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A river cruise boat on a teal river passes under multiple bridges, surrounded by tall skyscrapers in an urban cityscape.
4.6 (812 reviews)

Chicago Cruises

Explore the Windy City from the water on a cruise around Chicago

Check availability

17 options • from $28.00

Attraction Passes

Chicago CityPASS®

Available today
  • Group of max. 10 people
4.6 (48)
From $276.00
$142.00 49

Chicago Skyline Pass

Available today
  • 45-Minute Chicago River Cruise
  • Skydeck Chicago
  • 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

+ 1 other top thing to do

4.5 (19)
From
$137.00
Evening Cruises

Chicago: Creepy Cruise

Temporarily unavailable
  • Live guide in English
5 (2)
From
$42.00

Hand-picked combinations

Combine Chicago Cruises with other Chicago favorites. Some things are better together.

Tickets overview

  • Escape the bustling streets of the Illinois capital city and sail down the Chicago River on a number of different cruise options

  • Find out firsthand why Chicago architecture tours are ranked as one of the world's best travel experiences

  • Chicago boasts some of the largest and most unique skyscrapers in the world

  • Architects in the late 1800s pioneered construction methods using steel frames and large plate glass to build some of the highest, most stunning skyscrapers to date

  • See dozens of modern and historic buildings on your Chicago cruise, including Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Lyric Opera, 333 West Wacker, Marina City, and more

Chicago is one of the most popular destinations in the US, known for its signature architecture. It's no secret the best way to see the city is from the water on a cruise! Cruises are known to sell out, so make sure you book your Chicago cruise tickets well in advance.

Choose the right Chicago cruise tickets for you:

Architecture Tours

  • Get to know the stunning historic and modern architecture of Chicago on one of its famous architecture cruises with a guided introduction to Illinois' famous capital

  • Pressed for time in Chicago? Opt for a 45-minute tour and see all the best bits of a traditional architecture tour in half the time

Night Cruises

Lake Michigan

  • Board a thrilling ride around Lake Michigan at warp speed on the Seadog speedboat. In just over 30 minutes, you'll be blown away by the Windy City!

  • For a more laid-back experience on one of America's Great Lakes, opt for a brunch cruise or a dinner cruise around Lake Michigan

  • It's not called the Windy City for nothing! Make sure you dress appropriately for current weather conditions

  • Some Chicago cruises are seasonal – check the availability of your desired cruise before booking

  • Most cruises begin boarding 30 minutes before their scheduled departure – get there early and bring an ID

  • Chicago is a busy city, so parking near the dock is limited. Take the bus or train to the nearest station and walk to your assigned pier

  • Dinner cruises often adhere to a dress code – smart casual (cocktail dresses, collard shirts, and dress pants) is recommended

Chicago Cruises reviews

4.6
812 verified customer reviews
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Customer images

3 reviews
B
Barbara,  United States United States
21 Sep 2025
Excellent
Very informative and a fun experience. The docent (Terry) obviously has a deep knowledge of the architecture and history of Chicago.
Chicago: Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
B
Brenda,  United States United States
21 Aug 2025
Excellent
It was an inexpensive way to see 3 great experiences in Chicago. I highly recommend it. I went on the ferris wheel, went y to the aquarium and the best things was the architecture tour.
Chicago CityPASS C3
A
Alejandra ,  United States United States
07 Sep 2025
Excellent
Would highly recommend!! The tour girl, I completely forgot her name but she was wearing glasses. She was AMAZING, such a good sense of humor.
Chicago: 45 Minute River Architectural Cruise Tour

About: Chicago Cruises

See the skyline of the Windy City reflected in the water on a cruise of Chicago.

Depart from Michigan Avenue, the Navy Pier, or Lake Michigan and sail in and around historic Chicago.

Take in views of Chicago's skyscrapers with an architecture cruise, or elevate your experience with a gourmet dinner cruise on Lake Michigan.

Whatever you fancy, there's a Chicago cruise out there for you.

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