CRUISE GUIDE · DESTINATION
Reviewed, compared and ranked by the people aboard.
The 13 most popular chicago river cruises, compared side by side. What you see from the water, how long you are aboard, what it costs and which operator to book, so you can pick your boat in a couple of minutes.
See Chicago’s iconic skyline from the Chicago River on a guided architecture cruise with live commentary, pet-friendly boarding, and great value.
Most Popular“The tour guide was very knowledgable. Definitely plan to get one if you are in Chicago and enjoy the architectural history.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise aboard First Lady with live docent commentary, big skyline views, and easy Riverwalk access.
“This was a great tour aboard the First Lady, and the docent, who was a volunteer from the Chicago Architecture Center, was so knowledgable and gave a great tour. He gave the history of Chicago and its architecture and the tour provided a chance for pictures at choice locations. There was plenty of room on…”
Skip the ticket line for a Chicago River architecture cruise with live narration of 40 buildings across all 3 branches and a cash bar.
“It was an eye opening cruise to appreciate the city. The guide was smart and fun. Lovely experience!”
45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live family-friendly narration, indoor/outdoor decks, and a local cash bar for $28.
“Perfect ending to a looo...ng day walking the Windy City. Learned some fun facts, and really thought 45min were quite alright. Doing this tour during sunset was breathtaking - so many colours! Definitely a nice thing to add to your to-do list.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live docent stories, 50+ landmarks, and free soft drinks—plus big views if you pick the right deck.
“Great experience! Valerie did a great job sharing the history of Chicago. She brought the architecture to kife and was able to offer a picture into the life of these very influential people that make the Chicago skyline the tapestry it is for millions of people.”
Chicago architecture minibus tour with optional 75-minute River cruise. Fast overview of downtown, Lincoln Park views, and iconic buildings.
“Love all the information of the buildings’ history! Seeing them in one area was amazing! The tour took about an hour. I didn’t visit the bar/cocoa area downstairs but it’s great that they have one. The guide was funny and friendly. He interacted with us as well. Once trip was over, he stood by to…”
A small-group, half-day Chicago drive with a narrated architecture river cruise and skyline time from the Sky Deck/Adler viewpoints.
“This was one of the best exoeriences we had while visiting chicago. The skydeck was just breathtaking and iur tour guide, Sadie was do animated and fun when discussing the architecture of chicage and the history. Both those excursions were well woth it. Unfortunately the bean was being repaired, the buckingham fountain was running yet.…”
City Cruises Chicago brings you a 2-hour glass-enclosed dining cruise with a 3-course meal, riverfront views, and narration or DJ.
“I really loved it. My mom and I did it as part of our first trip to Chicago. Shout out to Lesly A. for the amazing service and overall making us feel comfortable. Highly recommend this!”
City Cruises Chicago river cruise with brunch, lunch, or dinner plus architecture narration, glass-enclosed dining, and a 3-course meal.
“The best good and service on a lunch cruise. The European style river craft was great! Views all around and up!!!”
Night views from Skydeck at Willis Tower, a narrated small-group drive, then a Chicago shoreline cruise with Cloud Gate in the mix.
“Was canceled only 2 hours before”
Chicago Architecture Center docent-led river cruise with 360° views, 50+ building stories, and discounted Chicago Architecture Center admission.
“The foreign language audio guide has not been available for several years. The guide speaks very, very quickly in American English: impossible to understand more than 5 words of 90 minutes of explanations”
A 4-hour small-group Chicago architecture day with hotel pickup, the Shoreline cruise, the Bean, Adler views, and Buckingham Fountain.
“Danny really helped me understand and learn how beautiful and fascinating the City is/are, a lot of fun facts too. For someone who likes to travel olone its definetely a safe and fun one. Thank you!”
Chicago in 3.5 hours: a guided downtown minibus tour plus a Chicago River architecture cruise with stops for Cloud Gate and skyline views.
“Great tour, great value for the cost. Wish the bus ride longer than the boat ride. Bout ride heavy focus on architecture. Bus ride spoke on the history of Chicago, much more engaging!”
Pick a canal city, a famous river, or the kind of cruise you want to be on.
