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Chicago Architecture River Cruise provided by Shoreline Sightseeing

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

See all things to do
See all things to do
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5
2,912
By Shoreline Sightseeing
Book in advance
from
£37.78
per adult
Reserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
98% of travellers recommend this experience
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Full view
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This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
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Tour snapshot
See all of Chicago's architectural masterpieces in a single tour
Duration:
1h 15m
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Group size:
250
Near public transportation
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
  • Duration:
    1h 15m
  • Taking Covid-19 safety measures
  • Group size:
    250
  • Near public transportation
  • Ticket type:
    Mobile
  • Free cancellation
About
Get views of Chicago’s most famous buildings, as well as insider info from an expert guide, on this architecture-focused cruise. See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. View the skyline from the Chicago River while listening to live commentary. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more.
Know before you go
  • Duration: 1h 15m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Awards
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2021
Available languages
English, Spanish
Highlights
  • Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy schedule
  • Learn about the city's architectural history through an expert's live narration
  • Prebook this must-do Chicago activity, which frequently sells out
What to expect
Make your way to the specified departure place, either the Michigan Avenue riverfront or Navy Pier, in time for your chosen cruise departure—look for the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Cruises sign. Since you’ve prepurchased, skip the ticket line and have no worries if this popular Chicago tour sells out. Find a comfortable seat and settle in as your guide, an architecture expert, gives an introduction to Chicago's architectural history. Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Willis (Sears) Tower, Wrigley Building, and the Lyric Opera House, and learn which buildings famous architects Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed. You have plenty of photo opportunities. Some cruises include a full bar. Your cruise ends at its starting point.
Awards
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2021
Know before you go
  • Duration: 1h 15m
  • Mobile tickets accepted
  • Instant confirmation
Available languages
English, Spanish
Cancellation policy
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Highlights
  • Choose from multiple departure times to fit your busy schedule
  • Learn about the city's architectural history through an expert's live narration
  • Prebook this must-do Chicago activity, which frequently sells out
What to expect
Make your way to the specified departure place, either the Michigan Avenue riverfront or Navy Pier, in time for your chosen cruise departure—look for the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Cruises sign. Since you’ve prepurchased, skip the ticket line and have no worries if this popular Chicago tour sells out. Find a comfortable seat and settle in as your guide, an architecture expert, gives an introduction to Chicago's architectural history. Pass by more than 40 distinctive buildings, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Willis (Sears) Tower, Wrigley Building, and the Lyric Opera House, and learn which buildings famous architects Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed. You have plenty of photo opportunities. Some cruises include a full bar. Your cruise ends at its starting point.
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 5580ARC
Important information
Inclusions
  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
  • Live commentary on board
Exclusions
  • Drinks (available for purchase)
Duration
1h 15m
Departure details
  • 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.
  • 124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • All boats have full restrooms and some have 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.
  • Tour times cannot be changed.
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travellers can participate
  • Departure locations cannot be changed
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travellers
Inclusions
  • Guided architecture cruise of the historic Chicago River
  • Live commentary on board
Exclusions
  • Drinks (available for purchase)
Departure details
  • 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM MICHIGAN AVE: Departs from 401 N Michigan Ave at the Shoreline Sightseeing docks. NE corner of Historic Michigan Ave. (Dusable) Bridge. Located alongside Chicago's Honored Pioneer Court.
  • 124 N Streeter Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA FROM NAVY PIER: Departs from 124 N Streeter Drive from the Shoreline Sightseeing docks at Polk Bros Park.
Duration
1h 15m
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
Additional information
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • All boats have full restrooms and some have 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.
  • Tour times cannot be changed.
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travellers can participate
  • Departure locations cannot be changed
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 250 travellers
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
Itinerary
  • You’ll have 2 starting options
    See Important Information for details
  • 1
    Chicago River
    Stop: 60 minutes
    Cruise takes place on the Chicago River.
    Read more
    Pass by
    Chicago Skyline
    Navy Pier
    Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
    Tribune Tower
    John Hancock Center
  • You'll return to the starting point
+
–
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,912 reviews
Excellent
2,646
Very good
211
Average
28
Poor
15
Terrible
12
yvonnel253
Baltimore, Maryland3 contributions
Outstanding tour guide
May 2022 • Couples
Mary Jo, our guide for the May 10 boat tour, was knowledgeable about Chicago’s historic and current architecture, the engineering feats behind the skyscrapers and the history of Chicago River as well as the city. She took the time to introduce herself to passengers who were waiting to board the boat and to find out where they were from and why they were in town. She was organized, articulate, and provided an outstanding 90 minute presentation that was well worth the ticket price. The beautiful day made the trip unforgettable.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anurag S
5 contributions
Must for folks visiting Chicago
Dec 2021 • Friends
Spiro was an engaging and a friendly guide. I would recommend this tour to everyone who wants to learn about the architecture history for the Chicago skyline and interesting stories about the growth of the city to what it is today. The tour is an hour long adventure and it is a fun walkthrough in the centre of the city. A must for anyone visiting Chicago.
Written 26 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
janinekfitz
2 contributions
Beautiful evening on the River
May 2022 • Couples
This is a must-do for anyone visiting Chicago! I have a layperson's interest and knowledge of architecture and I was blown away by the information provided on this tour. Antonio is a fantastic guide and peppered the tour with fun stories, while also giving time and space for us to admire the sights as we cruised along.

If you get a chance to go at sunset, it's incredible to see the city gradually light up along the river. I went with my partner and family, and we all said we'll remember this tour for ages! Highly recommended.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert L
Amherst, MA1,499 contributions
Really really good
We did the 90 minute boat tour that was guided by an architectural commentator. The views of the city and buildings were stunning. Many of the buildings are new and the guide discusses the various design periods. The 90 minutes just flew by.....this is a must even though you get tickets via Ticketmaster- who clearly inflate the charges.
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rachel F
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Top tier tour guide
May 2022 • Friends
The views of Chicago stand alone in its beauty and can be appreciated everywhere you go in the city. The views floating down the Chicago river with an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and passionate narrator guiding you through the rich and empowering history of the birthplace of American architecture is an entire experience. Patrick is a natural storyteller and made our tour this evening one to remember. From the moment you leave the harbor, to the moment you return, his ability to guide you through the foundation of the city all the way to the developing areas just next to the entrance of the tour itself in an hour and a half is incredible, to say the least. Historical facts interwoven between fun trivia, artistic perspective, and a flowing timeline created an evening to remember that I truly hope everyone purchasing tickets to this tour gets to experience. Thank you to the crew, and my sincere gratitude to Patrick for the lovely experience.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tyler B
1 contribution
Highlight of my trip with our tour guide Patrick
Sep 2021
This was my first time to Chicago. I stayed for 4 nights with family. This river boat tour was the highlight of my trip! Patrick, our tour guide, was excellent! He was fun and extremely knowledgeable. We went at 6:15pm, so we got to tour during the sunset and then just barely returned as it was getting dark - as the city lights came alive. Highly recommended this tour for anyone visiting (or a resident), and if I was to take family or friends back to Chicago I would ask for Patrick and arrange to take his guided tour again!
Thank you so much
Tyler - 38 years old
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Solange S
3 contributions
Don’t hesitate to do it!
Jun 2021 • Family
Jim was our host and he is THE BEST host ever! You’ll get the money of what you pay x100 times. We wanted to do a sunset trip with other company but was sold out when we got to the pier. So we said let’s give a shot to this architectural trip. I remember I told my sister, we just don’t listen to whoever is giving the tour and we just enjoy the view. Thinking was going to be boring and flat. But I’m the contrary this tour has been incredible! Didn’t want it to finish and I’ve learn so so many things. Please do it! I recommend the sunset one because you see beautiful colors and it’s not too hot if you go in summer time. Ask for Jim!
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
E.Z. Grace
Marietta, OH8 contributions
Second Trip
Jul 2021
This was our second time doing the Architecture Tour with Shoreline. This time we chose the “sunset tour”. It was spectacular. Weather was nice views were great and watching the city light up exceeded expectations. Jack did a great job as the guide. He was very pleasant, energetic, and full of knowledge. It’s a great way to see a lot without having to walk everywhere. I would highly recommend it!
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jandaaash
Sacramento, CA29 contributions
Cruise, Party of 1
I went on this tour alone. The guide of the tour had knowledge of the different styles of architecture, history of Chicago and lots of jokes. The boat tour is about 45 mins and the boat goes to one end of the lake, makes a u-turn, goes to the other end of the lake, makes another u-turn and you are back to where it started. The hot chocolate was a plus for the cold weather.
Written 9 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Confettigirl77
Newnan, GA135 contributions
Great Tour
We just finished our cruise. It was great! Jack was an excellent tour guide. He was well spoken and clear- easy to understand. He told us a lot of great information about the city, restaurants, history.. etc.
We originally purchased tickets for an earlier tour and they changed them for us without a fee. Much appreciated! Thank you!
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Showing results 1-10 of 2,776
About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Shoreline Sightseeing
6,236
AngieJ022
AngieJ022
00
Informative and amazing value for money
Really interesting and informative Architectual tour. Learnt asurprising amount of Knowledge and information in a f…
C6864ZXalexandrar
C6864ZXalexandrar
00
Enjoyable
Arrived about 20 minutes early on a Thursday and it was not busy at all. The weather was in the 90s but out on the…
Ty W
Ty W
00
Lackluster
This tour literally takes you out and circles back, and plays a prerecorded audio. No personalization at all. If yo…
191kathrynn
191kathrynn
00
Victor is the best
I've been lucky enough to have Victor the architecture student as my tour guide twice on the architecture tour. He …
Arthur P
Arthur P
00
Beautiful view of the Chicago Skyline!
Even though my wife & I are originally from Chicago, we have never taken a boat tour on Lake Michigan to see the Ch…
Paytra T
Paytra T
00
Relaxing, friendly staff, free taxi
We loved the laid back environment. This is perfect for anyone who wants to get out on the water and see the pretty…
M W
M W
00
Excellent trip for brief time in Chicago
We had a short time of 24 hours in Chicago, we had an excellent trip with Shoreline architectural tour on the river…
Bill F
Bill F
00
Lake Michigan Chicago cruise
Beautiful views of downtown Chicago. The narration was very informative. Well worth the cost on a beautiful day.
ANGLEDERER
ANGLEDERER
00
Can’t beat the amazing views
It’s was a nice relaxing ride. Naturally the views of the city from the boat are breathtaking. The staff was nice a…
Thandif67
Thandif67
00
Chicago water tour
My husband and I really enjoyed the tour. The boat ride was very comfortable and the tour guide knew the city and b…
kimhK2036VS
kimhK2036VS
00
Nice to be on the water…
The nighttime view is absolutely incredible! The bar is lacking, and the food options were chips and candy.
Fearless09380912379
Fearless09380912379
00
Amazing
My husband, son & I absolutely loved it. We had so much fun on the cruise We will definitely be going again soon w…
jonathanmO7971GA
jonathanmO7971GA
00
Adam Sachs Was Incredible
Went on a tour from Navy Pier this past Saturday and expected to be blown away by the river and city. Instead, I wa…
JVBH
JVBH
00
Sunday Afternoon Party Boat
Very disappointed in how the Shoreline crew did nothing to prevent or deal with a ship full of inebriated individua…
Starrjes74
Starrjes74
00
Beautiful day!
Loved this ride, the view was incredible I will do it again next time! Very easy getting on and off. Left at the sc…
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Chicago Architecture River Cruise price starts from £37.39. Discover and book Chicago Architecture River Cruise on Tripadvisor
Chicago Architecture River Cruise cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Chicago Architecture River Cruise on Tripadvisor
Chicago Architecture River Cruise is hosted by Shoreline Sightseeing. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Shoreline Sightseeing on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Chicago Architecture River Cruise on Tripadvisor