Top Chicago Architecture Tours

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!

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. The Chicago River Cruise 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.

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.

Explore some of the most stunning interior spaces you’ll ever see – spaces you’d surely pass by without a second glance if you weren’t shown them by a seasoned, in-the-know tour guide. Ranging from stained glass mosaics from the turn of the century to soaring Art Deco spaces from the Roaring 20s, these spaces are some of the most beautiful in the city -- and open to us to explore!

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. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing this award winning tour, so accept no substitutes.

Our Signature Chicago 4th of July Fireworks Dinner Cruise is the ultimate way to kick off summer's biggest celebration. The spectacular Chicago fireworks will captivate you as you enjoy the show from your front row seats on the water. Unparalleled festivities are in store this 4th of with dining, dancing, and magnificent skyline views on Lake Michigan for a casual evening out. Enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared buffet and gorgeous views of Chicago's spectacular architecture while soaking in the beautiful summer weather. You'll marvel at famed city landmarks, such as the Willis Tower, and Adler Planetarium, from our climate-controlled interior and open-air roof decks. We keep the spirits flowing with a fully stocked bar, games, and lively music from our DJ. Set sail on an unforgettable 4th of July celebration! Includes Must be 21 or older with valid ID 3-hour dinner cruise on Lake Michigan Delicious dinner buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts

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.

The best views of Chicago can be yours at 360 Chicago Observation Deck! Perched 94 stories above the Windy City, the 360 Chicago provides commanding views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s towering skyscrapers, including Willis (Sears) Tower. Located in the heart of downtown on Michigan Avenue, the observatory is steps away from other top Chicago attractions. It will be the high point (literally) of your Chicago trip! Upgrade your ticket onsite to include TILT, a thrill ride that offers visitors unique, downward facing views from 1,030 feet. Or grab refreshments at our newly CloudBar.

The lakeside metropolis of Chicago is famous for its striking skyscrapers, world-class museums and colorful history. Explore the “Windy City” at your own pace, with the choice of 24 Hour and 48 Hour tickets, all which include a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour with stops strategically located near the city’s top attractions. Hop on to experience sites like the Adler Planetarium and Navy Pier or hop off along the Magnificent Mile to shop, see the great city at heart-stopping heights from Willis Tower’s Skydeck.

Experience the best of Chicago with a Premier Dinner Cruise and spend your evening on Lake Michigan with dining, picturesque views, DJ entertainment, and dancing. While onboard, you’ll enjoy our chef-prepared plated menus, creative cocktails, distinctive service, and breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and attractions from our climate-controlled interior and open-air rooftop decks. Whether for a romantic dinner for two or for a special evening with friends and family, our dinner cruises are the perfect way to elevate any occasion and see Chicago from the water! Includes - 3-course, chef-plated menu - Spectacular views of the Chicago skyline including the Willis Tower - and Adler Planetarium - DJ-curated music - Guaranteed table for your party size - Complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea Extras & Upgrades: - Creative cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase from our fully stocked bar

Ready to discover some of the best Chicago has to offer with a local by your side? Join us on an epic tour of some of the city’s greatest hits: incredible architecture both old and new, delicious local treats and iconic Chicago dishes, a uniquely Chicago transit ride, stunning river views and much more!

Leave the hustle and bustle behind! Explore Chicago's shores with a leisurely trip around Lake Michigan. Take in the world-famous skyline, enjoy spectacular views, and discover the Windy City from the water. Windy is the Official Ship for the City of Chicago. At 148 feet long, she is one of only a few 4 masted Schooners built in the United States. You will enjoy a relaxing sail around aboard a truly historic vessel. Select from Pirates and Maritime Stories Sail at 1pm, Skyline/Architectural Theme at 3pm and 5pm, and Skyline Sunset Sail at 7pm. This sail is approximately 75 minutes. The ship leaves promptly at the scheduled time, please allow for time to park, off the pier if necessary.

The Frederick C. Robie House on the University of Chicago campus is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture. This Prairie style masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List. Discover the residence Wright described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on guided tours that take in both the exterior and interior of the building. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwest prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of the architect’s groundbreaking Prairie houses. Public tours are available Thursday - Monday. The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Save when you book directly at Visit to learn more.

Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. The 40 years between 1890 and 1930 saw the creation of some of Chicago’s the most memorable buildings, many of which are featured on this tour. After the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago was determined to become a great cultural and commercial metropolis. This tour is a testament to that era's ambitions. See buildings by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Holabird and Roche and other noted architects and hear the stories behind the city's architectural gems.

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.

Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours! We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago. Tour departures from 465 N. McClurg Ct.

The educational sail aboard Chicago's Official Flagship Windy departs at 11am Thursday thru Monday from Navy Pier. Leave the hustle and bustle behind, and enjoy a leisurely Educational Sail aboard Chicago’s Official Tall Ship. Guests will enjoy 75 minute sail where they will learn about sailing and the history of Lake Michigan and Chicago. Ideal for youth groups, children, families and adults.. Chicago's history is forever linked to the history of sailing on Lake Michigan. From these historical maritime roots, guests will be delighted with interesting facts, unique stories, and a healthy dose of whimsy. You will have a chance to help sail Chicago's famous 148' Schooner and you will be rewarded with incredible scenery and photo opportunities of the Windy City. Enjoy your time on the water — the third-largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is itself a natural wonder. Your guide will provide live audio commentary throughout the journey. This is approximately a 75 Minute sail.

Enjoy Chicago’s famous sights and fabulous skyline views on this award-winning small-group sightseeing tour of the city. Travel through Chicago with an expert guide on a comfortable minibus, stopping at iconic locations like early skyscraper "The Rookery" (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town) and The Buckingham Fountain. You'll also see The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, The Chicago River, Millennium Park, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical and informational and at times humorous commentary about the area and its many attractions. The small-group atmosphere with maximum of 10 people ensures a more personal experience.  

Get the whole Chicago experience combining our Chicago Architecture & Highlights Tour and Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish! Our two-part tour begins by exploring the heart of downtown Chicago - with its iconic architecture, both old and new, views of the Chicago River, Millenium Park, and bustling city avenues (plus, a couple tasty local treats along the way). From there, we’ll hit the Central Loop, where locals go to grab their favorite foods, day and night. Try the best of Chicago fare and get to know the history and how-tos (and how-not-tos) behind iconic street and comfort food staples - from the infamous deep dish pizza to sandwiches to a loaded hot dog! Your local guide will entertain with fascinating stories and the everyday immigrant chefs and vendors responsible for Chicago’s eclectic food scene. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deep appreciation for both the evolution of this excellent city and the role food has played in the lives of all Chicagoans!

Get ready to discover the storied architecture of Chicago. You’ll take the first elevator ride of the morning up to Skydeck at Willis Tower to see the city from a birds-eye prime vantage spot. Journey back to street level for an immersive tour of the Loop guiding you from the iconic ‘L’ train circling downtown Chicago to the city’s impressive Art Deco architecture. This insider’s look will supply you with the history to truly appreciate these colossal structures. A 90-minute river cruise awaits at the end of the tour taking you from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan.

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 explores some of the best hidden details, secret buildings and spaces, and untold stories that add wonderful bits of color and texture to the overall narrative of Chicago. On this tour, we will explore the famous and mysterious Chicago Pedway, a system of underground tunnels connecting 40 blocks downtown, popping in and out of buildings to see beautiful and fascinating interior spaces, before exploring some of the "secrets" in plain sight near Millennium Park and the world-famous Art Institute.

Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop. The city's first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most defining features, the "L" offers incredible views of downtown. By being more than 20 feet off the ground, you'll see architectural details that are missed by most pedestrians at street level. This is our most comprehensive tour in the Loop, passing hundreds of buildings and highlighting ones of architectural significance.