Unforgettable Chicago Architecture Cruise: Skyline Secrets
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, including: John Hancock Center: An iconic skyscraper that defines the Chicago skyline. Wrigley Building: Known for its distinctive white facade and clock tower. As you sail, an expert architecture guide will provide fascinating insights into the distinctive designs and history of these architectural marvels. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, this tour offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most beautiful cities. Sit back, relax, and let the architectural wonders of Chicago unfold before your eyes.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Happiness47415037411, 12/11/2025 8:59:50 PM
Chicago is an architectural paradise! One of the best ways to appreciate it is through the architectural tour. The tour guide is amazing, knowledgeable and has good sense of humor.
Courtney_W, 12/9/2025 9:14:16 AM
We took the 5:30 tour and seeing Chicago from the water at night was beautiful. It was very cold obviously but they have a bar with spiked hot chocolate for sale as well as blankets and hats for sale if you get too cold.
Brian_S, 12/8/2025 11:39:34 AM
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the views are amazing. They covered a lot of history and explain the architecture very well.
JoLe_H, 12/6/2025 11:52:20 AM
Very informative. Ashley was a great guide. They tend to push buying your pictures, buying their drinks and snacks. Wish they had seat warmers for you.
Escape40189264112, 12/5/2025 9:03:49 PM
Awesome experience with my friends. We went for bachelor's party , I had the best time of my life, i experienced amazing views
MICHAEL_H, 11/29/2025 4:37:01 PM
Even in cold weather, this trip is worth it. Entertaining and enjoyable to see Chicago from the river!
Olivia_R, 11/29/2025 11:17:32 AM
We loved everything about this tour. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and kept everyone engaged.
SOONWON_K, 11/29/2025 10:33:57 AM
Everything is awesooooooooooooooom~ Thank y for service👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
CedricInOz, 11/29/2025 9:35:30 AM
The guide was really good, and the cruise is short enough for winter, and it clearly goes through the right places, but it's clearly not the best boat for an architectural cruise: the first level is not well isolated, there is no heated place anywhere on the boat, the upper deck is all open with plastic chairs. There is no blanket provided, you have to buy them 10$, every hot drink at the bar is 12$, and there is a minimum 18% tip on the desk for this (it's a bar, there is no service)... All the kind of things that makes you feel as a tourist trap than a cruise where they take care of the customers ! Look somewhere else and you will understand my point, as I tried a few of them on the river already.
Suzy_M, 11/28/2025 11:31:34 PM
Fabulous opportunity even in below freezing temperatures . Great info and guide for this tour. Book it now
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All boats have full restrooms and 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.
- Beginning November `14, 2025 through April 2026, tours will be 60 minutes in length.
- Cruises are dog-friendly.
- Tours can be rescheduled through Viator 24 hours prior to the departure dates.
- Wheelchair accessible from Navy Pier dock only.
Departure point
FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.Return details
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, including: John Hancock Center: An iconic skyscraper that defines the Chicago skyline. Wrigley Building: Known for its distinctive white facade and clock tower. As you sail, an expert architecture guide will provide fascinating insights into the distinctive designs and history of these architectural marvels. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, this tour offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most beautiful cities. Sit back, relax, and let the architectural wonders of Chicago unfold before your eyes.Redemption
PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT DEPARTURE LOCATIONS FOR THIS PRODUCT DEPENDING ON OPTION BOOKED! MAKE SURE YOU GO TO THE LOCATION THAT MATCHES THE OPTION YOU CHOSE (EITHER 401 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE OR NAVY PIER) Beginning November 11, 2024 through April 2025, tours will be 60 minutes in length. Once order has been submitted, no changes can be made. Additional passengers need to make a separate reservation. This is your ticket. Please proceed directly to the boarding line of the boat and a Shoreline greeter in bright orange will assist you. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time. Public parking ramp is located 316 E. Illinois St, Chicago IL 60611. Parking is an additional fee.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund