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.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Out at sunset: the 4:45 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:02 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 883 of the next 1170 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Vessels depart from Wendella's docks at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge), at the foot of the Wrigley Building.
Dedicated in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, known for reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. For the first five minutes of every hour, the fountain shoots a water arc across the river from a tiered waterfall.
The largest commercial building in the world.
Michigan Avenue is home of the Chicago Water Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
This white, terra-cotta landmark was built in 1922 as headquarters for the Wrigley chewing gum company.
An open, pedestrian waterfront called the city's 'Second Lakefront.'
Second-largest opera auditorium in North America, with an Art Deco interior
Pass by these iconic mixed-use apartment buildings - "a city within a city" with their unique corn-cob exterior.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 523 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 8 stops.
Prices start at $45 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 40 departures a day between 9:30 AM and 9:15 PM.
Children aged 4–12 pay from $20, adults from $45. Infants go free.
It can: 883 of the next 1170 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN, EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 300 participants.
Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Katrina and I had a wonderful trip. We loved the buildings along the way. The architecture was fantastic. Her favorite was the Saint Regis building and mine was the Wrigley building when we got home to Philadelphia. We research some of the things we saw. It was quite enjoyable trip. Thank you.
I really enjoyed learning about the architecture in the City of Chicago. I highly recommend it!! If you go at night, dress accordingly.
Everything was great. Very informative. The guide was fun and very knowledgeable. Everyone was civil. Great weather. All in all, a wonderful day. Wendella Tours has it together. Cons: No restrooms while waiting. "Go to Walgreens" does not cut it. Should be noted upfront. Once on the boat it was not an issue. No shade while waiting in line and two benches for seating are taken by those first in line. Otherwise be prepared to stand.
Great experience and knowledgeable tour and perfect we went in the evening. Get there about 25mins early for a great seat and you will be fine!
This was an awesome tour! They were on time, kind and had in board drinks and bathroom. Would def recommend!
This tour was excellent. The guide was knowledgeable. The experience was great. This was the easiest and quickest way to see the city.
Informative and interesting. Tour guide was knowledgeable and pleasant. We enjoyed the whole experience.
Great day to enjoy Chicago. The 90-minute architecture tour was very informative. Our host John M. made the experience the best.
I wasn't sure if I would be into a 90 min tour, but I was wrong. It was great. It was entertaining and educational.
Very informative the jokes were funny. Wendell’s staff was friendly. I learned a lot about the Chicago skyline
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour | 1h 30min | 4.7 (11,104) | $45 | |
 Chicago Architecture River Cruise | 1h–1h 30min | 4.8 (17,097) | $39 | View |
 Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady | 1h 30min | 4.9 (7,348) | $57 | View |
 Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile | 45 min | 4.6 (3,668) | $28 | View |
 Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour | 1h 30min | 4.7 (2,461) | $45 | View |
 Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour | 1h 30min | 4.8 (1,934) | $33 | View |
 Chicago Architecture River Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour | 2 hours | 4.0 (51) | $99 | View |