America · ARCHITECTURE TOURS & CRUISES
The 15 best architecture tours & cruises you can book today, with the price, the running time and who each one suits. The first one is first for a reason.
See Chicago’s famous buildings from the Chicago River on a guided architecture cruise with live commentary, restrooms, and pet-friendly fun.
“The tour guide was great! Loved his insight, knowledge, and personality. It wasn’t always easy to hear him as other passengers We’re on their phones or talking to each other loudly.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with Wendella, expert narration, and great views of Marina City, the Wrigley Building, and more.
“Loved loved this tour ! So much history and a funny host!! Really enjoyed hearing all about Chicago’s history and the history of the river ! Great views and lots to see !”
Skip the line for a 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with expert guides, indoor or open-deck seating, and a cash bar.
“Great way to see another view of the city. Our Guide Sarah was very knowledgeable. She clearly loves her job.”
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady: 90 minutes of docent-led skyline storytelling, comfort on two levels, and skyline photos by the river.
“Yes please, add to Cart. Amazing history lesson and current affairs in the city of Chicago. This was a fantastic tour with an incredibly knowledgeable docant. And they have a bar on the boat for the win.”
Skip the ticket line on a Chicago River architecture cruise covering all three branches with live docent narration and a cash bar.
“It was a lovely tour and all employees were professional and friendly. Really enjoyed the Chicago architecture tour!”
A 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live English narration, great views from top or covered decks, and strong value at $28.
“The tour was very interesting and I would highly recommend. We went in early January and it was absolutely freezing. If I were doing it again I would stay in the lower climate controlled area then come out to take pictures near the end of the tour.”
A 90-minute Chicago architecture cruise with live narration on the river and Lake Michigan shoreline views from Wendella.
“This experience was really great! What made it Fun and Exciting was the commentator telling us all about the history of Chicago architecture. John was really funny and had the crowd laughing. If you take this tour, go with John.”
45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live guide, indoor and outdoor decks, skyline views, and cash bar snacks and drinks at $28.
“Sarah was a great guide with a lot of interesting facts about the Chicago architecture. The 45 minute tour was just enough time to get a feel for the history of the city. The boat was comfortable and there were lots of seats for the guests. Highly recommend this tour.”
A 90-minute Chicago River and Lake Michigan architecture cruise with expert guide, Chicago Lock passage, and deck or climate seating for $44.
“I enjoyed the tour and had a great time on Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The tour guide was great and told us a lot of interesting facts about the architecture and about important people or the history of the city in general. The length of time was perfect and I would definitely recommend to go on this tour.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live narration, big skyline views, and a covered-and-open deck setup for rain or cold.
“This is a must see in terms of seeing the beautiful buildings and skyline as well as learning about the history of Chicago.”
Chicago Loop interior walking tour: Art Deco Board of Trade, Cultural Center finale, small group with local guide, $35, 2 hours.
“Adam, our tour guide, expertly led us through some of Chicago’s beautiful architectural gems, sharing his keen insight and good humor along the way. Thoroughly enjoyed the memorable journey. Thank you Adam!”
A 1920s-style yacht cruise around Manhattan with AIA narration, bridge views, and a free drink, avoiding sidewalk crowds.
“Booked the experience for my mom and I to do when she came for thanksgiving as I recently had ACL and meniscus repair and walking isn’t the easiest right now. Requested a seat prior to booking where I’d be able to keep my locked brace straight. I was sat in the middle of the aisle, where every single person who was making their way to the bow of the ship had to move around me, or I had to move my leg. Had I sat with my leg under the table, I would’ve had my back turned to 90% of the sights. There were other seat options at my group…”
A small-group Chicago walking tour mixing classic bites, downtown architecture, and city stories, ending near the Loop with Big Bean photos.
“It was a good way to get a feel for Chicago. I thought I had tried deep dish pizza in California, but it turns out a Chicago deep dish pizza was a true, brand new culinary experience. And I was glad I got to ride the "elevated".”
Chicago River architecture by small boat, guided stories and views of Navy Pier and Cloud Gate. $49, about 90 minutes, snacks and coffee.
“Loved our tour guide, Justine. She was very entertaining and knowledgeable. Great energy as well. The skyline was beautiful.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with coffee and lemonade onboard, plus expert docent stories on towers, bridges, and styles.
“The tour was very informative about the history and architecture of Chicago! The changes of the Chicago river was such a surprise !”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
