About the attraction
What makes Chicago Riverwalk worth your time
Planning guide for Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, with visitor basics and helpful local experiences.
Attraction guide
Chicago Riverwalk guide, things to do, and local tours
Planning guide for Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, with visitor basics and helpful local experiences.
Waterfront
Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago Riverwalk is a useful Chicago stop for visitors planning around food, neighborhood time, and a more walkable day in the city.
viewswalkingopen air
Things to do there
Pair Chicago Riverwalk with a meal, tasting stop, or nearby food-focused block instead of treating it as a standalone stop.
Plan time for a short sightseeing loop and nearby photo stops instead of only passing through.
Popular experiences
Popular ways visitors experience Chicago Riverwalk
Guided experiences can help visitors get more context, structure, and local insight.
Live Viator Picks
Guided experiences
These tours and local experiences fit naturally with the attraction instead of interrupting the guide.
Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to enjoy…
⭐ 4.7 (9,687 reviews)
1.5 hoursFrom USD 44
Traveler Takeaways
Summarized from guest feedback
- Guest feedback is broad enough to give a steadier read on pace, logistics, and overall fit.
- Guests usually respond best to clear guiding and a well-organized overall flow.
- Views and scenery are a major part of the appeal, so weather and visibility can noticeably shape the experience.
- Guide storytelling often matters as much as the stops themselves, especially for first-time visitors.
great guidesscenic outingfirst-time friendlyeasy to fit in
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy…
⭐ 4.7 (2,982 reviews)
45 minFrom USD 28
Traveler Takeaways
Summarized from guest feedback
- Guest feedback is broad enough to give a steadier read on pace, logistics, and overall fit.
- Views and scenery are a major part of the appeal, so weather and visibility can noticeably shape the experience.
- Guide storytelling often matters as much as the stops themselves, especially for first-time visitors.
- This tends to work well for mixed-age groups when you want something easier to follow than a nightlife-heavy plan.
scenic outingfirst-time friendlyfamily-friendlyeasy to fit in
Chicago Helicopter 10-Minute Tour for up to Three Passengers
A helicopter tour of downtown Chicago is a unique and thrilling way to experience the Windy City. From high up in the sky, you'll be able to take in breathtaking panoramic views o…
⭐ 4.2 (36 reviews)
10 minFrom USD 375
Traveler Takeaways
Summarized from guest feedback
- Views and scenery are a major part of the appeal, so weather and visibility can noticeably shape the experience.
- This is often chosen as a shorter outing that can fit around other plans on the same day.
scenic viewseasy to fit in
Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour
Chicago's Chinatown: Few neighborhoods in America combine such delicious cuisine with fascinating history. Join Bobby’s Bike Hike & Food Tours, whose food tours have ranked Top 10…
⭐ 4.9 (608 reviews)
3 hoursFrom USD 79.99
Traveler Takeaways
Summarized from guest feedback
- Guest feedback is broad enough to give a steadier read on pace, logistics, and overall fit.
- Guests usually respond best to clear guiding and a well-organized overall flow.
- Expect a more active outing, with walking or time on your feet shaping much of the experience.
- Food-focused experiences are usually valued for local context and variety, not just the amount of food.
great guidesactive outingfood-focusedfirst-time friendly
Chicago Perfume Making Classes on Magnificent Mile
Step into the world of perfumery and unleash your creativity in a guided workshop! Explore a treasure trove of fragrance notes, from vibrant florals to exotic spices. With expert…
⭐ 4.8 (48 reviews)
1.3 hoursFrom USD 85
Traveler Takeaways
Summarized from guest feedback
- Guests usually respond best to clear guiding and a well-organized overall flow.
- This is often chosen as a shorter outing that can fit around other plans on the same day.
great guideseasy to fit in
Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets
Explore over 40 million artifacts, including SUE, the world’s largest, most complete T. rex ever discovered! Discover 23 mummified remains in a recreated Egyptian tomb, our dazzli…
⭐ 4.6 (493 reviews)
4 hoursFrom USD 29
Traveler Takeaways
Summarized from guest feedback
- Feedback is fairly consistent on timing, organization, and what the experience feels like in practice.
- Guide storytelling often matters as much as the stops themselves, especially for first-time visitors.
first-time friendly
Travel planning tips
How to plan the area well
Plan Chicago Riverwalk as part of a wider neighborhood or city block instead of making it the only stop in that part of the day.
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