The Best Chicago River Cruise to Take: An Unforgettable Journey

Irish Barbour
Aug 07, 2024By Irish Barbour

Chicago, often called The Windy City, is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history. One of the best ways to experience the city's architectural wonders is by taking a river cruise. In this blog post, we'll explore the best Chicago River cruise to take, with a special recommendation for booking through Viator. We'll also provide a detailed description of the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, ensuring you have all the information you need for an unforgettable experience.

Why Take a Chicago River Cruise?

A Chicago River cruise offers a unique perspective on the city's iconic skyline. As you glide along the river, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the most famous buildings up close and learn about their history and architectural significance. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a river cruise is a must-do activity that provides a deeper appreciation for Chicago's architectural beauty.

The Best Chicago River Cruise: Chicago Architecture River Cruise

When it comes to choosing the best Chicago River cruise, the Chicago Architecture River Cruise stands out. This tour is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage of the city's architectural landmarks and engaging commentary from expert guides.

What to Expect on the Chicago Architecture River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture River Cruise takes you on a journey down the Chicago River, offering spectacular views of the city's skyline. Here's what you can expect:

  • Expert Commentary: The onboard guide provides insightful commentary throughout the tour, sharing fascinating stories about the city's architectural history and the events that shaped it. You'll learn about more than 40 notable buildings, including the Wrigley Building, John Hancock Building, and Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
  • Comprehensive Coverage: The tour covers all three branches of the Chicago River, ensuring you see a wide range of architectural styles and landmarks. You'll pass by the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building, and many other significant sites.
  • Stunning Views: The river cruise offers the best vantage point to admire Chicago's skyline and architecture. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply want to take in the views, you'll be amazed by the city's beauty from the water.
  • Convenient Schedule: The Chicago Architecture River Cruise runs more than 20 times daily from Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Whether you prefer a morning, afternoon, or evening cruise, you'll find a time that works for you.
  • Comfortable Experience: The boat is equipped with restrooms, drinks available for purchase, and WiFi on board, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
Chicago skyline

Why Book Through Viator?

Booking secure your spot.

  • Trusted Reviews: Viator features reviews from real travelers, giving you confidence in the quality of the tour. You can read about other people's experiences and make an informed decision.
  • Flexible Cancellation Policy: Viator offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives you peace of mind in case your plans change.
  • Special Offers: Viator often provides special deals and discounts, helping you save money on your river cruise. Keep an eye out for promotions and exclusive offers.


For a seamless booking experience, we highly recommend using Viator to book your Chicago Architecture River Cruise. You can find more information and book your tour here.

Chicago architecture

Highlights of:

Wrigley Building

One of the first landmarks you'll see is the Wrigley Building, an iconic skyscraper known for its white terra cotta facade and clock tower. Built in the 1920s, this building is a symbol of Chicago's architectural heritage and a must-see on any river cruise.

John Hancock Building

The John Hancock Building, with its distinctive X-bracing and sleek design, is another highlight of the tour. This 100-story skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck, and you'll learn about its innovative engineering and design.

Willis Tower

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world. As you cruise past this iconic skyscraper, your guide will share stories about its construction and the challenges faced during its development. The Willis Tower is a testament to Chicago's architectural prowess and a highlight of the river cruise.

Tips for a Great River Cruise Experience

To make the most of your Chicago Architecture River Cruise, here are some tips:

Dress Comfortably

Chicago weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the tour. Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you're taking an evening cruise.

Arrive Early

Arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise time. This will give you ample time to check in, find a good seat, and get settled before the tour begins.

Bring a Camera

Don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views of Chicago's skyline. The river cruise offers plenty of photo opportunities, so be ready to snap some memorable shots.

Listen to the Guide

The onboard guide provides valuable insights and interesting stories about the city's architecture. Pay attention to the commentary to enhance your understanding and appreciation of Chicago's landmarks.

Stay Hydrated

Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the cruise. Drinks are also available for purchase on board if you prefer.

Conclusion

A Chicago River cruise is an unforgettable way to experience the city's architectural wonders. The Chicago Architecture River Cruise, in particular, offers a comprehensive and engaging tour that showcases the best of Chicago's skyline. With expert commentary, stunning views, and a convenient schedule, this cruise is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Windy City.

For a seamless booking experience, we highly recommend using Viator to book your Chicago Architecture River Cruise. You can find more information and book your tour here.

Embark on this journey and discover the architectural gems that make Chicago a world-renowned city. Happy cruising.