Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour

Chicago, US
75% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (8 reviews)
Self-guided - entry to attractions not included

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • inclusion
    Other
    Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting Point

Begin from 65 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Meeting point

65 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building is an iconic terra cotta building boasting a huge clock tower and tons of character. It's named for William Wrigley, Jr., who made his fortune off of chewing gum! Beyond it is the lavish Hotel Intercontinental, which hides an incredible observatory within. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Duration 5 minutes
2
Michigan Avenue Bridge

The Michigan Avenue Bridge, also known as the DuSable Bridge, is architecturally beautiful, but that's not the only reason it's a stop on this tour. The bridge also sports some flags with a fascinating history, which you'll hear all about.

Duration 5 minutes
3

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

It's impossible to miss this enormous glass tower. At 1,399 feet tall and totaling 98 stories, it's one of the tallest skyscrapers in the entire country. The tower employs the same building technique as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, currently the tallest building in the world.

Duration 5 minutes
4

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Consisting of a sunken, rectangular pool and fountain, this memorial honors the Illinois residents who died in the Vietnam War. It's a somber yet strangely beautiful tribute to those who gave all.

Duration 5 minutes
5

Marina Towers Condominum Association

These twin towers may look a bit like giant corn cobs, but they're nevertheless an iconic part of the Second City's skyline. The towers function as a “city in a city,” boasting an in-house theatre, gym, pool, ice-rink, bowling alley, 360 degree roof deck, and of course a marina.

Duration 5 minutes
6
Dearborn Street Bridge

The Dearborn Street Bridge, built in 1962, is one of Chicago's newer bridges. It was constructed to replace a badly-planned bridge that residents hated with a passion. You'll hear why and what they did about it as you admire this landmark.

Duration 5 minutes
7

Reid Murdoch Building

Constructed in 1914, the building today is home to the Encyclopedia Britannica headquarters. It may appear short and unimpressive beside its much newer peers, but it's also a fascinating glimpse into Chicago's past.

Duration 5 minutes
8
Merchandise Mart

This building is so big it has its own zip code! Designed in the art-deco style, the Mart encompasses a staggering four million square feet.

Duration 5 minutes
9
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

This museum doesn't just feature exhibits on the city's river and its significance to the city. It also offers birds-eye views of the river from the top floor!

Duration 5 minutes
10

Tribune Tower

This breathtaking neo-Gothic skyscraper is actually the result of a competition held by the Chicago Tribune for their 75th anniversary! They wanted to make sure their new HQ was “the most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world,” and it absolutely shows in the final product.

Duration 5 minutes
11

William P. Fahey Bridge

As Chicago's newest river-spanning bridge, the Columbus Drive Bridge offers not a glimpse into the past but a look at how the city's construction technology and philosophy changed over the decades.

Duration 5 minutes
12

NBC Tower

This famous tower was modelled after 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, and serves as another picture-perfect example of the art deco style. It was also the former recording spot of the Jerry Springer Show and the Steve Harvey Show.

Duration 5 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Additional information
    Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
  • Additional information
    Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
  • Additional information
    Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Additional information
    Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Additional information
    More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Additional information
    Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
  • Additional information
    Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • Additional information
    Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Provided by History with Action

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby restaurants for lunch.
  • icon
    Check the bridge lifting schedule.
  • icon
    Bring headphones for a better experience.
  • icon
    Explore the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum.
  • icon
    Don't miss the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Chicago's scenic Riverwalk. Stretching from Lake Michigan to Franklin Street, this iconic landmark is often referred to as the city's second Lakefront. With its array of restaurants, relaxing seating areas, boat rentals, and even theater-style seating for performances, the Riverwalk offers something for everyone.

What to expect?

When embarking on the Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour, you can anticipate a delightful journey filled with captivating stories and breathtaking sights. As you walk along the river, you'll be guided by the Tour Guide App by Action, which uses GPS to automatically play stories and provide hands-free navigation. You won't miss a thing with the app's full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated stories, videos, and hidden gems. Plus, you can enjoy the tour at your own pace, with the flexibility to use it any day or time that suits you.

Who is this for?

This self-guided walking tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of Chicago's Riverwalk at their own leisure. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your city or a tourist seeking an immersive experience, this tour is designed for all. From history buffs intrigued by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to food enthusiasts who want to indulge in the Riverwalk's diverse culinary offerings, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Why book this?

By booking the Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour, you're allowing yourself to fully immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the Riverwalk. With the Tour Guide App by Action, you'll have access to a wealth of information and resources, ensuring you don't miss any noteworthy sights or hidden gems. The app's offline use feature allows you to explore even without a cell signal or WiFi, providing you with an uninterrupted and seamless experience. Additionally, the lifetime validity of the tour gives you the flexibility to use it on multiple occasions or share it with friends and family.

Good to know

Before starting your tour, make sure to check the opening hours of attractions along the Riverwalk to optimize your experience. It's important to note that the tour does not include transportation, parking fees, or food/drinks. National Park/attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations are also not covered. However, with the Tour Guide App by Action, you have access to help throughout the day via call, chat, or email, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Reviews

Individuals who have embarked on the Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour have raved about the immersive experience and the convenience of the Tour Guide App by Action. They appreciate the app's easy-to-use interface, GPS navigation, and the wealth of information provided, including professionally narrated stories and hidden gems. Travelers have praised the ability to explore at their own pace and the flexibility of the tour, allowing them to make the most of their visit to the Riverwalk. Overall, customers have expressed high satisfaction with the Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour, making it a must-book experience for anyone visiting or residing in Chicago.

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Select Currency