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Charles River Cruise: A Tour of Boston by Riverboat

Taking a cruise on the Charles River is a great way to experience Boston. A guided riverboat tour allows you to see the many historical and cultural sites that line the river. Some of these sites are rather significant in terms of Boston's history, and others are newer additions that have helped to create the city's landscape that exists today. 

About the Charles River

The Charles River begins in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, which is about 36 miles west of Boston. Hopkinton is a small town with a population of less than 3,000 people. But the city is fairly well-known, having gained its fame by being the starting point of the annual Boston Marathon.

From its source at Echo Lake in Hopkinton, the Charles River meanders in a northeasterly direction for about 80 miles until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean via the Boston Harbor.

The inner harbor is formed at the confluence of the Mystic and Charles rivers in Boston. And the outer harbor is fed by several other rivers. Cruises on the Charles River often include the Boston Harbor.

Sites Along the Charles River

Cambridge and Boston are separated by the Charles River. Cambridge is on the north side of the river, and Boston is on the south side. Your riverboat tour guide will be pointing out sites in both cities.

Some notable sites on the Cambridge side of the river include two prestigious universities -  Harvard University  and  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) . Both universities have historical significance. Harvard University dates back to 1636, and M.I.T. was founded in 1860. 

And on the Boston side of the Charles River, there are some of the famous landmarks across the city's skyline. We'll take a look at a few of them.

The Marriot's Custom House  is an all-suite hotel that overlooks Boston Harbor. The waterfront resort is located inside the Custom House Tower - a 32-story skyscraper that was built in 1915.

Another famous high-rise along the Charles River is the  Prudential Building  or Prudential Tower. It was built in 1964 and has 52 stories.

The  Hancock Tower  (now called the 200 Clarendon) is located on the Boston side of the River. Built in 1976, it's the tallest building not only in Boston, but in New England as well.

Other sites in Boston that your guide might point out during your riverboat tour, include  Boston University , Fenway Park  and  the Esplanade , which is a three-mile path that runs along the Charles River.

Charles River Cruise Packages

While there may be several options for boat tours on the Charles River, we're going to look at two packages. Both sightseeing cruises are wheelchair accessible. They are also family friendly, so bring the kids along!

90 Minute Architecture Cruise on the Charles River

This 90-minute sightseeing tour begins in Cambridge at the  Cambridgeside Galleria . Departure times are 10:00 am and 2:30 pm daily. 

Cambridgeside Galleria

By RhythmicQuietude (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

The tour focuses on the historic and contemporary architecture that can be seen from Boston Harbor. Some of the featured sites on the riverboat tour include Marriott's Custom House, the Prudential Building, the Hancock Tower and a spectacular view of many of the best waterfront properties in Cambridge and Boston.

The 90 Minute Architecture Cruise on Charles River is narrated by a volunteer from Boston By Foot . Founded in 1976, it is  “a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting public awareness and appreciation of Boston’s rich history and architectural heritage by offering a wide range of guided tours”.

This tour is also presented in partnerships with the Boston Society of Architects , which was established in 1867. It's a non-profit organization that is under the umbrella of the American Institute of Architects .

Additional Notes: Alcoholic beverages are available as well as other food and drink items. Cruises are available from May through October.

Click Here for more details about the 90 Minute Architecture Cruise on the Charles River.

One Hour Charles River Sightseeing Cruise

Although this tour is called the "One Hour", it actually lasts about 70 minutes. Multiple departures from Lechmere Canal Park are available daily.

Lechmere Canal

By Tim Pierce (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

This guided riverboat tour will take you past many of Boston's historical and cultural sites. On the Boston side of Charles River, you'll see  Beacon Hill , the  Back Bay ,  Boston University ,  Fenway Park ,  Museum of Science  and  Esplenade Park .

And on the Cambridge side you'll cruise past Harvard University and M.I.T.

Additional Notes: Beer, wine, soda and snacks are available for purchase. Cruises are available from May through October.

Click Here  for more details about the  One Hour Charles River Sightseeing Cruise .

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Lauri Wakefield  is a travel writer who specializes in  river cruises in Europe and the U.S. Connect with her on Twitter and Google+ .

[This page may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure  here .]

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Architecture Cruise

Step off dry land and head out onto the water to experience Boston like never before!

Tour Description

This 2-hour tour offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, through the Charles River Locks, and the Charles River Basin.

The tour - narrated by a Boston By Foot guide - includes landmarks such as the Custom House, the Hancock tower, and Old North Church. These are simply the best waterfront views of Boston and Cambridge!

The boat has a cash bar where guests can purchase drinks: beer, wine, soda, and premium mixed drinks. Lights snacks including chips and pretzels are also available.

Tickets are available online two weeks before a scheduled cruise date. Because of the cruise’s popularity, advance reservations are highly recommended.

This tour is offered in partnership with the BSA Foundation and the Charles River Boat Company .

Professional continuing education credits are available for architects upon request. Please email [email protected] to receive credit upon completion of the tour.

Tour Information

120 minutes

architecture cruise

Public Tour Calendar

Private tours.

Starting Location

Cruises depart from Lechmere Canal Park at CambridgeSide Galleria. The ticket booth and boat departure are located outside the doors by the food court.

Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”

Nearest MBTA Station: Lechmere (Green Line)

• A Sail Through Time A Sail Through Time
• Architecture Cruise Architecture Cruise

May 18, 2023

An Architectural Excursion via Riverboat

Photo courtesy of the Charles Riverboat Co.

Boston has been ranked second among the best walkable cities in the country, and for many, exploring the city by foot is a great way to discover Boston’s rich history. But those with less time to spare can opt for another way to explore the city—via the Charles Riverboat Company’s architecture cruise. “It’s a great way to see a large portion of the city in a small amount of time,” says Melissa Otis, the company’s director of sales.

The architecture cruise came to fruition approximately 10 years ago, after the founder of the company, Russell Cushman, had gone on an architecture-themed cruise in Chicago. Since then, the cruise—a collaboration with the Boston Society of Architecture (BSA) and Boston By Foot —has turned out to be one of Charles Riverboat’s most popular offerings.

An Expansive View of Boston Architecture

The cruise departs from Lechmere Canal Park next to the Cambridgeside Galleria and then makes its way through the Charles River locks. According to Otis, “It’s the only public tour in Boston whose boats fit through the lock system, showcasing both the Charles River and Boston Harbor.” Adds Lynn Smiledge, a historic preservation consultant and architecture cruise tour guide, “In my opinion, the locks are the most unique experience of the tour; people really enjoy going through them.”

A guide narrates the two-hour cruise, as tourists and locals alike take in stunning views of the city while learning of Boston’s architectural history and seeing its evolution play out before them—from buildings dating as far back as 1830 to the glass façades of the city’s more modern 20th- and 21st-century buildings. “The skyline has changed significantly,” Otis says, and tourists see the contrast between the older-style architecture in downtown and the newer development in the Seaport area. Says Smiledge: “It’s an evolution not only of the architecture but also the changing fortunes of the harbor, which have shifted dramatically since the 18th century.”

A Bridge Designed for Fish Migration

In addition to the architectural highlights—the John Hancock tower, One Millennium Place, and Marriott Custom House, to name a few—the tour also includes many fun and interesting facts. Harriet Fink, communications coordinator at the BSA, went on the cruise after having just moved to Boston. “It was a great way to get a sense of the city,” she says. On the Zakim Bridge, for instance, are little diamond-shaped openings on the roadbed that allow light to pass through the bridge and reach the water below it. Why is that important? They are for the alewife fish that come in from the harbor to spawn in the Charles River. Fink learned on the cruise that the openings were added “so the fish going through the locks could see the light ahead and be encouraged to continue swimming.” Confirms Smiledge, “The alewife don’t like to swim through large expanses of dark water, so the openings are intentionally in place so the fish are more comfortable traveling under the bridge.”

Boston’s Diverse Architectural Styles

Many of the guides have varying architectural backgrounds, and each runs his or her respective tour a little differently. On her cruise, Fink says, she also got a primer on architectural styles: “You can begin to recognize what types of buildings they are from the water.” Adds Smiledge, “Boston has probably one of the best collections in the nation of Brutalist architecture. The masterpiece is Boston City Hall—it’s our best example of a Brutalist building.” And then there “is the one building people are really excited about,” Smiledge says: the Boston University Center for Computing & Data Sciences by KPMB Architects, also known as the Jenga building because of its cantilevered design.

Smiledge also describes a color-coded system that helps passengers discern how old a late-20th-century building is. For example, buildings built in the 1960s and 1970s generally will be white or gray (made of stone and concrete); buildings built in the 1980s and 1990s will have shades of red granite; and buildings built in the 2000s will be made of blue and silver glass.

“The tour is something I encourage everyone to go on because you’re not going to feel the same way about Boston again; you’re just going to get a whole different look at the city and at the relationships between its buildings,” Smiledge says.

The architectural cruises run from May 26 to September 3, Fridays through Sundays, at 10:00 a.m. and from September 9 through October 22 on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Reserve your tickets today!

Historic Compact Signing At the BSA Aims To Jumpstart DEI In Real Estate Development

Less than one percent of real estate developers in the U.S. are Black or Latino. The BSA is working to change that.

What are you looking for?

Architecture Cruise

Step off dry land and head out onto the water to experience Boston like never before! This tour offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, through the Charles River Locks, and the Charles River Basin. The tour includes landmarks such as the Customs House, the Hancock tower, and Old North Church. These are simply the best waterfront views of Boston and Cambridge! The boat has a cash bar where guests can purchase drinks: beer, wine, soda, and premium mixed drinks. Lights snacks including chips and pretzels are also available. Tickets are available online two weeks before a scheduled cruise date. Because of the cruise’s popularity, advance reservations are highly recommended. This tour is offered in partnership with the BSA Foundation and the Charles Riverboat Company. Professional continuing education credits are available for architects upon request. 

Meeting Location: Cruise begins on the Lechmere Canal behind the Cambridgeside Galleria, Cambridge, MA.

Fridays - 11:00 am Saturdays - 11:00 am & 2:00 pm Sundays - 11:00 am & 2:00 pm

For tickets and information on private and charter cruises, please contact the  Charles Riverboat Company  at  www.charlesriverboat.com or by calling 617-621-3001.

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Arrowstreet associates set sail for boston architecture tour.

A beautiful early summer morning set the stage for this year’s Associates’ Social Event, as the group of Arrowstreet associates boarded a riverboat for their Charles River Architecture Cruise. The two-hour cruise began by sailing through the Charles River dam locks, under Zakim Bridge, and into Boston Harbor for a view of the Boston skyline from the water. The tour-guide pointed out notable examples of both historic and contemporary architecture, including the Custom Tower, Rowes Wharf, and the Moakley Courthouse, sharing the architecture styles of the various buildings, interesting facts about the buildings’ construction, and pointing out details often missed by the general public. The tour also covered buildings currently under construction and refurbishment, including Commonwealth Pier (previously The World Trade Center), a project the Arrowstreet Graphics Studio is currently designing the signage for, making for a fascinating journey through Boston’s architectural past, present, and future. Back under the Zakim Bridge and through the locks, the riverboat re-entered the Charles River and past the Liberty Hotel (former Charles Street Jail), Hancock Building, and Prudential Building for the grand finale of the tour.

For more information about The Charles Riverboat Company Architecture cruise, you can visit https://charlesriverboat.com/tours/architecture-cruises/

Topics: Associates , News , Culture

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Take a Sunset, Twilight, or Architecture Cruise along the Charles

Cocktails, music, spectacular views of the city skyline

See Boston and Cambridge from a unique vantage point on a Charles Riverboat Company 70-minute sunset or twilight cruise on the Charles River. Photo courtesy of Charles Riverboat Company

Connor Lenahan (COM’17,’18)

If you’ve ever boated on the Charles River, you know it offers some of the most tranquil views of both Boston and Cambridge. And there may be no more magical time of day to be on the river than sunset or twilight. Charles Riverboat Company has two daily sunset cruises , which set sail at 5:30 and 7 p.m., as well as a twilight cruise at 8:30 p.m., all departing from the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall Lechmere Canal Park in Cambridge.

In addition to unparalleled views of landmarks like the Prudential Building, the John Hancock Tower, Kenmore Square’s Citgo sign, and MIT and Harvard University, guests can enjoy alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages from the full-service cash bar. Cocktail music enhances the festive atmosphere. An enclosed roof offers protection from inclement weather.

Architecture buffs may be interested in the daily Architecture Cruise . Narrated by knowledgeable guides from Boston by Foot and cosponsored by BSA Space , the 90-minute tour gives fascinating insight into Boston’s built environment, told through its architecture and neighborhoods.

The Charles Riverboat is at CambridgeSide Galleria Mall, 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge. Find times and prices and order tickets for both the Sunset Cruise and the Twilight Cruise here and the Architecture Cruise here . Tickets can be purchased up to two weeks in advance, and reservations are suggested. Find a full list of cruises and information here and directions here .

Connor Lenahan can be reached at [email protected] .

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There is 1 comment on Take a Sunset, Twilight, or Architecture Cruise along the Charles

There are coupons for this on Groupon or Living Social so you can save about 40% off. There is also a 90-minute architecture cruise that goes through the Locks and into Boston Harbor. Very comfortable covered boat with snacks and drinks on-board. Convenient launch from The CambridgeSide Galleria Mall (parking is less than $5) / Canal Park. Get off at the Lechmere Green Stop and it’s a short walk.

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Architecture cruises

Step off dry land and head out onto the water to experience Boston like never before!

• Contact: Boston By Foot
• Price: $27.50 Adults $22.50 Seniors/Students/Children under 12 $22.50 BSA Foundation and Boston By Foot Members
• Neighborhood: Back Bay Beacon Hill Downtown South Boston
• Event Type: Family friendly Learning and lectures Outdoor Preservation Month
• Posted: 04/12/2017 - 2:34pm
• Downloads: Learn more about the event

This tour offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston Harbor, through the Charles River Locks, and the Charles River basin. The tour includes landmarks such as:

• the Customs House
• the Hancock tower
• the Old North Church, and
• cutting-edge contemporary design by today’s top architects.

These are simply the best waterfront views of Boston and Cambridge!

The tours start on May 28, and take place every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tours depart from Cambridgeside Galleria Mall.

For more information, and to learn about fees, visit the Boston by Foot website .

• Frequently Asked Question... >
• River Cruise FAQ

Boat Tours FAQ

This world-famous tour includes Chicago's most famous historic and modern landmarks, including Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and many more.

Our FAQ should point you in the right direction, but if you're still curious about something, contact us at 312.922.3432. We're happy to help.

When is the river cruise available?

The cruise departs multiple times daily, March-November.

How long is the river cruise?

The CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is 90 minutes long.

Who gives the tours?

All tours are given by CAC-certified volunt  eer docents . Docents receive hundreds of hours of training about Chicago’s architecture and its history. They are storytellers and Chicago experts.

What buildings do we see on the river cruise?

The tour includes Chicago's most famous historic and modern landmarks, including Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Lyric Opera, 333 West Wacker, Marina City and many more sites. More than 50 buildings are discussed on the tour. See our Buildings of Chicago to learn more about these buildings.

Where can I purchase tickets for the CAC River Cruise?

Because tours frequently sell out, advanced ticket purchase is recommended, especially on weekends, on holidays and for twilight tours. You can purchase tickets for the boat tour in person, via phone (CAC members) or online through Ticketmaster .

Box Office: CAC, 111 E. Wacker Drive

Chicago's First Lady dock: Southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance.

Phone: CAC members can contact the CAC Call Center 312.922.TOUR (8687) to purchase tickets or redeem your BOGO benefit . You can purchase a CAC membership via phone, at which time you can also purchase CAC River Cruise tickets.

Online: Ticketmaster (fees and surcharges will apply).

Where do I pick up will call tickets?

Will call tickets for the CAC River Cruise can be picked up from the will call window at Chicago's First Lady boat dock on the day of your tour. The Chicago's First Lady dock is located at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance (if using a GPS, enter 112 E. Wacker Drive). We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time.

Are refunds or exchanges available for online ticket purchases?

Refunds and exchanges for ticket purchases are not permitted. Please double-check your dates and times before making a ticket purchase.

Do CAC members get a discount on the boat tour?

Yes! CAC members get a two-for-one discount on CAC River Cruise tickets to use once a year. To make a reservation using your member benefits, call us at 312.922.TOUR (8687) or visit the CAC box office at 111 E. Wacker Dr. Learn more about becoming a member.

This member benefit must be redeemed at least 24 hours prior to your desired departure time. It can only be redeemed at CAC (either by phone or in person) and cannot be used at the Chicago’s First Lady boat dock.

Are there senior prices available for the CAC River Cruise?

We are unable to offer special rates for senior citizens at this time.

Are there child ticket prices available for the CAC River Cruise?

This experience is not recommended for children under the age of 12. All passengers on the CAC River Cruise must purchase a ticket regardless of age; we offer a discounted ticket for children and infants ages 3 and younger.

Where do we board the CAC River Cruise?

Please meet at the Chicago’s First Lady boat dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The dock is located at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive. Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance (if using a GPS, enter 112 E. Wacker Drive).

How do you get to the dock?

By Public Transportation (CTA)

Michigan Avenue buses stop near this intersection.

The closest CTA train transit stations are State & Lake (Red, Brown, Green, Orange & Purple Lines), and Clark & Lake (Blue Line). In each case, after exiting the station, walk east to Michigan Avenue, cross over to the east side, then walk north to the river/Michigan Avenue Bridge. Do not cross the bridge; look for the black awning at the southeast corner. Visit CTA's website for routes and schedules at www.transitchicago.com .

From the Kennedy (I-90) and Edens (I-94) expressways, exit at Washington Street (past the Ohio Street exit). Turn left (east) on Washington Street to Michigan Avenue. Turn left (north) on Michigan Avenue and proceed to E. South Water St. Turn right (east) on E. South Water St. and the parking garage entrance is the first driveway east of Michigan Ave., on the north side of E. South Water St. (address is 233 N. Michigan Ave.)

From the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), continue eastbound into the city (the Eisenhower turns into Congress) to Michigan Avenue. Turn left (north) at Michigan Avenue. Left turns are not permitted at Michigan Avenue, so cross over Michigan to the turning circle, bearing left and double back to Michigan Avenue, now turning right to head north. Continue north on Michigan Avenue until you reach E. South Water St. just south of the river and proceed as above.

From Lakeshore Drive, take the north or south exit at Wacker Drive and continue westbound. Turn left (south) on Michigan Ave., then take the first left on E. South Water St. The parking garage entrance is the first driveway east of Michigan Ave., on the north side of E. South Water Street.

Is parking available?

The closest parking garage is located at 111 East Wacker Drive . CAC guests and members receive a discount on parking at this garage for up to 4 hours. You can receive a validated parking sticker at the Center box office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. The parking garage is open 24/7.

Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. You can also book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

To reserve your parking spot, visit the Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page .

Is the CAC River Cruise wheelchair accessible?

Please refer to Chicago First Lady's website for more information about accessibility: www.cruisechicago.com/accessibility

Accessing the dock for guests with limited mobility

Chicago’s First Lady has a dock-level, drop off-only area on lower Lower Wacker Drive, adjacent to the Chicago River. The closest parking facility for this area is located up one level at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Lower Wacker Drive and Lower Stetson Street (discounted parking is not available at this location). For discounted parking options, see above.

To access the dock in a vehicle:

From the south, west or southwest

• Take Lake Shore Dr., Roosevelt Rd. or Congress Parkway to Columbus Dr. Proceed north on Columbus Dr.
• After crossing Randolph St., stay to the center onto Lower Columbus Dr.
• Turn left to travel west on S. Water St. and go down again to a second level. Note: S. Water St. is the second light after Randolph St., and is opposite a parking garage entrance.
• Turn right to travel east on Stetson St. and proceed to the opening in the black wrought iron fence.

From the north or northwest

• From Illinois St. traveling east, proceed south to Lower Michigan Ave.
• Travel across the Lower Michigan Avenue Bridge. Drive straight through the Lower Wacker Dr. traffic light and when you reach the next traffic light at a dead end, turn left to travel east.
• You will come to a four-way stop sign at Stetson St. At the stop sign, turn left. Proceed north until you see an opening in the black wrought iron fence.

If you decide to arrive by taxi, please share the above directions with the driver. We recommend that you arrange for the same driver to pick you up after your cruise because you will not be able to hail a cab at the dock level.

To access the dock by foot without using the stairs:

• From Wacker Dr., use the ramp located at State Street to descend to the river level.
• Travel east and pass under the Michigan Avenue Bridge to reach the Chicago's First Lady dock and ticket window.

Will I be able to hear the docent clearly?

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard Chicago’s First Lady uses a PA system in all areas of the boat to ensure guests can easily hear the commentary.

Are snacks and beverages available on the boat?

Yes, there’s a full-service cash bar on all Chicago's First Lady Cruises vessels, serving a selection of beverages and snacks. We also encourage guests to bring their own individually-wrapped food on any boat tour.

Can guests check luggage or strollers at the dock?

Due to federal heightened security requirements, we are unable to allow luggage or strollers aboard any of our boats.

Visit the CAC

Testimonial Type: Architecture Cruise

“It was great. Weather could not have been any better. Everyone enjoyed the cruise. Would definitely recommend this to everyone!”

“I am a volunteer tour guide with Boston By Foot, and we partner with Charles Riverboat Company to provide the Architecture Cruise which goes into

Peregrine G.

“We loved the Architectural Tour which starts in Cambridge, goes through the locks into and around Boston Harbor then back through the locks and along

Ticketed Tours & Cruises

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