Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

When everyone tells you to take the architecture boat cruise in Chicago, this is the one they mean. other operators use students with a script, this one has knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.

Highlights along the tour cover more than a century of architectural innovation from classic buildings like the Civic Opera House to mid-century experiment Marina City to modern buildings like Aqua. Read more

We had visitors in from out of town and decided to take the river tour . Weather was great for it and so was the experience on the First Lady. Very informative with all the history and facts!

This is a must do if you are ever in Chicago. The guides are very knowledgable about the cities history and architecture . Make sure you get this out of the way early (in your visit and in the day).

I'm not an architecture buff; however, I found this 90 min. tour to be very interesting and a great way to learn about the history of Chicago . The docent was a volunteer professor from Northwestern.

My husband and I just tried this tour and had a wonderful time. Aside from the 'fun' of being on the water we learned a TON about Chicago in the short time we were there. Our guide was fabulous!

Always a pleasure. Each tour guide has their own style and stories, going more then once never feels redundant.

Really a must-do if you appreciate architecture and historical knowledge . Tour is guided by a volunteer of the Architecture Center with a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm for this great city .

One of the highlights of our trip! Loved the 5pm tour as the lighting was beautiful and golden.

Our docent was friendly , funny and obviously passionate about Chicago architecture . The buildings we saw from the water were quite impressive. A great way to see and appreciate the wonders of Chicago.

Beautiful view of the city , we took the twilight tour and at the end it was getting dark and the buildings all lit up with lights. Loved it!

No matter how many times you've done this tour , there's always something new to learn as the Chicago skyline is always changing. Personally I do it every year and have never been disappointed!

Very educational and engaging architecture (history) of the city of Chicago. Even if you're not an architecture buff this will be worth your time (and if not they have drinks on board)

Great way to see the city and learn about the architectural and historical highlights. Tour guides are very knowledgeable .

You can't miss this tour ! Worth every penny. Sit and relax on the ferry and get history and architecture lessons. Highly recommended

There are a ton of river boat tours stretching from Navy Pier down the river , but this is the best. Super enthusiastic (and knowledgeable ) guide. 90 minutes. Do this day 1 of your trip!

If you like architecture , don't skip this tour . Amazing buildings, knowledgeable guide, relaxing boat ride . Well worth the time and money.

Well worth the ticket price. The boat ride was great and our guide was extremely knowledgable and entertaining. The hour and a half flew by we were having such a good time.

The guide, Kevin, was very knowledgeable and informative. We got to learn lots of things about Chicago’s architecture and history. Though, it was extremely cold on the deck.

Wonderful cruise well worth the money on a good weather day. The guide was of amazing insights and conveyed them in an entertaining manner

Great first stop on our trip to Chicago. We learned so much and the ride was beautiful. Definitely some of the best views of the city

I found the views in the bow section much better than the ones inside or the upper deck

Really fun way to see the historical buildings on the Chicago River . Docents are volunteers from the Chicago Architecture foundation.

Well worth the ticket price. The architecture tour is as enjoyable as it is informative. Drinks available on board.

They use a few different boats so sit were you like. The front on the boat is a fine place to sit. Also the bartenders are not jerks, they are people just like you and I. Be respectful and have fun!

On boats generally, and on this boat specifically, they call the bathroom “the head”. So if you need to go to the bathroom , say, “I need to use the head,” and you’ll sound like you’re in the know.

Loved the ride, just dress accordingly. By end I was so cold I kinda stop listening because I couldn’t feel my body!

The volunteers / docent will provide you will a wonderful of the Chicago architecture , from the classics to the more recent buildings!

Architecture tour is worth it. A nice relaxing way to see and learn about Chicago. ⚓️

The best way to learn about the city ’s historic buildings (the Tribune Tower; Merchandise Mart) is on a boat tour run by Chicago Architecture Foundation guides.

Love this tour . Learn so much about the city every time. Prefer it during the day, but they also offer one ride at 7:30pm.

A wonderful way to see the Windy City . I've done this tour twice and learned a great deal of new information the second time around. Docents are terrific.

Seriously so fun and glad you can buy cocktails on the boat. Highly recommend this tour !

Kind of touristy , but a great way to see a lot of Chicago in a short amount of time (and get good historical / architectural context!)

If in Chicago don't miss out on this tour . Whether you like architecture or not it's a great experience. Try time it with good weather so you don't freeze on the upper deck

Great way to learn about the skyline and the amazing architecture of the city . Very pleasant ride.

The tour is excellent! Make sure you get there early if you want a good seat on the deck however. Also, bonus points for the on-board bar !

Best boat tour in the city if you're looking for a knowledgeable guide who really knows architecture !

A very informative cruise . Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly . Run by the Architecture society (or foundation, whatever they are called).

Absolutely stunning, a total must do especially if you get a clear day

Buy your tickets at the riverside kiosk, NOT ONLINE. You will pay about $20 extra in fees buying tickets online.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat tour might be the best in the city . The docents are all volunteers, but you'll marvel at the depth of their knowledge .

Really interesting and definitely a must do attraction while in Chicago.

Very interesting if you like architecture , but listening to 90 minutes of facts might be a bit too much for the average tourist . Despite that, you get a very good view of the city from the river .

Awseome boat tour . Great architecture and the tour guide was very informative and entertaining!

Not kidding the Best Tour in Chicago! I’ve taken many friends and relatives and never had anything but raves

Make sure you sit on the open top deck--sacrifice warmth for the view .

Great tour . Even the most cynical will be engaged by this. Really knowledgable and entertaining

Excellent 90 minute docent led tour full of Chicago history and spectacular views . Highly recommended.

Loved having such an enthusiastic tour guide ! Made the tour that much more exciting.