Marina City
The basics
Designed by famed Chicago architect Bertrand Goldberg, the 588-foot (180-meter) towers of Marina City feature open-side parking garages topped by 40 stories of pie-shaped residences that each boast a balcony with city views, many overlooking the Chicago River. While most of the space is private, visitors can get an up-close view of this landmark from the street level or on a Chicago River architecture cruise.
Things to know before you go
- Access to the interiors of the Marina City towers is limited to residents and guests.
- Dine at the base of Marina City and enjoy a meal with a view of the Chicago River at Smith and Wollensky’s Grill.
- Catch a show in between the towers at the House of Blues concert venue.
How to get there
Marina City is located on the Chicago River at 300 N. State Street across from the famous Loop central business district. Parking in the area can be challenging, so it’s best to use public transit. The closest stops are Grand on the red line (three blocks north) and the Merchandise Mart on the brown and purple lines (three blocks west).
Trip ideas
When to get there
Inside access is never open to the public, but views of the landmark apartment buildings are available 24/7. Architecture cruises along the Chicago River run multiple times throughout the day and night for different perspectives.
Chicago Architecture Cruises
Chicago lays claim to some of the world’s most diverse and impressive skylines, so architecture tours and cruises are a popular way to admire the one-of-a-kind urban landscape. Get up close to buildings from the street level on architecture walking tours, or cruise past the landmarks that line the Chicago River on a boat tour. Many architecture cruises also venture onto Lake Michigan for spectacular distance views of the entire skyline.
- Things to do in Illinois
- Things to do in Nashville
- Things to do in Duluth
- Things to do in Pittsburgh
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Niagara Falls
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Branson
- Things to do in Greenville
- Things to do in Atlanta
- Things to do in Washington DC
- Things to do in Minnesota
- Things to do in Ontario
- Things to do in Missouri