Chicago River
Chicago River
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Chicago River
The area
Neighborhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You won’t find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
How to get there
- Clark/Lake • 3 min walk
- Clark/Lake • 3 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,524 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,032 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Nightly Trader4 contributionsWorth the visitAbsolute must-see! It's like the city's glittering, liquid jewel, especially when it's all lit up at night. The riverwalk is a cool place to stroll, grab a bite, and enjoy the city vibes. And if you get the chance, take a boat tour – you'll get the lowdown on Chicago's fascinating history and some killer skyline views. Trust me, it's one of those iconic things you gotta check off your Chicago bucket list!Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 27, 2023
- Bill BBel Air, Maryland18,974 contributionsWatching the smooth waters makes for a restful experienceThe Chicago River is placid and stately as it moves along and reflects both modern and historic architecture in the Loop area of the city. Tour boats ply its waters up to Lake Michigan near Navy Pier. The waters, alternatively blue and green, are clear and clean looking. The numerous bridges that cross the river are often double decked and are themselves part of the river's history. Watching the smooth waters makes for a restful experience.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 21, 2023
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota5,897 contributionsGreat To Walk Along or Ride on the River to Appreciate the Architecture of the CityThe Chicago River cuts through downtown Chicago and offers a great way to experience the city's incredible architecture. There are architecture boat tours that can be experienced and are very relaxing and worthwhile during the pleasant weather times of the year. Or you can stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk on the south bank of the river and experience many incredible views. Some of the best views are near the Michigan Avenue Bridge where the iconic Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower can be seen.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 10, 2024
- Sercan Kamil NergizciIstanbul, Türkiye90 contributionsBeautiful RiverThe first of my travel is St. Patrick’s Day and the coast of river is so crowded. The people was fun and dancing. Besides, the most beautiful thing is that the river was colored brilliant green by natural feed. The tours on the river can be taken and see more details about these lovely river.Visited March 2024Traveled on businessWritten March 21, 2024
- IrinaUnited States13,874 contributionsSummer Days on Chicago RiverOne of the best and most admired attractions in downtown Chicago is Chicago River, that divides this part of the city into two large areas -- Chicago Loop and Near North Side. Chicago River is a stunning result of two vanguard engineering projects in the past: in 1889 - 1910 the flow of Chicago River was redirected, reversing it, making it flow out of Lake Michigan, and flow into Des Plaines River -- 156 miles away from Chicago. Chicago River is always beautiful, and in summer, especially on weekends, the River is getting very busy with the river traffic: kayaks, rental boats, water taxis, tour boats, etc. The views from Chicago River banks, from Chicago Riverwalk, multiple bridges, and river boats are spectacular. Riverboat architecture cruises are very popular with Chicagoans and visitors, who can fully enjoy the contemporary city architecture and its historic architectural heritage, as well. There are famous iconic sites and buildings along Chicago River (Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Marina City Towers, Merchandise Mart), many restaurants and modern, upscale hotels. Chicago River is undoubtedly an exciting part of town, making this gorgeous city look even more vibrant and beautiful. Enjoy!Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,034 reviews
Excellent
1,518
Very good
451
Average
56
Poor
6
Terrible
3
Dolores S
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Didn't bother going through the hassle and risk of not finding the dock area. We drove around the address given and could not find Wendella Tours the day before we thought of riding. I later called them asking for better directions and if they had any openings for the sunset tour for 2. They did but had to order $42 tickets each online or by phone in advance before attempting to park and show proof of purchase at the gate to pay a $12 fee. Then take a risk of not finding and losing our money by walking .2 miles to the boat dock via instructions and not getting there on time. Too much for seniors like us visiting for the first time. So complicated, why does it have to be?
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
Jan 2020
The river is in downtown Chicago, just a couple of blocks away from the Lake waterfront. The way the buildings and bridges combine with the river in the middle of the city is what struck me most. I would love to spend lots of time along the river banks.
Written June 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
teacher1349
Billerica, MA29 contributions
Jun 2021
We loved walking the river and people watching. In April, it was cold but still beautiful and fun to visit. In June, it was happening and nice to have a wine outside City Winery! Watching all the boats go by is fun, and watching all the dogs walk by was sweet. You can get a great sense of the river, the history, and the city by walking a good portion of the river, and if you are inclined - you can reach the lake by an underpass. There are bathrooms midway along the riverwalk and they are very clean. The bridges are cool to look at and for history buffs, there are plenty of plaques to read. Go there on day 1!
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica A
1 contribution
Jun 2022
We parked right at the marina and were greeted by friendly, helpful staff. Our tour guide, Hillary was outstanding, full of fascinating information about the history and the city, the buildings, and the architecture. She delivered the information in a fun, but informative way so it was never dull or boring. The views from the boat were incredible. We brought our teenage daughters and they loved it as much as we did. I highly recommend this tour !
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tarynitup While Traveling
Elkhart, IN1,019 contributions
Sep 2021
While walking around the city, we stopped at the Chicago River to snap a nice night photo of the buildings (see attached). This location really is a great shot as you have a lot of buildings, lights, and river all in the same location.
It is also neat to watch the tour boats traveling through. This is a great stop while touring around Chicago.
It is also neat to watch the tour boats traveling through. This is a great stop while touring around Chicago.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kinh N
21 contributions
May 2021
By taking of the River Cruise on Chicago River... It gave us a big beatiful pictures of the City River and its one of the best Architecture of the Chicago City... First time visiting Chicago, it made me missed the areas after got home! Hope you will enjoy your trip here!!!
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina
United States13,874 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Chicago River makes its way through the downtown area of the city. Historically, as a result of two major engineering projects (1889 -- 1910), the flow of the river was redirected, turning it away from Lake Michigan, so since then Chicago River flows into Des Plaines River, which is over 150 miles away from Chicago.
Chicago River is a part of a large system, that includes the North Branch, the South Branch, and Main Stem of Chicago River, as well as 52 miles of constructed waterways.
Flowing through the central part of the city, Chicago River makes the whole area look even more colorful and beautiful. You can walk or drive on the bridges from the Loop to the Near North Side, take the River cruises, architectural boat tours, or just enjoy the Chicago Riverwalk, that in any time of the year shows the beauty of Chicago River and the stunning architecture of the city.
I always enjoy Chicago River and the views, when I am in the downtown area of this great city.
Chicago River is a part of a large system, that includes the North Branch, the South Branch, and Main Stem of Chicago River, as well as 52 miles of constructed waterways.
Flowing through the central part of the city, Chicago River makes the whole area look even more colorful and beautiful. You can walk or drive on the bridges from the Loop to the Near North Side, take the River cruises, architectural boat tours, or just enjoy the Chicago Riverwalk, that in any time of the year shows the beauty of Chicago River and the stunning architecture of the city.
I always enjoy Chicago River and the views, when I am in the downtown area of this great city.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,455 contributions
Apr 2022
....but best - do them both.
Chicago river is the main artery of the Windy city. It runs through downtown and splits then into northern and southern branch.
Amazing historic edifices and beautiful skyscrapers are spread along it.
You can discover them for free walking the Riverwalk, or taking one of many architectural boat tours which last around 90 min and cost around 40$.
Chicago river is the main artery of the Windy city. It runs through downtown and splits then into northern and southern branch.
Amazing historic edifices and beautiful skyscrapers are spread along it.
You can discover them for free walking the Riverwalk, or taking one of many architectural boat tours which last around 90 min and cost around 40$.
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJR9561
Sherman, TX114 contributions
Dec 2019
We took an architectural boat tour and really enjoyed it. It was the second time we have been on one. I would suggest it anytime your in the city. If you can go in the summer months it would be a little more enjoyable. The boat did have a place to go inside so you can stay warmer if you want.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christopherbO9687MP
Acton, MA726 contributions
Sep 2022
The Chicago River is a great downtown highlight that accents the city. Most cities have a waterfront that forms the boundary of the city; Chicago has this River that splits the downtown with a relatively narrow divider. With the Riverwalk and all the downtown tour boats, there's always something to see traveling along the river.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Estare en año nuevo en Chicago, me pueden recomendar algun lugar para la fiesta de año nuevo ya que los cruceros de Navy Pier no aceptan niños y tengo do adolescentes
gracias
Written August 28, 2019
Kann leider keine Empfehlung aussprechen, da gibt es zu viele Möglichkeiten.
Written September 14, 2019
hola! quisiera saber si el paseo nocturno tiene habla hispana, de no ser asĂ, a que hora estan los guĂas de habla hispana?
Written January 14, 2018
No hice el nocturno. El diurno de arquitectura es jueves y sabados. No se en invierno que pasa pero es recomendable.
Written January 15, 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing