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Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours

River Boat Tours

Book your tour now, book by phone: (708) 488-6343, about the tours, chicago river boat architecture tours .

Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours!  We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago.

About The Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago is known around the world for its architectural feats, both inside and outside of the buildings. From the 100-year-old Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Gothic Towers, to some of the tallest modern-day skyscrapers, Chicago is where old meets futuristic architectural endeavors. It has something for everyone in a way that no other city replicates today.

Why Tour Chicago’s Architecture with Us?

We are born-and-raised Chicagoans ourselves, passionate about the community that we know and love. That passion and desire spills into all of our tours, drawing on personal experiences for curating a tour that just can’t be duplicated by a book or a movie. We want you to experience everything firsthand. Why tour with us?

• Expertise: All of our tour guides are either architects, architecture students, or architecture historians, making for an in-depth and personally rooted kind of touring experience that covers all of the discreet details.
• Variety: We offer a variety of uniquely different tours that cover everyone’s individual taste. We offer the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour that takes you down the famous Chicago River; there are several different options such as Architecture, History, Cocktail Cruises and Firework Viewing Tours
• Flexibility : We want you to enjoy your Chicago River Boat touring experience, which is why we’re happy to talk with you and learn more about how our tours can accommodate you, your party, or your corporate outing. Our tours run daily, with availability always posted on our website here.

Our Tours  

• Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour : When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is  a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.
• Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour : Join us for this great Architecture Tour while sipping craft cocktails, beer or wine available for purchase at our bar on board!
• Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruise :  Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day. This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Saturday nights at 10:15 p.m. The Fireworks Cruise sails on both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan each Saturday at 8:30 pm.

Our Commitment to Your Touring Experience

We believe that tours should be entertaining, enlightening, informational, and perfectly organized, every single time. A tour shouldn’t feel laborious in any way; you should feel an effortless inclination to learn more about what we present at your fingertips. With our Chicago architectural tours, that’s exactly what we strive to provide, basing each tour from the perspective of an expert with the real-life example in the background.

If you’re thinking about booking a tour with us, know that our commitment to flexibility and accessible makes our Chicago Architecture Tours easy and convenient:

• 3 pm *Not Available Friday thru Sunday Summer Months*
• 6:30 pm (Jazz Band, Cocktail w/bar) *Sunday Only*
• 8 pm (Wednesdays)
• 8:30 pm (Saturdays)
• Seniors $48
• Youths $30 (7-12 years old)
• Children 6 and under Free

BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY

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Chicago river boat cocktail tour.

Join us in the evening to sip cocktails while cruising the historic Chicago River! Get the same tour just with a cocktail in your hand! Premium bar on board with craft cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Tour Information Pricing Adults $49… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour

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Chicago river boat architectural tour.

Forming a length of 156 miles when combined, the Chicago River is a system of rivers and canals the characterize the infamous skyline of Chicago today. The river, running through the city, including the city center Chicago Loop, is evident of man made design and infrastructure when completed craftily. In 1887, the river was reversed… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Architectural Tour

Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with fabulous light show, at Navy Pier. Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued… Continue reading Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)

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The best architecture tours of Chicago

Discover Art Deco skyscrapers, modern marvels and Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes on these architecture tours of Chicago.

Even if you're a Chicagoan through and thorugh, there's something special about taking in the city's architecture on foot or from the water with the help of an expert. From glass and steel castles to ornate Art Deco buildings along the river to street art and cultural landmarks in various neighborhoods, there's a reason these tours are among the best attractions in Chicago . Nerd out over the design, city planning and construction behind the most beautiful buildings in Chicago on guided walks, bus rides and boat tours . First-time visitors will be happy to know that these architecture tours offer the most stunning views of the skyline —you might even be able to snap a few Instagram photos along the way. Here are a few of our favorite tours that are equally engaging for tourists and Chicago lifers alike. 

RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best  Chicago tours

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Architecture tours of Chicago

Chicago architecture center river cruise.

For a comprehensive overview of Chicago’s skyline, there’s no better vantage point than aboard Chicago's First Lady. You’ll spy more than 50 architecturally significant buildings, from the Wrigley Building to newcomers like the St. Regis. An expert guide will give you the lowdown on Chicago’s rise from the Great Fire of 1871, the advent of balloon-frame construction and other crucial moments in the city’s history. Choose to cruise by day or watch the city light up with an evening option. 

Cost: $54 for daytime cruises, $59 for evening cruises

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

You're certainly not short on great options to see Chicago's stunning architecture from the river. On Shoreline Sightseeing's signature 75-minute tour, you'll observe more than 40 landmarks, including Tribune Tower and Marina City. A knowledgeable guide shares the stories behind the architects, engineers, movers and shakers that gave us the nickname "City of the Big Shoulders."

Cost: $35-50

Wendella Chicago River Architecture Tour

Detailing the 130 year history of the Chicago skyline, this tour along the Chicago River is nothing short of breathtaking. Equipped with a full bar on board, a climate-controlled lounge and expert tour guides, Wendella brings luxury to the touring experience.

Cost: $44 for adults, $20 for children. 

Must-See Chicago

Want to check out Chicago's architecture but short on time? Try this 90-minute "Greatest Hits" walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which offers an informative, fast-paced introduction to key landmarks. The tour includes stops at more than a dozen buildings, including the Chicago Theatre, Aqua Tower, Willis (Sears) Tower, the Wrigley Building and the Art Institute of Chicago. Make sure to bring something to take notes!

One of the coolest aspects of Chicago architecture is that it's always evolving, with new landmarks continuing to shape our skyline. This 90-minute walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Center is all about what's new in Chicago, taking guests to buildings like 465 North Park and the St. Regis and discussing their impact on the city's changing built environment and economy.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Bus Tours

These tours, led by experts dedicated to preserving and educating about the work of Chicagoland's most famous architect, are definitely not cheap, but a must for Frank Lloyd Wright superfans. (Frankenstans?) The "Wright Around Chicago" includes stops at the gorgeous Rookery Building and Wright's home and studio in Oak Park. Oh, and a prosecco toast at the Rookery Building is included.

Free Tours By Foot's Architecture Tour

If you're traveling on a budget, you can still get an excellent overview of Chicago's architecture thanks to Free Tours By Foot's pay-what-you-can two-hour walking tours. These volunteer-led tours take you to key landmarks like Cloud Gate, Marina City, the Leo Burnett Building and works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. 

Cost: pay-what-you-can

Art Deco Skyscrapers

Take a trip back to the Roaring Twenties with this tour, which takes you through the history of many iconic Chicago buildings. Choose from the Loop route, which includes One North LaSalle and the towering Board of Trade, or the Riverfront route for the gold-topped Carbide and Carbon building and the Holabird and Root-designed 333 N. Wacker Drive. Admire the geometric shapes, vibrant colors and sophisticated elegance that Art Deco construction is so well known for on these two-hour walking tours.

Chicago Mahogany Tours

Although these tours (which are created and by civic historian and TikTok star Shermann "Dilla" Thomas) aren't exclusively architecture-focused, the built environment plays a huge role in their explorations of the history, contributions and legacies of South Side neighborhoods like Roseland and Back of the Yards. And from Bronzeville's beautiful boulevards to Pullman's historic workers' homes, there's plenty for architecture buffs to explore on these important tours.

Chicago For Chicagoans

Live in Chicago and feel like you've done all the downtown-centric architecture tours? Maybe it's time to give Chicago for Chicagoans a go. The tours, developed for locals by locals, are designed to build community and give Chicago natives a stronger appreciation for their neighborhoods and neighbors. Enjoy walking tours and fun scavenger hunts of Albany Park, Chinatown, Pilsen, Beverly and more—and the tours frequently end at local restaurants if all that walking works up an appetite.

Cost: $10-$20 (suggested donation)

Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture

If you prefer sleek metal and glass designs to ornate Gothic architecture, you’ll want to book a spot on this two-hour walking tour of the city’s most famous modern buildings. Peep minimalist designs from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, admire the towering Aon Center and ogle the unique look of Marina City, among others.

Devil in the White City Tour

The announcement that the World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893 would be held in Chicago spurred an explosion of new construction. Beaux-Arts buildings sprung up all over Jackson Park and the South Side—so many sparkly new buildings, in fact, that the area earned the nickname “White City.” More than 125 years later, visitors can still see the architectural impact of the fair on the city. This tour includes a visit to Jackson Park's Garden of the Phoenix and the Midway Plaissance

Private Chicago Architecture Tour

Don’t want to share your tour guide with a group? Reserve a private tour to spend an entire afternoon exploring the city’s most impressive buildings. You’ll stop at everything from Willis Tower to Gothic facades on the Magnificent Mile to Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park. Did we mention you’ll be chauffeured from stop to stop in a luxury town car or SUV, too?

Chicago Women in Architecture

As in so many industries, women’s contributions to the world of architecture have only recently begun to get their moment in the sun. Discover some of the female architects leaving their mark on Chicago’s skyline on this 90-minute tour led by an expert from the Chicago Architecture Center, featuring sites like the Aqua Tower and Equitable Building. Who built the world? Girls!

Walk Pilsen

Explore the cultural influence and impact of the many immigrant groups who have called Pilsen home and the intersection of art and architecture on this tour from the Chicago Architecture Center. On this two-hour tour, you'll visit residential, commercial, residential and cultural sites, from the 18th Street Pink Line station's murals to the Sokols, century-old Czech athletic clubs.

Brick of Chicago

What's so exciting about brick? Common brick built much of Chicago, and this tour, created by local teacher Will Quam, takes you around neighborhoods like Logan Square, Hyde Park and Bronzeville to show how the built environment created our interesting and beautiful city. After marveling at churches and greystones and Gilded Age mansions, you'll find yourself taking a second, more appreciative look at the world around you.

Historic Austin

This two-hour, neighborhood-centric Chicago Architecture Center tour takes you through historic Midway Park, shows you works by prominent local architects including Frederick Schock, William Drummond and Dwight Perkins and gives you an opportunity to marvel at the neighborhood's grand Queen Anne and Prairie homes. During the tour, you'll also hear from Austin residents about their efforts to revitalize the neighborhood following decades of disinvestment and racist housing practices.

Absolutely Chicago Segway

Of course we had to include the Segway tours! Strut around the city in style aboard these two-wheeled marvels of tour-guide technology. From museum campus to an "insider" tour that reveals the lesser-known parts of downtown, these tours are a great way to cover a lot of ground without any of exhaustion. See the lakefront, parks and skyline like never before. 

Cost: $65-$72

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From Land to Sea: The Windy City's Best Building Tours

Learn more about Chicago's unique and inventive architecture

Back in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed large sections of downtown, so many of the city's buildings are remarkable not for their history, but for their originality. Chicago is also unique in that some of its best views don’t come from within the city itself but from boat tours along its shoreline. Check out these outstanding Chicago architecture tours to see the city in a new way.

Historic Skyscrapers

Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper. It was here that skyscraper engineering and design really took off in the late 19th century in the wake of the Great Fire. Hosted by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the Historic Skyscrapers tour explores the stories behind some of Chicago's most innovative and iconic skyscrapers, including the The Rookery and the Chicago Board of Trade Building . Tours depart daily from the CAF Shop and Tour Center .

Architectural Cocktail Cruise

Scofflaw offers cocktails to suit any palette and budget, but this Logan Square gem is, at its heart, a gin joint. You're not likely to find a better selection of this often overlooked spirit at any other bar in Chicago. Scofflaw's brick and wood interior gives it a cozy Victorian atmosphere, and if you start to feel a bit hungry, they serve up some tasty small plates that are surprisingly filling.

Must-See Chicago

The Must-See Chicago tour is just the ticket when you want to take in as many significant Chicago landmarks as possible in 90 minutes. It includes sites like the Willis Tower , Wrigley Building and the Art Institute of Chicago , as well as in-depth commentary from knowledgeable Chicago Architecture Foundation guides. Must-See Chicago Tours are on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. They depart from the CAF Shop and Tour Center .

Craft Beers and Community Cheers

Let's not beat around the bush—if you're looking for a dive bar, this is your place. You could call Richard's Bar an old man's bar, and there's not a thing in the world wrong with that. The atmosphere is dingy, the beer is cheap, the jukebox is loaded with Rat Pack classics and the bartenders do not suffer fools. The clientele ranges from local old-timers to college students and out-of-towners looking for a home away from home.

Hop on Hop Off Chicago Tour

Some Chicago architecture tours are best explored at your own pace, and the Hop On Hop Off Chicago Tour allows you to do just that. The brainchild of the Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Company , this 48-hour tour invites you to climb aboard one of the company's trolleys or buses at your leisure. Your tour guide will fill you in on the history of all the downtown highlights while you're on board.

Get on or off at any stop along the tour route. Trolleys and double-decker buses typically make the rounds at each stop every 30 minutes or so. Many stops are located near historically and architecturally significant sites like the John Hancock Center and the Chicago Water Tower .

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Chicago .

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Most Popular

Architecture River Tour

Adults starting at

• 75-minute, guided boat tour
• Unique views from the water create an entirely new perspective of the city
• 40+ landmarks including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City

Skyline Lake Cruise

• 45-minute cruise on Lake Michigan
• Stops on the North and South side of the lake front for two iconic skyline photo ops
• Spectacular views of Chicago’s iconic architecture

Sightseeing Deal

• Save 48% on an Architecture River Tour  and  four more top Chicago attractions
• Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days
• One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves you time and money

Explore all tours

Catch a Water Taxi to the Bears Game !

Sept 29th & oct 6th at soldier field.

Roundtrip Water Taxi tickets

Return Trip Departs from Museum Campus every 20 minutes until 7pm. 

Sightseeing in Chicago? Chicago CityPASS ® saves 48% on premier admission tickets  to Chicago’s top 5 attractions, including the Architecture River Tour.

The reviews are in

Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

• Architecture River Tour
• Skyline Tour
• Fireworks Tour
• Water Taxis
• Buy Tickets
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SCHEDULE & TICKETS

Looking for a specific tour or cruise.

• Lake & River Architecture Tour
• 90 Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour
• 45 Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour

• Chicago Sunset Cruise
• Chicago Fireworks Cruise
• Beer & BBQ Cruise
• Wine & Cheese Cruise
• St. Patrick’s Day Cruise (21+)
• St. Patrick’s Day Kids Cruise
• Holiday Fireworks Cruise
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Wendella has three docking locations. The location of your tour or cruise, is clearly marked on your ticket. Your ticket will say: “Michigan Avenue,” “West Dock, or “Riverwalk,” under the tour title. Locations below;

Michigan Avenue;  Located at 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, Il 60611. Descend the stairs adjacent to the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge.

West Dock ; Located at 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, Il 60611 in between the Wrigley Building and Trump International Hotel & Tower.

The routes of the Architecture Tours can be found here; 8×11 Map_2023

Ticket prices vary. Please select a specific tour or cruise from the above list to view pricing and more information.

Food is not served, but snacks are available for purchase at the vessel bar.

Our tours are currently in English only. Printed tour guides are available in Simplified Chinese.

Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.

Tours and cruises depart rain or shine. Wendella vessels include sheltered areas and climate controlled lounges. Ponchos are available for purchase on all vessels. However, in cases of severe weather, if the Captain deems it unsafe and cancels the tour, all guests will be refunded.

Seating is first come, first served. We recommend groups arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour time for a better chance of getting seats together.

A full-service bar is available on board. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an assortment of snacks, are available for purchase. Bar sales are credit card only. No cash purchases.

There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection.

Our tours do often sell out and we always recommend customers buy their tickets online and in advance.

The following discounts apply; 50% off on Tuesdays for College Students with a valid Student ID from an accredited College or University. 50% off Monday-Thursday for active-duty U.S. Military personnel and their spouses with a valid ID. $10 off Monday-Thursday for U.S. Veterans and Reservists with a valid ID. All discounted tickets must be purchased at the ticket office to receive the discount. Discounts are not valid on holidays. Discounts are not valid for the Wine & Cheese Cruise or Beer & BBQ Cruise.

Parking is available at nearby parking garages or through SpotHero, the nations leading parking reservation app ;

AMA Plaza Parking Garage may be accessed off Wabash Avenue, opposite Trump Tower or on State Street near the Hertz sign. Wendella guests can receive a $5.00 off parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. Parking may be reserved in advance by visiting StateWabashParking.com ($5.00 off parking chaser coupon cannot be applied to parking reservations made in advance).

Trump Tower Parking Garage is located at 401 N Wabash Avenue. Wendella guests may park for up to 6 hours at a discounted rate of $18.00 with a parking chaser coupon from our ticket office. This coupon is for self-park only and is not valid for valet parking. Parking is subject to availability.

Yes. Restrooms are located on the lower deck of each vessel; changing tables are also available in each restroom.

If the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor seating, most Wendella vessels feature an enclosed climate-controlled lounge on the bottom deck with speakers to hear the tour guide’s narration. We suggest that if you have a concern about whether your vessel has a climate-controlled lounge, to please call ahead: 312-337-1446.

(312) 659-8687

Chicago Minibus Tour

With the option to add the, chicago river architecture boat tour, our comfortable, climate controlled, award-winning chicago mini-bus tour takes you on an entertaining, narrated journey through the downtown area, and to several distinct neighborhoods., you’ll learn about the windy city's colorful past, cosmopolitan present and exciting future., photo stops include: the buckingham fountain * the loop/rookery building the riverfront/wrigley building amazing skyline view/lakefront lincoln park ** * may-october ** november-april, below are some of the many famous sights you will see:.

The Loop Millennium Park

Museum Campus & Skyline View

Buckingham Fountain

Chicago River

Lincoln Park

Loop/Millennium Park

Millennium park.

Museum Campus

Adults: $47.95 * Children: $37.95 (ages 4-12) *

(children 3 and under ride free when not occupying a separate seat), 10:00 am, 1:00 pm tuesday-sunday 2 hour tour, with 4 photo stops., (stops and route subject to change) complimentary pickups available from most downtown hotels., for reservations call: (312) 659-8687, or click the 'book now" button below * enter promo code 'mini' to receive $5.00 off per person, parking if you are not staying downtown, we can pick you up from the front of: the doubletree hotel magnificent mile- 300 e. ohio st. parking is available in several structures surrounding the hotel. go to www.spothero.com for reduced parking prices. there is nobody to check in with. please be waiting on the ohio st. side of the hotel. pickup time at the doubletree is 9:30 for the 10:00 tour and 12:30 for the 1:00.

Chicago Minibus Tour plus the Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour

At the conclusion of your chicago mini bus tour, we’ll take you to the magnificent mile. there, you will board a shoreline sightseeing chicago river architecture tour boat, architecture, you’ll enjoy a 75-minute cruise along the scenic chicago river in a large open air tour boat, while learning a thing or twenty about architecture, chicago history and even how to reverse the direction of a river, not to bury the lead, but there is a bar on the boat, for those in need of a refreshing or relaxing libation., this tour ends at michigan ave and wacker drive. most downtown hotels are within a mile of this location. , chicago minibus tour plus the popular chicago river architecture boat tour , adults: $99.95 * children: $65.95 (ages 4-12) *, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm tuesday-sunday, mini bus + boat tours together last approximately 4 hours. the mini bus and boat tours do not have to be taken consecutively. complimentary pickups available from most downtown hotels., or click the 'book now" button below * enter promo code 'boat' to receive $8.00 off per person, parking if you are not staying downtown, we can pick you up from the front of: the doubletree hotel magnificent mile- 300 e. ohio st. parking is available in several structures surrounding the hotel. go to www.spothero.com for reduced parking prices. there is nobody to check in with. please be waiting on the ohio st. side of the hotel. pickup time at the doubletree is 9:30 for the 10:00 tour and 12:30 for the 1:00 the chicago river architecture boat tour begins and ends less than 3 short blocks from the doubletree magnificent mile., private chicago tours, just you and your family and friends is the most convenient way to tour, our chicago bus tour picks you up and drops you off at your hotel or anywhere else in  downtown chicago. at the end of the tour, we can drop you off pretty much anywhere, too. want to finish at millennium park fine. the willis tower sure. the art institute of chicago, no problem. our other tours pick you up, but even then, you generally have to ride around to several more hotels while we pick up the others on your tour. with our private tour, we pick you up and away you go, when you are touring with others, you’re usually expected to be quiet and respectful of them. on a private tour, you can let loose, tell inside jokes, laugh and just be silly. bottom line, you can have more fun as for the tour itinerary, you can either leave that up to us, or we can focus on the things that you want to see. private tours are, of course, fully customizable., private chicago sightseeing tour prices, 1-11 people 2-hours: $479 3-hours: $599 4-hours: $699 12 or more: call for pricing, (prices include 9% city and 3% county amusement taxes), for this tour, you must call us at (312) 659-8687 to book.

How long are the tours? Our Chicago mini bus tour is two hours. The combination with the bus and Chicago River Architecture boat tour about 3.5-4 hours.

Where do we start the tour? Our tour picks up at most of the downtown Chicago hotels. If you are not staying at one of them, give us a call and we’ll tell you where to go (in the nicest possible sense).

Will there definitely be seats for us? Yes. Several of our competitors over-sell their tours, so that sometimes there are seats, sometimes not. Once you reserve with us, your seats will be yours for the entire tour. Also, our seats are nice and plush. Not plastic seats or wooden benches.

Can we take lots of photos? Absolutely. While you can take pics throughout the tour, we have 3 (sometimes 4) photo stops. They are located in the best places to get the most amazing pictures of Chicago.

Can we easily ask questions of our guide? Our mini buses hold just 14 guests. That way, you’ll be close to the guide and able to ask questions (and get correct answers)

Are Your Tour Guides Experienced? Our guides are all very experienced and knowledgeable about Chicago. They have all lived here for at least 20 years. You can ask them anything.

Will we see anything designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? Only a couple of walking tours and ours take you inside one of the first skyscrapers ever built, The Rookery. The awe inspiring lobby was designed by Mr. Wright. You may recognize it from the movies “The Untouchables” and “Home Alone Part 2”.

How does the architecture boat tour portion work? At the end of your mini bus tour, we will take you to the Shoreline Sightseeing dock on Michigan Ave. The boat tours leave about every 30-45 minutes and you can use your tickets at any time, even on a different day. Let’s say that it is raining or too hot (or both), you have the option to wait until a better time to ride the boat.

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5 Affordable Chicago Architecture Tours

Chicago is renowned for its plethora of unique architectural styles, all of which can be explored by booking yourself onto a fascinating city architecture tour.

(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

From its Chicago Bungalows and grand Graystones to the skyscrapers of the Loop and ornate “Polish Cathedrals”, there are few cities with such diversity in its buildings and landmarks as the Windy City. If you’d like to discover this rich heritage for yourself, we’ve picked out 5 of the best guided architecture tours of the city currently on offer.

Chicago River Guided Architecture Cruise

Experience Chicago’s legendary architecture from the scenic vintage point of the Chicago River. During the one-and-a-half hour cruise you’ll navigate the waters through the heart of the city while hearing intriguing stories and facts from your expert guide as you go. Notable buildings you’ll pass along the way include Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, the art deco Merchandise Mart, the circular Marina City Towers, and the majestic Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower and the city’s tallest building). Guests can choose between the open-air decks or the comfort of the climate-controlled boat interiors, and there’s also a full-service bar for refreshments. From $40 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Chicago History, Culture and Architecture Walking Tour

Join a thought-provoking walking tour of some of Chicago’s most prestigious buildings, landmarks, monuments and places of interest. Over an action-packed two-and-a-half-hours, you’ll get to marvel at the city’s stunning skyline, explore the nooks and crannies of The Loop district, ride the famous ‘L’ train, and feel the energy and buzz of a beautiful lakefront park. There’ll also be some mouth-watering foodie stop-offs, giving you the chance to enjoy classic made-in-Chicago snacks like Chicago-style popcorn and homemade chocolate. From $49 per person.

Chicago Architecture Walking Tour: Dazzling Interiors of the Loop

Chicago’s famous Loop district is awash with beautiful buildings that are a sight to behold from the outside, but many of them boast impressive interiors too. This two-hour walking tour invites you to go behind the façades and take in the best of the area’s inside spaces. Highlights include stop-offs at the art-deco Chicago Board of Trade Building and the historic Rookery Building. An experienced and knowledgeable guide will accompany you for the duration of the tour. From $33 per person.

Book at Viator

Chicago Private Architecture Tour

For a more intimate experience, this private tour offers groups of up to five guests a chance to see the city’s architectural highlights over either three or six hours. During the tour, you’ll explore some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, such as Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), The John Hancock Building, Wrigley Building, Aqua, and historic brownstones. The six-hour tour option also includes a visit to Oak Park and the homes of Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as a lunch stop (additional cost) at one of Chicago’s many famous hot dog stands or deep-dish pizza joints. From $779 per group (max 5 people).

Two Truths & a Lie: Debunking Chicago Architecture Myths & Urban Legends Tour

Like most cities, Chicago is steeped in tales that ride the line between fact and fiction Held over around two hours, this all-outdoors tour recalls some of the most commonly told urban myths as you traverse the city streets, passing along the Chicago River and through the central, downtown Loop district. Did Al Capone really operate a speakeasy in the Jewelers’ Building? Was the Carbide & Carbon Building modelled after a champagne bottle in order for the architects to thumb their noses at Prohibition? All will be revealed. From $30 per person.

By Paul Joseph

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Must-See Chicago

Best architecture tours of Chicago

Get a brief overview of more than a dozen buildings and Chicago landmarks on this whirlwind tour. There are lots of photo opportunities along the way, so be sure to bring your camera!

Architects and Styles

• Beaux Arts ,
• Burnham Brothers ,
• Contemporary ,
• Frank Gehry ,
• Frank Lloyd Wright ,
• Mid-century Modern ,
• Mies van der Rohe ,
• Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge ,
• Studio Gang

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Tour includes the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis (Sears) Tower, Millennium Park, the Loop, the Chicago River—and more!

Know before you go:

• This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.

Tour reviews

For a fast-paced introduction to Chicago in all of its variety, this is the tour to book.

Carbide & Carbon Building. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

Prudential Plaza. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

Willis Tower

Pablo Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza.

Marc Chagall mosaic at the Chase Bank Plaza.

Buildings on This Tour

Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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Architecture Boat Tour

Offer july 01, 2024 - november 12, 2024, fall in love with the city from the chicago river..

For the city explorers, relax and take in Chicago’s iconic architecture aboard the city's top rated boat tour.

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2-year-old girl found safe after she was reported missing overnight from Lombard hotel

The incident resulted in an hours-long "active police response" from multiple suburban agencies, including k-9s and divers searching a retention pond, published 3 hours ago • updated 59 mins ago.

A 2-year-old girl reported missing from a Lombard hotel overnight that prompted a "significant" police and dive team response early Friday morning was found safe inside a hotel room, officials confirmed.

According to officials, the girl was found by police around 7 a.m. inside a vacant room on the fourth floor of the hotel.

📺 24/7 Chicago news stream: Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are

A family friend told NBC Chicago the girl was reported missing around midnight. The girl's mother had taken a shower in her room on the fourth floor and came out to find her daughter missing, the friend said.

Police took the mother and father of the girl in for questioning as officials continued to search the area. Later Friday morning, authorities found the girl in room 405, a vacant hotel room, without a key, officials said.

The incident resulted in an hours-long "active police response" from multiple suburban agencies, including K-9s and divers searching a retention pond.

Around 4 a.m., Lombard Police confirmed to NBC Chicago there was an "active police response" around the Extended Stay America Hotel, located at 260 E. 22nd St. in Lombard, near the Yorktown Shopping Center Mall.

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NBC 5 reporter Sandra Torres reported the "significant" police presence included the Lombard Police Department, the DuPage County Sheriff and Villa Park Police Department, as well as a the Oakbrook, Roselle and Bloomingdale Fire Departments.

The Bloomingdale Fire Department confirmed to Torres that they were dispatched to the scene due to reports of a person "in the water."

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Photos and video from the scene showed multiple agencies surrounding the area, along with several divers searching a pond behind the hotel and Greek Islands Lombard, a popular restaurant near the Yorktown Mall.

Torres reported from the scene that an employee at the Extended Stay America said police were searching for a 2-year-old girl staying at the hotel who was reported missing overnight.

At 6:27 a.m., the Village of Lombard later Friday morning confirmed authorities were searching for the missing girl in the area of 22nd Street and Highland Avenue.

At 7:05 a.m., the village posted an update saying the girl had been found safe.

Lombard, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, is approximately 20 miles west of the city.

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Xg: the first howl world tour.

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• Japanese girl group XG will perform live at Wintrust Arena on Oct. 21, 2024.

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