All Illinois Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS®. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Chicago's most famous aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of admission to three of the following attractions: Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, or Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour.

Visit the Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), with ease thanks to this prebooked ticket option. Avoid long lines at the ticket office and enter directly to access the highest point in Chicago. Peruse interactive displays and exhibits showcasing Chicago's history. Then walk out on to the Ledge, a glass balcony that offers unimpeded views of Navy Pier and Wrigley Field.

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.

Marvel at Chicago's iconic architecture and lakefront from a unique perspective with this 30-minute immersive ride. With drone footage, helicopter-mounted cameras, and other custom media, Flyover Chicago creates the sensation of flying above and through the city to take in its highlights from above. Get up close to details atop the highest skyscrapers and learn about Chicago's history and cityscape during the ride.

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.

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.

See Chicago your way with flexible hop-on hop-off tickets designed to suit every sightseeing style. Explore the Windy City at your own pace, hopping off to visit top attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Riverwalk while enjoying onboard commentary that adds context to what you see. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour offers flexibility and ensures you don’t miss any of Chicago’s highlights. You can also upgrade your experience to enjoy extra sightseeing time and a panoramic sunset tour for unforgettable skyline views.

The Centennial Wheel at Chicago’s Navy Pier is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and as well as being visible from all over the city, you can enjoy some impressive views from the wheel, too. Don’t risk missing out on tickets to ride. This admission ticket gives you multiple rotations on the wheel and access to the other onsite amenities, including the restaurants.

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.

Experience Chicago like a true insider on this top-rated walking tour that blends the city’s most iconic food, awe-inspiring architecture, and rich history — all in one unforgettable day. From deep-dish pizza to legendary skyscrapers, you’ll taste, see, and learn what makes the Windy City a world-class destination. Led by expert local guides and limited to just 12 guests, this immersive, small-group tour is the perfect way to discover the real Chicago — not just the tourist spots.

Take in views of the Chicago skyline and its landmarks during this Lake Michigan sightseeing boat cruise. Enjoy a laidback ride, soaking up panoramic views from this unique perspective. Listen to audio commentary to give you fresh insight into the landmarks you see, like Navy Pier and the Willis Tower, and feel free to bring your own lunch or grab a drink at the onboard bar (own expense).

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

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.

Enter a land of sugar and adventure with admission to Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of interactive exhibits, including sprinkle-filled pools, whimsical selfie spots, and exclusive ice cream sampling stations offering seasonal flavors. Whether you’re an art lover or a dessert enthusiast, this playful, family-friendly experience promises fun and memories for all. Avoid disappointment by booking your preferred time.

We are the original, top-rated Gangsters and Ghosts tour! Hear the tales of the ghosts, and gangsters, that haunt the city. Explore the Chicago South Loop district with your historian guide, uncovering the many mysteries hidden behind every turn. Walk through Chicago's notorious South Loop, known as a vice district during the 1920s and 30s. Stroll through this now upmarket area of the city which was once home to underground speakeasies, secret tunnels, and bootleggers. Hear the true stories of Chicago's bloody past and the gangsters who caused havoc in the city. See the places notorious figures such as Al Capone used to party, make deals, and carry out "business". Discover the legends of the ghosts that are said to lure along the Chicago Riverwalk and the aptly named Death Alley. Stop at haunted locations including Palmer House, and the Chicago Theatre, before finishing outside the Congress Hotel, one of the most haunted places in Illinois.

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.

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore Chicago's top attractions is through a Chicago Explorer Pass by Go City. Save money compared to buying individual attraction tickets, and create your own sightseeing itinerary by choosing from among more than 35 top sites, including the Skydeck Chicago, a sightseeing cruise, a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour, Navy Pier, and more.

Discover more of Chicago beyond downtown with this convenient South Side open-top shuttle transfer. Travel from central Chicago to some of the city’s most important cultural and historic destinations, including Jackson Park, the Obama Presidential Center campus, and the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry. Enjoy an easy ride south without arranging taxis, rideshares, or public transit connections. The shuttle first stops near the Obama Presidential Center and Jackson Park, giving you access to one of Chicago’s most historic lakefront spaces. Explore the area at your own pace, take photos, or continue your visit independently. The route also serves the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and one of the largest science museums in the world. This is a great option for travelers who want a simple, affordable way to visit Chicago’s South Side highlights from downtown. Choose a one-way transfer or an all-day ticket for added flexibility.

Witness Chicago’s stunning skyline from above on this exhilarating helicopter tour. Departing from the Vertiport, the flight offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic architecture, including Soldier Field and the Shedd Aquarium, as well as the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline. This unforgettable experience showcases 8 key points of interest along a scenic 10-mile route, perfect for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a unique perspective of the Windy City. - 10-mile scenic helicopter flight over Chicago's skyline - Fly past famous landmarks like Soilder Field and Chinatown - Minimum of 2 passengers required, maximum of 3 per flight - Free parking available at the Vertiport Chicago

Explore a new side of Chicago and the city's gangster past on this mafia tour in a coach vehicle. Drive around the Windy City to see where Al Capone, The Untouchables, Hymie Weiss, John Dillinger, and more famous figures hung out. There are ample chances to get out of the bus and pose for pictures in front of a historic courthouse, among other infamous sites.

Step into the captivating realm of illusions, where reality is never exactly as it appears. Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind, visual, sensory, and educational experience designed to engage your sense of wonder and challenge perceptions through the science behind optical illusions. We offer over 50 immersive, hands-on exhibits to explore. Our illusion rooms, installations and holograms let you defy gravity, grow and shrink your body, walk into a life-size kaleidoscope, and play tricks on your senses at every turn. It’s a mind-bending journey that deceives the senses and reveals how the brain interprets reality.

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.