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Chicago Architectural River Cruise

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CHICAGO LINE CRUISES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Chicago architecture center river cruise aboard chicago’s first lady.

TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as the city's #1 boat tour.

Evening River Cruise

Experience our renowned daytime CAC River Cruise in the glow of the setting sun. Take in the city’s magnificent architecture bathed in golden light as it begins its transition from day to night.

“A literal MUST-DO when you go to Chicago. Awesome, awesome, awesome.” - Evan L, Yelp, California

Chicago Architecture River Cruise Named Best Experience in US: TripAdvisor

The chicago architecture river cruise wasn't just the best in the country, it was also one of the best in the world, by ana ramos • published june 19, 2019 • updated on june 20, 2019 at 11:25 am.

One of the most visited attractions in the world can be found floating on Chicago’s river.

Travel website TripAdvisor listed the Chicago Architecture River Cruise as the no. 1 pick in its 10 best "Travelers’ Choice Awards for Experiences" in the U.S. The ranking is based on traveler reviews of more than 200,000 experiences over the last year, according to TripAdvisor. 

The Chicago Architecture River Cruise wasn't just the best in the country, it was also one of the best in the world, coming in second behind only the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour. 

“With more than 200,000 experiences on our sites, these winners are in an extremely competitive field and represent the best-of-the-best, according to travelers themselves," TripAdvisor spokesperson Laurel Greatrix said in a statement. 

But the results are no surprise, as the cruise, which takes riders down the Chicago River with an architectural guide, has been named among the best in the world before.

Below is a list of the winning attractions:

Top 10 Experiences in the U.S.:

• Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Chicago, IL, from $41.44
• Red Rock Canyon Electric Bike Tour – Las Vegas, NV, from $119.29
• Hell’s Revenge 4x4 Off-Roading Tour from Moab – Moab UT, $ 107.51
• Private New York Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer – New York, NY, $74.37
• Best of Austin Small-Group Guided Tour – Austin, TX, from $37.90
• Zipline Tour On Oahu’s North Shore – Pupukea, HI, from $176.96
• Molokini Crater and Maui’s Forbidden Coast Green Sea Turtle Adventure – Maui, HI, from $149.72
• Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with West Rim Picnic – Hualapai Reservation, AZ, from $379.99
• Upper Pigeon River Rafting Trip – Pigeon River, TN, from $40.36
• Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour – West Palm Beach, FL, from $69.00

Top 10 Experiences in the World

• Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour – Rome, Italy
• Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour – Florence, Italy
• Snorkeling Silfra Tour with Pick up – Reykjavik, Iceland
• Red Rock Canyon Electric Bike Tour – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• Private Guided Tour on a Vintage Sidecar from 1 Hour to 7 Hour – Paris, France
• 1-Hour Canal Tour starting at Anne Frank House Amsterdam – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Best of Ubud Tour with Jungle Swing – Ubud, Indonesia
• Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk – Xi’an, China
• Kaituna River White Water  – Okere Falls, New Zealand

For all of the 2019 Travelers’ Choice award-winning experiences, click  here .

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THANKS FOR A GREAT 2023 CRUISING SEASON

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Urban Adventure Cruise

Embark on a 90-minute (approximate) sightseeing adventure aboard our most popular daily tour. See Chicago from the unique perspective of the river and lake and learn about the city as our lively guides take you on a journey filled with tall buildings and taller tales.

CHICAGO BY NIGHT! Cruise

Glide along the Chicago River and Lakefront under the dazzling glow of the city at night. Seeing Chicago's epic skyline glimmer and glow should be on everyone's bucket list!

3D Fireworks Cruise

"Ooh" and "aah" with each magnificent burst of fireworks against Chicago’s unforgettable nighttime skyline. 3D glasses add to the fun. You've never seen fireworks like this!

Canine Cruise

Feel the wind in your hair (and fur!) on a memory-filled river and lake cruise adventure with your best friend. A must for every dog lover.

Science is Fun! Cruise

A cruise on Chicago’s waterways is the ultimate science classroom! Arrange a school field trip or summer camp group outing to spend a day of fun, science and learning on Chicago’s majestic river and Lake Michigan!

Special Events

“What an amazing tour. I've lived in Chicago for 12 years and was shocked to find how much I didn't know!”

Katherine O. Yelp, Chicago, Illinois

Your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises

One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The city is home to two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — and each offers plenty of cruise options. Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, learn about the city’s iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard an all-glass vessel, sip cocktails on a tiki-themed boat, paddle your own kayak — the options are truly endless. Here’s your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises, boat tours, dinner cruises, and beyond.

See it all with Shoreline Sightseeing

One of Chicago’s classic cruise options, Shoreline Sightseeing covers all the bases. Their ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings.

They also offer skyline lake tours, plus specialty cruises and holiday events. Hop on a boat at Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue.

Dine on the water with City Experiences

City Experiences dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable moment in Chicago. Choose from a river or lake dining cruise, complete with delicious cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment.

Their glass-enclosed river vessel is particularly stunning. It offers passengers panoramic views of the city’s most iconic buildings as you glide along the Chicago River. They also offer lakefront brunch and dinner cruise options that depart from Navy Pier.

Entertain the family with Wendella Boats

For three generations, Wendella Tours and Cruises has been cruising the Chicago waterways. With its variety of tour options, cruise times and lengths, and a heated, enclosed cabin, Wendella is a great choice for families looking for flexibility. Choose from lake & river architecture, sunset cruises, and more.

Admire architecture with Chicago’s First Lady

Around the world, Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, and it’s easiest to admire the city’s legacy from the water. By partnering with the Chicago Architecture Center , Chicago’s First Lady offers the most comprehensive tour of the skyline — docents must train 100 hours before they can lead tours.

Speed across Lake Michigan on Seadog Boat Tours

Are you up for a thrill? Race across Lake Michigan on SeaDog Cruises, featuring 30 minutes of high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns. Come prepared to get splashed.

SeaDog also offers lakefront speedboat tours and a river/lake architecture tour, featuring views of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and more.

Live it up on an Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. You can hop on an Island Party Boat at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is also where you’ll find their beach-inspired bar Island Party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide cruise, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Go back in time with Chicago Fireboat Tours

Step onto a real, historic fireboat and get ready for a unique experience with Chicago Fireboat Tours . The river tours are given aboard a real piece of Chicago history — a retired fireboat that patrolled the Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Tours are led by expert docents and include historic and sunset options.

Splurge on a Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

Looking to splurge a little? These private yacht charters are the way to go. The spacious yachts comfortably fit up to 49 or 120 people, making them the perfect option for a large celebration or an intimate gathering. Premium bar and catering packages round out the experience.

Explore the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

If you’re ready to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then it’s time to grab a paddle at Urban Kayaks . You’ll go through a brief training session before you hit the water, but you’re free to paddle the river or lake at your own pace. Or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.

Rent an electric boat

Chicago Electric Boat Company offers fun and unique ways to get out on the water, including donut boats, retro boats, and even a bike boat that your group can pedal down the Chicago River. Rental locations include Marina City, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Rockwell on the River in Avondale.

See the skyline aboard Mercury Cruises

While Chicago’s summer fireworks are already fun to watch, it’s an entirely new experience when you’re on a 3D tour. Before the show, you’ll cruise around the lake and see some of Chicago’s famous landmarks.

Mercury Cruises also offer Urban Adventure, Canine Cruises, and Chicago by Night tours.

Check out Chinatown via Chicago Water Taxi

Hop on! The Chicago Water Taxi is a fun and cheap way to get around Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chinatown, Goose Island, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, and River North. Get a one-way ticket for $6 or an all-day pass for $10. Check their daily routes and schedules for more details. Cruises.

From this article

Tours & Attractions

Chicago architecture center.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

Shoreline Sightseeing Company

Streeterville

Special Event Venues

Free spirit yacht cruises.

Urban Kayaks

River North

Wendella Tours & Cruises

The Magnificent Mile

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

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City Cruises Chicago Chicago River

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

City Cruises Chicago Chicago River - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor