Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option
Active
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city.
On this tour, you will travel through Chicago with an expert guide in a comfortable minibus, enjoy world renowned architecture including the world's first skyscrapers, Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (Home of "The Bean"), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more!
You also have the option to upgrade to include THE most popular Architecture River Cruise in Chicago! For good reason, our partner Shoreline Sightseeing, has been the most booked tour on TripAdvisor for the last 5 years! And yes, there is a bar on the boat.
The combo option will end at Shoreline Sightseeings Navy Pier location, after you finish the boat tour you will be walking distance from many other attractions in the city!
**there will be no provided transportation after your boat tour**
Available options
Mini Bus Tour only (NO BOAT)
Duration: 2 hours: Approximately
Mini Bus + Boat tour
Duration: 4 hours: Approximately
What's included
Local guide
Three photo stops
Transport by 13-passenger, air-conditioned minibus
Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour (if option selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Chicago's main shopping street
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Popular tourist attraction
3
Stop 3
Pass by
The extremely popular home of The Bean, Pritzker Pavillion, Crown Fountain and more. We slowly pass by it on the tour and can drop you off there at the end if you wish.
4
Stop 4
See the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Marina City, the Chicago River and much more at this stop!
5
Stop 5
One of the most beautiful fountains in the world. It's the fountain seen in the opening credits of Married W/Children!! We stop here when it is on, which is between May and October.
6
The VERY BEST skyline view and really popular stop!
7
1,600 acre park. Home of the Lincoln Park Zoo, beautiful gardens, fountains, sculptures and much more.
8
Popular nightlife district and upscale residential area. Cool restaurants, The Original Playboy Mansion, brownstones and more!
9
Stop 9
One of the world's very first skyscrapers.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the beautiful lobby.
It was also used as Elliott Ness' office in the movie The Untouchables and was Duncan's Toy Chest in Home Alone 2 !
10
One of the most beautiful skylines in the world, from the BEST perspective in the city.
11
Stop 11
Pass by
Home of the second most French impressionist paintings in the world. Also American Gothic, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Nighthawks, and much much more!
12
The most popular tour in the USA, according to Tripadvisor.
If this option is selected, you'll enjoy a 75-minute cruise on the stunning Chicago River. Tours can be taken back to back or not. It's your choice.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
350 reviews
5★
288
4★
36
3★
14
2★
5
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.8
347 reviews
5★
304
4★
33
3★
5
2★
3
1★
2
Important information
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
Meeting point
The minibus and guide will meet you on the Wabash street Entrance of the palmer House Hotel
Important notes
If the boat tour option is not selected, you will be returned
to original departure point.
If the optional Chicago River Architecture Boat Cruise option is selected, you will be dropped off at the departure point for the boat tour.
The boat tour ends at Michigan Ave. and Wacker Drive.
You will be responsible for getting back to your hotel following the boat tour. Most downtown hotels are located 1 mile or less from the boat.
About Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.
Top Attractions
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.
Park
1-2 hours
Free
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 (adults), Free for children under 14
Skydeck Chicago
Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.
Observation Deck
1-2 hours
$28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.
Entertainment
2-4 hours
Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.
Sports
2-4 hours (game duration varies)
Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating
Must-Try Local Dishes
Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.
Snack
Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.
Chicago-Style Popcorn
A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.
Snack
Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.
Popular Activities
Kayaking on the Chicago River
Biking along Lake Michigan
Rock climbing at First Ascent
Picnicking in Millennium Park
Yoga in the park
Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago
Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago
Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
- Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train
Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center
By bus
Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
The Loop
Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Magnificent Mile
Pilsen
Day trips
Navy Pier
2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day
Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.
Wrigley Field
10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day
Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.
Museum Campus
3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day
The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.
Festivals
Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival)
Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival)
Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
- Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
- Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
- Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
