Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour worth booking?
Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour is a 1-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $15 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (8)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Welcome to Chicago’s scenic Riverwalk. Spanning from Lake Michigan west to Franklin Street. Called the city second Lakefront', the Riverwalk contains restaurants during the summer months, seating areas to relax, boat ren
What you get
About this experience
Welcome to Chicago’s scenic Riverwalk. Spanning from Lake Michigan west to Franklin Street. Called the city second Lakefront', the Riverwalk contains restaurants during the summer months, seating areas to relax, boat rentals, and theater-style seating for various performances. Other attractions along the Riverwalk include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum and if you are lucky enough, see a bridge lift from inside the bridge house. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's included
Included
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Just bring your phone and headphones; the app guides your walk.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Private walking tour experience for your family or group.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and transport are separate.
What you'll see and do
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. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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!
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
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.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
Start at 99 Chicago Riverwalk, on the plaza by the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Walk toward the Riverwalk entrance and down the stairs to begin. This is a suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated; staff won’t have tour info. Audio starts automatically—check email/text.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- History with Action
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Multi-device access: Use the same password on one device for each traveler included in your booking.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fair at best and issue with mult-person purchase
The informational value of the audio was okay at best and would have been fine without it. Additionally, I bought the Chicago Riverwalk tour for 2 people. I can get it to work for me, but not seeing how my spouse (as second person on booking) can get it on her phone. I don’t see instructions anywhere. But I have to believe it is intended for second person’s phone if you allow multi-person purchases on a walking tour (not to mention sharing audio with one phone isn’t practical). Not sure how that gets done or where it is documented.
Response from the operator: Bob, I’m sorry my Chicago Riverwalk GPS walking tour felt only fair and that setting it up for your spouse wasn’t clear. Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked, so just enter the same password on each device. If you still have trouble, please reach out between 9 AM and 6 PM EST, and my support team and I can walk you through it; I’d also appreciate knowing what information you felt was missing so I can pass it to my team for review.
via Viator
Enjoying downtown Chicago
A lot of great outdoor restaurants. The bridge museum was interesting. All of the excursion boats begin at the Eastern end of the river. A lot of outdoor public seating to enjoy the river attractions and sunshine.
Response from the operator: David, I’m glad you enjoyed my Chicago Riverwalk GPS Walking Tour. It’s great you explored the outdoor restaurants, liked the public seating, and found the bridge museum interesting. Chicago’s Riverwalk is perfect for relaxing, viewing, and feeling the city's energy. If you travel more, consider my Action+ Tour Bundle, with over 100 self-guided tours for flexible, fun exploration anywhere.
via Tripadvisor
Riverside Chicago history
The river walk tour was excellent. First time we tried The ‘ self-guided style tour’ before this. The app worked seamlessly once we got the hang of it. Once you walk into the area of the subject, the animator picks up again and tells you when to proceed. Fascinating Chicago history. Most of which I’ve never heard before. Never visited the Riverwalk previously, so the tour was a great introduction to history and good eats!
Response from the operator: William, I'm thrilled to hear that you found my Chicago Riverwalk tour to be excellent, especially as your first self-guided experience. It's wonderful that the app worked seamlessly. If you plan to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle. It includes all of my self-guided tours, over 100+ in total, offering you the same flexibility and informative fun wherever your travels take you next!
via Tripadvisor
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!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your positive feedback, James! I'm delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable experience exploring Chicago's rich history and architecture through my Chicago Riverwalk Audio Tour. The riverwalk truly offers a unique perspective of the city. As you venture to new destinations, consider checking out my Action+ Tour Bundle, which boasts over 100 self-guided tours. May all your travels be filled with discovery and joy! Safe journeys!
via Viator
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!
Response from the operator: I'm thrilled you enjoyed the Chicago Riverwalk Walking Audio Tour, Andrea! It's fantastic that the tour provided you with a fun and flexible activity during your visit. Thank you for recommending the tour, and if you plan to travel more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle. It includes all of my self-guided tours, over 100 in total, offering you the same flexibility and informative fun wherever your travels take you next!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.
Is Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chicago Riverwalk Self-Guided Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chicago?
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Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
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May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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