Boat tours glide smoothly along the river, offering spectacular views of high-rise buildings and the city skyline. Guides share detailed architectural history and stories about over 40 iconic structures, enriching the experience. Evening rides highlight city lights at dusk, complemented by a lovely onboard bar for a relaxed atmosphere.
Views from the river show Chicago’s skyline with Art Deco, Gothic Revival, Modernist, and contemporary glass towers. Reflections on the water add a dazzling effect on sunny days.
Tours feature friendly, knowledgeable guides who share fun stories and interesting facts about architecture and history. Night tours highlight city lights, making the experience engaging and educational.
"The architecture river tour is a fun and educational experience."
"The tour's historical facts and unique insights were so interesting."
"The architecture tour offered amazing scenic views and a deep dive into history."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for the boat tour, especially during peak season.
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the views.
Dress warmly if visiting in winter, as it can get quite cold on the water.
A 65-foot spherical screen with moveable chairs simulates flying over the city, creating an immersive and breathtaking experience. The attraction combines phenomenal visuals and sound to showcase unique, straight-down views of the urban landscape. The atmosphere feels like a surreal flying dream with a sense of speed and excitement.
Flying over the city offers breathtaking views that feel unique and cannot be found elsewhere. The experience showcases beautiful cityscapes and incredible perspectives of Chicago.
Flyover offers a unique and exciting experience that appeals to both adults and kids. The activity is consistently described as fun and memorable.
Good to know
Get your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
There are stairs to climb inside the attraction, but elevators are available.
Flyover is located inside Navy Pier next to the Children’s Museum.
Floating on calm water, the sauna offers a modern, Scandinavian design with stunning craftsmanship and direct lake access. The atmosphere is serene and intimate, surrounded by tall pines and quiet lake views. Aromatherapy and cold plunge features add to a luxurious, relaxing experience.
Views from the sauna offer stunning lake and cityscapes framed by pine-filled North Bay. The area stays quiet with minimal boat activity enhancing the serene atmosphere.
Sessions include a knowledgeable guide who keeps things fun and engaging. Group activities mix different people, adding a social element. Options suit both family fun and unwinding moments.
Good to know
Kiln Floating Sauna is docked at Gordon Lodge.
Parking is convenient at Kiln Floating Sauna.
Two towels, electrolytes, and water are provided during the visit.
Statue depicts a classic TV character and offers a fun photo op. Location provides panoramic views of city skyline and lake, with a waterfront promenade and pier nearby. Atmosphere is relaxed, with a good spot to sit and enjoy the open wind.
Panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan stand out, especially from the Bob Newhart Statue. The spot offers a nice place to sit and enjoy the skyline and the wind at the pier's end.
The Bob Newhart Statue offers a fun and engaging photo opportunity. It stands out as a playful spot to enjoy and capture memories.
Good to know
The statue honors Cr. Rob Hartley from the Bob Newhart Show (1972-78).
The statue is located at Navy Pier, offering great views of the lake.
There is no sign indicating the statue's significance, which may confuse visitors.
City park offers spectacular lake views and illuminated fountains that create a lively yet peaceful atmosphere. Families enjoy the splash park and playground, while live music and art installations add cultural vibrancy. The space feels safe and welcoming, with open areas perfect for relaxing or walking by the water.
Views include Lake Michigan, the city skyline, and the Navy Pier Ferris wheel. The south side near the stage offers a quiet spot with panoramic city views. The ferris wheel provides a chance to see the entire lake and city from above.
Live music and water jets create a lively atmosphere for all ages. The end of the pier offers beds to relax and watch the sunset with a cocktail, while pop-up art displays add extra fun.
Good to know
Fireworks are held on Wednesdays at 9 pm and Saturdays at 10 pm.
Transformers figures are on display until May 26.
The festival returns on September 21st and 22nd after four years.
Neo-gothic skyscraper stands with historic fragments embedded in its walls, creating a unique facade. Public plaza offers breathtaking views of the city and river, blending history with urban energy. Indoor amenities include a rooftop terrace and pool with sundeck, adding modern comfort to a timeless landmark.
Spectacular views of the city and river stand out, especially from the public plaza and upper levels. The combination of breathtaking architecture and sunset vistas creates a memorable scene.
Good to know
Make sure you use Spot Hero to find parking.
The closest parking location is below, where the Museum is on 401 N Lower Michigan Ave.
Once you park there, you take an escalator to the floor leading to Michigan and it's not that far from there.
Boat cruise offers amazing river views with dimmed lighting and occasional snowfall enhancing the atmosphere. Interior is loud with high noise levels, featuring a DJ playing 80's style music that affects conversation. Guests often spend time outside to enjoy the nighttime scenery and calmer ambiance.
Magnificent city views shine from the river, with buildings and wildlife adding to the scene. Snowfall sometimes creates a snow globe effect, making the atmosphere unique and memorable.
The cruise boat offers a fun time on the water. Many enjoy the experience enough to want to do it again.
Good to know
Arrive early to secure your preferred table on the cruise.
The A/C is strong, so consider bringing a cardigan.
Cocktail attire is suggested, but casual wear is common.
Bar atop a skyscraper offers 360-degree city views and a rooftop lounge with ample seating. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed during sunset to lively as night falls, with a mix of tourists and locals. Entry requires a ticket, and the setting includes unique attractions like a thrilling tilt experience.
Perched 42 stories up, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. The sunset views stand out as especially spectacular and memorable.
Fun activities include a thrilling tilt experience that changes the view and the Cloud Bar offers options for all ages. The Cloud margarita adds a playful touch to the menu.
Good to know
Entry to the bar requires a general admission ticket costing around $40.
Expect a 30-60 minute wait for seating during peak hours.
Drinks take about 15 minutes to arrive after ordering.
Spacious hotel with stunning skyline and lake views offers an atmosphere of quiet elegance and luxury. Amenities include a well-equipped gym, a unique wellness spa with indoor pools and a Finnish sauna, and a kid-friendly environment. The bar provides an inviting and exciting space for drinks.
Rooms offer incredible views of the city skyline. Concierge service includes helpful tips and upgrades that enhance the scenic experience.
Fun kids gifts and a T-shirt greet granddaughters in the room. Concierge Kyle arranges an impromptu whiskey tasting in the lobby. Location sits near the Museum of Contemporary Art and spots like Jeni's Ice Cream.
Good to know
The pool closes at 8 PM, which may limit evening access.
Expect 2-3 minute wait times for lifts on weekends and public holidays.
The hotel is dog-friendly, allowing pets during your stay.
Hotel offers a rooftop pool with city views and a grand, elegant lobby. Atmosphere tends to be loud and busy, with frequent noise from construction, sirens, and lively groups. Rooms feel comfortable but somewhat outdated.
Rooms offer incredible views of the city and pool. Most rooms provide a great view with plenty of space and a clean, fresh atmosphere.
Outdoor and rooftop pools offer games like Cornhole, Jenga, and pool table that keep kids entertained. The rooftop pool adds a busy but fun atmosphere for all ages.
Good to know
Parking costs $62 per day, regardless of discounts.
Breakfast is not included with the room rate, despite some bookings indicating otherwise.
The rooftop pool is closed until mid-July, which is not disclosed on the booking site.
Hotel features stylish decor and modern rooms with breathtaking city views from glass walls. Lobby buzzes with lively bar and social spaces, while upper floors offer a full-sized gym and indoor pool. Noise from nearby hospital sirens and thin walls affects overall quietness.
Corner rooms offer lakeside views with sunrises visible from bed. The top floor indoor pool provides magnificent views through large windows while swimming or tanning.
Lobby features live music and neon lights, creating a young, energetic vibe. The hotel has an industrial style and sits just two blocks from Michigan Avenue.
Good to know
Public parking garage across the street charges less than $50 for 24 hours.
The hotel has a happy hour with music on weekends.
A DJ plays at the downstairs bar from 5 to 7 PM on weekends.