If you’re living in Chicago or planning a visit but need to stay financially savvy, you’re in luck. Not every Windy City experience has to burn a hole in your wallet.
One of the most iconic and rewarding activities in the city – The Chicago Architecture Boat Tour – is currently available at a massive discount, making it a perfect outing for budget-conscious locals and visitors.
Let’s break down why this deal isn’t just a great experience, but also a smart financial choice.
Why This Tour is a Budget-Savvy Investment
In a city where a single museum admission can run you $25+ and dinner at an average restaurant can easily exceed $30 per person, it’s rare to find an immersive, guided, and professionally narrated 90-minute activity for under $24.
Here’s the breakdown of the current promotion from Tours and Boats – Architecture Tour – Chicago:
| Option | Original Price | Deal Price | Price w/ Code SAVEINMAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | $49 | $29 | $23.20 |
| Two People | $98 | $58 | $46.40 |
| Three People | $147 | $87 | $69.60 |
| Four People | $196 | $116 | $92.80 |
At just $23.20 per person, you’re saving over 50% compared to many similar tours and attractions in the city. For families and groups, this discount scales up beautifully.
A group of four pays less than $100 for a truly unforgettable experience. In Chicago, that’s rare.
What You’re Getting: More Than Just a Ride
This isn’t just a boat ride – it’s a professionally narrated architecture tour down all three branches of the Chicago River. You’ll explore:
- The Main Branch to Navy Pier
- The North Branch to Goose Island
- The South Branch down to Chinatown
Expect deep insights into some of Chicago’s most iconic structures such as:
- The Civic Opera House
- Trump Tower
- The Merchandise Mart
- And many more…
The tour is guided by experts who explain not just the architectural styles but the stories and historic context behind them – transforming a scenic cruise into an educational and culturally rich experience.
For budget-conscious folks, this is a fantastic value: entertainment + education + sightseeing rolled into one.
Perks That Add Value (Without Adding Cost)
If you’re on a tight budget, you already know the little extras can turn a cheap event into an expensive outing. Fortunately, this tour includes perks that stretch your dollar even further:
- Free for Kids Under 3 – Perfect for young families
- Full-service onboard amenities – Clean bathrooms, snack bars, and assistance from onboard staff
- Open-air and enclosed seating – Ideal regardless of weather
- Panoramic skyline views – Unmatched photo ops without having to pay for a skydeck
Compare this to spending $40+ on a Skydeck ticket just for a single building view. This tour offers 360° views of the skyline and expert narration, for half the price.
Convenient and Accessible: No Hidden Hassles
Departure is from 900 South Wells Street, easily reachable by car or public transit. Parking is right next to the dock – a major win if you’re trying to avoid the usual downtown parking drama (and fees).
Need help redeeming your voucher? A support team is just a call away at (312) 858-6955. Plus, after your purchase, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions for booking your preferred date and time.
A couple of things to note (so you don’t waste money):
- Reserve Online ASAP after buying your voucher
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- No refunds if you’re late or miss your slot
- Don’t forget to apply code
SAVEINMAYat checkout to get the full discount!
What Others Are Saying: Real Reviews from Real People
Here’s what recent participants had to say:
“If you are visiting Chicago and want something awesome to do, don’t skip this! The air-conditioned cabin was a game-changer and the guide was super knowledgeable. 5 stars all the way!”
“Best boat tour ever! We learned so much while enjoying the beautiful views. Worth every penny—actually, more than that. This is the tour you want.”
“My mom and I played tourists and we had the best time! Our guide made it so much fun, and we didn’t spend a fortune. Highly recommend it for locals too!”
For anyone trying to balance fun with frugality, reviews like these should seal the deal. You’re getting a 5-star experience at a budget price – what’s not to love?
Make Smart Financial Choices in Chicago
Let’s zoom out a bit. Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean saying “no” to everything. It means saying “yes” to experiences that bring value. This tour does just that – it delivers:
- Education about your city
- Entertainment that’s enriching, not mindless
- Shared memories with friends or family
Rather than spending $100 on an impersonal dinner or bar tab, why not use that money for an experience you’ll remember?
In a city like Chicago, there are plenty of tourist traps and overpriced gimmicks. But this boat tour bucks that trend. It’s honest, enriching, and best of all – financially accessible.
Quick Recap: Why Budget-Minded Chicagoans Should Book This
- 🛥️ 90-minute guided river cruise with professional narration
- 💰 As low as $23.20 per person (with promo code)
- 👨👩👧 Great for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups
- 📸 Unmatched views for skyline photos
- 🌤️ Weatherproof seating (open-air + air-conditioned options)
- 🚗 Convenient parking next to the marina
- 📅 Easy scheduling after purchase
- 🧾 No surprise charges if you follow booking instructions
How to Book
- Visit Groupon and purchase your preferred tour option
- Use code
SAVEINMAYat checkout to get extra $5.80 off - Follow instructions in your confirmation email to select your date and time
- Show up early and enjoy!
Note
P.S. Deal expires October 26, 2025, but availability fills fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead and save big while the promo lasts.