The Chicago Navy Pier is an absolute gem and a must-visit for any tourist! From the moment you step onto the pier, you are greeted with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Chicago skyline. The sheer magnitude of entertainment options makes it an ideal destination for families, friends, or solo travelers. The attractions are diverse and cater to every interest. The Centennial Wheel offers a panoramic view of the city, creating picture-perfect memories. The Children's Museum is an educational and interactive delight for young ones. Dining choices abound, with a variety of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Whether you crave a casual snack or a fine dining experience, the pier has you covered. For those seeking a touch of culture, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater never fails to impress with its world-class performances. The shopping options are also noteworthy, featuring a mix of unique boutiques and souvenir shops. Transportation is a breeze, with convenient parking facilities and easy access to public transit. The pier's vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the numerous events and festivals throughout the year, ensures there's always something exciting happening. Overall, the Chicago Navy Pier stands as a symbol of the city's charm, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors. Friendly staff, impeccable cleanliness, and a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation make this destination a true five-star experience. Your Chicago journey wouldn't be complete without a visit to this iconic landmark!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

If you are a tourist you want to come here and check out the coolest place in the city!!! I mean what else could you possibly want from a place to visit? It's all here fun , food, alcohol, and water all around!!! Unless you can't swim then you better just stay on land ... If you want to go for a swim go to the beach and get your swim on... If you are looking for a place to go that other tourists go... This is the place!! If you are not a tourist you can come here too but you'll be surrounded by tourists... If you like tourists then you can't find a better place.... I'm not really interested in the tourists so I try my best to avoid a place like this... I'm not saying there is anything wrong with tourists but I think they smell like tourists... I'm allergic to all tourists that is the real reason... But that's just me I found out when I was a small child that I'm highly allergic to all tourists... All of them. But if you aren't allergic to tourists then you could totally come here and enjoy your time and enjoy yourself!! If you want to come here and check out the city and see what it's all about it's definitely a fun place to go!! It's a fun time and you and your family and friends can join in the fun!!! I hope you are reading this and you are doing well and feeling good!!! If you are so inclined to like this review please do so if not that's cool too!!!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Navy Pier is iconic to Chicago and a must see but what you choose to do is really what makes the experience. Navy is really built for all types of visitors and has rotating exhibits and experiences and then the classic wheel, games, and Children’s Museum and Shakespeare Theatre. There are multiple options for boat tours and cruises, walks, kayaks, and yachts, etc from near the pier so best advice is to do your research. Just showing up is nice if you want to walk and spend more money than you intended to Fireworks skyline cruise is fun, it’s a unique close up experience to a small, intimate fireworks show off the pier. In my opinion the Navy Pier experience is for the masses and tourists, peak times there are lots of people and it’s a bit unnerving. The food selection on the pier is catered to well the masses. Thus for me it’s a 4/5.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

You will love the place. Plenty of local and chain restaurants and place to hang around and chill. I’d recommend buying tickets at kiosk or online. The tickets window at the locations were closed on weekend. The centennial wheel was worth $20. It gives you three complete rounds and approx. 15-20 minutes in total with plenty of time to take pictures. The Gondolas are air-conditioned, clean and comfortable. Restrooms are clean If you are disabled, you do have the elevator to reach the upper level. It’s 3-5 minutes walk from the Uber/Lyft drop off.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Beautiful Pier. There is plenty of place for all age groups. Couples, solo, family, kids. Romantic gateway. Enjoy sandy shallow beach to soak in and swim. Excellent for a leisure walk and troll or trail or jog or walk! Enjoy jiant wheel. Enjoy several shoreline boat cruise options throughout the day and evening. Enjoy several restaurant options and theater or the Children's Museum. Lots of fun and activities for everyone. Several spots for unlimited photography! Just come, chill, relax, and enjoy!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Using our Go City passes, we rode the Ferris wheel (the air conditioning was epic in the unseasonable heat), and each got 3 tickets for other rides on site. We chose the launching ride twice, and the swings once. There is also a carousel, and tea cups. Tons of boats were docked at the pier loading for tours and shuttling, so we used our passes again, and took an informative architectural tour at sunset. It was lovely! Everything was clean, and the workers were kind and fun. It was a great experience for both the kids and adults.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This was our first time this far North West and I must say it did not disappoint! The weather was just right, the city was not overly congested, the views were amazing. I will say I was expecting it to be busy and hard to navigate. I would definitely pick a Sunday vs a Saturday to attend as the parking garage was a nightmare to get in and out of. Kid friendly with elevators to get to the top and bottom floors. Highly recommend!!!!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Amazing views absolutely loved it. Has a beautiful atmosphere and view. There is so much great things in Chicago and this was my absolute favorite. I’m a nature and scenic person so this really made me smile. If it helps I hear the parking at this place is heaped then other places in Chicago. Just giving out the tips I received. Take it or leave it ✨☺️ Have fun if you head there and the wheel is super cool there too for better views of the whole city.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The Navy Pier gave us our first glimpse of the downtown Chicago skyline and we were very impressed! The walking path was clean with amazing views and fun (paid) attractions - a Ferris wheel, many rides, speed boats, Margaritas, food.. the Navy Pier has it all. It was a great way to spend an evening while watching the sunset. Will try to catch the famous Shakespeare show that they have here next time we visit Chicago! Parking is available close to the pier and it costs about $18 per hour.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

We were in town visiting my brothers family and we went to the Navy Pier on a Saturday. It was very busy but also very enjoyable. We did a boat tour, ate chicken fingers and got some ice cream. Very enjoyable experience overall. I do think it is a little ridiculous that they charge $45 for the parking lot. I was informed this was the standard all over Chicago. Way too expensive! However, still a great time!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

We went there to see the scenery. We ended up on one of the Speed Boats which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed walking around, they even had a Lobster Fest. I wanted to get on the Ferris Wheel, but the line was at least an hour wait if not more, so maybe next trip. I most definitely will go back. I suggest you give it a Try if in Chicago.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Fun spot but touristy. You get a good view of the city, especially on the Ferris wheel but it's pricey. There is often live music and always something to do. A good way to spend an afternoon with the family, I think you should go at least once but it's not really how you get to know the city. Definitely gets crowded at peak hours.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Great time at Navy Pier. It remains a top tourist attraction for visitors but is also a great place for residents like myself. There are always multiple events going on so a day at Navy Pier is never the same. Food options are amazing. I took my mother and met a friend that works there and we had an absolute ball (especially my mother). Pics are of an exhibit going on.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

This was a great time, we started as strangers and ended up as good friends. The ride even though a tourist thing to do was filled with locals. The tour guide we got was speaking very fast, and most of the facts we missed but the scenery and buildings were great. This was a great time. The skyline is something to see .. Enjoy !!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I wouldn’t say it’s a “must see”, but if you have time during your visit to Chicago, I’d say it’s worth it to explore Navy Pier. The end of the pier has gorgeous views of the city and Lake Michigan. It’s a nice place for a stroll, a boat tour, or food, or drinks. It’s certainly a tourist attraction. Very family friendly!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

I went and visited the Navy Pier. The air was very windy and cold coming of the water. The history behind the pier is very interesting and they have historical markings everywhere to read. They have an indoor “mall” area with shops and eatery’s. At sunset the views looking back at the city skylines are pretty spectacular.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Magnificent place to walk about and see the Chicago skyline. It's super cold about Thanksgiving day in November 2023 though. Must walk all the way inside. If the weather is warm, you can even have a picnic at the many benches and seats. Can see sunset with the Chicago skyline. The direction should be able to see sunrise.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Went with our kid and enjoyed a lot . Earlier I thought that it’s just the navy pier that we need to see when we go there but I was wrong . Inside that we children museum and a huge food court when you can satisfy your taste buds. There are so many rides like carousel, drop tower,light tower along with the centennial wheel. It was a different experience to ride on the centennial wheel and see the outside view from the top

Very nice and chill pier to take a walk or chill around. And there's a very warm court with a lot of options of foods. The restroom is also very clean, the other side is for cars parking and drop-off so I would recommend to walk around. Just go straight and come back straight would be a nicer solution.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Amazing place for amazing fotos, definitely a place that you must visit if you are in Chicago. Do not miss this great chance to take great photos. Also a place full of history. Just take a look to my photos! I saw they also have really nice restaurants and good boat tours.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It was excellent, first here at the Pier and they had plenty going on,plenty of vendors,lots of things to do from cooking smors to axe throwing, ice skating, live singing too boat rides...check it out and their lights were beautiful ...now parking 37.00 for 2and half hrs
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This is a must when in Chicago. Beautiful view and a lot ot activities for kids and adults. Several restaurants to try. A indoor market with souvenirs and more restaurants. There is an small amusement park on top where the Ferris Wheel is located, you have to try it, it gives you 3 rounds and the view from above is fantastic! 100% recommended!

Amazing pier with Ferris wheel and so many restaurants, there is also a hotel. Nice and clean area as well, good walking path too. You can see boats coming and going and city skyline ! Nice for lunch or just to come and sit
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The wheel was a Perfect spot to see the combination of the lake and beautiful buildings form another point of view! Navy pier it is perfect for everyone! Has everything: Music, entertainment, food, beautiful views! I absolutely enjoyed my time there!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Clean, walkable, tidy public restrooms. Stunning view of the city especially at night! Plenty of places to take a boat tour or grab a bite to eat. We were there on Wednesday and got to experience the summer fireworks. They were wonderful! Definitely recommend.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Cool place to check out. Especially right now how they have it decorated for the winter festivities. They did a really nice firework show on the Saturday night we visited there. A lot to see and do while at the pier.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

While the entertainment options seemed to have diminished from the past, the classic Ferris wheel ride brought a sense of joy, complemented by a stunning night view of the city. Although not as vibrant as before, Navy Pier still offered moments of enjoyment and a pleasant atmosphere.

Really cute place to go! Lots to eat nearby and some beautiful places to shop. I'd recommend the app park spot for parking, $20 ramps near by. They're are usually some ships in the harbor too which are beautiful to see and take a tour of. Always something to see!

It is a fun place to walk around. There are amusement rides, restaurants, and bars for families to enjoy. The views from the pier back to the city are pretty spectacular.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I personally enjoy this place - not so crowded during thanksgiving. Many good spots for seating, photography, reading. Wind can be strong and cold.