Chicago Riverwalk: Self-Guided Scenic Walking Tour
4.0
5 Ratings
Chicago
Explore the scenic Chicago Riverwalk on a self-guided walking tour. Discover restaurants, seating areas, boat rentals, and attractions like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and McCormick Bridgehouse. Download the Tour Guide App for an immersive experience!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago Riverwalk - The Chicago River runs right through the heart of the downtown Chicago skyscrapers. The architecture and river scenery is absolutely stunning.
What's Included
  • Hands-free GPS storytelling - support available all day.
  • Comprehensive tour with itinerary, tips, narration, videos, text, and hidden spots.
  • Offline GPS map & route - no cell signal or wifi needed.
  • Mobile app access with download link and password for tours.
  • Use anytime - flexible scheduling, multi-day travel, no expiration.
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

The picturesque Chicago Riverwalk extends from Lake Michigan to Franklin Street, often touted as the city’s ‘second lakefront’. During summer, the Riverwalk is bustling with restaurants, leisure seating areas, boat rentals, and amphitheater-like seating for various events. It also houses the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, where, if fortune favours, you can observe a bridge lift from within the bridge house.

Once you’ve finalized your booking, check your email and download the ‘Tour Guide App by Action’. Then, enter your unique password to start exploring your tour. The initial process will necessitate strong internet/wifi access. Just follow the audio guidance and the plotted route afterwards.

Please note that this is not an admission ticket. Remember to verify operating hours prior to your visit.

The tour has a perpetual validity — it never expires!

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
  • How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action’s Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing savings: Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
65 Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago Riverwalk
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
L6785pmandreal
Aug 2, 2023
Highly entertaining - This is a perfect and fun activity when you are just not sure what time you can do some activity. This is such a fun and easy to use treasure hunt. I highly recommend it if you want flexibility and make the most of your visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chananw3
May 15, 2023
Very interesting. - The tour presents plenty of information. My wife and me loved the walk and we'll recommend to other friends who intend to visit the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_n
Sep 16, 2023
Enjoyable tour of the riverwalk architecture and history - Overall a great review of Chicago's history and architecture! The walk along the river is very enjoyable!
Review provided by Viator
M9448nqheidic
Jul 14, 2023
Great last minute tour. - Easy walking tour that you can book ahead or last minute if you're looking for something to do. I would've given 5 STARS had I worn earbuds but it was still good listening to the audio with my phone speaker. I needed to cut the tour short because I was out of time but because the price is so inexpensive it didn't bother me at all. Had I completed the tour, I would've been too far from where I needed to be next. The directions were easy to follow and user friendly. At times I just sat down on a bench or chair and listened. There are plenty of places to stop and pause along the way but if you're more of a speed walker you can do that too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F887xxlindad
Mar 1, 2021
Meh. Confusing. - Wasn’t necessary to buy 2 tickets. Should’ve been more clear that there was no set place to park and where the starting point was.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 5 guests
1
Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today