Chicago Riverwalk Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Chicago Riverwalk. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

• Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour From Magnificent Mile

• Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

• Bikes, Bites & Views: Chicago's Signature Dishes Bike Tour-Adults

• Chicago Food Tour: Taste the City's Most Iconic Eats

While it’s free to visit the Chicago Riverwalk on your own, there are plenty of affordable tours that can help you learn more about the attraction with an expert guide—and have some fun along the way. Architecture boat tours that pass by the Riverwalk start at US$28 per person, while guided walking tours begin at around US$44.

Yes, the Chicago Riverwalk is worth visiting. One of the Windy City's most popular tourist attractions, the pedestrianized trail follows the Chicago River, passing many of the city's most notable skyscrapers and other architectural wonders along the way. The Riverwalk also ends near Navy Pier and Millennium Park, making it easy to fit into a day out in Chicago. Book a guided tour to get the stories behind the sights you pass.

Per one customer who booked the Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour, "The city is beautiful and this tour really enhances it! The tour guide Lucas was amazing and we learned so much about beautiful Chicago!"

There are many ways to explore the Chicago Riverwalk, which follows the main arm of the Chicago River for 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) to Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan. Highlights include architecture river cruises, city walking tours, Chicago food excursions, bike and Segway tours, self-guided audio tours, and custom photo shoots.

Yes, many of Chicago's most popular boat tours run along the Chicago River, parallel to the Chicago Riverwalk. These include the city's ever-popular open-top architecture boat tours, sunset cruises, and special-occasion holiday and fireworks boat tours. It's also possible to book a kayak rental and explore the Chicago River independently.

That depends. Chicago architecture boat tours depart throughout the day—and last-minute tickets are usually available—but it may be worth securing tickets in advance if you visit in summer. Most walking tours, bike tours, and Segway tours depart less frequently, so it's best to reserve your spot for those in advance.

Yes, there are some freestanding public restrooms along the Chicago Riverwalk. They are typically open from morning through late evening, though many are closed for the cold season (late October–late April). Alternatively, the Chicago Riverwalk is lined with bars, restaurants, and cafés, which offer bathrooms to customers.

Yes, there are various parking options along the Chicago Riverwalk. While there are no dedicated Riverwalk public parking garages, there are private garages nearby. Additionally, there is some street parking on the lowest level of Wacker Drive, which runs parallel to the Riverwalk. Street parking is free on Sunday.

Whether self-guided or guide-led, a tour of the Chicago Riverwalk offers top-notch views overlooking the Chicago River and the city's iconic buildings, including the Merchandise Mart, Marina City's towers, DuSable Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Tribune Tower. The Riverwalk ends at Lake Michigan, and nearby attractions include Navy Pier and Millennium Park.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Chicago Riverwalk. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Chicago:

• Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower)

• The Magnificent Mile

• Chicago River

• Wrigley Building

• Navy Pier

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Chicago.