Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Chicago Riverwalk

    4.6 (258 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Chicago Riverwalk Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Chicago Riverwalk

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Irene E.

    A wonderful 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the Chicago River, from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Vibrant multi-use public open space, filled with bars, and cafes. There are also boat tours, kayak rentals and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Many waterfront restaurants on the north side of the river.

    Celebrating St. Patrick's in Chicago.
    Michael H.

    Spent all day today on the Riverwalk as the great city of Chicago turned it's river green to celebrate their annual St Patrick's festivities. Amazing!! This is always my favorite part of downtown, but was exceptionally beautiful today as the entire river turned green. It also snowed!!! Being from Florida, we don't see snow and being able to walk around in it and eat great food and drink great beers was so much fun. Can't wait to come back.

    Andrea U.

    The Chicago Riverwalk is a1 1/4 mile pedestrian path along the south bank of the Chicago River, extending from Lake Michigan to Lake St. It's a popular destination for walking, dining & enjoying views of the city's architecture and the river. The Riverwalk features a continuous path with access points at various street intersections. There was music playing & many dining outdoors. I was impressed that there were clean bathrooms, lots of garbage receptacles and even water fountains along the river walk. The Riverwalk is accessible from various street-level intersections along Wacker Drive. Visitors can enjoy walking, running, and even kayaking on the river. It provides unique perspectives of downtown. There are elevators for those that are physically challenged.

    Ramesh A.

    Chicago riverwalk is a beautiful place to catchup city architecture and also have a good relaxed stroll along the river. There are restrooms along the walk. There are lot of cafe, bars, quick eateris along the walk and some of them have great activities. One of the must do while visiting Chicago, you can join and exit along the route but would worth doing the full city walk.

    07.04.25 view of the Chicago River and the RiverWalk from Michigan Avenue Bridge
    May A.

    The Esplanade [Chicago IL] We made our way down to the RiverWalk from the northeast corner of N Wabash Ave and E Wacker Dr. where immediately below is O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe. We saw a lot of activity going on at the Chicago River including boat tours and cruises, leisure boats, water taxis and, of course, kayakers and paddle boarders. On the riverfront patio are seasonal shops, cafes, public art, wine and cocktail bars, and plenty of dining options while enjoying stunning views of the Chicago skyline, We walked through the crowded riverfront taking in the scenery and the cool vibe... this is similar to the San Antonio River Walk. Unfortunately, we were not able to complete the 1.25-mile path due to an evening boat tour we were trying to catch at another meeting point location and not at the Riverwalk. We ascended back up on Michigan Ave. Review #3827

    Brad G.

    Great area in downtown Chicago, and another thing that bugs me about Louisville, KY. Architects and city developers in Louisville have vision, but not an elaborate vision of what our downtown and waterfront could be. Back to the riverwalk. It's another place I always walk every time I'm in Chicago. Whether it's above ground walking down the river or down next to the river... you're sure to have a good time. You can walk, eat somewhere, look at all the architecture, take a cruise, rent a kayak, or whatever. It is full of people, and tourists are all around the riverwalk, to the north and the south, but it's still always an entertaining and relaxing place to be. I'm not sure if I can add anything here that others haven't talked about, but if I could add just one thing, it would be to take a walk during the day and again in the evening. The reflections from the buildings vary wildly. I can't choose the best time because they both have their benefits.

    Wrigley and Tribune buildings.
    Navin K.

    If you're in Chicago, you must take a stroll along the Riverwalk. Last night, I left my hotel as the sun was setting and spent a blissful hour people watching, visiting places that meant something to me from previous visits to the city, taking pictures of the gorgeous buildings, and simply sitting by the river and reflecting on life. Refreshing! Can't wait to return!!

    Ultima M.

    I was in Chicago for St Patrick's day weekend and I was fortunate enough to stay at a hotel that had a view of the river and the Riverwalk. I got to see the river turn green for the holiday YAAYY The Riverwalk was a total VIBE everyone was out walking and partying and thoroughly enjoying themselves Before leaving Chicago I was able to enjoy a nice walk alone along the river, the views are amazing, the architecture is breathtaking A must do when in Chicago!! I love it here, and I cant wait to come back

    map of the area
    Janice K.

    This is a great area to walk around in downtown Chicago. There are so many bars and restaurants to pick from. There are also plenty of seating areas to watch the tour boats and water taxis go by. I did notice that in the morning there was no adverse smells, but later in the day there was a strong fish smell. There were a couple people fishing, but I think they were doing catching release. Well, I hope they were doing catch and release because the watercolor is not good.

    Branden M.

    SWEET!!! Cool to see the vibrant and much alive city. Lots of stuck up rich folks going on runs but beside that the river is amazing!!

    Katie R.

    The Riverwalk absolutely exceeded my expectations. It's such a nice place to walk while enjoying the beautiful city skyline. From its starting point at Lake Street, you can take it all the way to Lakeshore Drive, and even end up over by Navy Pier. There are quite a few restaurants and bars along the riverwalk, most of which have plenty of outdoor seating. There's also a bunch of areas you can stop to sit, including an area with adirondack chairs over by the Lake street entrance. We ended up sitting there for 30 minutes watching the boats and kayakers pass by, and taking in the amazing architecture. While we didn't stop at any of the bars or restaurants this time, we'll definitely be doing that on our next visit.

    Map of the path.
    Tony H.

    One of the best things to check out when you're in Chicago. Multiple entrances along Wacker Drive to get down to the walkway, nice views of the skyscrapers and of course the river itself. There are a few restaurants/patio bar near the State St. entrance and a few boat tour ticket booths. The riverwalk also feels a lot more calmer than walking around street level with all the cars driving around downtown.

    Shay B.

    The pulse of Chicago. Not just a path along the water -- it's an experience that embodies the character of this city. Chicago is mesmerizing and a city which is second to none. Stunning architecture and views only get better when illuminated at night. You can catch an awesome sightseeing tour, rent a kayak or bring your own; you can launch it from REI in Lincoln Park. The Chicago River is also an engineering marvel. In 1900, engineers implemented canal locks to reverse the current for water to flow from Lake Michigan instead of into it; removing pollution and improving the waterway. Come to the Riverwalk, breathe in the history, cultural depth, beauty and vibrancy which is Chicago. You might not want to go home.

    Riverwalk

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Max S.
    946
    890
    8519

    5 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 4
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea U.
    5000
    3440
    27789

    8 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 53
    Thanks 18
    Love this 47
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brad G.
    510
    811
    5819

    9 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Navin K.
    115
    1148
    6051

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jada C.
    623
    1406
    14968

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shay B.
    145
    347
    2644

    2 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 4
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nancy M.
    101
    1618
    3184

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shani H.
    935
    1379
    2417

    1 year ago

    Very beautiful at night. Always worth a stroll and there are many nice restaurants nearby.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Judit C.
    410
    364
    14124

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Terri C.
    258
    1522
    18372

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John D.
    220
    512
    1503

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Chicago Riverwalk Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chicago Riverwalk

    Where are the accessible wheelchair entrance?

    You can access it from: - Lakefront Trail - Wacker Dr between N Wabash Ave and N State St (near… Read more

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Chicago Riverwalk

    It's great if you just want to walk alone, go on a romantic date, or stroll with your friends and family.

    Mentioned in 30 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 1,878 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Skydeck Chicago - NEVER FORGET (look closely)

    Skydeck Chicago

    3.5(939 reviews)
    0.7 miThe Loop

    Let me start by saying the main purpose of this visit was to step outside of my comfort…read morezone--because I am terrified of heights. The staff at Skydeck Chicago were all very sweet and friendly throughout the experience. As you make your way up, you walk through a series of exhibits and fun facts about Chicago, which was a nice touch and made the wait feel more engaging. It really highlights what makes the city special. Once we reached the top, I quickly realized I had underestimated just how high the building actually is. When it was time to step out onto the ledge... I completely punked out! They tell you not to look down, but of course, your natural reaction is to do exactly that. There's a photographer ready to capture the moment when you step all the way out onto the glass, but truthfully, I couldn't make it all the way out. I gave it about 2.5 seconds of bravery before my fear kicked in! Even with my moment of panic, I'm still really glad I went. It was definitely an unforgettable experience and a fun way to challenge myself.

    Our activity while in Chicago was to check out the Sky Deck. Tickets were a bit pricey but, I…read morewould suggest trying Groupon for discounted tickets. The location is inside of building with a large food court. I was not expecting a full on museum of all of popular food, culture and celebrity natives of Chicago but, I absolutely love it. It was pretty crowded especially when we got upstairs however, the line was moving pretty quickly. We were able to take pictures and see great angles of the city. The Ledge was pretty cool. Definitely a must visit

    Photos
    Skydeck Chicago - Use your phone flash!

    Use your phone flash!

    Skydeck Chicago - Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Skydeck Chicago - Our friend living his best life

    See all

    Our friend living his best life

    Willis Tower - Entrance

    Willis Tower

    3.8(1.5k reviews)
    0.7 miThe Loop

    Spontaneous visit to Sears Tower on a Saturday afternoon! I haven't been here since I was a little…read morekid, and that was before they added The Ledge and before it was renamed to Willis Tower, so I've been wanting to come back to experience it again. Surprisingly on a Saturday around 1:30pm, it wasn't crowded at all and there was 0 wait times for anything. I loved the museum you walk through before getting to the elevator that takes you up. The part featuring Chicago foods and the mirrored deep dish pizza was especially cool. When we got up to the top, we enjoyed the amazing views and then headed over to The Ledge. There are two lines, but it did not take long at all because they only allow people 90 seconds to take photos and there are multiple ledges. There's also a bunch of restaurants located here, so you could truly just make a day out of it. They also have other exhibits sometimes, and I think this time around it was the Color Museum. Love that they also added a Van Leeuwen ice cream shop recently!

    They have military discounts! But you can't take advantage of the discount unless you purchase…read moretickets onsite. We were not prepared for the crowd on a weekday. Pro tip, you can line up for entry 15 minutes before your entry time. But at about 17 minutes before entry everyone rushes to the line, lol. The line moves fast, so no biggie. Once you enter, you go through security (another line) then they do photos (another line) then you walk through several very interesting exhibits, with multiple photo opportunities (more lines) but my hubby was focused on getting to the top, so we skipped the photo ops. Next you get in line for the elevator. After shooting up so fast your ears pop, you are treated to a wonderful view that pictures just don't capture. If you choose to go out on "The Ledge" its another line. They also take your picture. I can attest that you can accomplish the photo without ever looking down. Yes it's a lot of standing in line, but how often are you up where planes are flying by at eye level? And boy is the city breath taking from this vantage point.

    Photos
    Willis Tower - Chamber music in the sky

    Chamber music in the sky

    Willis Tower - I was too afraid to step all the was back to the outer wall. Others were posing and having a blast. I'd do it again!

    I was too afraid to step all the was back to the outer wall. Others were posing and having a blast. I'd do it again!

    Willis Tower - Lots of fun photo ops while heading up to the tower.

    See all

    Lots of fun photo ops while heading up to the tower.

    Buckingham Fountain - ComEd's Switch on Summer

    Buckingham Fountain

    4.5(413 reviews)
    0.9 miSouth Loop, The Loop

    If you are vising Chicago, this is one of the not to be missed iconic landmarks. The Buckingham…read moreFountain is managed by the Chicago Park District is one of largest fountains in the world. It features impressive water displays and stunning architecture in the beautiful setting of Grant Park. The Buckingham Fountain was built at a cost of $750,00 and it was dedicated on August 12, 1927. Philanthropist Kate Buckingham donated the funds for the fountain as a tribute to her brother, Clarence who was an art collector of Japanese prints. Kate collected medieval sculpture, tapestries, and decorative arts. In addition to the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain she also donated a statue honoring Alexander Hamilton in Lincoln Park and her family's art collection to the Art Institute of Chicago. Clarence Buckingham had been a governing member and a trustee of the Art Institute and Kate was influenced by his association with the institution. The Buckingham Fountain was designed by architect Edward H. Bennett in a classic Art Deco style out of pink marble. The sculptural elements were created by French artist Marcel Loyau. The fountain resembles a rococo style wedding cake and was inspired by the Bassin de Latone and modeled on the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France. The fountain symbolizes the vastness of Lake Michigan, with four groups of bronze seahorses representing the four states bordering the lake: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The fountain is able to propel 14,000 gallons of water per minute. At night the fountain comes alive with lights and dancing water jets. The fountain is known for being featured in the opening of the television show, Married with Children. The Buckingham Fountain stands as a symbol of Kate Buckingham's philanthropic generosity and her love for her brother and the City of Chicago. Enjoy a picnic one one of the well maintained lawns and seating areas near the fountain where you are to create a lasting memory in the heart of Chicago. I will always treasure my visit.

    Still five stars. It's running today and it's very crowded. Great to see so many people enjoying it!read more

    Photos
    Buckingham Fountain - Married with children fountain

    Married with children fountain

    Buckingham Fountain - IG: @ammysalamii

    IG: @ammysalamii

    Buckingham Fountain - IG: @ammysalamii

    See all

    IG: @ammysalamii

    Chicago Riverwalk - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...