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    Shoreline Sightseeing

    4.6 (158 reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 9:15 pm

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    Reid, Murdoch & Co. Building
    Mel J.

    Excellent boat tour to learn about different Chicago's architecture and a bit of history. We sat on the top deck during winter (December) and luckily it wasn't raining. However, it was freezing, so dress accordingly. They have small cafe on the lower deck with hot cocoa (can also add Bailey's) that hit the spot against the cold weather. The tour was about an hour but it felt so fast.

    Kathleen D.

    Absolutely book this tour!! I booked it as part of the CityPass. I selected the 75-minute cruise at 6:15 pm thinking it'd be the sunset cruise. In theory, it was. In reality, the sky turned overcast throughout the day. Regardless, our tour guide, Stephanie, kept things interesting! The views were still outrageously cool. I was also glad I brought a cardigan, as even though it was LDW, it got rather chilly on the river. My favorite lore was the St. Regis Hotel by Jeanne Gang and the drift through floors. Anyone who visits Chicago should do an architectural tour - it's very worth it! And the views at night after the sun went down were glorious.

    James K.

    This is a must do if you are in Chicago. Took a 75 min architectural river cruise. Our guide Elliot was amazing. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. Great way to learn about the history, see amazing architecture and see the city. Will do this every time I am in Chicago

    siri g.

    I booked this architecture tour through CityPASS, and it ended up being one of my favorite things I did in Chicago. The tour started right on time, and the entire crew was friendly, organized, and professional. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting facts about Chicago's history, architecture, and the city's iconic buildings. It was the perfect balance of information without feeling overwhelming. If you're visiting in the summer, I'd highly recommend the 7:30 p.m. tour (I went in June). During the 75-minute cruise, you get to experience the city in daylight, during golden hour, and as the skyline begins to light up after sunset. It made for some incredible views and photos. It's a fantastic experience that's enjoyable for all ages and one I'd definitely recommend if you're visiting Chicago.

    rainy day makes people go away
    Chris W.

    As someone who had never been to Chicago I was told that this was one of the "must do" things to get the full experience. Originally I was annoyed that it was going to rain the day that I did it, but that ended up being for the best because it scared a lot of people away. From the look of all the empty chairs they can pack a LOT of people on these boats. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed myself if it was so packed. It was nice that they had restrooms available because this is a lengthy ride. I learned a good deal and got to see some interesting sights. I thought it was worth the time we spent on it.

    Benedict C.

    I got a ticket for Shoreline Sightseeing River Architecture tour via Chicago CityPass. It was easy to book a timeslot through the CityPass app but I'm sure it's not too difficult to secure tickets in other ways. The instructions state to show up at least 15 minutes prior to the time on your ticket and I took that pretty literally. My tour was booked for 5:00PM and showed up at 4:45PM. By the time I got there the line was SUPER long. There's enough seating for everyone but if you want your pick of what seat to sit in you should definitely show up earlier. I ended up sitting on a bench on the side of the boat but I didn't mind at all, it made for good views. Eric, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and he presented the information in a fun and entertaining way. I went towards the end of May and it was a bit chilly so definitely keep an eye on the weather and pack a jacket if it's appropriate. I guess they don't call it "The Windy City" for nothing. There is a bar on the lower deck that serves alcohol and sells some snacks but my girlfriend and I didn't partake. Nice to know it's there as an option though. I'd definitely suggest you go on the tour if you're visiting Chicago. Maybe it'd be fun even for locals that have never done it before. Very enjoyable experience!

    Chicago skyline
    Amy F.

    Such a great Chicago experience! The ride last 75 mins it's and the guide was so informative - sharing trails about the Chicago skyline. Highly recommend!

    Contextualism
    Anmol L.

    We had a blast at the architecture tour. As someone with limited knowledge about architecture, it was great hearing and learning so much about Chicago's history and the intention behind the buildings and city planning. It was so inspiring hearing the story and life's work of Daniel Burnham! He came up with a plan on how to effectly build a city for and set an example with Chicago. It's amazing to see how they implemented his ideas and how beneficial they have been comparing it to other major cities. We learned about the resilience of the people bouncing back from the fire and the meaning behind Chicago flag. It was great hearing from someone that was knowledgeable and passionate about the topic. It is worth spending you time here as a tourist early on your trip so you can witness your lessons while you tour around!

    Chicago skyline

    Eric was our tour guide and he did an amazing job. Very fun, very professional and very knowledgeable.

    View from the boat at the beginning
    Aimee A.

    This is the second time I have done an architecture cruise in Chicago. Different company, but just as great. Took family this time. Our tour guide, Joe, was outstanding. Covered a lot of history and explained the relevance of the architecture. Would go again with this company. Took the 10:45am tour - great views and good weather. Utilized the tickets through the C3 pass.

    Eddie R.

    Very impressive and unexpected. We were at a ball game when someone told us about this tour. This was our first time in Chicago and they highly recommended this tour. I looked it up immediately and found this one. I booked it for the next day. The confirmation was easy to follow and find the meeting point. We took the 1030 tour. It was full but not packed. We had Sadie for our guide. She is a local and was super knowledgeable. Her description of every building on the river was super impressive and very informative. She gave us historical information. She gave us information on building codes from past and present, fun facts, and she made it fun. We learned more about Chicago in 1 1/2 hours than i could have learned from a book or a class. Like what the locals did for me, I will tell you, this is a must. This was worth the cost and time we had during our trip. Make the time and take the tour. You will not be disappointed.

    Brian H.

    Excellent tour of Chicago on the river. Good narrator and plenty places to take beautiful photos and videos. There is a bar downstairs in case you want to grab a ginger ale or brewski. 5 stars!

    Dominique W.

    Architecture tour was a beautiful way to see the Chicago skyline and learn the history. I loved the evening/nighttime tour. Seeing all the buildings lit up was awesome. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. They did have a bar so I enjoyed having a cocktail as we sailed !

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    9 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Amazing tour tremendous information. History on the building and city of Chicago. Big shout out to Jim for his knowledge!

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Ben did an amazing job today during our tour! He was funny/interesting/safe/informative! Thanks Ben!

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    8 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    9 years ago

    This is a must do while visiting Chicago! Great views and relaxing ride. Short wait time.

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    14 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Love it! So easy to take from Union to Michigan Avenue :) Only wish it was open earlier/later

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Our tour guide, Ben, was great and very informative. I live in Chicago but I would definitely come back with people from out of town.

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Wow What a tour. The lady that did the tour at 11:30am Saturday was so funny, cleaver and amazing. best chicago experience on my books!

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    11 years ago

    It's a great experience. Better view of the city and WAY better than a street taxi! It's kinda expensive but worth it.

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Architecture tour! A must. Kyle is the best tour guide! Very knowledgeable and funny!

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Their routes are helpful in getting around Chicago but their fares charged are outrageously high!

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    17 years ago

    a great way to get from point a to point b. inexpensive, and off the beaten path. try it, you'll like it!

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    10 years ago

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    Page 4 of 4

    Shoreline Sightseeing Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Shoreline Sightseeing

    How long does the journey between Navy Pier to Willis Tower usually take?

    The water taxi trip takes about 15-20 minutes.

    Will the water taxi take me from the Navy Pier to Grant Park to the Taste festival on Sunday ??? What much time will this taxi and how off does it run??? how much?

    Thank you for your question. Our water taxi's operate from Navy Pier to Museum Campus(Shedd Aquarium). We will not be operating to Grant Park that weekend due to our tour schedule.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Shoreline Sightseeing

    The architecture tour with Sarah was very entertaining and relaxing after a long day of traveling and walking.

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

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    Marquette Building

    4.3(6 reviews)
    0.8 miThe Loop

    The Marquette Building is a beautiful example of the Chicago School of architecture. The early…read moresteel framed sixteen story skyscraper was built in 1895. The steel frame is what allowed long "Chicago windows" due to less pressure of the masonry. It was designed by Holabird and Roche. The skyscraper was named for Father Jacques Marquette, the first European settler who explored Chicago in 1674-1675. Mosaics, sculptures and bronzes honor this expedition in the Marquette's entry and lobby. The bronzes and sculptures show the trip and important historic figures that were met along the journey. The railing around the atrium features beautiful Tiffany designed mosaics. Louis Comfort Tiffany was commissioned to create a mosaic frieze to detail the story of Marquette's life, the exploration of Chicago and the Native Americans that he met. Art panels are made of lustered Tiffany glass, mother-of-Pearl and semi-precious stones. It is stunning! The building is free and open to explore. Ask the security guard for a brochure or if you are lucky, he may even share some history about the building. There is also a small exhibit behind the lobby that discusses Chicago skyscrapers and architecture.

    Chicago September 2019…read more Walked into the Marquette Building in downtown Chicago to view the beautiful artwork in the lobby. No admission fee. Just walk in and enjoy the view. The lobby is not too big but filled with stain glass art work that is eye catching. One can view the art from the first or second floor. Many Yelpers have already posted photos with great historical commentary. I'll just add a #metoo. No where to park around here unless you want to spend $30.00 ... I just jump on the CTA and pay $2.50 one way (or $5.00 round trip). Many of the buildings in downtown Chicago have fantastic art work in their lobbies. Most are free to explore. Welcome to Chicago !

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    Marquette Building - Amazing Tiffany mosaics that tell the story of Chicago

    Amazing Tiffany mosaics that tell the story of Chicago

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    Shoreline Sightseeing - architecturaltours - Updated September 2026

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