Chicago Architecture River Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour





Description
Save 20% when you bundle these two iconic Chicago experiences! Discover Chicago by road and river with a 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket and Shoreline Architecture Cruise combo! This ticket includes a 48-hour pass for our hop-on, hop-off Chicago sightseeing bus tour, and a pass for admission to Shoreline Sightseeing's must-do 75-minute Architecture River Cruise! You'll see the city's world-famous architecture from iconic streets like Magnificent Mile, Lake Shore Drive, State Street, Clark Street and Grand Ave, and from all three branches of the Chicago River. Create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace with unlimited bus exit and entry. Over 40 Chicago landmarks await you on the 75-minute Shoreline Architecture Cruise, from hidden architectural treasures to the city’s most famous landmarks. Expert live guides explain how Chicago’s buildings, architecture and engineering made the city famous.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Digital Walking Tour options include Chicago Architecture, Chicago Riverwalk, Public Art, and Millennium Park Tour
- Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
Reviews(43)
Architecture tour was amazing. Our guide was energetic and kept it upbeat. Other than trying to figure out where the pick up dock actually was (not clearly mentioned in booking) the rest of the experience was great.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the architecture tour and that your guide helped make it such an engaging part of your day. Your note about the pick up dock is very helpful and we will work on making those directions clearer for future guests. Alexandra@BigBusTours
If you're new to Chicago, this activity is a must-do. My family of 4 (2 kids under 12) had a blast riding around town. We did the entire tour and also jumped off at a few places. It was fun actually being "touristy." Shout out to Candace for a great narration of the city! We actually got on the bus a 2nd day just to ride because the weather was great. The architecture cruise was also great. Such a different, beautiful view. Claire was a great docent! Well worth the money and we'd actually do it again next time we're in town!
Thank you for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had a blast exploring Chicago with us. Our team takes pride in providing a fun and informative experience, and we're glad Candis made it even more special for you. We can't wait to have you back for another adventure next time you're in town! #ChicagoExplorers #TouristsForADay
We chose the 48 hour tour and easily took our time and was able to see all the stops and more. Memorial weekend, busy streets, stop #2 was close on 1st day, public parking available 3 blocks from meet up. We were able to see stop #2 the second day, more shopping, and sightseeing. The bus is just so convenient to get from one place to the other. For the river cruise, I walked towards the counter and was greeted right away by staff. Through my Big Bus app she reserved and claimed the ticket I didn't do in the morning. We walked up at 2:35 and got on for 2:45 cruise. The cruise was the highlight for us, we love chicago architecture and the stories behind them.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic time on our 48-hour tour. Our goal is to make sure our customers have a seamless and enjoyable experience, and we are happy to hear that we were able to accommodate your needs. The river cruise is definitely a must-do for anyone in Chicago, and we are glad it was the highlight of your trip. We can't wait to have you back on board for more unforgettable adventures!
The hop on hop off bus tour was excellent. The driver Felisha did a great job. However I was not sure which river tour operator to approach with this booking.
Thank you for your great feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the hop on hop off tour and that Felisha made such a positive impression with her driving and service. We appreciate your comment regarding the river tour operator, and we understand how important clear guidance is for connecting experiences. Your feedback has been shared with our team to help improve communication for future guests. Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Amazing Chicago Architecture River tour! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining! We learned so much about Chicago and its architecture. First Rate🤩
We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience on our Chicago Architecture River tour! Our knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide will be thrilled to hear your kind words. Thank you for choosing us! 🌇 #Chicago #Architecture #TopRated
I loved the boat tour . Our tour guide told us all about the history of Chicago River and all the buildings around it and he was funny. The bus tour was good because it stopped and you could see around the city -just make sure you know you might get commentary from your guide or it might be just a bus ride.
Thank you so much for your review! Our bus tour also allows for great views and the flexibility to explore the city. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!
The driver was not friendly and needs some driving lessons. I can overlook the driving issues, but I do not tolerate rude behavior. At the next to final stop, a couple of his friends boarded with a brown bag to share and next thing we knew, he "can't make it to the last stop due to traffic", so he threw us all off the bus. I'm sorry I didn't get his name or the number of the bus.
Hi Sidney_H, Thank you for your feedback! We sincerely apologize for the driver's behavior, as this is not the way we want to treat our guests. If you ever have a complaint in regard to one of our staff members, please feel free to contact us directly via chat, so we can address the issue with them and take the necessary actions. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you! We really hope that you will consider giving us another try in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
We loved the Architecture Boat Tour. It was outstanding. We learned so much and completely enjoyed our docent. In contrast, the bus tour is no with a live docent and the recording was not fun or entertaining. We listened to music that was piped in more than interesting information about Chicago - and there had to be more to learn! The bus part was disappointing- but the boat was GREAT!
Thank you for your feedback! We apologize for any disappointment during the bus tour and have taken note of your suggestions for improvement. We hope to see you again soon!
Guide was very informative about the history behind each of the buildings and their cultural significance to the city
Hi Julius_J. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
I had trouble finding the actual tour location because there was a lack of signage. Nevertheless it was a good day and great architecture River tour



