Architecture River

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 7224 Reviews.

Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy and admire. This comprehensive 90 minute tour will navigate through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River while your professionally-trained architectural guide tells the story of more than 130 years of innovation in design, style and technique and why it is important today. The Chicago River Architecture Tour is the most authentic and encompassing Chicago experience the city has to offer.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 14080 Reviews.

Experience the stunning beauty of Chicago on a captivating cruise along the historic Chicago River. This architectural tour takes you down the main branch of the river, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past the iconic Willis Tower (Sears Tower) to the historic Old Post Office Building. Marvel at the magnificent city skyline as you pass by over 40 notable buildings, including: John Hancock Center: An iconic skyscraper that defines the Chicago skyline. Wrigley Building: Known for its distinctive white facade and clock tower. As you sail, an expert architecture guide will provide fascinating insights into the distinctive designs and history of these architectural marvels. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, this tour offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most beautiful cities. Sit back, relax, and let the architectural wonders of Chicago unfold before your eyes.

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 2019 Reviews.

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours. Hop aboard our world class vessels as our local authentic tour guides showcase our amazing city.

Rated 5 Stars, based on 1098 Reviews.

Step aboard the teak decks of elegant 1920s style yachts, Manhattan or Manhattan II, and enjoy a 2.75 hour cruise while learning about NYC's architectural landmarks from the water. The "Around Manhattan" tour narration, provided by members of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) NYC chapter, is general enough for visitors yet detailed enough for the locals. Experience a comfortable and unique tour through the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers from a glassed-in observatory cabin, which has sliding windows for a fresh breeze, or wander to an open bow for more unobstructed views of the surrounding sites. On this cruise, guests will circumnavigate the island of Manhattan, passing under all 18 bridges, while taking in monuments, architecture, parks and infrastructure with narration throughout the cruise. Important note: select departures on Friday afternoons will focus on Climate Change in and around New York City. Please call the operator directly for questions on the tour theme.

Rated 4.5 Stars, based on 2012 Reviews.

An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, cultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. The journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago's internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago's extraordinary 26-mile skyline. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience!

Rated 5 Stars, based on 3379 Reviews.

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has long been the gold standard among all Chicago tour experiences, and is the only Chicago architecture boat tour led by highly trained expert docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you will enjoy an overview of historic and modern architectural styles including stories about the people who designed and built Chicago. As a certified nonprofit, all ticket purchases directly support education efforts and community engagement projects. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.

Marvel at the magnificent architecture on the Chicago River with expert tour guides! All ages welcome. Each architecture river tour is narrated by a professional guide which leads passengers down the Chicago River to discover the city’s most renowned landmarks. In addition to historical insight on well known structures such as the Civic Opera House, Trump Tower & the Merchandise Mart, passengers will also get a chance to learn about current and upcoming developments. This Chicago River Cruise is the only cruise that navigates the three primary branches of the river including the main branch to Navy Pier, the north branch to Goose Island, and the south branch to Chinatown. It is also the cruise closest to Skydeck, has the least expensive parking, and is great for those coming from the suburbs due to its location off Interstate 290.

Enjoy Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city. On this tour, you will travel through Chicago with an expert guide in a comfortable minibus, enjoy world renowned architecture including the world's first skyscrapers, Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (Home of "The Bean"), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical, informational and at times humorous commentary about the area. Four photo stops are a part of each tour. The small-group atmosphere with a maximum of 10 people ensures a more personal experience.  You also have the option to upgrade to include THE most popular Architecture River Cruise in Chicago! For good reason, our partner Shoreline Sightseeing, has been the most booked tour on TripAdvisor for the last 5 years! And yes, there is a bar on the boat.

Take in the views on this award-winning 90-minute Architectural Tour, a jaw-dropping excursion through a city that defies all expectations!

Tour the streets of Chicago to see the beauty and legacy left behind by the Prohibition Era. See the amazing architecture, iconic sights (both old and new), the city's best spots and try a local sweet treat along the way as you explore on foot.

Enjoy Chicago’s iconic skyline with an exciting architecture cruise on the Chicago River. Departing from Navy Pier, this 75-minute narrated cruise is the best way to get up-close views of Chicago’s unique architecture and famous landmarks. Seadog offers fun for the whole family (and the dog, too!) with live narration along the city’s shore. Enjoy the speed of Seadog afterward during a short speedboat ride on the lake! Please arrive at the boarding location at least 30 minutes before your scheduled cruise time. The tour will begin promptly.

Immerse yourself along the Chicago River and admire the astonishing architecture and landmarks that have shaped the Windy City and beyond. Our expert guides will show you Chicago through a new lens and explore this city’s history, architecture, and legacy with you.

Enjoy a 2-hour walk through Rotterdam, guided by a local architect. Learn about the history of the city, and follow the architecture highlights: the new Rotterdam Central Station, the Lijnbaan midcentury national monument, the Timmerhuis of OMA, the Markthal designed by MVRDV and the iconic Cube Houses. The tour ends on the riverside with spectacular view on the landmark bridges and the modern high-rise on the South bank.

Travel on a piece of history, learning Chicago fire history as well as Architecture! We travel on Lake Michigan and through the Chicago River seeing the sights. Perfect for Fire enthusiasts, families and everyone in between! Our flagship vessel is a retired Chicago fire boat, the Fred A Busse, Engine 41, which served Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Firefighter patches from around the world and memorabilia from Engine 41's time in service, adorn the walls inside the cabin.

Experience the best of Chicago with a Premier Plus Architectural Lunch Cruise and spend your afternoon on the Chicago River with dining, picturesque views, and a narrated architectural tour of the city. While onboard, you’ll enjoy our chef-prepared, plated menus, creative cocktails, distinctive service, and breathtaking views from our climate-controlled interior and open-air outdoor deck. Whether for a celebratory lunch for two or for a special afternoon with friends and family, our Architectural Lunch Cruises offer the most breathtaking views of Chicago with an accompanying narrated tour highlighting the history of the city from the water.

​This tour is the unique experience of exploring the architecture of Brussels by a local architect. Jamal will lead your way through over 500 years of architectural styles, history, art, and legends. We will discover the sophisticating of Brussels since it was the capital of the Spanish Netherlands til it became the Capital of Europe. The influences of architecture from the Netherlands, Spain, and France will be pointed out, and stories behind the styles changes will be told. By the end of the day, your eyes will catch and explore details that you never noticed before, even back in your home town.

Go Tuk'n is the only tour provider of this tour. These two historic neighborhoods were developed after the 1901 fire in Jacksonville. The residential architecture is some of the most unique across the USA in these two neighborhoods. In addition, you will visit the Memorial Part celebrating the legacy of our WWI veterans on the beautiful St. John's River. You will also find hidden parks and learn about our unique history in these areas of our city.

Immerse yourself in Chicago’s distinct skyline with bold skyscrapers and incredible views of Lake Michigan .Enjoy the efficiency of having your own local expert and personal guide to share unique and fascinating stories about the surrounding area including exclusive local insights, historic highlights and personalized recommendations. You and your private small group will enjoy complimentary downtown Chicago hotel pick up. To begin your tour your Tripshepherd guide will take you to the Adler Planetarium Pier, a must-stop while in the Windy City. Aboard the Shoreline Architecture Cruise you will enjoy a narrated boat tour where you will see the breathtaking views of over 40 Chicago iconic landmarks, from hidden architectural features to the Windy City's most famous monuments. To finish your exclusive, private tour, you will get to visit two iconic Chicago landmarks – the Buckingham Fountain and the Chicago Bean (Cloud Gate). Enjoy complimentary downtown Chicago drop off.

Established fifty years before the Capital, Georgetown began as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River, described by Abigail Adams as a "dirty little hole". Despite its modest start, Georgetown is now home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world-class University. We'll explore the highlights and secrets of DC's most exclusive neighborhood, discussing architecture, history, scandal, and more. By the end of the tour, we'll see Georgetown's full transformation in this rags to riches tale. Book directly via DC Design Tours for the best experience and price!

Looking for iconic Mid-Century Modern architecture? What better place than Chicago with its triumvirate of modern architects (Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and SOM) and a city ready and willing to accept them. Find out what set these buildings apart from their predecessors and how they helped set the stage for the future. If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour. Find out the stories behind inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.