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Chicago Architecture River Cruise provided by Shoreline Sightseeing

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

See all things to do
See all things to do
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5
2,724
By Shoreline Sightseeing
Book in advance
from
$40.33
per adult
Reserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
Full view
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Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour snapshot
See all of Chicago's architectural masterpieces in a single tour
Duration:
1h
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Group size:
250
Near public transportation
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
  • Duration:
    1h
  • Taking Covid-19 safety measures
  • Group size:
    250
  • Near public transportation
  • Ticket type:
    Mobile
  • Free cancellation
About
Get views of Chicago’s most famous buildings, as well as insider info from an expert guide, on this architecture-focused cruise. See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. View the skyline from the Chicago River while listening to live commentary. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more.
Know before you go
  • Duration: 1h
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Awards
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
2021
Available languages
English, Spanish
Highlights
  • Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy schedule
  • Learn about the city's architectural history through an expert's live narration
  • Prebook this must-do Chicago activity, which frequently sells out
What to expect
  • Make your way to the specified departure place, either the Michigan Avenue riverfront or Navy Pier, in time for your chosen cruise departure—look for the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Cruises sign. Since you’ve prepurchased, skip the ticket line and have no worries if this popular Chicago tour sells out. Find a comfortable seat and settle in as your guide, an architecture expert, gives an introduction to Chicago's architectural history. Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Willis (Sears) Tower, Wrigley Building, and the Lyric Opera House, and learn which buildings famous architects Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed. You have plenty of photo opportunities. Some cruises include a full bar. Your cruise ends at its starting point.
Awards
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
2021
Know before you go
  • Duration: 1h
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Available languages
English, Spanish
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Highlights
  • Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy schedule
  • Learn about the city's architectural history through an expert's live narration
  • Prebook this must-do Chicago activity, which frequently sells out
What to expect
  • Make your way to the specified departure place, either the Michigan Avenue riverfront or Navy Pier, in time for your chosen cruise departure—look for the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Cruises sign. Since you’ve prepurchased, skip the ticket line and have no worries if this popular Chicago tour sells out. Find a comfortable seat and settle in as your guide, an architecture expert, gives an introduction to Chicago's architectural history. Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Willis (Sears) Tower, Wrigley Building, and the Lyric Opera House, and learn which buildings famous architects Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed. You have plenty of photo opportunities. Some cruises include a full bar. Your cruise ends at its starting point.
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 5580ARC
Call +1 855 275 5071
Important information
Inclusions
  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
  • Live commentary on board
Exclusions
  • Drinks (available for purchase)
Duration
1h
Departure details
  • 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.
  • 124 Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • All boats have full restrooms and some have a full bar
  • Some boats are single deck vessels, the type of vessel you are placed on cannot be guaranteed
  • Wheelchairs or other walking assistance equipment are not provided.
  • Tour times cannot be changed.
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers
Inclusions
  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
  • Live commentary on board
Exclusions
  • Drinks (available for purchase)
Departure details
  • 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.
  • 124 Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.
Duration
1h
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • All boats have full restrooms and some have a full bar
  • Some boats are single deck vessels, the type of vessel you are placed on cannot be guaranteed
  • Wheelchairs or other walking assistance equipment are not provided.
  • Tour times cannot be changed.
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travelers
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
Itinerary
  • You’ll have 2 starting options
    See Important Information for details
  • 1
    Chicago River
    Stop: 60 minutes
    Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.
    Read more
    Pass by
    Chicago Skyline
    Chicago Board of Trade Building
    Wrigley Building
    Navy Pier
    Illinois Center
    Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
    Tribune Tower
    Merchandise Mart
    Marina City
    Lake Point Tower
    333 West Wacker Drive
    The East Bank Club
    The Lyric Opera House
    Citicorp Center
    John Hancock Center
    London Guarantee Building
    Historic Water Tower
    Chicago Architecture Center
    Chicago Cultural Center
    Millennium Park
    Buckingham Fountain
    Chicago Riverwalk
  • You'll return to the starting point
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Popular mentions
5.0
2,724 reviews
Excellent
2,472
Very good
201
Average
25
Poor
15
Terrible
11
PedigoTheory
Plano, TX3 contributions
Great experience
Dec 2021 • Couples
This river cruise was fantastic! Spiro was knowledgeable, educational, and entertaining! His perspective on architecture and the history of Chicago was enlightening. He is clearly as proud of Chicago as Texans are of Texas.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nik
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
Cruise around Chicago
The tour was good the only downside was the weather.. so happen the temperature that day was freezing cold at -6 C so it was a bit uncomfortable being in an open air cruise. It would have been perfect if the weather was warmer.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SHAZZO
7 contributions
Family trip
Dec 2021 • Family
informative, friendly, great city views! Definitely worth every penny! These guys deliver as promised so don’t miss it!
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicole M
Pittsburgh, PA72 contributions
Great tour! Relaxing and informative.
Great River Achritecture Tour. Beautiful boat ride seeing Chicagos besutiful architecture. It's very impressive. Informative tour guide. Bathroom and bar available on board.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anurag S
5 contributions
Must for folks visiting Chicago
Dec 2021 • Friends
Spiro was an engaging and a friendly guide. I would recommend this tour to everyone who wants to learn about the architecture history for the Chicago skyline and interesting stories about the growth of the city to what it is today. The tour is an hour long adventure and it is a fun walkthrough in the centre of the city. A must for anyone visiting Chicago.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
karen
Antioch, CA1 contribution
Awesome! Excellent!
So informative and wonderful way to see some of the city in a hour. Highly recommend! Our tour guide new the architecture style of the buildings.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JSJAK907
Anchorage, AK482 contributions
Loved the tour and the history lesson!
One of the best touristy things one can do in Chicago! I love architecture and this is one tour that made my first visit to Chicago very memorable. The docent was so knowledgeable and entertaining. There’s so much to learn about the buildings and the rich history of the city. In the summer, the best time to cruise is just before sunset. It’s cooler and, by the end of the cruise, you’ll have spectacular nighttime views of the most famous sky scrapers along the river. The lights and the outline of the skyline is just picture perfect. Highly recommended!
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hunter R
2 contributions
Spearo Rocks
Dec 2021 • Couples
It was absolutely freezing on a windy December day but we had a blast. The guide was amazing. Not only was he very entertaining and knowledgeable but he was incredibly kind and thoughtful. This is an amazing family owned business and lives up to the trip advisor hype. 10/10 would recommend.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ER15401
Pennsylvania271 contributions
Amazing views of the city
Oct 2021
If you do anything while in Chicago, do the sunset architecture tour. This was AMAZING. Our tour guide, Rachael, did a fantastic job. It's a totally unique view of the city and there are some beautiful photo opportunities. I couldn't recommend this more!
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kteria
Trinidad59 contributions
Very informative tour and another great way to experience Chicago
This tour was enjoyable despite the weather. The guide Spiro was engaging and entertaining but also gave quite alot of interesting information on the buildings. The boat was spacious, clean and comfortable and its a great way to learn some of Chicago's History. I would definitely recommend this tour. For 60mins at US40 you can't go wrong.
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Showing results 1-10 of 2,592
About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Shoreline Sightseeing
6,043
Arthur P
Arthur P
00
Beautiful view of the Chicago Skyline!
Even though my wife & I are originally from Chicago, we have never taken a boat tour on Lake Michigan to see the Ch…
Paytra T
Paytra T
00
Relaxing, friendly staff, free taxi
We loved the laid back environment. This is perfect for anyone who wants to get out on the water and see the pretty…
M W
M W
00
Excellent trip for brief time in Chicago
We had a short time of 24 hours in Chicago, we had an excellent trip with Shoreline architectural tour on the river…
Bill F
Bill F
00
Lake Michigan Chicago cruise
Beautiful views of downtown Chicago. The narration was very informative. Well worth the cost on a beautiful day.
ANGLEDERER
ANGLEDERER
00
Can’t beat the amazing views
It’s was a nice relaxing ride. Naturally the views of the city from the boat are breathtaking. The staff was nice a…
Thandif67
Thandif67
00
Chicago water tour
My husband and I really enjoyed the tour. The boat ride was very comfortable and the tour guide knew the city and b…
kimhK2036VS
kimhK2036VS
00
Nice to be on the water…
The nighttime view is absolutely incredible! The bar is lacking, and the food options were chips and candy.
Fearless09380912379
Fearless09380912379
00
Amazing
My husband, son & I absolutely loved it. We had so much fun on the cruise We will definitely be going again soon w…
jonathanmO7971GA
jonathanmO7971GA
00
Adam Sachs Was Incredible
Went on a tour from Navy Pier this past Saturday and expected to be blown away by the river and city. Instead, I wa…
JVBH
JVBH
00
Sunday Afternoon Party Boat
Very disappointed in how the Shoreline crew did nothing to prevent or deal with a ship full of inebriated individua…
Starrjes74
Starrjes74
00
Beautiful day!
Loved this ride, the view was incredible I will do it again next time! Very easy getting on and off. Left at the sc…
Italia2010
Italia2010
00
Fun quick trip
Fun trip with 5yr old and 10 month old. I wanted a short trip with two small volatile kids and this 40 minute tour …
beth ann k
beth ann k
00
Enjoyed it
This was an enjoyable cruise that stayed around the Navy Pier area. It was very informative and a good thing to do…
malisablackwell
malisablackwell
00
Refreshing
The boat ride was amazing and very soothing to my spirits. The staff was very professional and greeted their I e…
Gladson J
Gladson J
00
Good, if you are not taking the river cruise
They just stay within the barricades that surround the navy pier on lake Michigan. The river cruise is much better …
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Chicago Architecture River Cruise price starts from $40.33. Discover and book Chicago Architecture River Cruise on Tripadvisor
Chicago Architecture River Cruise cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Chicago Architecture River Cruise on Tripadvisor
Chicago Architecture River Cruise is hosted by Shoreline Sightseeing. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Shoreline Sightseeing on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Chicago Architecture River Cruise on Tripadvisor