Chicago · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Chicago

188 tours  ·  from $6

Three days, one lake, a grid you can walk and a river you cannot ignore. The 15 below are the days out that earn their slot, priced and timed, with the whole catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - The opening view of Chicago’s skyline
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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

1.Chicago Architecture River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15,756 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Cruise from Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue through the Chicago River while an architecture guide explains landmarks, design, and Chicago’s Great Fire. You’ll see the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Hancock Center, Willis Tower, Marina City, and Aqua. Boats have restrooms and a full bar, and dogs are welcome.

“Wonderful excursion with a highly knowledgeable guide. Jim was a terrific guide with real passion for Chicago. His tour alone would make you want to come back.”

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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour - The first views: Michigan Avenue and the Wrigley Building
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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

2.Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,629 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Board Wendella near the Wrigley Building for a 90-minute cruise along all three branches of the Chicago River. Your guide explains Chicago’s architectural story as you pass Marina City, Willis Tower, the Merchandise Mart, the Wrigley Building, and more. Choose outdoor views or a climate-controlled lounge.

“Super informative, beautiful deep-dive into the architectural history of this great city. Would definitely recommend. Dress more warmly than you think you need to!”

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Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise - Starting near the Michigan Avenue bridge
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Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

3.1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8,046 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Cruise Chicago’s main river and both branches for 90 minutes with a live English-speaking guide. You’ll see Marina City, Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building, Aqua, and more, while choosing open-air or climate-controlled seating. Guides such as John, Sarah, Alex, and Scotty D bring humor and solid city context.

“We had a blast. I first did this cruise back in May with my 81 year old dad. Loved it so much that on my return visit to Chicago I brought 11 of my family memebers. So great!”

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Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour - Starting with gangsters, tunnels, and Prohibition
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Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour

4.Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,155 reviews · from $52

Walk about 1.5 miles through Chicago’s Loop with a historian guide such as Taka, Sophia, Tanner, or Avery. Hear true crime tales, ghost stories, and Al Capone lore while visiting the Palmer House, Riverwalk, Chicago Theatre, and Congress Plaza Hotel. A minibus upgrade is also available.

“Tour guide (Sophia) was fantastic. Not only did she have great stories to share, she shared them in a theatrical way that made them more interesting and entertaining! I was with my 18 year old son and we both enjoyed it equally!”

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - Boarding at 112 East Wacker Drive
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

5.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,536 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $57

Spend 90 minutes aboard Chicago’s First Lady with a Chicago Architecture Center docent such as Cynthia, Laura, or Mark. Hear the story behind Marina City, Willis Tower, and more while viewing the skyline from the river. Choose the open deck or heated salon, and buy drinks from the onboard bar.

“Tour was a great length. Very informative. The docent was excellent. Great fun and clear easy delivery.”

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Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket - Chicago in exhibits before Chicago from above
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Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

6.Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,350 reviews · 45 min · from $42

Reserve a timed visit to Willis Tower’s 103rd-floor Skydeck, walk through Chicago-themed exhibits, watch a short film, and step onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet beyond the tower. The visit lasts about 45 minutes and includes the Skydeck app’s free viewfinder.

“We enjoyed our whole visit. Interesting Chicago Experience Museum including a Chicago train. Great views from the Sky deck. Going on the The Ledge was amazing. Only a short queue and although only have 90 seconds you can rejoin the queue and go in as many times as you like. We had plenty of time to take some great photos. No queues for lifts ( unlike New York) but this maybe different in high season. Recommend.”

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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - The central river canyon and Chicago’s big names
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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

7.Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,325 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $39

Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River for 60 to 75 minutes with a live English or Spanish guide. You’ll see Willis Tower, Marina City, Trump Tower, and more, with guides such as Chicago Bob, Juan, Jeremy, and Kevin bringing the buildings to life.

“Enjoyed the cruise, our guide was fun and very informed! Our flight was late and we missed our scheduled time. The company allowed us to move to the next day to be able to use our tickets. Great service!! Thank you!”

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Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour - The Magnificent Mile, Streeterville, and Lincoln Park
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Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

8.Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,186 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Ride a climate-controlled coach through Chicago’s mob past with an entertaining local guide. You’ll see Capone and Dillinger sites, stop at the Biograph Theatre and Harry Caray’s mini museum, and hear crime stories from River North to Lincoln Park.

“We had so much fun and learned a lot! Our tour guide Mike was informative and hilarious! Would do this again!”

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Chicago: 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket - The lower concourse sets the scene
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Chicago: 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket

9.360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,173 reviews · 30 min · from $29

Ride to Chicago’s 94th floor in 40 seconds for wide views over Michigan Avenue, Lake Michigan, and four states. Your ticket includes the observation deck, CloudWalk, CloudBar access, and the lower concourse exhibit. TILT costs extra, and security lines remain possible.

“Great views of Chicago in every direction. Would definitely recommend as a must-do when visiting this fabulous city!”

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Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile - The Main Chicago River and Riverwalk
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Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

10.Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,924 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $28Best value

Cruise from the Wrigley Building along Chicago’s main and south river branches. Hear guides such as Tess, Chris, Zach, and Alyssa explain the city’s buildings, bridges, and past while you choose open-air or climate-controlled seating. It is a compact, family-friendly introduction at $28.

“Went in January when it was 20 degrees but it was worth every penny and shiver. The tour guide was amazing she really made every minute enjoyable and had great knowledge! (I apologize for forgetting her name but she did mention she was a 7th grade teacher, hope that helps lol)”

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Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour - Meeting at the Wrigley Building
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Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

11.Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,308 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Sail from Wendella’s Michigan Avenue dock along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Expect lively architecture commentary, skyline photos, possible lock action, indoor and outdoor seating, and guides such as John, Kenny, Tess, and Lucas. Arrive 30 minutes early for the best seats.

“Our tour guide Kenny was excellent! Very knowledgeable and funny! He made it fun and of course the architecture was fabulous.”

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Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise - Boarding near the Wrigley Building
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Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

12.45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,304 reviews · 45 min · from $28

Cruise the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive toward Willis Tower and back with a live English-speaking guide. Expect family-friendly architecture stories, indoor and outdoor seating, local drinks for purchase, and strong sunset or evening photo chances. Guides such as Kenny, Zach, and Alyssa have earned high marks for humor and clear commentary.

“A great boat ride with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. We had the best time and it was a great way to end our trip!”

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Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass - Stops 3 and 4 connect the Loop with Chicago’s green spaces
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Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass

13.Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,191 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

See Chicago from an open-top double-decker bus on a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour pass. Ride past Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Grant Park, and the Magnificent Mile, using the app to track buses and plan stops. Digital commentary, WiFi, and four self-guided walks are available with selected tickets.

“We had an excellent few hours riding around Chicago and learning about the various spots. Our driver was very knowledgeable and the journey was really comfortable. Headphones were awful but plenty of stops and chances to grab a few pictures.”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise - Up the main branch: Chicago’s architecture at close range
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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

14.1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,050 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Cruise from Michigan Avenue to Wolf Point, through the Chicago Lock, and onto Lake Michigan. An English-speaking guide points out landmarks from Marina City and Tribune Tower to Willis Tower and Navy Pier. Choose an open deck or climate-controlled cabin, with snacks and drinks available onboard.

“I really liked the detailed explanations he gave about the view of the city from Lake Michigan and the various buildings seen from the Chicago River.”

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Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour - The Chicago hot dog and the no-ketchup rule
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Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

15.Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,962 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $84

Walk 1.5 miles through Chicago’s Loop with an English-speaking guide such as Gabe, Fran, Jessika, or Kevin. Taste deep-dish pizza, a Chicago hot dog, Italian beef, Garrett popcorn, and a brownie or gelato. Your ticket also includes a two-hour bike or kayak rental, with seasonal limits.

“A great opportunity to taste local cusine which was all fantastic, also there was opportunity to buy drinks in the venues but water was also provided. Jessika's knowledge of the city was great and the opportunity to see the city sights during the tour as we walked was great, we all had a great evening😃👍”

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New in Tour Reviews

★ 4.5Chicago Helicopter 25-Mile Tour for up to Three Passengers11 reviews
★ 4.5Chicago Helicopter 10-Minute Tour for up to Three Passengers32 reviews
★ 4.5Field Museum of Natural History Early Access TicketFrom $7352 reviews
★ 5.0Outdoor Escape Room in Chicago – Fulton Market28 reviews
★ 4.5Chicago White Sox Baseball Game Ticket at Guaranteed Rate FieldFrom $223 reviews
★ 4.5Chicago Cubs Baseball Game Ticket at Wrigley FieldFrom $249 reviews
★ 3.52-Hour Chicago’s Chinatown History and Culture TourFrom $304 reviews
★ 4.6Helicopter Tour of Chicago SkylineFrom $18838 reviews
★ 4.6Chicago White Sox Baseball Game TicketFrom $2142 reviews
★ 4.6Chicago Cubs Baseball Game Ticket at Wrigley FieldFrom $2127 reviews
★ 5.01-Hour Escape Room AdventureFrom $4727 reviews
★ 3.5Skydeck Chicago: Pie in the Sky VIP Dinner at Willis TowerFrom $15444 reviews
★ 4.0Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking TourFrom $146 reviews
★ 5.0Chicago Fire TV Show Set Tour68 reviews
★ 5.0Chicago Perfume Making Classes on Magnificent MileFrom $8544 reviews

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Chicago Architecture River Cruises21Chicago Walking Tours32Chicago Food Tours19Lake Michigan Boat Cruises22Museums14Chicago Bus Tours13
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