Chicago Riverwalk Tours

Connecting Lake Michigan to downtown, the Chicago Riverwalk is an open-air pedestrian-friendly walkway that runs along the Chicago River. Composed of six main sections, the Riverwalk is a main hub for entertainment. Head to the Marina Plaza section for restaurants, outdoor seating, and boat access. Take a stroll through a series of piers and floating wetland gardens at the Riverbank, or head to the Water Plaza where the kids can splash in water fountains.
The Basics
Some Chicago architecture tours and most Chicago River cruises at least pass by the Riverwalk. Walking tours offers a chance to learn more about its history and discover unique architectural gems. Admission to the Riverwalk and surrounding park facilities is free, making it an ideal place to visit for dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities. Its central location makes it easy to access by foot or bike from other popular nearby attractions, or via boat or kayak if coming from the lake or river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Check the Riverwalk’s online calendar for the most up-to-date schedule of concerts and events, some of which require tickets.
- During the warmer months, it can be crowded with locals and tourists visiting for dining and entertaining.
- If you’re planning to rent kayaks or boats, arrive early to ensure a rental during peak times.
- The Water Plaza and River Theater sections make ideal locations for picnics.
How to Get There
If arriving by car, metered street parking is available and many private garages are located nearby. The CTA stops nearby and the Riverwalk is a short walk from the Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center Metra stations. Chicago Water Taxis cruise down the river and also stop on the Riverwalk.
When to Get There
The Riverwalk is open daily, year-round. If coming during the day, wear a hat and sunscreen as shade can be hard to find in some areas. The cold winters can make for a quieter atmosphere, but be sure to bundle up if coming during the colder months.
Explore the Riverwalk by Water
While it’s not suitable for swimming, the calm waters of the Chicago River are ideal for watersports. Tours ranging from small electric boats to big night cruises depart from the Riverwalk and sail down the waterway. For a more active experience, rent a kayak or jet ski to explore the area on your own.
Address: E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
28 Tours and Activities to Experience Chicago Riverwalk
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Chicago Architecture River Cruise
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
$38.85
From
$38.85
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in Chicago
Experience a colorful side of Chicago history with this Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. With a historian as your guide, you’ll step back to the roaring 20’s, when the Chicago Loop was a hub for bootleggers, speakeasies, and gangsters like the infamous Al Capone. Visit onetime gangster hangouts and haunted sites like the Palmer House, Congress Hotel, and Death Alley.
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From
$27.00
From
$27.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff

Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
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 live commentary onboard gives you insight into the city's colorful history.
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From
$26.10
From
$26.10
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Combo Tour
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
$102.30
From
$102.30
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour
Stroll through downtown Chicago on this walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, plus chocolates and pastry. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels.
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From
$62.99
From
$62.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

2-Hour Haunted Segway Tour of Chicago
Glide through the city of Chicago by moonlight on this haunted Segway tour. Follow your costumed local guide as they show you the sites of some of the most gruesome murders and disasters in Chicago's colorful history. See Chicago's iconic landmarks lit up during the spookiest time of year and hear about the mysterious, haunted history of this storied city.
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From
$75.58
From
$75.58

Chicago Riverwalk Photo Shoot and Walking Tour
Rather than taking selfies everywhere you go or trusting a stranger to take a picture for you, leave capturing the special moments to us. You will be escorted by a local professional photographer who will guide you through your chosen route and will take pictures of your experience so you can return home with the ultimate souvenir.
Your photo tour includes:
-Your choice of a 30 minute or 1-hour private tour with a professional photographer
-High-resolution edited images delivered via a private online gallery within 1-2 days
-Enjoy unlimited access to your photos and download as many as you would like with no expiration date
*not all stops may be included depending on the length of time you select.
…More
From
$150.00
per group
From
$150.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Chicago Loop Secret Food Tour w/ Private Tour Option
Explore Chicago's buzzing food scene with a small group on this small group walking tour. Stroll around the 'Loop', stopping at hidden gems and hearing tales of the city from your guide. Taste classic Chicago foods, from deep-dish pizza to dipped Italian beef sandwiches.
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From
$193.20
From
$193.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Best of Chicago: History & Culture Tour with Chocolate and Popcorn
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 and with the scenic L train or water taxi along the Chicago River. Taste popcorn and chocolate from two beloved city eateries during the tour.
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From
$50.63
From
$50.63
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Chicago North Side Tour
Explore the North Side of Chicago on this guided sightseeing tour by coach. During this 2-hour tour, experience the bustle of the Loop, the central business district and one of the financial centers of the country. Visit State Street, an important thoroughfare in Chicago's history and the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue. Learn about the history and culture of the city from your local guide; upgrade your tour to include a Chicago River cruise.
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From
$34.95
From
$34.95
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour
Explore Chicago’s most iconic sites on a bike tour that explores Museum Campus, parks, and monuments. Follow your guide along the waterfront as you soak up the city skyline and enjoy the breeze along the easy-going route. Circle the Buckingham Fountain while you learn the history of the city’s public art, parks and museums, and capture unforgettable images of the Windy City.
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From
$49.99
From
$49.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

30 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Chicago
Go beyond the selfies and smartphone shots—and walk away from your Chicago vacation with professional-quality photos—when you book this private photo shoot experience. Meet your professional photographer guide at a time and place of your choosing and practice your poses: they’ll capture upwards of 15 high-resolution digital photos of you and your party, with Chicago’s majestic scenery as your backdrop. Your guide will also share insider knowledge and tips about the Windy City’s key attractions and eateries.
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From
$272.44
per group
From
$272.44
per group

Chicago Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Discover Chicago in a fun new way on this 3-hour scavenger hunt. Jump into the middle of an exciting adventure around the Chicago Loop — to the historic buildings, famous streets and plethora of real-life locations around town. Discover both well-known and overlooked sites, solving clues and completing challenges via smartphone while learning the local history of the Windy City. Teams of 2- to 5-people are welcome.
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From
$20.52
Price varies by group size
From
$20.52
Price varies by group size

90 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Chicago
Flytographer 90 Minute Vacation Photoshoot
Connect with a local professional photographer in Chicago and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Chicago, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos.
The best souvenir ever.
…More
From
$544.88
per group
From
$544.88
per group

120 Minute Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Chicago
Flytographer 120 Minute Vacation Photoshoot
Connect with a local professional photographer in Chicago and capture your most memorable moments during this private photoshoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Chicago, including where to eat and what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality, vacation photos.
The best souvenir ever.
…More
From
$708.34
per group
From
$708.34
per group

Chicago Scavenger Hunt: Chicago's Magnificent Mile
Named for the cable car turnarounds and the prominent elevated railway that encircled the area at the end of the 19th century, the Loop is Chicago's commercial and cultural core. On today's epic scavenger hunt of Chicago, you'll uncover the area's best sights and rich history. Along the way, you'll visit Cloud Gate, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. It's time to strap on those walking shoes, round up some friends and book your Chicago Loop scavenger hunt today!
What You'll See: Tiffany Dome, The Bean, Crown Fountain, Art Institute of Chicago
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From
$13.08
From
$13.08

Magnificent Mile Photo Shoot and Walking Tour
Rather than taking selfies everywhere you go or trusting a stranger to take a picture for you, leave capturing the special moments to us. You will be escorted by a local professional photographer who will guide you through your chosen route and will take pictures of your experience so you can return home with the ultimate souvenir.
Your photo tour includes:
-Your choice of a 30 minute, 1-hour, or 2-hour private tour with a professional photographer
-High-resolution edited images delivered via a private online gallery within 1-2 days
-Enjoy unlimited access to your photos and download as many as you would like with no expiration date
*not all stops may be included depending on the length of time you select.
…More
From
$150.00
per group
From
$150.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Chicago Instagram Walking Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive)
Our Chicago Walking Instagram Tour will take you to the most Instagrammable spots in Chicago all in one day. If you are looking for a little bit of culture, some amazing architecture, & a ton of great photos then this is the tour for you.
The morning will start with meeting with your friendly local guide at the meeting point. From there your tour will begin as you start your day walking throughout Chicago and exploring the most famous locations in the city.
This half-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more!
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Full schedule
10:00 AM- Meet your Guide at the Grand Subway Station
10:10 AM- Walk along Magnificent Mile
10:20 AM- Stop at Wrigley Building & admire Tribune Tower
10:50 AM- Explore Pioneer Court
11:20 AM- Explore Millennium Park & see Cloud Gate
11:55 AM- Check out an Iconic fountain
12:20 AM- Chicago Riverwalk
1:00 PM- Explore Navy Pier
2:00 PM- Get dropped off by your guide at Millennium station
…More
From
$249.00
Price varies by group size
From
$249.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Chicago Foodie Lovers Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)
Our Chicago Foodie Lovers Tour will take you to the most iconic and delicious spots in Chicago all in one day. If you are looking for a little bit of culture, great photos, and a ton of delicious food then this is the tour for you.
The day will start with meeting with your friendly local guide. From there your tour will begin as you start your day walking throughout Chicago and dining at the most famous and delicious food spots in Chicago.
This half-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, yummy food and much much more!
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Full schedule
11:00 AM - Meet your guide at the Grand subway station
11:05 AM - Taste the famous Portillos hotdogs
11:45 AM - Enjoy an Al’s Italian Beef Sandwich
12:35 PM - Drool lover a Chicago favorite deep dish pizza
1:25 PM - Take some Garrett's Popcorn to go
1:35 PM - Check out Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building
2:05 PM - Try the delicious Do-rite Donuts
2:20 PM - Walk to Buckingham Fountain
3:00 - Get dropped off at the Millennium Subway Station
…More
From
$289.00
Price varies by group size
From
$289.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Chicago Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive)
If you're looking for an exciting and stress-free day exploring the wonders of Chicago, then this is the tour for you. We can’t wait to show you around!
The morning will start with a private pickup from your hotel by one of our friendly, local guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable and spacious vehicles.
This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secret spots and much much more!
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Full schedule
10:00 AM – Pick up from Hotel
10:15 AM – Check out Buckingham Fountain
10:45 AM – Arrive at Michigan Avenue Bridge
11:15 AM – Awe at the Chicago Cultural Center
12:15 PM – See Cloud Gate and explore Millennium park
1:00 PM – Lunch time
2:00 PM – Go to Chicago Theater
2:30 PM – See Garfield Park Conservatory
3:00 PM – Check out the Greetings from Chicago mural
3:30 PM – Snap a cool pic outside of Wrigley Field
3:45 PM – Return to hotel
4:00 PM – Arrive at hotel
…More
From
$749.00
Price varies by group size
From
$749.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Chicago Architecture Tour: Spectacular High Views and Low Views
Get great views of Chicago on a walking tour that has special access to buildings not open to the general public. Your guide leads you to places with fantastic perspectives of the Windy City, and gives you time for photo ops throughout the 2-hour tour. Hear insightful commentary about the city as you cover about 1.5 miles on foot, walking at a leisurely pace with frequent stops.
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From
$30.00
From
$30.00

Chicago Ultimate City and Food Bike Tour
Working up an appetite won’t be a problem on this tour! We’ll be sampling from Chicago’s well known food staples -- pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef. You’ll learn the history behind the foods and also get a taste for some of Chicago’s most popular attractions as we cruise through the Gold Coast, Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier and Lakefront. VIP Beer add-ons and Veggie options available.
…More
From
$72.99
From
$72.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Personal Travel and Vacation Photographer Tour in Chicago
Document your travels with professional, candid, photos from your trip to Chicago. Choose from a one or two-hour session in a variety of locations, Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or special occasion, capture the moments with a professional travel photographer by your side. Put the selfie stick away and work with your knowledgeable local photographer to find the perfect locations for your photos. You will be ale to access your digital gallery within five working days of the tour.
…More
From
$309.58
per group
From
$309.58
per group

Chicago Haunted Halloween Segway Tour
Learn about Chicago’s haunted past and see its mysterious sights as you glide through the city on a Segway at night! Venture through the dark with your local guide, and see alleys, hotels and sites of some of the most gruesome disasters and murders in Chicago’s history. During your spooky adventure through the city, you’ll also see Chicago's famous landmarks lit up in glistening lights.
Join in the Halloween fun all October long! Costumed guides and ghoulish tales--this haunting good-time is not to be missed!
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From
$75.58
From
$75.58
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