Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, let alone the United States. If you enjoy trying delicious foods, sightseeing in a maze of architectural wonders, and enjoying a plethora of museums, parks, and activities, then Chicago is a must visit.
One activity you definitely need to do, even if you’re only in the city for a short time, is a Chicago architecture river tour! This is the best way to see downtown and learn about some of the city’s most pivotal moments in history all with the guidance of a local Chicago lover.
Here’s everything you need to know about going on a Chicago river boat tour.
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Ticket Options
I recommend Shoreline Sightseeing. You can purchase tickets individually if you’re only interested in the Chicago boat tour, or you can purchase a Chicago City Pass and get access to five top attractions, including the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour.
⛴ River Cruise Tickets Only by Shoreline Sightseeing – Buy Tickets Here
🎟 Chicago City Pass Tickets (with access to the river cruise) – Buy Passes Here
Things to Know Before Your Chicago Architecture River Cruise:
- There are several companies that offer Chicago architecture boat tours, and they’re all pretty similar when it comes to pricing ($40-50), timing, routes, etc.
- I went with Shoreline Sightseeing and I highly recommend them. I had no problem purchasing a ticket the morning of, but note that this was in November and I picked the earliest time slot.
- Shoreline Sightseeing tickets start at $49 and their tours are about 1 hour long. They have coffee and drinks available on board as well as a bathroom. My guide, Brian, was very knowledgeable and threw in some great Chicago jokes making the tour all the more enjoyable.
- I recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your tour departure time. There’s no need to arrive super early (unless maybe you’re visiting during a peak tourist time). Seats are first come, first served, so arrive early if you want to be particular about seating.
- Chicago weather is notoriously unpredictable, so make sure you pack a jacket (even in the summer), sunglasses, and possibly a rain jacket. The most recent time I visited in November, we got lucky with sunny, 50°F weather, but the breeze on the water is always chilly.
- There are two starting locations offered by Shoreline Sightseeing, one downtown and one by Navy Pier. You’ll essentially go on the same route no matter where you start, just in a slightly different order.
- You can take as many photos as you want, and be ready with your camera as the boat only make a couple of stops (it doesn’t go fast, but fast enough you’ll miss a photo op if you’re not ready).
- And remember other people are enjoying their time in Chicago as well! Don’t continuously block the view for others.
Why You Need to Go on a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
- The Chicago architecture river tour is the best way to see some of the most famous buildings in downtown all from the convenience of a boat. The river provides a viewpoint many people don’t get to appreciate Chicago from.
- Not only do you learn about the importance of architecture in Chicago, but you’ll also learn about Chicago history to understand how it became the metropolis it is today.
- You will get tips from local guides on not only river activities but also food, etc. The guides are locals who love Chicago and are more than happy to share their favorite food stops, museum recommendations, and more to help you make the most of your time in the Windy City.
- Everyone from locals to international travelers rave about this activity. Have a layover in Chicago? Check out the river tour! Guests visiting you in the Windy City? Take them on the Chicago river tour!
- Shoreline Sightseeing is my recommendation as their price was similar to other companies, the tour length was perfect (about 1 hour), the local guide was so knowledgeable and shared Chicago jokes to make the tour even more entertaining, AND Shoreline Sightseeing’s river tour is included in the City Pass. Grab a Chicago City Pass to get access to five activities of your choice!
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour FAQ:
- How much does the architectural boat tour cost in Chicago? The river tour alone costs about $48 by Shoreline Sightseeing (this is similar to all companies).
- Which Chicago boat tour to take? I highly recommend Shoreline Sightseeing’s boat tour. They offer two starting locations for convenience, helpful local tour guides, comfortable boats, and reasonable ticket prices. Their tour is also included in the Chicago City Pass which is perfect for those wanting to check off more of Chicago’s most popular sights (highly recommended).
- How early should I arrive for the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour? Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early if you want to get your pick of seats. While there is often plenty of room, if you’re cruising at a busy time (summer, afternoon, etc.) then seats may fill up quickly.
- How long is the Shoreline Chicago Architecture Tour? The tour is about 1 hour total; boarding and departing may add a few minutes depending on how busy it is.
Ticket Options
⛴ River Cruise Tickets Only by Shoreline Sightseeing – Buy Tickets Here
🎟 Chicago City Pass Tickets (with access to the river cruise) – Buy Passes Here
The Chicago Architecture River Tour is a must when visiting the Windy City. It’s the best way to see downtown’s highlights, learn about the city’s history and how it became the city it is today, and enjoy the charm of Chicago from its most iconic feature, the Chicago river.
