Chicago River Tours and Tickets
13,515 Reviews
Winding its way through the heart of the Windy City, the Chicago River flows past some of the city’s most notable architecture, including the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Wrigley Building, and Navy Pier. The river also offers opportunities for exploration, such as river cruises, kayaking, and canoeing, along a revamped riverfront.
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The Loop, Chicago
Tours and Tickets to Experience Chicago River
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29 results
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
8579
Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
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From
$46.87
From
$46.87
45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
233
Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
880
Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.
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From
$42.00
From
$42.00
Chicago Sunset Cruise
389
Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River, where your guide will point out architectural highlights. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.
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From
$40.00
From
$40.00
Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
1135
Don’t spend time figuring out what to see in Chicago and how to get there—this hop-on hop-off tour provides a mapped-out itinerary of the city's top sights. With several strategically located stops, the tour allows you to explore the Windy City at your own pace. See the world-class Art Institute and landmark skyscrapers, while audio commentary onboard gives you insight into the city's colorful history.
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From
$44.99
From
$44.99
Chicago Small-Group City Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise
522
Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore downtown and Northside neighborhoods. You have a chance to get out and visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.
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From
$43.95
From
$43.95
Chicago River Tiki Bar Cruise from Chicago Riverwalk
59
Chicago is well known for its architecture and many visitors admire the buildings on a cruise along the Chicago River. Take your river cruise to the next level aboard a floating tiki bar that allows you to take in all the sights with a drink in hand. Your captain also enhances the atmosphere with island tunes as you enjoy your leisurely sail.
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From
$30.00
From
$30.00
Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Walking Tour
299
An excellent choice for first-time visitors, this tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city and hits on both classic attractions and little-known sites. Beginning at the Chicago Theatre, work your way to the Chicago Pedway, an elaborate network of underground tunnels used by locals and commuters. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile, then embark on a food tour to taste some of the city’s famous foods.
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From
$104.00
From
$104.00
Chicago City Minibus Tour
114
Get to know the Windy City the easy and comfortable way on a small-group minibus tour. Instead of long walks and navigating public transit, see major landmarks like Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park from an uncrowded minibus with large picture windows. Your driver and guide knows where to find all the best views, and there are plenty of photo stops along the way.
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From
$43.95
From
$43.95
Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture
22
Embark on a walking tour of Chicago's more-recent architecture heritage with a 2-hour stroll highlighting the city's modern, postmodern, and international structures. Especially known for its architectural originality, Chi-town boasts everything from the elegant metal and glass tower of One South Dearborn to the Harold Washington Library, with its Beaux-Arts inspired exterior. Your guide will highlight these and other unique buildings, relaying background on their individual histories and construction en route.
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From
$30.00
From
$30.00
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
799
Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience when you go on an architecture-themed river tour. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel—the Lady Liberty—directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Your trained docent guides will give you a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and you can spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.
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From
$56.00
From
$56.00
Best of Chicago: Discover Art, Food, and Architecture
47
The Windy City is known for its spectacular architecture and eclectic food scene. Experience both on this tour through the downtown that combines sights with nibbles. Take in famous landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Cloud Gate on foot along the Chicago River. Taste popcorn and chocolate from two beloved city eateries during the tour.
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From
$51.50
From
$51.50
Chicago Urban Adventure River and Lake Cruise
155
See the the Second City from the water with a sightseeing cruise along the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Take in towering skyscrapers and spot the gargoyles that live on to of the city’s historic buildings. Hear stories about the city’s history and culture as you pass Chicago landmarks, museums and iconic buildings. Capture unforgettable images of the city skyline from Lake Michigan, and get a unique look at Chicago that’s perfect for all ages.
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From
$42.00
From
$42.00
Original Walking Food Experience in Chicago with Tastings
21
Get to know the food offerings in River North on this small-group walking tour. As you explore, listen to in-depth commentary from your guide on the culinary history of Chicago and the culture of the River North neighborhood. With a small group of just 12 fellow food-lovers, you'll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to chat about your favorite tastings. Samples include the classic Italian beef, a Chicago-style hot dog, and the famous deep dish pizza.
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From
$60.96
From
$60.96
Chicago Insider Segway Tour
49
Enjoy an introduction to Chicago’s highlights and history—on wheels. This small-group Segway tour offers a new, and zippy, way to explore. Meet your guide near Millennium Park, and begin with a personalized training session. Once you’re comfortable on your Segway, explore Millennium Park, roll along the Lakefront, and more. As you go, learn little-known Chicago stories and tidbits, from mafia history to the innovations that changed the city.
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From
$78.48
From
$78.48
Fright Hike: Chicago Halloween Bike Tour
4
Pedal through Chicago’s scary heritage with a 3-hour Halloween bike tour that includes hauntings, tragedies and overflowing cemeteries. Experience the creepiest parts of the city as you follow your professional actor guides through the Halloween streets, and watch them bring Chicago’s ghosts to life. Learn about the infamous ‘Resurrection Mary,’ figure out why the Levee District is so famously haunted, and hear the story of H.H. Holmes, Chicago’s most notorious serial killer.
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From
$49.99
From
$49.99
2-Hour Chicago Holiday Lights Segway Tour
12
Soak up the Windy City’s festive holiday feel and explore local landmarks with ease on this Segway tour in Chicago. Hop onto your Segway and spin through Chicago’s Millennium Park to the Loop. With your guide, you'll watch skaters enjoying the ice rink, explore Michigan Avenue and admire festive department store displays. See the German Christmas market stalls at Daley Plaza, where locals sip hot chocolate and munch 'bratwurst,' and enjoy the atmosphere beneath the city’s Christmas tree. Get the personalized feel of a small-group experience.
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From
$75.10
From
$75.10
Private Chicago Highlights Driving Tour
22
Get an insider’s look at the Windy City’s most iconic monuments during this 3-hour private tour. Travel through Chicago aboard a private vehicle as you discover some of the city’s top neighborhoods, including the Loop, River North, the Magnificent Mile (along Michigan Avenue), Streeterville, the Gold Coast and much more. Your private driver-guide and vehicle, bottled water and round-trip hotel transport are all included.
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From
$190.00
Price varies by group size
From
$190.00
Price varies by group size
Private Chicago Scenic Driving Tour
1
Leave behind the parking woes and traffic troubles on this private Chicago sightseeing tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll hit all the stops you want—yep, you can customize them—from Wrigley Field to “The Bean” to Navy Pier, The Magnificent Mile, Chicago History Museum, and so much more. Your guide comes loaded with local insight to get you the most out of your whirlwind day in the Windy City.
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From
$268.00
per group
From
$268.00
per group
Chicago River Fireworks Tiki Bar Cruise from Chicago Riverwalk
See Chicago Fireworks the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the unique opportunity to see the sights of the Chicago River, topped off with a fireworks show. Have questions about the buildings you'll see along the river? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.
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From
$50.00
From
$50.00
Chicago River Mimosa Tiki Bar Cruise from Chicago Riverwalk
$2 Mimosas All Day! Sundays are Fun-Days aboard the floating tiki bar. See the Chicago River the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax an enjoy a beverage. Have questions about buildings? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.
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From
$60.00
From
$60.00
Vice, Crime and Gangsters in Chicago: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Are you looking for a way to see the wicked city without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.
• Find the city’s dark side with stories of opium trade, the city’s first vice, and a shanty town filled with criminals and prostitutes
• Hear from producer Richard Junger, an urban historian who authored a book about the development of Chicago’s press
• Do it all in 75 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
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From
$6.99
From
$6.99
Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront
11
Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament. Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now Pendry Chicago), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn) and the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower)—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks.
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From
$30.00
From
$30.00
Chicago 3D Fireworks Cruise
116
Enjoy Chicago’s fireworks in 3D during a 2-hour boat cruise on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. Capture stunning photos of Chicago’s skyline from the Lake on Saturdays or from the mouth of the river on Wednesdays.
Before the fireworks begin, learn about the history of The Windy City as your boat cruises along the waterfront, passing sights including Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus and the John Hancock Building. Hear informative commentary from your onboard guide about the landmarks, the locks system and more, then sit back with the best seats in the city for the spectacular fireworks show.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
People Also Ask
What is unique about the Chicago River?
The most unique characteristic about the Chicago River is that the river actually runs backwards from its original mouth in Lake Michigan. The river was civil engineered to run the opposite way of its natural flow. Also, the Chicago River runs right through Chicago, allowing people to get great views while wandering the city.
...MoreCan you swim in the Chicago River?
No, you aren’t allowed to swim in the Chicago River. There are many reasons the water is unsafe to swim in, ranging from hazardous bacteria to boat traffic. Plus, even though the Chicago River is cleaner today than it used to be, you should still steer clear of swimming in the water.
...MoreWhy is Chicago River so blue?
While visiting the Windy City, you may notice that the Chicago River is especially blue. The river is blue because the river’s clay bottom, lake water, and algae all mix to present a bluish color. This is most evident on warmer days, especially in the summertime.
...MoreAre there any fish in the Chicago River?
Yes, the Chicago River does indeed have fish that call it home, and you can go fishing in certain areas. The types of fish you’ll find include carp, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and rock bass. You can also catch (and see) crayfish there, too.
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- Chicago Riverwalk
- Chicago Picasso (The Picasso)
- Chicago Temple
- House of Blues
- Marina City
- Chicago Theatre
- Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
- Rookery Building
- Hard Rock Cafe Chicago
- Marquette Building
- Chicago Board of Trade Building
- American Writers Museum
- Chicago Cultural Center
- The Magnificent Mile
- Palmer House Hilton