Activity The Loop & Chicago River
Chicago Riverwalk
An activity in The Loop & Chicago River, free to visit and worth about an hour. Best time to go: Dusk.
Why go
A 1.25-mile promenade along the main branch of the river, lined with cafes, boat docks and the city's architecture.
It is one of 9 curated places we feature in The Loop & Chicago River, alongside 3 places to eat, 3 sights and 1 place for a drink. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise and Chicago Riverwalk.
- Type
- Activity · Cities
- Neighborhood
- The Loop
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 1 hr
- Best time
- Dusk
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 3 beyond The Loop & Chicago River. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
90-minute docent-led boat tour of the skyscrapers along the Chicago River.
Activity · Chicago · 0.1 mi straight-line - 2Chicago Riverwalk
1.25-mile path along the river's main branch with wine bars, kayak rentals and bridge views.
Activity · Chicago · 0.2 mi straight-line - 3The Langham, Chicago
Luxury hotel in Mies van der Rohe's AMA Plaza tower, right on the river beside the Wabash Avenue bridge.
Stay · 0.3 mi straight-line - 4Shaw's Crab House
River North seafood house since 1984, with an oyster bar and a formal dining room for crab legs and lobster.
Food · 0.3 mi straight-line - 5Chicago River NYE Fireworks
The city's free midnight show, fired from the river bridges between Orleans Street and Columbus Drive; held in 2024 and 2025.
Sight · 0.3 mi straight-line - 6McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Free outdoor rink in Millennium Park next to Cloud Gate, open from mid-November into March; skate rental extra.
Activity · Chicago · 0.4 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Chicago Riverwalk is a stop on our Chicago New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More to do in The Loop & Chicago River
Chicago Riverwalk is our only activity pick in The Loop & Chicago River; here is what else we recommend there. See the full The Loop & Chicago River guide.
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Art on the Mart
Large-scale projections across the Merchandise Mart's river facade; on Dec 31 it becomes the countdown clock for the fireworks.
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Navy Pier New Year's Eve Fireworks
Free midnight fireworks over Lake Michigan, visible from inside and outside along the mile-long pier; held in 2024 and 2025.
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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Gold Coast steakhouse open since 1989, known for huge cuts, martinis and a packed bar on big nights.
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Chicago Cut Steakhouse
Steakhouse on the river at LaSalle Street, with window tables looking across the water to the Loop towers.
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Cindy's
Rooftop bar atop the Chicago Athletic Association with views over Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
When to go: weather by month, based on Chicago
Our climate figures for The Loop & Chicago River come from nearby Chicago. Average daily highs in Chicago run from 32°F in January to 77°F in July; May is usually the wettest month. For Chicago Riverwalk itself, we suggest: Dusk.
Modelled monthly averages for Chicago from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Chicago weather by month (covers The Loop & Chicago River).
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Chicago Riverwalk, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 41.88830, -87.62180
- Destination
- The Loop & Chicago River, Illinois
Chicago Riverwalk: quick answers
How much time do you need at Chicago Riverwalk?
Plan on about an hour at Chicago Riverwalk. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Chicago Riverwalk?
Our pick: Dusk. Insider tip: On NYE it closes to the public at 11 pm except for ticketed parties; walk it on Dec 30 or the afternoon of the 31st instead.
Is Chicago Riverwalk free?
Yes, we list Chicago Riverwalk as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Chicago Riverwalk?
Chicago Riverwalk appears on Chicago New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Chicago Riverwalk to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to The Loop & Chicago River.
Plan The Loop & Chicago River
- The Loop & Chicago River travel guide 9 places
- Chicago weather (covers The Loop & Chicago River) weather by month
Lists & regions
Also in The Loop & Chicago River
- Chicago Cut Steakhouse Food
- Art on the Mart Sight
- Cindy's Drinks
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.