Chicago River vs Navy Pier: which should you do first?
If you only have time for one, do Chicago River first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 86 against 82 for Navy Pier, and it has 46 ranked ways to see it versus 57. With a full day in Chicago, pair them: plan Chicago River in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.
Side by side
| Chicago River | Navy Pier | |
|---|---|---|
| Ranked experiences | 46 | 57 |
| Top Outty Ranking | 90 | 90 |
| Average ranking (top 10) | 86 | 82 |
| Cheapest experience | $28 | $28 |
| Average time needed | 1.8h | 2.1h |
| Free cancellation | 92% of options | 92% of options |
| Free to visit | No | No |
Best ways to see Chicago River
- 1. Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Outty Ranking 90 · from $33 · 1.5h
- 2. Chicago in a Day Walking Tour: Food, History & Architecture
Outty Ranking 90 · from $101 · 4.5h
- 3. Haunted Chicago: Crime, Ghosts, and Capone Walking Tour
Outty Ranking 89 · from $35 · 1.5h
- 4. Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Outty Ranking 87 · from $39 · 1h
- 5. Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Outty Ranking 87 · from $33 · 2h
Best ways to see Navy Pier
- 1. Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
Outty Ranking 90 · from $33 · 1.5h
- 2. Chicago Bike & Classic Food Tour: Bikes, Bites & Views - Adults
Outty Ranking 90 · from $89 · 4.5h
- 3. Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Outty Ranking 87 · from $39 · 1h
- 4. Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option
Outty Ranking 85 · from $50 · 2h
- 5. Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour of Top Downtown Attractions
Outty Ranking 85 · from $59 · 3h
Frequently asked questions
Chicago River or Navy Pier: which is better?
If you only have time for one, do Chicago River first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 86 against 82 for Navy Pier, and it has 46 ranked ways to see it versus 57. With a full day in Chicago, pair them: plan Chicago River in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.
Which is cheaper, Chicago River or Navy Pier?
Ranked experiences at Chicago River start from $28 and at Navy Pier from $28 per person.
How long do you need at Chicago River and Navy Pier?
Experiences at Chicago River run 1.8 hours on average and at Navy Pier 2.1 hours, so both fit in one day in Chicago with a break in between.
Can you do Chicago River and Navy Pier on the same day?
Yes. Book the longer visit for the morning when crowds are lighter, and keep the afternoon for the other. 92% of Chicago River options and 92% of Navy Pier options offer free cancellation, which makes it easy to adjust.
What is the best tour of each?
For Chicago River: Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour (Outty Ranking 90, from $33). For Navy Pier: Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour (Outty Ranking 90, from $33).