Chicago Architecture River Boats Tour

Q: Is this an architecture boat tour or a walking tour?

This experience is a guided architecture boat tour on the Chicago River. Guests remain on board for the full 60-minute tour while enjoying views from the water and live narration from expert guides.

Windy City wow

World-famous landmarks

There’s nothing quite like experiencing a Chicago architecture tour from the water. Shoreline Sightseeing’s architecture river tour travels along all three branches of the Chicago River, offering a memorable view of the city’s world-famous buildings. From hidden architectural gems to Chicago’s most recognized landmarks, you’ll see over 40 iconic sites on our 60-minute architecture boat tour.

As you cruise the river, take in the views while listening to our expert guides share how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and engineering helped shape the city. Each narrated architecture tour brings the skyline to life through engaging stories and insights.

Tickets

Architecture River Tours

75-Minute Signature Tour

Adults starting at

$46

From Michigan Ave:

From Navy Pier:

60-Minute Classic Tour

Adults starting at

$39

90-Minute Deep Dive Tour

Adults starting at

$56

All aboard

Casting off

Our Architecture River Tours depart from two convenient locations, one at Michigan Avenue and the other at Navy Pier. No matter which dock you choose, you’ll enjoy the full architecture river tour route and experience the same incredible sights along the Chicago River.

Michigan Avenue

401 N. Michigan Ave

Steps from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, our Michigan Avenue dock places you right in the heart of the city as you begin your Chicago architecture river tour.

Navy Pier

124 N. Streeter Drive

Start your narrated architecture tour at our Navy Pier dock, located at the entrance to the iconic Navy Pier boardwalk. This departure point also offers easier accessibility for wheelchairs.

Route

Our Chicago architecture river tour travels up and down all three branches of the Chicago River, offering sweeping views of the city’s most famous skyscrapers and architectural landmarks throughout the journey.

Tour highlights:

Unique views from the water create an entirely new perspective of the city
40+ landmarks including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City
Hear the stories of Chicago’s architects and engineers while viewing their magnificent buildings

Sightseeing in Chicago?

Chicago CityPASS® tickets save up to 50% on premier admission to Chicago’s top 5 attractions, including the Architecture River Tour. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves you time and money.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Architecture Tours

What is a Chicago architecture tour?

A Chicago architecture tour is a guided sightseeing experience that explores the city’s most famous buildings and design history. Our architecture river tour takes place on the Chicago River and features a 60-minute, narrated boat experience highlighting more than 40 iconic landmarks.

Is this an architecture boat tour or a walking tour?

If you’re wondering whether this is a boat tour or a walking tour, this experience is a guided architecture boat tour on the Chicago River. Guests remain on board for the full 60-minute tour while enjoying views from the water and live narration from expert guides.

Are the Chicago architecture tours narrated?

Yes. Our architecture river tours are fully narrated by knowledgeable guides who share stories about Chicago’s architects, engineers, and landmark buildings as you cruise along the river.

How much does a Chicago architecture boat tour cost?

Adult tickets start at $46, children ages 3-12 start at $29, and children 2 and under ride free. Pricing reflects a 60-minute guided architecture boat tour featuring over 40 Chicago landmarks.

How long is the architecture river tour?

Our architecture river tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and travels along all three branches of the Chicago River, offering continuous views of Chicago’s most well known buildings.