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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

Tour Provider and Boat or Ferry

The Loop, Chicago

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9.3^/10

760

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Ranked #1 for tours in Chicago
The folks at CNN and Travel + Leisure like this place. Would you agree?
"Architecture foundation Docent provides a ton"(9 Tips)
"Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly."(7 Tips)
"Best architecture tour in the city!"(5 Tips)
"boat tour run by Chicago Architecture Foundation guides."(5 Tips)

103 Tips and reviews

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Ashleigh GardnerMay 25, 2017
When everyone tells you to take the architecture boat cruise in Chicago, this is the one they mean. other operators use students with a script, this one has knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.
ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014
Highlights along the tour cover more than a century of architectural innovation from classic buildings like the Civic Opera House to mid-century experiment Marina City to modern buildings like Aqua. Read more
Sean Maccarone-ReedAugust 31, 2014
We had visitors in from out of town and decided to take the river tour. Weather was great for it and so was the experience on the First Lady. Very informative with all the history and facts!
Marcel EJuly 19, 2015
This is a must do if you are ever in Chicago. The guides are very knowledgable about the cities history and architecture. Make sure you get this out of the way early (in your visit and in the day).
Jose Alfaro, Jr.June 13, 2015
I'm not an architecture buff; however, I found this 90 min. tour to be very interesting and a great way to learn about the history of Chicago. The docent was a volunteer professor from Northwestern.
Nicole ReganFebruary 7, 2016
Always a pleasure. Each tour guide has their own style and stories, going more then once never feels redundant.
Lori O.August 28, 2013
My husband and I just tried this tour and had a wonderful time. Aside from the 'fun' of being on the water we learned a TON about Chicago in the short time we were there. Our guide was fabulous!
Cameron WAugust 28, 2017
Our docent was friendly, funny and obviously passionate about Chicago architecture. The buildings we saw from the water were quite impressive. A great way to see and appreciate the wonders of Chicago.
Edwin ValentiAugust 9, 2023
Really a must-do if you appreciate architecture and historical knowledge. Tour is guided by a volunteer of the Architecture Center with a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm for this great city.
Kat FAugust 10, 2017
No matter how many times you've done this tour, there's always something new to learn as the Chicago skyline is always changing. Personally I do it every year and have never been disappointed!
Pablo PintoOctober 18, 2016
You can't miss this tour! Worth every penny. Sit and relax on the ferry and get history and architecture lessons. Highly recommended
Amanda BellJuly 24, 2017
Great way to see the city and learn about the architectural and historical highlights. Tour guides are very knowledgeable.
Mark MulderOctober 18, 2019
Very educational and engaging architecture (history) of the city of Chicago. Even if you're not an architecture buff this will be worth your time (and if not they have drinks on board)
Sofia PapastamelosOctober 12, 2015
One of the highlights of our trip! Loved the 5pm tour as the lighting was beautiful and golden.
Nicole AnneJune 26, 2019
Beautiful view of the city, we took the twilight tour and at the end it was getting dark and the buildings all lit up with lights. Loved it!
Mark HuijnenMay 31, 2017
If you like architecture, don't skip this tour. Amazing buildings, knowledgeable guide, relaxing boat ride. Well worth the time and money.
Jeremy WilcoxSeptember 23, 2013
There are a ton of river boat tours stretching from Navy Pier down the river, but this is the best. Super enthusiastic (and knowledgeable) guide. 90 minutes. Do this day 1 of your trip!
Jeffrey ZeldmanAugust 24, 2012
Learn about great buildings during wonderful, docent-led 90 minute cruise along the Chicago River.
Jon BJuly 13, 2016
Well worth the ticket price. The boat ride was great and our guide was extremely knowledgable and entertaining. The hour and a half flew by we were having such a good time.
Thomas NewtonJune 13, 2014
They use a few different boats so sit were you like. The front on the boat is a fine place to sit. Also the bartenders are not jerks, they are people just like you and I. Be respectful and have fun!
Ofir WeinstockJune 25, 2018
Wonderful cruise well worth the money on a good weather day. The guide was of amazing insights and conveyed them in an entertaining manner
Panos MarkopoulosDecember 31, 2018
The guide, Kevin, was very knowledgeable and informative. We got to learn lots of things about Chicago’s architecture and history. Though, it was extremely cold on the deck.
Laurea de OcampoJuly 9, 2015
Really fun way to see the historical buildings on the Chicago River. Docents are volunteers from the Chicago Architecture foundation.
Kristen MariaMarch 25, 2018
Loved the ride, just dress accordingly. By end I was so cold I kinda stop listening because I couldn’t feel my body!
Fluying ✅April 1, 2018
I found the views in the bow section much better than the ones inside or the upper deck
Merili Baralic PadillaNovember 26, 2013
If in Chicago don't miss out on this tour. Whether you like architecture or not it's a great experience. Try time it with good weather so you don't freeze on the upper deck
Paul GallagherAugust 29, 2014
Well worth the ticket price. The architecture tour is as enjoyable as it is informative. Drinks available on board.
Gianna NebbiaMay 19, 2016
Great first stop on our trip to Chicago. We learned so much and the ride was beautiful. Definitely some of the best views of the city
Travel + LeisureFebruary 21, 2014
The best way to learn about the city’s historic buildings (the Tribune Tower; Merchandise Mart) is on a boat tour run by Chicago Architecture Foundation guides.
E. T.October 10, 2017
The volunteers / docent will provide you will a wonderful of the Chicago architecture, from the classics to the more recent buildings!
Caroline SchulweisSeptember 2, 2015
Love this tour. Learn so much about the city every time. Prefer it during the day, but they also offer one ride at 7:30pm.
David HoltzAugust 6, 2016
Kind of touristy, but a great way to see a lot of Chicago in a short amount of time (and get good historical / architectural context!)
Greg SmithJuly 8, 2013
The tour is excellent! Make sure you get there early if you want a good seat on the deck however. Also, bonus points for the on-board bar!
Linda FelterAugust 22, 2014
Best boat tour in the city if you're looking for a knowledgeable guide who really knows architecture!
Aprile ElcichJune 18, 2015
Architecture tour is worth it. A nice relaxing way to see and learn about Chicago. ⚓️
Monica DesaiSeptember 2, 2019
Absolutely stunning, a total must do especially if you get a clear day
David KieveAugust 26, 2018
On boats generally, and on this boat specifically, they call the bathroom “the head”. So if you need to go to the bathroom, say, “I need to use the head,” and you’ll sound like you’re in the know.
Travis InceSeptember 28, 2015
Buy your tickets at the riverside kiosk, NOT ONLINE. You will pay about $20 extra in fees buying tickets online.
Ashley SpearsOctober 20, 2016
Seriously so fun and glad you can buy cocktails on the boat. Highly recommend this tour!
Mariana PantalenaAugust 7, 2016
Great way to learn about the skyline and the amazing architecture of the city. Very pleasant ride.
Emily M.July 22, 2013
A wonderful way to see the Windy City. I've done this tour twice and learned a great deal of new information the second time around. Docents are terrific.
Simon SmidtJuly 26, 2011
Very interesting if you like architecture, but listening to 90 minutes of facts might be a bit too much for the average tourist. Despite that, you get a very good view of the city from the river.
Joseph GOctober 11, 2015
Awseome boat tour. Great architecture and the tour guide was very informative and entertaining!
Brian MunroeMay 12, 2013
A very informative cruise. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Run by the Architecture society (or foundation, whatever they are called).
Paul FarrellApril 13, 2015
Great tour. Even the most cynical will be engaged by this. Really knowledgable and entertaining
InterContinental ChicagoSeptember 8, 2011
The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat tour might be the best in the city. The docents are all volunteers, but you'll marvel at the depth of their knowledge.
Billy TerrellSeptember 10, 2013
Excellent 90 minute docent led tour full of Chicago history and spectacular views. Highly recommended.
aneessa steilenSeptember 11, 2015
Architecture foundation Docent provides a ton on great info around the history of the buildings and the river.
Lorraine SSeptember 7, 2011
Amazing tour of Chicago's unique architecture! Arrive earlier to get a good seat upstairs. Drinks are decent - try the margarita ;)
ValerieSeptember 16, 2014
Really great tour. Very informational and a wonderful way to see the city.

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