Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingLocal GemDate Night

Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk, W Lake St to Lake Michigan · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Stroll the river-level promenade that threads beneath the Loop's famous bridges, past kayak launches, floating gardens, and breezy wine bars. It's the most scenic free walk downtown, especially at golden hour when the towers glow. Grab a drink at an outdoor cafe and watch the tour boats slide by.

  • #waterfront
  • #walking
  • #free
  • #bars
  • #views

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chicago Riverwalk, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Chicago's First Lady

    $50+

    Ninety minute Chicago River cruise narrated by Chicago Architecture Center docents past the city's landmark buildings.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise

    $50+

    Expert docents narrate the skyline's greatest hits on the beloved river cruise aboard First Lady.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Wendella Sightseeing Boats

    $25–$50

    Family-run since 1935, classic river and lakefront cruises from the Michigan Avenue dock.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Chicago

    Free

    Illinois' lakefront metropolis, home to world-class museums, architecture, and neighborhoods along Lake Michigan.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

    $25–$50

    Lake-and-skyline views from 1,000 feet up, plus TILT, the glass ledge that leans you over Michigan Avenue.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Buckingham Fountain

    Free

    Grant Park's grand 1927 fountain fires its center jet skyward every hour, with music-and-lights shows after dusk.

    0.9 mi awayMore like this