Cruising the waterways since 1939, you can take your pick of two watery options with Shoreline Sightseeing. Its 60-minute architecture cruise departs from Navy Pier and travels along the Chicago River, taking in 40 celebrated buildings.

The 30-minute Skyline Boat Tour on Lake Michigan showcases Chicago from a different vantage point: You'll catch an unobstructed view of Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium and Buckingham Fountain. (There's also a 90-minute combo package.)

Tours run April 1 through late November. The Skyline tour costs $14.25 adults, $13.30 seniors, $6.65 children under 12. The Architecture cruise costs $26.660 adults, $23.75 seniors and $14.25 children on weekends and holidays; it costs $22.80 adults, $19.95 seniors and $11.40 children on weekdays.