All Chicago Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

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.

(10,600)

from $45

30 minutesFree Cancellation

Flyover in Chicago

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.

(665)

from $28

Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission

30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.3

(1,877)

from $44

Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Skip the hassle of planning your Chicago itinerary with this convenient hop-on hop-off tour, covering the city's must-see sights. With multiple strategically located stops, explore the Windy City at your own pace, hopping off to visit top attractions like the iconic Art Institute and famous skyscrapers. Enjoy insightful audio commentary as you cruise through the city, learning about its rich history and vibrant culture. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour offers flexibility and ease, ensuring you don’t miss any of Chicago’s highlights. Book your ticket today and experience the best of Chicago hassle-free!

Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

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.

3.9

(2,350)

from $49

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(16,695)

from $39

Chicago's Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.2

(78)

from $24

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.

from $144

Chicago 3D Fireworks Cruise

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

4.2

(257)

from $52

360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

Maximize your Chicago sightseeing on a river cruise—and travel aboard a unique historical vessel, which other tours don’t offer—on this one-of-a-kind excursion. Pick from different departure times and board a classic Chicago fireboat, which served the city’s fire department from 1937 to 1981. As you sail Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, view architectural highlights including the Wrigley Building and Chicago Lighthouse, and chart the boat’s firefighting history via the on-board displays and commentary.

4.0

(106)

from $44

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

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.

4.9

(414)

from $47

Likely to Sell Out

Join us in the daytime or evening for City lights and breathtaking views

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

45 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(3,449)

from $28

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission

1 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(1,287)

from $30

Voted the #1 Immersive Art Experience in America by USA Today readers in 2024, Color Factory Chicago celebrates the joy of color. Guests embark on a bright and colorful journey through 14+ immersive installations that inspire joy and human connection, expand boundaries of perception, encourage play, and engage the senses in unexpected ways. Fun for all ages, each visit includes surprise giveaways, sweet treats, and complimentary digital photos. From the lobby to the gift shop and every colorful moment in between, our spaces are as inclusive as they are dynamic and celebratory. Each room is designed in partnership with an exceptional roster of local and international artists and collaborators. Jump into color with us! Please note: At least ONE person's ID must match the name on ONE ticket. If no one in your party has an ID matching the name on one ticket, you will not be allowed entry. Minors under the age of 18 will not be allowed inside without a parent or guardian.

Color Factory Chicago Ticket

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

4.6

(44)

from $34

Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket

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.

Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket

45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

4.8

(5)

from $43

Likely to Sell Out

This tour cruises the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

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.

(2,396)

from $45

Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise

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.

4.5

(400)

from $50

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

3.4

(444)

from $43

See the towers, piers and iconic landmarks along the Chicago River on an architectural cruise through the heart of the city. Enjoy complimentary refreshments on deck as you cruise down the historic waterway, while listening to fun stories and facts throughout the tour. Spot gargoyles that keep watch high above the city, and buildings that range from Neoclassical to Art Deco. Take in over fifty sites from Lake Point Tower to the Navy Pier, and see the Second City from the water.

Chicago Architectural River Cruise

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.

(842)

from $50

Total Chicago: From Architecture to Food

Chicago in a Day Walking Tour: Food, History & Architecture

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,331)

from $101

Price varies by group size

Skyline Queen showcasing the Chicago Skyline!

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.

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

(669)

from $46

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(3,465)

from $49

Likely to Sell Out

City Cruises Chicago: Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on Chicago River

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.

4.5

(80)

from $85

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Admission

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Admission

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(38)

from $26

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

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.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

1 hour 30 minutes

4.9

(6,635)

from $57

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Top Attractions in Chicago

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Attractions

What are people saying about Chicago

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

patruss2000, Aug 2026

Must do when visiting Chicago.

This was such a great tour . We did the 90 minute architectural tour and it was so informative. Shannon was a great tour guide and kept your interest. It was also great to have a speaker system that is very clear and loud, we didn’t miss anything. So glad we did this tour.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Jayme_K, Jul 2026

Chicago River at Night

We had an amazing experience on the Chicago Architecture River Tour at night! Seeing the city’s skyline illuminated from the river was absolutely stunning. Our tour guide was fantastic, engaging, incredibly knowledgeable, and shared so many interesting facts and stories about Chicago’s architecture and history. The entire experience was relaxing, informative, and one of the highlights of our trip. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago!

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

Ricky_C, Jul 2026

Best Tour I’ve ever had. Very kid friendly.

This was the perfect tour for our first visit. We had the two grandkids, 9 and 12 and they loved it. They really don’t care about history at this age but it was presented in a way they really paid attention. I learned a lot myself. I chose this tour because I liked it was going into Lake Michigan. We do some vacations in Michigan and wanted to let them see Lake Michigan from a different angle. I’ll be back and I’m sticking with this company!! Thank You!

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Lainey_B, Jul 2026

Would not recommend in winter!!!

We went on our tour in January and it was absolutely freezing, the experience was almost unbearable…however, the tour itself and our tour guide were fantastic, and it was a 5 star experience if you factor out the temps that were way below freezing, lol! HIGHLY recommend doing this excursion (when the weather is much nicer!!!!!)

Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

Steve_C, Jul 2026

Great way to eat yourself around the city

Great range of foods. Good local knowledge and Molly was really enthusiastic about her home town, this showed throughout the tour. My wife had become vegetarian a few months before the 2 swapped choices were good and sorted with no fuss. We both left feeling full and knowing a lot more about Chicago

Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise

Lisa_G, Jul 2026

Very informative and beautiful

Taking the sunset architectural cruise near the Riverwalk was easily one of the highlights of our trip. Seeing the city's iconic skyline transition from the golden hour glow into the beautifully lit evening cityscape is an absolute must-do. The vessel was comfortable, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the tour provided fascinating insights into the history and design behind Chicago's world-famous buildings. If you want a peaceful, breathtaking, and informative way to experience the city from the water, this is it! Highly recommended.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Monica_Z, Jul 2026

Chicago First Lady river cruise

The First Lady architecture cruise was fantastic! It is a great tour to do when first arriving in Chicago to get a nice layout of the city and the river. We learned a lot from the docent onboard and he gave us a lot of places to visit on foot afterwards. Highly recommend!

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

William_M, Jul 2026

We Loved It!

Wonderful experience! Gabby was a great tour guide who provided a lot of history and fun facts about Chicago. She is incredibly knowledgeable. The views were amazing, and the captain provided fantastic opportunities for photos, too! I would highly recommend this sunset cruise to anyone visiting downtown Chicago.

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

Henry_C, Jul 2026

The host was fantastic...

The host was fantastic and his delivery was spot on. He kept it lighthearted and funny while still making it informative and interesting. I thought this was going to be a gangster tour with a focus on Al Capone, but they presented generations of crime stories, from the Chicago’s origins to the Crack dealing McDonalds employees. I was young when the Tylenol scare occurred and to go past the Walgreens where it happened was also interesting. The only negative feedback I can give is the bus broke down outside of Harry Cary’s and we had to figure out how to get back to the neighborhood we started in. Obviously this was a one off and I would not judge to tour by an unforeseen. Great tour and worth the price of admission.

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

Ioana_C, Jul 2026

Best tour of Chicago river and lake.

Best combination of lake and river tours. The Chicago skyline is wonderful to see it in its entire length and beauty from Lake Michigan. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a wonderful story to tell at “every corner”. Toilets were clean and there was no problem finding where to sit. We did not buy anything from the bar but everything looked clean and nice. Total duration of the tour is one and a half hours spent approximately half-half between the lake and the river part. Fun fact: lake is a couple of feet higher than the river and you can see that when crossing over during the tour. Chicago river flow direction was altered in the early 1900 to flow away from the lake and keep chicagos source of clean water intact.

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

Anisha_S, Jun 2026

Relaxing Ride

The skyline tour was exactly what I needed after a day of eating and walking about. I was able to book the tour an hour before, which worked for my itinerary and it was affordable. I liked that it is a double decker boat and got to experience the tour from top deck. The day was beautiful and perfect for a tour. The boat was clean, looked presentable, offered cocktails and small snacks(for purchase) and staff were friendly. The tour offered ok views. I was able to capture pictures of the Chicago skyline. My fav part of the ride was how relaxing it was. I would do it again and be sure to nap the next time lol.