Chicago Riverwalk
4.6(113)google
4.6(263)yelp
HikingRiver
Overview
The Chicago Riverwalk is a beautifully developed pedestrian waterfront ideal for strolling, dining, and taking in the city's architectural marvels from a unique vantage point. Stretching along the south bank of the Chicago River, this vibrant path is lined with lively outdoor cafes, wine bars, and kayak rentals. Traveling through its distinct 'rooms,' visitors can experience the kinetic energy of the city, watch the historic bridges lift, or simply relax by the water while admiring towering skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and Marina City.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen all day (restaurant hours vary)
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimeThe best time to visit is during the warmer months from May to October. Late afternoons and evenings offer beautiful lighting as the sun reflects off the surrounding skyscrapers, making it perfect for a riverside drink or watching the Art on theMART projection show at night.
Getting ThereThe Riverwalk spans across downtown with excellent accessibility. Take the 'L' train Green, Brown, Purple, Pink, or Orange Lines to State/Lake Station, then walk north for 1 block (about 3 minutes) to access the waterfront path.
Travel Tips
- The continuous 1.25-mile pathway strictly bans dockless shared bikes, private e-scooters, and rollerblades; CDOT enforcement officers patrol regularly and issue immediate citations to non-pedestrians.
- The prime vantage point for Art on theMART projections is on the Riverwalk jetty between Wells and Franklin Streets; arrive 20 minutes before the 9:00 PM show to clear views from bridge soffit obstructions.
- Most waterfront dining patios operate exclusively from May to October, and public restrooms are highly limited along the path; ensure comfort stops are made at upper Wacker Drive commercial points beforehand.
Reviews
Positive
- Strolling along the river offers close-up views of Chicago's stunning skyscrapers and historic bridges; the romantic vibe is unmatched at sunset and dusk.
- The walk features numerous clean restrooms, benches, and well-designed accessible ramps, making joining and exiting the path highly convenient.
- The pathway is lined with fantastic open-air cafes, bars, and eateries; enjoying a perfectly cooked steak or cocktail while feeling the river breeze is top-tier.
- Beyond a relaxing walk, it's the perfect hub to catch the famous architecture boat tours, making it a definitive highlight for experiencing Chicago's cultural value.
Heads up
- On clear summer evenings, the pathway and waterfront patios get extremely congested, with restaurant wait times easily exceeding an hour, making it quite loud.
- Dining along the riverfront comes with a premium; the cost of secondary spending is high, with basic cocktails or light bites noticeably more expensive than non-tourist areas.
- In winter, due to Lake Michigan's wind-chill, the walk becomes freezing and icy; most riverfront vendors and restaurants close seasonally, ruining the experience.
- For drivers, finding a parking spot near the access points is incredibly difficult, and the GPS signal drops entirely under certain double-decker street levels, causing confusion.