Top Illinois Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point—and learn insider facts and stories about the city's top attractions—on this Chicago River cruise. Travel in comfort aboard a boat equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, this tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.

Admire some of the Windy City's most iconic views—and enjoy a time-saving, relaxing way to sightsee—aboard this pet-friendly Chicago River architecture boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including dozens of notable buildings, like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. In just one tour, you cover multiple branches of the Chicago River and learn insider facts and stories you'd otherwise miss.

See the Second City from the water with a sightseeing cruise along the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering a unique perspective of towering skyscrapers and historic architecture. This tour offers stories about the city’s history and culture as you pass by Chicago's landmarks, museums, and buildings. Capture unforgettable images of the city skyline from Lake Michigan, ensuring a unique look at Chicago, perfect for all ages.

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

Discover the hidden gems of Chicago’s Loop area on a walking tour that showcases the best of the neighborhood’s stunning interiors and architectural must-sees. Step behind the facades to explore beautifully designed interiors—from art deco spaces to stained glass mosaics—as you follow a carefully curated route led by a guide. Along the way, learn about the city’s architecture, art, and history, and experience a side of Chicago often missed by travelers, all from a local’s perspective.

Discover Chicago from the street and the river with a flexible sightseeing package that combines a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour with an architecture-focused river cruise. Explore at your own pace while snapping photos of the city from the open-top bus, and then admire celebrated architectural landmarks from a unique waterfront perspective during your ride down the Chicago River.

Tower above the Windy City’s world-famous skyline with pre-booked admission to 360 Chicago—a great way to avoid long ticket lines. Ascend one of the tallest buildings in North America aboard its lightning-fast elevator, and be rewarded with bird’s-eye views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. You can also upgrade to the Sip and View ticket, which includes one drink at the newly renovated CloudBar. Once onsite, you can purchase tickets to TILT, 360 Chicago's top attraction.

Chicago is famous for its architecture, and the best way to see it is on a cruise down the Chicago River. Glide by historic and modern marvels like the Civic Opera House, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower from the comfort of an open-deck boat. Live narration reveals each building’s fascinating history, so you'll learn more than you would just observing on your own.

Discover the beauty of Chicago at night during a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Watch the city sparkle as you pass landmarks such as Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Aon Center and the John Hancock Building, and the illuminated waters of Buckingham Fountain. You'll learn about the history of the city from live commentary by your knowledgeable guide as you glide along the waterfront of Chicago.

Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel (with an enclosed and climate-controlled lounge) in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.

Eat your way through downtown Chicago on a walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel, and other city landmarks and taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and chocolate brownies. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. A bike or kayak rental is also included in the tour cost.

The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest American and Impressionist painting collections in the world, but it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. Remove the guesswork and maximize your time inside the museum on a private tour that covers major highlights by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol, Hopper, and others. Plus, there's no waiting to get inside, as the tour includes a skip-the-line ticket.

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Being short on time in Chicago doesn’t mean you need to rush your sightseeing. This combo tour helps you admire the Windy City from two perspectives—on land during a hop-on hop-off bus tour and from above at the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Skip the stress of booking separate tickets and explore at your own pace.

The best views of Chicago can be yours at 360 Chicago Observation Deck! Perched 94 stories above the Windy City in the former John Hancock Building, 360 Chicago provides commanding views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s towering skyscrapers. Located in the heart of downtown on Michigan Avenue, the observatory is steps away from other top Chicago attractions. It will be the high point (literally) of your Chicago trip! Upgrade to the Sip and View ticket, which includes one drink at the newly renovated CloudBar. The Sip menu includes a rotating selection of beer, wine and cocktails. Once onsite, you can purchase tickets to TILT, a thrill ride that offers visitors unique, downward facing views from 1,030 feet. You may also choose to upgrade your Sip and View ticket from the Sip Menu to the Elevated Menu for an additional $8. *TILT not included in purchase

Discover Pilsen, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its colorful street art, rich Mexican heritage, historic architecture, and thriving local culture. This locally led Pilsen walking tour offers an authentic, insider experience beyond typical Chicago sightseeing. - Pilsen-based experts with 40+ years of combined experience - Explore iconic sites like 16th Street murals, Thalia Hall, and local cultural landmarks - Official Pilsen tour partner of the Chicago History Museum - Bilingual tours available in English and Spanish - Multiple routes and flexible options, including walking, running, or biking tours -BOOKING: Please note the tour guide will contact you to schedule an exact time for your tour after you have completed the booking. There is no option to pick a start time.

Discover the architectural soul of Chicago on a thoughtfully curated half-day city tour. Travel through the city’s most influential districts, from historic riverfront landmarks to groundbreaking modern skyscrapers. Explore the Loop’s civic, financial, and architectural core, admire world-renowned towers, and experience Chicago’s most celebrated public spaces. This small-group tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Chicago’s skyline, history, and urban design, concluding with a panoramic skyline view before returning guests to the original pickup point. Ideal for first-time visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike. Explore Chicago’s iconic riverfront skyscrapers and historic bridges See legendary architecture including Willis Tower and Marina City Discover the heart of Chicago’s financial, civic, and architectural power Pass by Millennium Park and spend time at Cloud Gate (The Bean) Enjoy a panoramic Chicago skyline view, included for all guests

Explore a range of interactive exhibits at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago—one of the largest science museums in the country. Rather than simply viewing displays, enjoy hands-on experiences that bring engineering, technology, and natural science to life. Housed in the last remaining building from the 1893 World's Fair, the museum combines historic significance with immersive exhibits, making it an engaging attraction for visitors of all ages.

Explore Chicago by Segway with the benefit of a scenic 7- or 8-mile tour led by your guide. Start with an orientation to operating the Segway and a few minutes to practice. Then roll through the paths of Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain and glide along the Chicago lakefront to view attractions such as Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and Soldier Field, homefield for the Chicago Bears.

Uncover the best of Chicago on an unforgettable highlights tour designed for travelers, sightseers, and history lovers alike! Step off the bus to admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s lobby inside The Rookery, take in dramatic sights at Buckingham Fountain, capture panoramic skyline photos at Museum Campus, and marvel at Millennium Park’s famous Bean and Crown Fountain. Along the way, take in views of Willis Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade, the luxury shops of The Magnificent Mile, historic Gold Coast brownstones, and Lincoln Park’s scenic overlooks, all while learning the dramatic stories and famous movie history (Home Alone 2, The Untouchables) behind the Windy City's greatest landmarks. Upgrade your experience to include the world-renowned 75-minute Architectural River Cruise! Please note, infants 0-3 years old must sit on a lap.

Immerse yourself in one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods—and head off the tourist trail to discover sights and bites many visitors miss—on this small-group Chinatown food and walking tour. With your guide in the lead, learn about the cuisine of different regions of China, and discover the history of Chicago's Chinatown. Along the way, enjoy a generous array of tastings, from dim sum to Sichuan cuisine and beyond.

Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience—and see more of the city's highlights in less time—on an architecture-themed boat tour of the Chicago River. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Thanks to your trained docent guide, receive a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.

Experience Chicago in a new way on this small-group Segway tour. Visit Chicago’s "front yard," and see more of the sights in less time. Glide along the fragrant floral paths of Grant Park to the famous Buckingham Fountain. Then, travel along the banks of Lake Michigan to the Museum Campus for top-notch views of the city’s iconic skyline. Guided Segway training and helmets are included, making this a beginner-friendly tour.