There are a few different companies that do tours, but Wendella and Chicago Architecture Foundation are two of the best. There are also multiple places where you can get on a boat. I have put down the Wendella location, that boards right at Michigan Ave near the Wrigley Building. But you can also start your tour at Navy Pier. Definitely bring sunblock as you will be out in the sun if you want a good view. But all the boats have some shade as well as a bar.
Our wedding happens to be the same day as the Chicago Air and Water Show!! The address listed is for Lincoln Park, which is the event focal point, but to be clear you can see the air show from literally anywhere along the lake shore. Navy Pier and Grant Park are also great locations to watch. The show is ongoing from 10am to 3pm.
Chicago has a fantastic river walk, featuring amazing views from the heart of the city. Plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes along the way as well. Access to the river walk is easy to find, every street corner along Wacker Dr. has stairs down to the river.
The Art Institute is a world-class museum with an enormous collection that spans multiple genres and time periods. Our favorites include the Thorne Miniature Rooms and the American Contemporary collection, the latter of which houses classics such as 'Nighthawks' by Edward Hopper, 'American Gothic' by Grant Wood, and 'Sky above Clouds IV' by Georgia O'Keefe.
Satisfy all your Instagram desires at Millennium Park. If you don't take a #selfie at the Bean, did you even visit Chicago?