Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option
Overview
Uncover the Windy City on Chicago’s premier guided minibus tour! Discover 20+ top landmarks with photo stops at Cloud Gate "The Bean", Museum Campus, & the historic Palmer House.
Begin at the Palmer House, birthplace of the brownie, & see Frank Lloyd Wright’s design at the Rookery. View icons like Willis Tower & Soldier Field while learning local history.
Step off at Buckingham Fountain & Museum Campus for skyline views over Lake Michigan & Navy Pier. Pass cultural sights like Shedd Aquarium & the Field Museum.
Capture photos beneath "The Bean", see the Chicago River, & drive down Michigan Avenue past the Water Tower, Gold Coast brownstones, & Playboy Mansion.
UPGRADE YOUR TOUR: Select the Architectural River Cruise option at checkout to admire 40+ skyscrapers with live narration, the ultimate land & river experience!
75-minute cruise offered during summer (April – October)
60-minute cruise offered during winter (November – April)
What's Included
- Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus
- 6 unforgettable stops
- Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour (if option selected)
- Local guide
Meeting Location
124 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Rookery Building
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (pass by)
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Soldier Field (pass by)
Museum Campus
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Field Museum (pass by)
Cloud Gate
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Chicago River
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Wrigley Building (pass by)
Tribune Tower (pass by)
The Magnificent Mile (pass by)
Water Tower Place (pass by)
North Rush Street (pass by)
Gold Coast (pass by)
West Fullerton Ave Bridge (pass by)
Lincoln Park (pass by)
Navy Pier (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Infants (0-3 years old) travel for free and do not require a ticket. They must travel on a parent/guardian's lap, and will not be allocated an individual seat.
- Buckingham Fountain does not operate during the winter months (November to April). During these months, the fountain stop is replaced with a stop at Lincoln Park.
- The Rookery Building lobby is closed on Sundays, this will be exterior view only.
- During the Summer months (May-October), visits to Lincoln Park and the Fullerton Street Bridge Overlook are subject to daily traffic conditions and time constraints.
- 75-minute cruise offered during summer (April – October)
- 60-minute cruise offered during winter (November – April)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5538MINI
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.80 out of 5 stars based on 727 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus.
- 6 unforgettable stops.
- Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour (if option selected).
- Local guide.
The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Transport by 12-passenger, air-conditioned minibus
- 6 unforgettable stops
- Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour (if option selected)
- Local guide
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Infants (0-3 years old) travel for free and do not require a ticket. They must travel on a parent/guardian's lap, and will not be allocated an individual seat.
- Buckingham Fountain does not operate during the winter months (November to April). During these months, the fountain stop is replaced with a stop at Lincoln Park.
- The Rookery Building lobby is closed on Sundays, this will be exterior view only.
- During the Summer months (May-October), visits to Lincoln Park and the Fullerton Street Bridge Overlook are subject to daily traffic conditions and time constraints.
- 75-minute cruise offered during summer (April – October)
- 60-minute cruise offered during winter (November – April)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
