Top Chicago On the Water

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

45 minutesFree Cancellation

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

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.

Chicago By Night River and Lake Cruise

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.

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

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.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture during this sightseeing cruise. Board a comfortable riverboat for a trip down the Chicago River, viewing landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower while listening to in-depth commentary from your guide. Then board a speedboat for an exciting ride up the shore of Lake Michigan for views of Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and other top sights.

Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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).

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

30 to 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Escape the bustle of the city during this one or two-hour kayak rental along Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. Experience the serene waters of the iconic lake as you paddle at your own pace in a single or tandem kayak, enjoying views of Chicago’s famous skyline. Take breaks along nearby urban beachfronts, with the option to extend your rental time. Stand-up paddleboards are also available for rental.

Chicago's Lake Michigan Downtown Kayak Rental at Ohio Street Beach

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

See Chicago from a different perspective on this evening cruise that explores the city’s darker side. As twilight settles over the skyline, glide along the Chicago River while hearing chilling tales of disasters, infamous criminals, and eerie legends tied to the city’s past. This relaxed river cruise blends atmospheric storytelling with some of the best nighttime views of Chicago’s renowned skyline and landmarks. Grab a drink from the onboard bar, settle in, and let the city’s shadowy history unfold as you cruise through the heart of downtown. By the end of the journey, you’ll have experienced Chicago’s skyline in a whole new way—while uncovering the chilling events, legends, and mysteries that shaped the city. Please arrive 30 minutes in advance!

Chicago River Ghost & Dark History Night Cruise

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors or anyone eager to discover the city’s most iconic Top Attractions and Highlights on a guided Chicago Walking Tour. During this 2-hour Walking Tour of Chicago, stroll through downtown’s beautiful streets as expert local guides share rich history, colorful characters, and insider tips to enhance your list of Things to do in Chicago. Your experience includes a FREE 2-hour bike or kayak rental—bike the Lakefront Trail or kayak on Lake Michigan for unforgettable skyline views. Bobby’s Bike Hike tours are nationally recognized by National Geographic, USA Today, and Condé Nast Traveler for excellence in storytelling and urban exploration. You’ll see the landmarks that define Chicago: Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Wrigley Building, the Chicago Theatre, and the famed Magnificent Mile. Covering 1.5 miles (2.25 km) of easy, flat terrain, this tour offers a complete and memorable introduction to the city.

Chicago Walking Tour of Highlights with Free Bike or Kayak Rental

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

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

Kick back and enjoy a great meal while taking in the sights of Chicago's most famed landmarks on this scenic lunch cruise along Lake Michigan. See and photograph the dramatic city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium. The cruise includes a delicious buffet lunch with salads, entrees, desserts, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. There's also a DJ, games, and a dance floor to keep your group entertained.

City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

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City Cruises Chicago: Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on Chicago River

Zoom along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, zipping past famous landmarks as you go, during this exhilarating speedboat ride in Chicago. Climb aboard your 2,000-horsepower speed boat at Navy Pier, then hang on for the ride of a lifetime, as you zip past famous attractions like the Willis Tower, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain, pausing to learn a little about the history and architecture of the Windy City along the way.

Lake Michigan 30 Minute Speedboat Ride

30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

Get a chance to experience the Windy City from multiple vantage points during this two-hour, small-group boat tour in Chicago. Hop aboard a secure and reliable US Navy-built Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) for a unique sightseeing experience. Pass by iconic sights such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Fort Dearborn, Vietnam Memorial, Wolf Point, Shedd Aquarium, and more, all while comfortably seated in a group capped at only six people.

Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago

Skip navigating around the city with a map and guidebook and explore Chicago's iconic landmarks in just a few hours on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore Downtown and North Side neighborhoods, stopping to visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.

Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Delve into the world of natural history with admission to Chicago’s Field Museum. Choose general admission or upgrade to visit one or more special exhibits. Spend as long as you like exploring the museum's extensive collection of artifacts. Get to know SUE, the world's largest T. Rex, or stroll through the sparkling Hall of Gems. Also take advantage of daily tours led by knowledgeable Field Museum docents, free with admission.

Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Sail on Tall Ship Windy, join us for our "Chicago Skyline Sail"

Enjoy waterfront views of downtown Chicago on a 2-hour brunch cruise through the heart of the city. Board a luxurious yacht at Navy Pier then relax on deck with a complementary mimosa. Find a comfortable spot on the three climate-controlled observation decks, and enjoy a sumptuous buffet while the onboard DJ spins a leisurely afternoon playlist. Capture unforgettable images of downtown skyscrapers and architectural landmarks as you navigate along the historic shoreline, then loop back and finish your outing at the bustling Navy Pier.

City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lake Michigan Brunch Cruise

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.

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What are people saying about Chicago

Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago

Luke_M, Aug 2026

Unique Experience

Very personal tour via small boat in lake and River. Great for couples, friends, or even family. Tour guide is very knowledgeable and drives around to landmarks with great spots for pictures. There are times where the boat is going fast which is super fun to experience, especially on a hot day. Will definitely recommend to anyone that visits over an overcrowded architecture boat tour. WARNING: You may get a bit wet towards the end just due to chop in the lake. We just had to head back to the hotel to freshen up, but still highly reccomend!

Chicago's Lake Michigan Downtown Kayak Rental at Ohio Street Beach

Justina_C, Jul 2026

Great for family and kids, too!

A must-do experience in Chicago! If you want to do something breathtaking and have a unique experience away from the bustle of the city, book this kayaking adventure! I had a family of 5- one 16yr old that did a single kayak, and a 6 and 10 yr old that rode tandem with parents and it was smooth, easy, and made a core memory.

Chicago's Delicious Downtown Donut Tour with 8 Amazing Tastings

kberteaux, May 2026

No notes

Super great introduction to several amazing downtown bakeries. My favorite was the Tahitian vanilla donut at Firecakes, followed by the red velvet at Dan's. There were PLENTY of donuts and I left happy and fully sugared out. This covers a lot of over a mile of walking, FYI. And it ended exactly on time which I always appreciate.

Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

Heather_T, Feb 2026

Highly recommend!

Wow-what an incredible museum! I spent hours exploring! Highly recommend if you’re interested in earth’s history! So much to discover about plants, animals, and people. SUE is extraordinary! The ticket was super easy to purchase and I walked right in upon arrival. Overall, a fantastic experience!

City Cruises Chicago: Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on Chicago River

chloe_b, Dec 2025

Thank you leslie <3

Leslie made our experience wonderful! We celebrated my girlfriend’s birthday by doing the brunch. Even though it was raining, it was still beautiful! Leslie made sure that our mimosas were filled, the staff was very friendly, and food was delicious. We will definitely be back for another brunch or dinner!