Skip to content
Tripsora

Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

4.8(747)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 747 reviews4 hFree cancellationBy See it ALL Chicago Tours
The Chicago River, as seen from our stop on wacky Wacker Drive

About this activity

Uncover the Windy City on Chicago’s premier guided minibus tour! Discover 20+ top landmarks with photo stops at Cloud Gate "The Bean", Museum Campus, & the historic Palmer House.

Begin at the Palmer House, birthplace of the brownie, & see Frank Lloyd Wright’s design at the Rookery. View icons like Willis Tower & Soldier Field while learning local history.

Step off at Buckingham Fountain & Museum Campus for skyline views over Lake Michigan & Navy Pier. Pass cultural sights like Shedd Aquarium & the Field Museum.

Capture photos beneath "The Bean", see the Chicago River, & drive down Michigan Avenue past the Water Tower, Gold Coast brownstones, & Playboy Mansion.

UPGRADE YOUR TOUR: Select the Architectural River Cruise option at checkout to admire 40+ skyscrapers with live narration, the ultimate land & river experience!

75-minute cruise offered during summer (April – October)

60-minute cruise offered during winter (November – April)

What's included

  • ✓Local guide
  • ✓Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus
  • ✓6 unforgettable stops
  • ✓Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour (if option selected)

Meeting and pickup

  • The driver will meet you at the Wabash street entrance of the Palmer House Hotel, between the UPS Store and Sugar Bliss.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Infants (0-3 years old) travel for free and do not require a ticket. They must travel on a parent/guardian's lap, and will not be allocated an individual seat.
  • Buckingham Fountain does not operate during the winter months (November to April). During these months, the fountain stop is replaced with a stop at Lincoln Park.
  • The Rookery Building lobby is closed on Sundays, this will be exterior view only.
  • During the Summer months (May-October), visits to Lincoln Park and the Fullerton Street Bridge Overlook are subject to daily traffic conditions and time constraints.
  • 75-minute cruise offered during summer (April – October)
  • 60-minute cruise offered during winter (November – April)

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

More things to do in Chicago

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Experience the stunning beauty of Chicago on a captivating cruise along the historic Chicago River. This architectural tour takes you down the main branch of the river, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past the iconic Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the historic Old Post Office Building. Marvel at the magnificent city skyline as you pass by over 40 notable buildings, includ…

4.8(17,219)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 17219 reviews1 h 15 minFree cancellation

From £29.46 per person

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago. As a cert…

4.9(7,646)Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 7646 reviews1 h 30 min

From £43.06 per person

Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour

Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130…

4.7(11,323)Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 11323 reviews1 h 30 minFree cancellation

From £33.99 per person