Architecture · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
The 15 best boat and water architecture tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
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 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!”
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…”
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.”
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!”
Board at River East Plaza for a 90-minute Chicago River cruise led by a live docent. Expect more than 50 buildings, bridges, and historic sites, from Lake Point Tower to Navy Pier, plus stories about Sullivan, Burnham, Mies van der Rohe, and modern Chicago.
“Absolutely fantastic. And the lecturer, Tyler, was so knowledgeable and yet very funny and engaging.”
You’ll tour Chicago with a local guide such as Avery, Rick, or Reenie in a comfortable minibus, stopping at Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, the Rookery Building, and more. Add a 75-minute open-top Chicago River cruise for a closer look at the city’s famous architecture.
“Best tour ever!!! Avery was FANTASTIC!!! I could have ridden around with him for hours hearing about the city. Hate that it only lasted 2 hours! He really knows his history and was able to answer every question I threw at him! Trevor give this man a raise! He was awesome and I would book you guys again based on my experience with Avery!”
Spend 90 minutes on a smaller boat cruising Chicago’s Main, North, and South Branches. An English-speaking guide explains the city’s architecture as you pass Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and more. Coffee, tea, lemonade, water, and soft drinks are included.
“Loved the tour, our guide was amazing, so informative, great humour and gave so many interesting facts. Loved that he came and got to know everyone on the boat beforehand and remembered little details.”
Board Chicago’s First Lady at the Michigan Avenue bridge for a 90-minute cruise through all three branches of the Chicago River. A Chicago Architecture Center docent explains more than 50 buildings and 13 bridges, with open-air seating, indoor salons, and a $5 CAC admission add-on.
“Our guide was an older lady who was VERY knowledgeable about the architecture and the importance of the river in Chicago history. I was glad this was a not-for-profit tour and I learned a lot. Highly recommend to anyone coming to Chicago.”
Spend 165 minutes circling Manhattan aboard an elegant 1920s-style yacht with an English-speaking architect or AIANY guide. See One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, Harlem River bridges, and waterfront memorials from heated or air-conditioned seating, with one drink included.
“The tour was wonderful! The boat ride itself, in the replica wooden yacht would have been worth the price. Throw in incredible views, a really lovely crew, drinks and good snacks, and! a super informative guide… it has been the highlight of our trip - recommend for anyone whether it’s your first time in NY, 100th time or you live here.”
Ride Seadog from Navy Pier through the Chicago Harbor Locks and along the Chicago River, then finish on Lake Michigan. Expect live English narration, skyline views, a restroom onboard, and an open-air ride that may get wet. Guides such as Andy, Anna, and Lucious have been praised for humor and clear storytelling.
“Anna is very knowledgeable, has great sense of humor with knowledge and that makes tour more interesting. full marks to het and crew.”
Spend about two hours on a restored Chicago fireboat with guides such as Cliff, moving from Lake Michigan through the locks to the Chicago River and back. Expect architecture stories, fire-service history, open-air and enclosed seating, onboard bathrooms, snacks, and drinks for purchase.
“This was such a fun experience! I love the nostalgia of the fire department, that was a plus! The boat was comfortable and pleasant to be on. Our tour guide was so friendly and sweet and full of information. It was really amazing. I would definitely do this again my friends and I had a great time.”
Gothic vaulting, Modernista tile, Deco pastel, steel frames and raw concrete.
