Chicago River vs The Magnificent Mile: which should you do first?
If you only have time for one, do The Magnificent Mile first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 86 against 86 for Chicago River, and it has 48 ranked ways to see it versus 46. 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 | The Magnificent Mile | |
|---|---|---|
| Ranked experiences | 46 | 48 |
| Top Outty Ranking | 90 | 92 |
| Average ranking (top 10) | 86 | 86 |
| Cheapest experience | $28 | $28 |
| Average time needed | 1.8h | 2.1h |
| Free cancellation | 92% of options | 100% 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 The Magnificent Mile
- 1. Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour
Outty Ranking 92 · from $85 · 3h
- 2. Chicago Murder Mystery Tour
Outty Ranking 92 · from $35 · 2h
- 3. Chicago City Minibus Tour
Outty Ranking 87 · from $50 · 2h
- 4. Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Outty Ranking 85 · from $45 · 1.5h
- 5. Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
Outty Ranking 85 · from $45 · 1.5h
Frequently asked questions
Chicago River or The Magnificent Mile: which is better?
If you only have time for one, do The Magnificent Mile first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 86 against 86 for Chicago River, and it has 48 ranked ways to see it versus 46. 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 The Magnificent Mile?
Ranked experiences at Chicago River start from $28 and at The Magnificent Mile from $28 per person.
How long do you need at Chicago River and The Magnificent Mile?
Experiences at Chicago River run 1.8 hours on average and at The Magnificent Mile 2.1 hours, so both fit in one day in Chicago with a break in between.
Can you do Chicago River and The Magnificent Mile 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 100% of The Magnificent Mile 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 The Magnificent Mile: Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour (Outty Ranking 92, from $85).