Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat Tours Etc
 

I am flying in Sunday afternoon, using the Go Airport Express Shuttle to get to my hotel which is the Marriott Courtyard Downtown/Magnificent Mile on Ontario Street.

I've always wanted to go on this tour and they have regular afternoon tours or a special "Twilight Tour." Is there really a difference? Pros or cons from people who have been on this tour appreciated.

Go Airport Express is <i>NOT</i> recommended. Their service consistently gets poor reviews. If you're arriving at ORD, you can take the the CTA Blue Line to Clark/Lake, then catch a cab to your hotel for under $10 total. If you're arriving at MDW, the Orange Line to Roosevelt, transfer to the Red Line, then exit at Grand Avenue and walk two blocks north. Uber/Lyft or a cab are also more preferable options.

The twilight tour could be a little brisk. While the temps are supposed to be in the low 70s, forecasts say Sunday night will be in the high 40s.

I think both are pretty cool (I like boats in general) but the afternoon tour would be warmer for sure and I think you actually see more detail. The twilight tour is more "pretty" to me. (I mean, some of "detail" you can see in the afternoon is river litter). The architecture is amazing to see at twilight or in the dark. A lot of the stuff I went to see in the daytime, I went back to at sunset.

I think when in doubt, I'd pick afternoon. But I do not like being cold. You're sitting outside, on the water, and Chicago is not called the Windy City for nothing.

Ok, I wondered about that. My flight gets in a 2:20 so I will go for the (:99 tour and dress warmly!

City lights: Thanks for the information too about the shuttle. I was nervous about it. I was having a hard time figuring out the blue line route. You've given me confidence to try it! T

Thanks to both of you!

Have the uber phone number handy. Last year we flew into Midway and had an easy time taking the subway to our air b&b but when it came time to fly home, there were problems with the subway and after half an hour of waiting and seeing only full cars go by, we took an uber to the airport. Otherwise we had a great time navigating the city using buses and subway.

To reach the Blue Line at O'Hare, follow the signs that say <i>CTA Trains to City</i> from the baggage level of T 1-3. Purchase a Ventra card in the station. If you register the card, the $5 purchase price will be credited back to your account. If you have problems, just ask the station agent. The card is good on all CTA trains and buses.

You can find info on how to load a multi-day pass or pay-per-ride funds on the CTA site at www.transitchicago.com. You'll also find maps, a trip planner and how to track trains and buses with your smart phone.

I took the 7:30 "twilight" boat tour last week. This time of year, there wasn't much twilight-- the sky got completely black quickly. The ride was still pleasant, but if you're into photography, take an earlier tour.

I had an easy time getting from ORD to my hotel thanks to Citylights and made it in time for the 5:00 pm tour! It was a beautiful cruise, not much wind and a remarkable sky as the sun was setting. I highly recommend the tour and hope to take a walking tour tomorrow afternoon. Thank you all,