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Water activity

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

4.8  / 5
3639 reviews
Activity provider:Shoreline Sightseeing
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Water activity

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

Activity provider:Shoreline Sightseeing
4.8  / 5
3639 reviews

From US$ 50.35 per person

Cruise along the Chicago River on a 60- or 75-minute tour, and discover hidden architectural gems among the city’s renowned landmarks. Led by a docent providing live narration, the tour passes more than 40 structures and sails under historic bridges.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 75 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Host or greeter
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Cruise along all 3 branches of the Chicago River
  • Get an insight into 40 landmark buildings from an on board docent
  • See Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, Marina City, Willis Tower and more
  • Relax on board with a drink from the cash bar
  • Skip the ticket office and go directly to boarding line by pre-purchasing your ticket online
Full description

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.

Includes
  • Architecture river cruise
  • Live commentary
  • A barcoded ticket allowing you to skip the ticket office and proceed directly to the boarding line
  • Boarding photo
  • Food and drinks (may be purchased)
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

Not allowed

  • Food and drinks

Know before you go

  • The regular tour is 75 minutes long, but in the colder months (November 1 – April 15th) the tour is 60 minutes long
  • Please dress for an outdoor activity
  • A cash bar is on board most vessels, depending on the season
  • Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure time
  • Don't forget your camera
  • A $10 per ticket change fee will be charged by the local partner for any date or time changes made on the original date of the tour

From US$ 50.35 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
  • Give this as a gift

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 3639 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

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I learned soo much about the architect of buildings built near the canal., our tour guide was so comical & easy to understand his stats and history stories along the ride.. One suggestion for future ride.. Maybe umbrella can be installed in the areas where there are no canapés to cover the guest in that way when you have full Sun on these boats.. Everyone could benefit from some type of shading 😎❤️❤️

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September 7, 2023

L
Laurie S – United StatesVerified booking

Helpful?

Excellent way to view the city and get a history lesson on the development of the city and its skyline. You get to see and learn things you would not see at street level. Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. If your tour is on a sunny day, definitely bring a hat and lots of sunscreen.

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September 5, 2023

S
Scott – United StatesVerified booking

Helpful?

This cruise went down 3 directions of the river so we saw areas we never saw before, which made this cruise unique. The tour guide was excellent, he delivered historical information with humor with the right mix and wasn’t annoying. They hesitated in areas so we could take group pictures which was appreciated. They have bathrooms and an open bar. Easy on and off and great location to restaurants and plenty of parking available.

Read more

July 12, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Product ID: 46389

  • United States
  • Illinois
  • Things to do in Chicago
  • Chicago River

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