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.
If you’re visiting Chicago, one experience you can’t miss is the Chicago architecture river tour. This iconic boat cruise explores over 50 architectural marvels along the Chicago River, guided by local experts. This guide helps you choose the best tour, understand what to expect, and make the most of your experience.
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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 (~$45-50, includes 75-minute river cruise) – Buy Tickets Here
🎟 Chicago City Pass Tickets (~$142, includes access to 5 attractions) – Buy Passes Here
🍾 Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise (~$122, 2-hour cruise,
3-course meal) – Buy Tickets Here
Things to Know Before Your Chicago Architecture River Cruise:
- Go early morning or evening for best lighting and fewer crowds
- Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for details
- Opt for upper deck seating for better photo ops
- 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).
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 (you’ll see 50+ famous buildings!), but you’ll also learn about Chicago’s history, like the rebuilding after the Great Fire (1871) and Chicago’s skyline evolution.
- 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 long is the tour? → Typically 75 to 90 minutes for all similar cruises (meal cruises are longer).
Is it worth it? → Yes, this tour is widely praised and continuously receives high TripAdvisor reviews.
Best time to go? → Summer evenings or early morning to reduce heat and crowding.
What should I bring? → Sunscreen, water, light jacket, camera (optional)
- How much does the architectural boat tour cost in Chicago? → 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.
Ticket Options
⛴ River Cruise Tickets Only (~$45-50, includes 75-minute river cruise) – Buy Tickets Here
🎟 Chicago City Pass Tickets (~$142, includes access to 5 attractions) – Buy Passes Here
🍾 Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise (~$122, 2-hour cruise,
3-course meal) – Buy Tickets 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.
If you’re visiting Chicago, you can’t miss the Chicago architecture river tour. Admire over 50 iconic architectural marvels along the Chicago River, all with a local expert. This guide helps you choose the best tour, understand what to expect, and make the most of your experience.
