Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago Riverwalk is a sightseeing stop in Chicago, IL, part of the Chicago guide. Cost: free. Open year-round; liveliest May–Oct.

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

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
Free
Chicago Cultural Center
Free
You look up at a Tiffany stained-glass dome and catch free art shows, concerts and tours in the Loop's 1897 People's Palace.
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Sightseeing
Iconic
Chicago Water Tower
Free
See the castle-like limestone tower that survived the 1871 fire, now a small city art gallery.
0.7 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Iconic
Chicago
Free
Illinois' lakefront metropolis, home to world-class museums, architecture, and neighborhoods along Lake Michigan.
0.7 mi awayMore like this