Architecture · ARCHITECTURE TOURS
A basilica still under construction, a river of first-generation skyscrapers, a pastel beachfront and a dome nobody could work out how to build. These 15 are the building visits worth planning a trip around, with what each costs, how long it runs and whether a guide earns the difference.
Cruise the Chicago River for about an hour with a live architecture guide. From the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower to Willis Tower, Marina City, and Aqua, you’ll see Chicago from its best angle. Boats have restrooms, a bar, and room for dogs.
“Guide was knowledgeable about the city history and architecture. Very informative and fun for anyone of any age.”
Cruise Chicago’s three river branches for 90 minutes with a professionally trained guide explaining more than 130 years of architecture. You’ll see the Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, Willis Tower, Lyric Opera, Riverwalk, and Marina City from indoor or outdoor seating aboard a Wendella boat.
“If is cold dress accordingly Other then that I will definitely go again when it is sunny and hot outside”
Cruise Chicago’s main river and north and south branches for 90 minutes with an English-speaking guide such as Elisa, John, or Sarah. Expect landmark buildings, lively stories, open-air or climate-controlled seating, a cash bar, and excellent skyline photos.
“Our tour guide was superb! He was knowledgeable and funny! Great experience! Highly recommend the Chicago River 1.5 hour Guided Architectural Cruise!!!”
Spend 90 minutes aboard Chicago’s First Lady with a Chicago Architecture Center docent. Hear stories behind Marina City, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and modern riverfront towers while enjoying open-air or climate-controlled seating. Arrive early, since seats are first come, first served.
“Awesome tour!! Very informative! It was a beautiful day but a little chilly in the shade. The heated area below was a welcome touch! Seeing Chicago from this perspective is a must!!”
See Chicago from its working river on a 75-minute Shoreline Sightseeing cruise, shortened to 60 minutes in colder months. An English or Spanish host points out about 40 buildings, including Willis Tower, Marina City, Trump Tower, and the John Hancock Building.
“Fantastic trip around the river! Chicago bob was great! Really knowledge!! amazing views!”
Cruise the Chicago River from the Wrigley Building for 45 minutes of live architecture commentary. You’ll pass the Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Merchandise Mart, Lyric Opera, Willis Tower, and Marina City. Choose the open-air deck or climate-controlled lounge, with guides such as Tess, Zach, Chris, and Alyssa bringing the stories to life.
“Great experience. The skyline was beautiful and the tour guide was awesome. This was the highlight of my trip.”
Visit Sant Pau Recinte Modernista at your own pace with a one-day entry ticket. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the restored pavilions, gardens, underground passages, mosaics, stained glass, hospital rooms, and medical displays. No guided tour is included.
“Spent 2 hours exploring the place. Not too much tourist so it was great!”
Cruise from Wendella’s Michigan Avenue dock along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for 90 minutes of live architecture commentary. Guides such as John, Kenny, Tess, and Lucas bring the buildings to life. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, arrive early for the best views, and expect wind on the lake.
“Our tour guide Lucas was great!! Our family and friends from Toronto Canada really enjoyed it! Great experience!”
Join Wendella for a 90-minute cruise from DuSable Bridge up the Chicago River, through the Chicago Lock, and onto Lake Michigan. Your English-speaking guide may be as witty as Lucas, Kenny, Jack, or Sarah, with indoor and open-air seating, city views, and a cash bar onboard.
“I really liked the detailed explanations he gave about the view of the city from Lake Michigan and the various buildings seen from the Chicago River.”
Board at 900 S Wells Street for a 90-minute Chicago River cruise through the city center and toward Chinatown. Live guides such as David, Hillary, Heath, Adam, and Colleen explain the buildings, engineering, and city history. Choose open-air or enclosed seating, with a bar and restroom on board.
“I scheduled a trip for Saturday Oct 18th, paid my fees, and less than 24 hours out the tour company canceled the trip and would not refund me. The listing said the tour was rain or shine, so I was prepared to go regardless. It was a beautiful day, they canceled the trip, and would not return my payment. I ended up cancelling other plans on my Birthday the 19th to keep from losing the money, but that is bad business. If they cancel they owe it to their customers to return their payment regardless. Let the buyer beware when dealing with this group. The tour was fine, the policy…”
Walk Chicago’s Loop with guides such as Spencer, Adam, Kaylee, and Heath, stopping inside striking lobbies, Art Deco spaces, and stained glass interiors. The route begins near the Board of Trade and ends at the Cultural Center. Expect about two hours, plenty of walking, and time outdoors.
“Very informative for everyone. Opened doors to buildings that I would have assumed were not open to the public for casual visiting.”
Spend about 2 hours 45 minutes circling Manhattan aboard a 1920s-style yacht. An American Institute of Architects guide, including hosts such as John, Jenny, Ginny, or Doug on various departures, explains the city’s buildings, bridges, neighborhoods, and waterfront. Choose indoor or open-air views, with one drink included.
“We learned so much about history and architecture of NYC! Very enjoyable. We were comfortable inside boat even though wind chill was 10 degrees! Let them know when you check in if someone in your party needs extra help boarding. They were wonderful with my MIL who was in a wheelchair. She is able to walk up/down stairs with assistance so we had no problems.”
Walk Lecce with guides such as Max, Massimiliano, Fabrizio, and Angela, combining Baroque churches and palaces, Roman remains, Piazza Duomo, and the underground Jewish Museum. The 90-minute route is offered privately or in a shared group, in English, Italian, or French.
“Our guide was nothing short of phenomenal. Her knowledge of the area was outstanding and her English was bordering on perfect.”
Spend 4.5 hours walking Chicago with a small group of up to 12. Guides such as Dave, Rich, Dash, and John lead you from the Chicago Theatre through the Pedway, Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park, with enough pizza, beef, hot dog, and other samples for lunch.
“The experience Thewas extraordinary, the guide brought a lot of information the interior architecture of the bildings in the istoric area of Chicago.”
Cruise the Chicago River for about 90 minutes with a local guide who explains the city’s Art Deco, Gothic, Neoclassical, and modern towers. You’ll pass Navy Pier and see Cloud Gate from the water. Choose a boat for up to 60 people or combine the cruise with a 90-minute minibus tour.
“The tour guide on the boat was AMAZING. It was super enjoyable! The boat was clean and the snacks and beverages were great!”
Gothic vaulting, Modernista tile, Deco pastel, steel frames and raw concrete.
