All Chicago Tours & Excursions in 2026
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Top Attractions in Chicago
What are people saying about Chicago
Chicago makes such a striking impression that you're best off discovering it from a few different vantage points. Luckily, Chicago tours offer multiple ways to see the city in style. Visit the observation decks in the Windy City's record-breaking skyscrapers for panoramic views; then, hop on a boat along the Chicago River. From there, zoom into a more local scale: Head out after dark to learn about the city's gangster history; explore its characterful neighborhoods on local-led walking tours—and don't forget to eat Chicago classics, from deep-dish pizza to Italian beef sandwiches, on a tasting tour.
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There are hundreds of high-quality tour options in Chicago, one of the great American cities. Among previous travelers, these are some of the best-rated Chicago tours:
The cost of Chicago tours runs the gamut from roughly US$20–30 per person for a 45-minute architecture cruise to US$850 and up (depending on group size) for a private tour of the city. Most of the top-rated tours are under US$60 per person. No matter what you have on your agenda, there’s sure to be a tour that suits your budget.
On the lower end of the price range, you can book tours such as the Chicago Black History Highlights Walking Tour from US$5 per person. This hour-long group walking tour gives you a thorough introduction to Chicago’s Black history and culture and takes you to key African American landmarks in the city. Pricier options include VIP tours such as Chicago Private Boat Rental—Explore Chicago's Skyline & Waters, from US$2,275 per group (up to 12). This charter boat service provides the captain and crew, and you choose the itinerary—ideal for parties and celebrations or family vacations.
There are dozens of subjects you can explore and sights you can see on Chicago tours, so what you see depends on which tour you choose. The city’s famous skyline gets the spotlight on architecture boat tours, and several walking tours highlight locations tied to Chicago’s history of organized crime. You can also see Chicago landmarks like the Cloud Gate sculpture (“The Bean”) in Millennium Park and the much-loved Field Museum of Natural History.
Consider an all-day tour to visit as many attractions and landmarks as possible. For example, the Chicago in a Day: Food, History, and Architecture Walking Tour takes you to many must-visit attractions and areas, including the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Chicago Theatre, City Hall, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and more.
You could spend weeks and not run out of things to do in Chicago, but a 3–5-day visit is a great way to start. That gives you time to see the city’s highlights, and you might even have enough time to book some longer Chicago tours, like an extended river cruise or even a boat tour on the lake.
The best months to be in Chicago are spring shoulder seasons (specifically April–May) and fall (September–October). During these months, the weather isn’t as hot and humid as it can get in the summer, but it’s still pleasant enough for plenty of outdoor exploring. The summer calendar is packed with fun festivals and events, so summer can also be a great time to visit if you don’t mind the heat (or the crowds).
According to travelers, these are the best attractions in Chicago:
- Chicago Riverwalk
- The Magnificent Mile
- Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
- Chicago River
- Navy Pier
View Viator’s guide to all the best attractions in Chicago.
There are tons of great trips to take from Chicago. According to traveler reviews, these are the best day trips to book right now:
- Milwaukee Adventures and Miller Brewery Day Trip From Chicago
- Private Frank Lloyd Wright Architectural Tour by Luxury Vehicle
- Windmill Island—Tulip Festival Day Tour From Chicago
View all of Viator’s top Chicago day trips.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time in Chicago. Here are some of the best Chicago activities under US$25:
There are tons of Chicago activities to enjoy in the fresh air. Here are some of the top outdoor tours to book right now:
- Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
- Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard Chicago's First Lady
- Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
- Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour From Magnificent Mile
View all of Viator’s top outdoor activities in Chicago.
According to travelers, these are the top museums and cultural attractions in Chicago:
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Field Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Volo Auto Museum
- American Writers Museum
View all of Viator’s museum tickets and passes in Chicago.
Couples will find plenty of romantic tours in Chicago. Here are some of the top activities to book now, according to previous travelers:
- Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour From Magnificent Mile
- Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago
- Private 45-Minute Chicago Skyline Helicopter Tour
- Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour
View all of Viator’s top romantic tours in Chicago.
Chicago has enough activities to entertain every member of your family. Here are some of the top kid-friendly tours to book now, according to previous travelers:
- Chicago Family Food and Bike Tour With Top Attractions
- Chicago CityPASS®
- Volo Auto Museum: Admission Ticket
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Admission Ticket
View all of Viator’s top family-friendly tours in Chicago.































