Top 6 Boat Tours in Chicago

1.Chicago Architecture River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15,756 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Review of Chicago’s architecture river cruise, with skyline views, expert guides, practical tips, cold-weather advice, and value details.

“Such an amazing experience! A must see while in Chicago! Tour guide was funny & knowledgeable, I did not realize there was so much history regarding the architecture of Chicago at all! I left the tour feeling so proud to be there exploring the city, that experience really fueled my fire to learn more!”

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2.Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8,046 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

See Chicago’s greatest buildings from the river on a 90-minute guided cruise with expert commentary, open decks, and climate-controlled seating.

“It was the most interesting architecture tour I have ever been!! The tour guide was very charismatic and made us laugh at lot, we explained everything in a very passionate way and we had a blast!”

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3.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,536 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $57

Review of Chicago’s First Lady architecture cruise, with river views, expert docents, practical tips, pricing, and what to expect.

“Excellent tour of Chicago. Fantastic experience!! Mark was very knowledgeable and entertaining to listen to. Very friendly and organized staff. Boat was spotless and comfortable. Recommend the evening tour.”

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4.Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,325 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $39

Cruise all three Chicago River branches, hear stories about 40 landmarks, and see the city’s famous architecture from a fresh waterside view.

“Very nice tour with the amazing guide Joe! Thank you so much!”

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5.45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,304 reviews · 45 min · from $28Best value

See Chicago’s skyline from the river on a 45-minute family cruise with lively architecture stories, open-air views, and a climate-controlled cabin.

“I booked the evening tour for my anniversary. The views were beautiful in the evening. Check the weather before in case it gets cold. There is a lower deck in the event it's too cold.”

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6.1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,050 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Cruise Chicago’s river and lakefront for 90 minutes of architecture, skyline views, expert stories, and a trip through the famous Chicago Lock.

“Excellent experience! Knowledgeable, professional and interesting guide. Loved the River and Lake Michigan views. I had only done the River cruise before. Adding the lake and just seeing a smaller section of the river worked great for us. Highly recommend!”

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