Chicago River: Guided Sunset Cocktail & Architecture Tour

The Chicago River’s iconic skyline takes center stage on this captivating sunset cruise. Aboard a historic riverboat, guests embark on a 1.5-hour journey filled with stunning architectural discoveries and refreshing cocktails. Knowledgeable docents narrate the city’s rich history, highlighting over 50 significant buildings that showcase the breathtaking diversity of Chicago’s cityscape. From century-old bascule bridges to modern skyscrapers, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the Windy City’s most impressive landmarks. With a serene atmosphere and breathtaking sunset views, it’s easy to see why this popular experience has delighted countless satisfied customers.

Key Points

• The 1.5-hour Chicago River guided tour showcases the city’s diverse architectural styles along the waterway, with commentary from award-winning docents.
• Participants board a historic 90-passenger riverboat and enjoy complimentary cocktails or soft drinks during the serene sunset cruise.
• Over 50 significant buildings, including century-old bascule bridges and modern skyscrapers, are highlighted during the tour.
• Restrooms, snacks, and additional drinks are available on the boat for the comfort and convenience of participants.
• The tour has a 4.5/5 rating based on 116 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Chicago River: Guided Sunset Cocktail & Architecture Tour is a 1.5-hour activity that allows participants to cruise along the Chicago River while sipping cocktails and learning about the city’s rich architectural history.

Priced from $59 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability for starting times. The tour departs from the last dock at the pier, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Cocktails, snacks, and restrooms are provided on the 90-passenger historic riverboat, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.

Experience the Cruise

Participants board a historic 90-passenger riverboat to embark on the guided sunset cocktail and architecture tour.

As the boat glides along the Chicago River, participants sip on complimentary cocktails or soft drinks while listening to the award-winning docents narrate the city’s history and point out over 50 significant buildings.

The tour covers a diverse range of architectural styles, from 100-year-old bascule bridges to modern skyscrapers.

Guests can enjoy the serene atmosphere as the sun sets, illuminating the cityscape along the river.

Snacks and additional beverages are available for purchase, and restrooms are provided on board.

Architectural Highlights

The tour covers over 50 significant buildings along the Chicago River, showcasing a diverse range of architectural styles that have shaped the city’s iconic skyline.

Participants will witness century-old bascule bridges, built with intricate Art Deco and Neo-Classical designs. Modern skyscrapers, adorned with glass and steel, stand in contrast to the historic Gothic and Neoclassical structures.

Bascule bridges of Art Deco and Neo-Classical design stand in contrast to modern glass and steel skyscrapers.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the evolution of Chicago’s architecture, from its early 20th-century roots to the cutting-edge designs of today.

Throughout the journey, the award-winning docents offer insightful commentary, bringing the city’s architectural legacy to life.

Beverages and Snacks

As part of the tour, participants enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks.

The tour includes 1 or 2 complimentary cocktails or soft drinks, depending on the booking option. For those seeking additional libations, further drinks are available for purchase using cash or credit card.

To accompany the drinks, the tour provides free Starbucks coffee, soda, and bottled water. Snacks are also available for purchase on board.

The boat is equipped with restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the 1.5-hour cruise along the scenic Chicago River.

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Customer Feedback

With a 4.5/5 rating based on 116 reviews, the Chicago River Cocktail Tour has consistently impressed participants.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who bring the city’s history and architecture to life. Many suggest sitting below deck for a better listening experience, while others note the clean boat and friendly crew.

Overall, customers are enthusiastic about the tour, highlighting the informative commentary and the opportunity to enjoy the stunning skyline views during the sunset cruise.

The tour’s high ratings indicate it’s a popular and well-executed experience for those seeking a unique perspective of Chicago.

Booking Details

How flexible is the booking process for the Chicago River Cocktail Tour?

The tour offers a convenient flexible booking option. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring their place without an upfront payment. This allows travelers to plan their trip in advance without the commitment of immediate payment.

The tour only requires visitors to bring a credit card and cash for any additional purchases on the tour, such as extra drinks or snacks.

With this flexible booking, guests can secure their spot and finalize their plans closer to the tour date.

What to Expect

Although the Chicago River Cocktail Tour is a 1.5-hour experience, it packs in a wealth of historical and architectural insights. Passengers board a 90-passenger historic riverboat, sipping complimentary cocktails while award-winning docents provide live narration. The tour covers over 50 significant buildings, showcasing a range of architectural styles from Art Deco to modern skyscrapers. Guests can enjoy the sunset views of the city’s iconic skyline, illuminated at dusk. Onboard amenities include free Starbucks coffee, soda, and bottled water, with additional snacks and drinks available for purchase.

| Tour Details | Information |

| — | — |

| Duration | 1.5 hours |

| Price | From $59.00 per person |

| Availability | Likely to sell out |

| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |

Sum Up

This Chicago River tour offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s captivating architecture and history while enjoying scenic sunset views and complimentary cocktails. Led by knowledgeable docents, the cruise showcases over 50 significant buildings, from historic bridges to modern skyscrapers, providing an unforgettable perspective on Chicago’s iconic skyline. With its serene atmosphere and positive customer feedback, this popular tour is an excellent way to experience the beauty and charm of the Chicago River.

You can check availability for your dates here: