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Navy Pier

One of Chicago’s top attractions, Navy Pier is known for its wartime past and present-day revelry.

Navy Pier: Our most recommended tours and activities

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

1. Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Experience the views from the Centennial Wheel at the Historic Navy Pier in Chicago with this attraction ticket. Be suspended over Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Chicago River. Marvel at the Chicago skyline and gaze out over the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan. Choose between two options: With the Regular Barcoded ticket, skip the ticket line and enter the line to board the wheel. The Fastpass Express ticket allows you to skip both lines, and gives you VIP access. Both tickets allow you to visit within 7 days of your scheduled ticket date. Enjoy the Centennial Wheel, which was built in 2016 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Navy Pier opening. Featuring 42 gondolas, each holding 8 people, it operates year-round. They also feature LED lighting, padded seats, TV screens, and speakers, as well as panoramic windows on all 4 sides. A ride on the wheel gives you plenty of time to enjoy these panoramic views of Chicago as they unfold around you, and allows you to visit the top three times. Relax and take in the view, or get your camera out to snap pictures of the ever-changing Chicago landscape.

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

2. Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

Experience an architecture cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a family tradition since 1935. Admire Chicago’s historic and ever-changing skyline with a local expert guide as you cruise through the city. Choose between the open-air decks or the comfort of the climate-controlled interiors during the cruise. Start the cruise at Michigan Avenue (DuSable) bridge and go up the main branch of the Chicago River to Wolf Point before heading back past the Chicago Riverwalk towards Lake Michigan. Learn about historic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower, the deco Merchandise Mart, mid-century skyscrapers like the Mies Van der Rohe AMA Building, the circular Marina City Towers, the AON Center, and modernist structures like Aqua, Trump Tower, Nuveen, and the Vista Tower. After passing through the Chicago Lock and cruising past Navy Pier, admire the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan, one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Here you can also see the twin super-skyscrapers, the famous Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, and the John Hancock Building. See the majesty of Grant Park with its famous Buckingham Fountain, and iconic Chicago venues such as Soldier’s Field, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Enjoy several vantage points for memorable pictures throughout, and finally arrive back at Du Sable Bridge on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago River Architecture Cruise: Skip-the-Ticket-Office

3. Chicago River Architecture Cruise: Skip-the-Ticket-Office

Skip the lines at the ticket office and climb aboard a state-of-the-art cruise for a 60- or 75-minute cruise of all 3 branches of the Chicago River, and marvel at the architecture that has made the city so legendary. Get an insight into the buildings and engineering of a city that gave birth to the skyscraper and is the spiritual home of modern American architecture. Your expert guide will lead you down the Chicago River to uncover hidden gems, as well the city’s most renowned landmarks, such as the John Hancock building, Trump Tower, Marina City, Willis Tower, and more. Relax with a glass of something cold from the cash bar, as you cruise the Windy City’s waterway, and learn its status as a modern metropolis and one of the world’s most beautiful cities. End your tour in the same place where you boarded the boat.

Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Sightseeing Tour

4. Chicago: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Sightseeing Tour

Experience the Windy City with our hop-on, hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus tour, or a panoramic sunset tour. Marvel at the stunning skyscrapers of Chicago, including the iconic John Hancock Center, the towering Willis Tower, and the historic Wrigley Building. Our engaging and professional digital commentary will provide you with fascinating facts and insights into Chicago's rich history as you explore the city's most impressive landmarks. Hop on and off as many times as you want to visit attractions such as the world-renowned Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History. Marvel at stunning Lake Michigan, see the skyline from 360 CHICAGO, or take a stroll on the renovated Chicago Riverwalk. When you're ready, Big Bus will be back to pick you up. Download our free app for real-time bus tracking. Travel along the famous Magnificent Mile, considered one of the world's great avenues, to shop 'til you drop at the many flagship stores along the boulevard. Then cross over the Michigan Avenue Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River. With our convenient stops located throughout the city, it's easy to cruise through The Windy City without needing to navigate traffic or public transportation. Choose between a 24 or 48-hour ticket, and take your time discovering all that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago: Go City Explorer Pass Choice of 2-7 Attractions

5. Chicago: Go City Explorer Pass Choice of 2-7 Attractions

With the Chicago Explorer Pass by Go City you can visit top sites such as the Navy Pier, Skydeck Chicago, or The Field Museum, all on one handy pass. Enjoy great savings on admission to your choice of 2 to 7 top Chicago attractions and tours, and pay nothing at the gate. Explore at your own pace on a hop-on and hop-off Chicago bus tour, or aboard one of two lake cruises. You have 60 days to use your pass from your first attraction visit. To help you create your own itinerary you'll also get a free digital guide. Use it to help you decide what to do, where to go, and how to get there. The most popular activities require advanced reservations, check instructions on the included Go City guide, and make sure to place reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment. Included Chicago attractions to choose from with your Explorer Pass: • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago: 1-Day Classic Tour • 360 CHICAGO (reservations required) • Skydeck Chicago (reservations required) • Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Rides • Adler Planetarium • 10pin Chicago 90-minute Bowling & Pizza (reservations required) • America Writers Museum • Shoreline Architecture River Cruise • Field Museum • Museum of Science and Industry • LEGOLAND Discovery Center • Bike Chicago: 2 Hour Bike Rental • Chicago Children's Museum • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour • Chicago History Museum • Museum of Contemporary Art • Robie House: A Modern Home Guided Interior Tour • Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour • Downtown Chicago TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home • The Forge Adventure Park • $20 Food and Drinks Credit at The Cauldron Chicago • Chicago Must-See Architecture Walking Tour • Mobsters and Haunted Mysteries Walking Tour • Chicago Pizza and Drink Combo • Skyline Tour and Lake Hopper Cruise *Savings based on itineraries on Go City website.

Chicago: Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

6. Chicago: Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

Immerse yourself in the sights and learn about Chicago’s history and architecture during a cruise on Lake Michigan. Take advantage of skip-the-line entry privileges with a barcoded ticket that lets you proceed directly to the boarding line. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the city for the first time, taking in the spectacular views of Chicago's skyline from the lake makes for a perfect outing. You’ll see the city as never before while listening to commentary on Chicago's history and architectural gems. Simply hop on board, sit back, relax, and enjoy as you admire Chicago's most significant landmarks and striking buildings that make up the city's skyline that has appeared in so many movies and TV shows. Route: The Skyline Tour and Lake Cruise takes you out onto Lake Michigan, heading both north and south on the lake, you’ll see many of Chicago’s famous landmarks and the classic skyline vista.

Chicago: Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise

7. Chicago: Lake Michigan Gourmet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise

Discover Chicago's sparkling skyline from Lake Michigan on a sightseeing cruise. Savor a mouthwatering meal while listening to music played by a live DJ. Sip on unlimited coffee and tea while gazing out at sights like Navy Pier, Grant Park, and Willis Tower. Board the boat at Navy Pier and enjoy a personal greeting. Smile for the ship's photographer to capture the memory, then embark on an elegant dining cruise along the Chicago shoreline. After being seated at your private table, tuck into your gourmet meal. Enjoy a creative meal prepared fresh by the onboard chef. Following your meal, dance to live music or relax on any of the 3 decks as you watch the skyscrapers of Chicago's distinctive skyline glide by.  Sample Brunch Menu:Early Riser:Breakfast Pastries Scrambled EggsBreakfast Meats Breakfast Potatoes French Toast Late Risers:Kale Quinoa SaladGreen Goddess Pasta SaladCaesar Salad Oven Roasted WhitefishKid's Station Hand Carved Strip Loin Hand Carved Oven-Roasted Turkey Dessert: Cakes, Brownies, Seasons Fruit Sample Lunch and Dinner Menu: Starters (choice of one): Caesar Salad Lobster Bisque (dinner only) Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (dinner only, available for additional price) Seafood Tower (dinner only, available for additional price) 2.5oz 1/2 Lobster Tail (dinner only, available for additional price) Main course (choice of one):Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli Oven-Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet Oven Roasted Frenched Chicken Breast with Rosemary and Thyme Braised Beef Short Rib Pan-Seared Fresh Pacific Cod (dinner only) 8 oz USDA Choice Filet Mignon (dinner only, available for additional price) 18 oz USDA Prime Striploin (dinner only, available for additional price) Two 5 oz Broiled Maine Lobster Tails (dinner only, available for additional price) Dessert (choice of one): Eli's New York Style Cheesecake Duo of Sorbet Freshly Cut Fruit and Fresh Strawberries Triple Chocolate Mud Pie (dinner only) Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake (dinner only) French Macarons (dinner only, available for additional price) Champagne Chocolate Truffles (dinner only, available for additional price) Menu items are subject to change.

Chicago Lakefront: Seadog Speedboat Ride

8. Chicago Lakefront: Seadog Speedboat Ride

This half-hour Seadog Speedboat ride along Chicago’s lakefront is one of the best ways to view the city’s skyline while learning about the city. Combine an exciting speedboat ride with informative and amusing stories about the world-famous Windy City. As you depart Chicago's Navy Pier, your captain will tell you interesting facts about the pier and the lakefront as he cranks up the music and races to key lakefront landmarks. Stop near the picturesque lakefront park of the Chicago Museum campus, where you’ll learn about the architecture and history of Chicago. Admire views of the Magnificent Mile neighborhood, including the Buckingham Fountain, Sears Tower, Grant Park, and Chicago's largest shopping district. Listen to the thrilling sound of the turbo engines as you race around the Lake Michigan waterfront and back to the Navy Pier. Upgrade to the Extreme Thrill Ride Option and experience exhilarating speeds and full 360° spins. This jet-propelled ride blasts off to start and splashes down to stop. Experience full-throttle slalom runs, sharp twists and turns, and the raw power of Seadog Extreme's 1400 HP engines.

Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

9. Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

See the sights of Chicago from onboard the Spirit of Chicago with a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Enjoy a buffet dining experience as you sail through the Windy City and delight in panoramic views of its skyline. Board your vessel at Navy Pier and receive a personal greeting. Get your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory before being seated at your private table. After settling in, savor your brunch, lunch, or dinner buffet consisting of freshly-prepared entrees, main course, and desserts, while listening to the onboard DJ's tunes. View the city's imposing towers like John Hancock Center, Aon, Trump Tower, and Willis Tower. After your meal, play games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard, or bust out some moves on the dance floor. Don't forget to visit any of the 3 climate-controlled decks to watch the skyscrapers of Chicago's distinctive skyline glide by. SAMPLE BRUNCH BUFFET MENU Early Risers Seasonal Fruit Breakfast Pastries Scrambled Eggs Breakfast Meats Breakfast Potatoes Late Risers Organic Mixed Field Greens Green Bean Salad Red Beetroot Salad Roasted Broccoli Florets Baked Ziti Pasta Mashed Potatoes Oven-Baked Atlantic Atlantic Flounder Filet Honey and Sesame Chicken Hand-Carved, Slow-Roasted Strip Loin Dessert Raspberry Mousse Lemon Pound Cake and Fresh Strawberries Coconut Vanilla Cake Red Velvet and Chocolate Chip Brownie SAMPLE LUNCH AND DINNER BUFFET MENU Salads Organic Mixed Field Greens Organic Spinach and Kale Salad Green Bean Salad Kidney Bean, Black Bean, and Chickpea Salad Red Beetroot Salad Bow Tie Pasta Salad Vegetables, Potatoes, and Pasta Roasted Broccoli Florets Creamed Corn and Cheddar Cheese Casserole Baked Ziti Pasta Mashed Potatoes Entrées Oven-Baked Atlantic Flounder Filet Honey and Sesame Chicken Italian Beef Meatballs Braised Beef Short Ribs (dinner only) Dessert Seasonal Fruit Raspberry Mousse Lemon Pound Cake and Fresh Strawberries Coconut Vanilla Cake Carrot Cake Red Velvet and Chocolate Chip Brownie (dinner only) The menu is subject to change. Please inform your server if anyone in your party has a food allergy.

Chicago: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

10. Chicago: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

Take a trip up to SkyDeck Chicago, visit the Field Museum, have fun at Navy Pier, and enjoy a cruise. All these and more are included with your Chicago All-Inclusive Pass by Go City. Choose durations of 1, 2, 3, or 5 days at a low, pre-paid price and save up to 50%* compared to buying individual attraction tickets. The All-Inclusive Pass comes with a digital guide including useful attraction information. Use it to help you decide what to do, where to go, and how to get there. Activities, attractions, and tours included with the Chicago All-Inclusive Pass: • Shedd Aquarium (reservations required) • SkyDeck Chicago (reservations required) • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago: 1-Day Classic Tour • 360 CHICAGO • Adler Planetarium • Museum of Science and Industry • Field Museum • Architectural River and Lake Tour • Chicago Children's Museum • LEGOLAND Discovery Center • Bike and Roll Chicago: 2-Hour Bike Rental • Chicago History Museum • Museum of Contemporary Art • Robie House: A Modern Home Guided Interior Tour • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour • Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home • 10pin Chicago 90-minute Bowling & Pizza (reservations required) • American Writers Museum • Lakefront Speedboat Tour • Extreme Thrill Ride • Downtown Chicago TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour (reservations required) • Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour • Chicago Must-See Architecture Walking Tour (reservations required) • Mobsters and Haunted Mysteries Walking Tour (reservations required) • $20 Food and Drinks Credit at The Cauldron Chicago • The Forge Adventure Park • Chicago Pizza and Drink Combo Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the digital guide included on your confirmation voucher for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions. *Savings based on itineraries on Go City website.

Available activities

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Other Sightseeing Options in Navy Pier

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What people are saying about Navy Pier

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 7,848 reviews

Easy to book. Full refund if cancelled 24+ hours before use. Walked right up to ferris wheel entry; no need to wait at tix line. No issues at all. Great ride.

Loved the guide, Kevin, very knowledgeable and entertaining... Thanks to all the staff as well for what they did to make us enjoy our trip...

Winter is a great season to ride. Express ticket not necessary, short line moves quickly. Compartment heated!

We enjoyed the activity. Our tour guide was very good and informative

Was on my daughters bucket list and she really enjoyed it.