Boat tour and avoid waiting time to see attractions

Question

Hello,

We will be there in Chicago from 19th -22nd thinking of doing boat tour and see some attraction like Wilson tower . Should I buy a city pass to avoid wait time, what boat tour one will recommend , it seems sunset one is good ., any discounts or deal to get tours at good rate

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned for Chicago! Here are some detailed recommendations to help you make the most of your time and avoid long waits at popular attractions, as well as tips for boat tours and city passes:

City Pass: A CityPass is definitely a good option if you want to save both time and money. It allows you to skip some of the lines at popular attractions and gives you discounted entry to a number of top spots in Chicago. If you're planning to visit several major attractions like the Willis Tower (Skydeck), the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago, a CityPass can be a great way to streamline your experience and save up to 50% on admission prices. It's especially helpful during the busy summer months when lines can be long.

Boat Tour: Chicago offers several fantastic boat tours that give you a unique view of the city’s iconic architecture, lakefront, and skyline. Since you're considering a sunset boat tour, here are a couple of great options:

Architecture River Cruise by Chicago’s First Lady: This is one of the most popular boat tours in Chicago and is often recommended for first-time visitors. It’s a 90-minute guided tour that takes you along the Chicago River, where you’ll learn about the city's famous architecture. This is a daytime tour, but you can also look into their evening cruises which offer beautiful views of the skyline as it lights up.
Sunset Cruise on Lake Michigan: A sunset cruise on Lake Michigan is a fantastic way to experience the city from the water. These tours often include cocktails and snacks while you enjoy the beautiful view of the skyline at dusk. They typically depart from Navy Pier, which is easy to access from most downtown hotels.
Shoreline Sightseeing Boat Tours: Another great option for boat tours is Shoreline Sightseeing. They offer both architecture and lakefront tours, including sunset options. Shoreline is known for its smaller, more intimate boat experiences, which can make it a bit more relaxing compared to the larger tours.

Discounts and Deals: To get the best rates for tours, here are a few tips:

Check for Combo Deals: Some companies offer combo tickets that include multiple attractions or boat tours at a discounted rate. For example, you can often bundle a boat tour with tickets to Navy Pier or a river cruise with an architecture tour for a better price.
Online Booking: Many boat tour companies offer discounts if you book your tickets online in advance. This is especially true for sunset tours, which can sell out quickly during peak times.
Visit Discount Websites: Websites like Groupon often have deals for boat tours and other attractions in Chicago. It’s worth checking out to see if there are any special offers available for the dates of your trip.

Additional Tips:

If you're planning to see the Willis Tower (now called the Skydeck), I recommend arriving early to avoid crowds. You can also consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as in the early morning or later in the evening, when the lines tend to be shorter.
Consider taking advantage of the CityPass to avoid long waits at popular museums and attractions, as it allows you to skip some of the lines at places like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Shedd Aquarium.
For the boat tours, booking in advance is a good strategy to secure your spot, especially for sunset or evening tours, which tend to fill up quickly.

With these tips, you should be able to avoid long waits and make the most of your time in Chicago. Enjoy your trip, and have a great time exploring the city’s attractions and beautiful waterways!