Chicago Architecture River Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Chicago, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off bus access across Chicago for 48 hours
- Discover the city on a timeline that suits you with a two-day bus pass
- Digital commentary will entertain you as you ride
- Free VOX self-guided walking tours help you discover even more of Chicago at your own pace
What's Included
- 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket with unlimited access
- 75-minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise
- Open-top double decker bus
- Professional Digital Commentary on bus tour with souvenir earbuds
- Expert architecture guide on Architectural River Tour
- Four self-guided digital walking tours to explore more of the city
- Save 20% off retail when you bundle these two experiences!
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Food & Drinks
- Pick-up & Drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Ticket Redemption Point
98 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Itinerary
Red Route: Hop-on Hop-off
11 Stops
12 Points of Interest
Duration: 2 hours
Operating Schedule: Red Route is a 2-hour loop. Guests may enter or exit at any stop to explore the city. Ticket is valid for 2 days. First bus 10AM and last bus 4PM.
1
98 E Wacker Dr
2
319 W Jackson Blvd
3
South Michigan Avenue & East Adams Street
4
Sentral Michigan Avenue
5
500 E Solidarity Dr
6
425 E McFetridge Dr
7
441 N Columbus Dr
8
Navy Pier
9
163 E Pearson St
10
150 E Chestnut St
11
614 N Clark St
Points of interest passed by on this route
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
Chicago Riverwalk
Millenium Park
The Art Institute of Chicago
Grant Park
Adler Planetarium
Field Museum
Navy Pier
Water Tower Place
The Magnificent Mile
360 Chicago Observation Deck
Chicago River
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Digital Walking Tour options include Chicago Architecture, Chicago Riverwalk, Public Art, and Millennium Park Tour
- Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.1
based on 49 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
Jen_F, Aug 2026
100% the BEST way to see the city and learn about it's history! The docent Jeremy was engaging and fun and made the experience feel like a VIP tour! I loved that there was a little "intermission" so we could enjoy the bar and not miss anything! 20 out of 10 experience!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We're thrilled to hear that you had such an outstanding experience. Jeremy will be delighted to know that his engaging and fun commentary made the tour feel like a VIP experience.
We're also glad you enjoyed the intermission and had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the bar without missing any of the tour.
Thank you for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for another unforgettable experience! 😊🚌 Alex@BigBusTours
Geoffrey_H, Aug 2026
No communication or information on river cruise. Finally found the company and found out we had been booked on a 10am cruise (at 12pm). That company was amazing and rescheduled and provided directions on where to go, best times etc. 5 stars
Big Bus tour… first driver was good, provided commentary and interesting facts/info.. Then busses stopped coming, waited over an hour at a stop. The bus that finally showed up and that driver had no interest in providing a tour. Driving aggressively, getting honked at, etc. Went thru several “stops” without even stopping so finally had to demand to get off at a stoplight several blocks past the stop we wanted to visit. Took Ubers after that. 1 star, not worth the money.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback.
We're pleased to hear that you had a positive experience with the river cruise company and that they were able to accommodate you despite the booking confusion.
Regarding the bus tour, we're disappointed to hear that the experience was inconsistent. Waiting over an hour for a bus, encountering missed stops, and receiving a significantly different level of service from one driver to another is certainly not the experience we aim to provide. Reliable service, clear communication, and a consistent onboard experience are all important parts of the tour.
To allow us to investigate the issues you encountered, please contact our Customer Service team with your booking details and a summary of your experience. We would like the opportunity to review the matter and provide an appropriate resolution.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Alex@BigBusTours
Judy_V, Aug 2026
The boat tour was wonderful. Our guide was very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions. The architecture of Chicago is very impressive!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the boat tour and found it both informative and engaging. Chicago's architecture is truly remarkable, and we're glad you had the opportunity to experience it from the water.
It's especially great to know that your guide's knowledge and willingness to answer questions helped make the experience even more enjoyable. Our team is passionate about sharing the city's history and architectural highlights, so your kind words mean a great deal.
Thank you again for sharing your experience. We hope to welcome you on board again for another memorable tour in the future!
Flavius@BigBusTours
Kayla_B, Jul 2026
Our guide was the best guide I’ve ever had and gave us awesome information along the Chicago River. It was very hot, but there was some shade that we were able to get and some breeze when we were moving.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi, Kayla!
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that your guide made your experience memorable with their excellent information about the Chicago River. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on board again soon. Alexandra@BigBusTours
Rebecca_A, Jun 2026
Architecture tour was amazing. Our guide was energetic and kept it upbeat. Other than trying to figure out where the pick up dock actually was (not clearly mentioned in booking) the rest of the experience was great.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the architecture tour and that your guide helped make it such an engaging part of your day. Your note about the pick up dock is very helpful and we will work on making those directions clearer for future guests. Alexandra@BigBusTours
Eon_G, May 2026
The hop on hop off bus tour was excellent. The driver Felisha did a great job. However I was not sure which river tour operator to approach with this booking.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your great feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the hop on hop off tour and that Felisha made such a positive impression with her driving and service.
We appreciate your comment regarding the river tour operator, and we understand how important clear guidance is for connecting experiences. Your feedback has been shared with our team to help improve communication for future guests.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Sidney_H, Oct 2025
The driver was not friendly and needs some driving lessons. I can overlook the driving issues, but I do not tolerate rude behavior. At the next to final stop, a couple of his friends boarded with a brown bag to share and next thing we knew, he "can't make it to the last stop due to traffic", so he threw us all off the bus. I'm sorry I didn't get his name or the number of the bus.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Sidney_H,
Thank you for your feedback! We sincerely apologize for the driver's behavior, as this is not the way we want to treat our guests. If you ever have a complaint in regard to one of our staff members, please feel free to contact us directly via chat, so we can address the issue with them and take the necessary actions. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you! We really hope that you will consider giving us another try in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Julius_J, Sept 2025
Guide was very informative about the history behind each of the buildings and their cultural significance to the city
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Julius_J. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Carlton_C, Sept 2025
I had trouble finding the actual tour location because there was a lack of signage. Nevertheless it was a good day and great architecture River tour
Laurent_L, Sept 2025
Nice boat tour going along the river. Nice insights into the history of Chicago. Only slight downside was volume of speakers onboard the boat which was too low and difficult to hear the comments at time.
Jane_B, Sept 2025
On day of experience after several messages, there was no response. Was difficult to find the place to pick up the voucher and the person who printed them had no information about the architecture tour vouchers and where to pick those up. You are better off find the tickets on your own or purchasing at the venue.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Jane! Thank you for your honest feedback, we're sorry to hear that we couldn't get back to you in time regarding the tour information. The info would also be available within the product's page, or at the Big Bus Tours website platform. We hope to hear more from you regarding this within a message through the Contact us form found at the Big Bus Tours website, and we will gladly provide an appropriate resolution. Eugen, Big Bus Tours
Edith_M, Sept 2025
It’s better to buy tickets with the venues directly! We used Viator for a combo experience Big bus + boat ride. We spent 45 minutes trying to find the place to redeem tickets. There were other Viator customers trying to find the venue as well. The instructions Viator provided were confusing and not clear. Boat ride was ok, big bus was great.
Response from Host, Sept 2025
Hello Edith, thank you for the review and we are sorry to hear that you had issues with the redemption process for the tickets. We are aiming to improve this aspect as soon as possible. We do hope you will give us another chance in the future. Best regards, Robert
Marta_F, Aug 2025
The tour guide was very knowledgable and lead a great tour!! The hop on hop off tour very informative and a great way to see the city.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Marta_F. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that the tour guide enhanced your experience with us with their valuable insights. We are happy to learn you had an informative tour in Chicago. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
PAMELA_M, Aug 2025
Very confusing! Almost impossible to find stop #1 on the hop on/ off bus. The signage is not put out until 10 am. Stop 1 is NOT across from the Trump Tower, it's across from the Royal Sonesta on the river side, next to a statue of someone?, not sure if his name. Equally confusing, is where to pick up the architecture tour. I didn't realize there are two places where the boat tour starts but was never told which starting point I should start from. I arrived at the Navy Pier dock but I was supposed to be down the street. Fortunately, the boat let me switch my tickets. The boat ride was very informative. There was no inside cabin so bring your sunscreen in the summer. Juan was fabulous as a tour guide!
Thomas_P, Jun 2025
very informative cruise. Justin, the tour guide was charismatic and very informative. We got beautiful photographs of Chicago buildings on the Riverwalk.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Thomas!
Thank you so much for your lovely words and review! We are genuinely thrilled to hear that your Chicago Architecture Tour was incredibly informative, all thanks to Justin's charm and expertise. We're delighted that you were able to take beautiful photographs to remember the experience, and we can't wait to see you again soon!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Grant_H, Jun 2025
A number one on the list.
Excellent tour guide, not rushed, relaxing ,beautiful views of the city, photographers heaven.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Grant_H, we really appreciate your great review. Thank you for the positive comments. We look forward to welcoming you on another Big Bus Tour in future. Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Marcia_S, May 2025
Didn’t like Mary Rose. She was trying but she’s not humorous. At all. Think it would have been much better to just avoid trying to be funny if you don’t posses that skill.
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Marcia, thank you for your candid feedback. We're truly sorry to learn that our guide's humor didn't resonate with you. It's a unique skill that not everyone possesses. Nevertheless, our guides strive to cater to all guests and create unforgettable experiences. We hope this one experience hasn't overshadowed your view of us, and we would be thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome you on board again to explore a new city together soon! Warm regards, Alice from Big Bus Tours
Nommiselo_N, Apr 2025
Great experience and a great way to get an overview and key points of the city.
I was very lucky to get on the amazing Candice’s bus and she’s absolutely gold!
She made this tour the best I’ve done ever anywhere in the world. EVER.
She’s an asset to this company.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hey Nommiselo! We really value your feedback. It's great to hear you had a lovely experience with us in Chicago and that Candice was outstanding! We hope to see you again soon! Warm regards, Ana from Big Bus.
Jazma_W, Apr 2025
My mom and I really enjoyed the architectural cruise! Dylan was very knowledgeable and the hot chocolate was good. We did the bus tour as well. We were on one of the later times so we weren’t able to get off at any stops but it was nice and clean.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Jazma_W,
We really appreciate your feedback! It’s wonderful to hear that you had a positive experience with our service. Our staff receives training regularly so that you get the best possible experience! We will be happy to see you again in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Sheila_R, Mar 2025
Our tour guide Jim was knowledgeable and energetic. We learned lot about the city. It was a great tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hi Sheila_R. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you found our tour to be a fun family activity. We hope to have you and your family back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Michelle_E, Nov 2024
The staff for both the hop on/off buses and the river cruise were all friendly and helpful. We would definitely recommend this tour for an easy way to get around the city and learn about the history and architecture.
Devon_B, Oct 2024
The cruise was absolutely phenomenal- my parents, myself, and teenagers say that was the best part! The Big Bus tour made it super easy to get around and Candace was THE BEST driver!!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hi Devon, it’s wonderful to know that you had a great time on both the cruise and the bus tour in Chicago. Thank you for your lovely words about our team member, Candace! We look forward to welcoming you back on board in the near future.
daniel_r, Sept 2024
I really liked the views from the boat especially the French gothic building me and my girlfriend had a lot of fun on the whole thing
Response from Host, Sept 2024
Thank you for the kind words, we're glad to hear that you have enjoyed the tour. The architecture is truly an amazing sight, and we're looking forward to your next visit.
Charles_D, Aug 2024
I called Viator and booked the bus and boat several days in advance. I requested the reservation for the boat ride be at 10 AM on the second day. I was told to go to 98 East Wacker Dr. to get my voucher… When I got there, staff told me that the boat had already left (Viator made the reservation on the wrong day) and I had to go to the ‘office’ to change it. There is no office. Instead there’s a different company called Shoreline cruises that I had to make the change through. By sheer luck I asked a Shoreline kiosk worker where the big bus office was, and she took charge and helped me out.
Before this I tried to call the local big bus office several times to get things fixed, a male voice answered the phone would say hello, not name the company and then just breathe in the phone and not respond to any questions. I called Viator who also tried to call the local office with the same non response
I have to say the customer service was EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING. Getting my reservation wrong to begin with and then not being able to contact anybody locally on the phone for help.
It caused us unnecessary stress.
I paid $475 for the 5 of us.
I would’ve thought better service would have been in order.
There’s a lot of options for these types of trips next time I I’ll try another one.
The one positive thing I can say is the boat ride was enjoyable, and the guide did a great job explaining things.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Charles! We are sorry to hear that you had issues with your reservation. You can always contact us via live chat or email and we will be more than happy to assist you. We encourage you to try again in a different city or in Chicago. Wishing you a wonderful day!
Andrea_D, Jul 2024
The voucher could not be scanned by the Bug Bus Tour Company. The tour company tried to look up my name, but it was not in the system. In order to take the boat tour with our friends, we had to purchase new tickets. I would not recommend going through a third party to book this tour. It is too complicated.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi, Andrea_D!
We're sorry to hear that you've had to repurchase your tickets. If you're ever in need of assistance, you can reach out to our 24/7 customer care team via e-mail and live chat. If you've had a wonderful time in Chicago regardless, we recommend giving our other cities a try as well!
Delia_C, Jun 2024
The river cruise was perfect! I learned a lot about the history of the buildings and more! The hop on hop was good except we left our ticket in the room and although we had the 48 hour pass, they wouldn’t accept it and asked us to pay for a 24 hour pass when we were only going to be there or go two more stops. The receipt they give you is easy to lose why don’t they invest in a way to do a QR code on the phone, or have a physical credit card type ticket so you won’t easily lose it as a receipt.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Delia! We appreciate your feedback and sincerely apologize for your unsatisfactory experience. We will use your review to improve our service. We will encourage you to give it another try in a different city or in Chicago. We wish you a nice weekend!
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