Architectural boat cruise

Question

We will be staying at the Hotel Riu Plaza on E. Ontario St. and we want to do the architectural boat cruise. Which one is considered the best or are they all similar? Which one is closest to our Hotel and is that a good one? Finally, how would we get to the dock from the Hotel?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

Answer

Architectural boat cruises are a fantastic way to explore Chicago’s iconic skyline and learn about the city’s rich architectural history. There are a few options, and they are all generally similar in that they focus on the city’s famous buildings and design history. However, there are some differences in terms of the company offering the tours, the types of boats, and departure locations.

Since you’re staying at the Hotel Riu Plaza on E. Ontario St., the closest and most convenient architectural boat cruise dock would be at The Chicago Riverwalk or The Michigan Avenue Dock, both of which are within walking distance from your hotel. The most popular tours are offered by these companies:

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise (by Chicago's First Lady Cruises): - This is considered by many to be the best and most comprehensive architectural tour of the Chicago River. The guides are knowledgeable, and the cruise offers a lot of historical context about the buildings along the riverfront. - Departures are from the Michigan Avenue Dock (near the Wrigley Building), which is about a 10-minute walk from your hotel, depending on traffic and your walking pace.
Shoreline Sightseeing Architectural Tour: - Another great option with a more relaxed vibe, but still informative. The boats here are a bit smaller and have open-air seating, so you get a different perspective. - Departures are from the Chicago Riverwalk Dock, which is also within walking distance (roughly 10-12 minutes from your hotel).
Seadog Cruises: - Known for a more entertaining experience with a mix of architecture and general Chicago trivia. The guides here are fun, but the cruise may be a bit more lighthearted than the others. - Departures are from Navy Pier, which is about a 25-minute walk or a short taxi/Uber ride away from the Hotel Riu Plaza.

For your convenience, the best options closest to your hotel are the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise and the Shoreline Sightseeing Architectural Tour, both of which depart from docks along the Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue. They will provide you with excellent views and a fantastic introduction to the city’s architecture. The boats are well-maintained, and the tours are highly regarded.

To get to the dock from the Hotel Riu Plaza:

To the Michigan Avenue Dock: Walk north on Michigan Avenue and cross the river at the DuSable Bridge (the main Michigan Ave. bridge). The dock is right near the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, about a 10-minute walk.
To the Chicago Riverwalk Dock: Walk east down Ontario Street, which is just a few blocks away, and head towards the river. The Riverwalk is along the south side of the river, and you’ll find the Shoreline Sightseeing boats there. This dock is also about a 10-minute walk.

Overall, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially for the more popular tours, as they can sell out, especially during peak times. Enjoy the views, and have a great time on the river!

Architectural boat cruise

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