. Take your river cruise to the next level aboard a floating tiki bar that allows you to take in all the sights with a drink in hand. Your captain also enhances the atmosphere with island tunes as you enjoy your leisurely sail.

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.

Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore downtown and Northside 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.

An excellent choice for first-time visitors, this tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city and hits on both classic attractions and little-known sites. Beginning at the Chicago Theatre, work your way to the Chicago Pedway, an elaborate network of underground tunnels used by locals and commuters. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile, then embark on a food tour to taste some of the city’s famous foods.

Enjoy an introduction to Chicago’s highlights and history—on wheels. This small-group Segway tour offers a new, and zippy, way to explore. Meet your guide near Millennium Park, and begin with a personalized training session. Once you’re comfortable on your Segway, explore Millennium Park, roll along the Lakefront, and more. As you go, learn little-known Chicago stories and tidbits, from mafia history to the innovations that changed the city.

Get to know the Windy City the easy and comfortable way on a small-group minibus tour. Instead of long walks and navigating public transit, see major landmarks like Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park from an uncrowded minibus with large picture windows. Your driver and guide knows where to find all the best views, and there are plenty of photo stops along the way.

The Windy City is known for its spectacular architecture and eclectic food scene. Experience both on this tour through the downtown that combines sights with nibbles. Take in famous landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Cloud Gate on foot along the Chicago River. Taste popcorn and chocolate from two beloved city eateries during the tour.

Embark on a walking tour of Chicago's more-recent architecture heritage with a 2-hour stroll highlighting the city's modern, postmodern, and international structures. Especially known for its architectural originality, Chi-town boasts everything from the elegant metal and glass tower of One South Dearborn to the Harold Washington Library, with its Beaux-Arts inspired exterior. Your guide will highlight these and other unique buildings, relaying background on their individual histories and construction en route.

Get an insider’s look at the Windy City’s most iconic monuments during this 3-hour private tour. Travel through Chicago aboard a private vehicle as you discover some of the city’s top neighborhoods, including the Loop, River North, the Magnificent Mile (along Michigan Avenue), Streeterville, the Gold Coast and much more. Your private driver-guide and vehicle, bottled water and round-trip hotel transport are all included.

Get to know the food offerings in River North on this small-group walking tour. As you explore, listen to in-depth commentary from your guide on the culinary history of Chicago and the culture of the River North neighborhood. With a small group of just 12 fellow food-lovers, you'll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to chat about your favorite tastings. Samples include the classic Italian beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, and the famous deep dish pizza.

Soak up the Windy City’s festive holiday feel and explore local landmarks with ease on this Segway tour in Chicago. Hop onto your Segway and spin through Chicago’s Millennium Park to the Loop. With your guide, you'll watch skaters enjoying the ice rink, explore Michigan Avenue and admire festive department store displays. See the German Christmas market stalls at Daley Plaza, where locals sip hot chocolate and munch 'bratwurst,' and enjoy the atmosphere beneath the city’s Christmas tree. Get the personalized feel of a small-group experience.

Pedal through Chicago’s scary heritage with a 3-hour Halloween bike tour that includes hauntings, tragedies and overflowing cemeteries. Experience the creepiest parts of the city as you follow your professional actor guides through the Halloween streets, and watch them bring Chicago’s ghosts to life. Learn about the infamous ‘Resurrection Mary,’ figure out why the Levee District is so famously haunted, and hear the story of H.H. Holmes, Chicago’s most notorious serial killer.

Named for the cable car turnarounds and the prominent elevated railway that encircled the area at the end of the 19th century, the Loop is Chicago's commercial and cultural core. On today's epic scavenger hunt of Chicago, you'll uncover the area's best sights and rich history. Along the way, you'll visit Cloud Gate, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. It's time to strap on those walking shoes, round up some friends and book your Chicago Loop scavenger hunt today! What You'll See: Tiffany Dome, The Bean, Crown Fountain, Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago is a big city with a lot of activities & sightseeing. To tour the city quickly, it requires the help of a knowledgeable local driving guide and that's where we step in to assist. Your Private Chicago Scenic Driving Tour will start by meeting our knowledgeable Guide/Driver who will pick you up at your hotel or other location provided and then proceed with the exploration of the beautiful windy city.

See Chicago Fireworks the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the unique opportunity to see the sights of the Chicago River, topped off with a fireworks show. Have questions about the buildings you'll see along the river? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.

Sundays are Fun-Days aboard the floating tiki bar. See the Chicago River the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax an enjoy a beverage. Have questions about buildings? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.

Are you looking for a way to see the wicked city without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Find the city’s dark side with stories of opium trade, the city’s first vice, and a shanty town filled with criminals and prostitutes • Hear from producer Richard Junger, an urban historian who authored a book about the development of Chicago’s press • Do it all in 75 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.