This post reviews and compares two Chicago observation decks: the Willis Tower Skydeck and 360 Chicago at the former John Hancock Tower.
Both observatories offer spectacular views of the city and each other.
With cafes, bars, and audio tours, a visit to the Chicago 360 Observatory or the Willis Tower Skydeck is more than just a pretty view.
- Chicago 360 (Hancock Building)
- Skydeck (Willis Tower)
- Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier
- Which Has the Best Views?
- Free Tours by Foot
- Chicago Architecture Tours
- Things to Do in Downtown Chicago
360 CHICAGO OBSERVATION DECK (JOHN HANCOCK OBSERVATORY)
Hancock Building Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor.
Now the 360* Observatory, takes you up 1000 feet (305 meters) to view not only the city skyline of Chicago and Lake Michigan, but also four states on a clear day: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
From 9 am for the early birds until 11 pm for the night owls, you can rise 94 floors high in the Hancock Building.
For the truly brave visitors, there is TILT!, a thrill ride that leans you out over the building's edge for some of the most exhilarating views of Chicago and the city's most iconic attractions.
This attraction costs extra, and tickets can be purchased at a kiosk on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center.
TIP: Entry may be included at no additional cost for holders of the CityPass booklet, Go City Chicago Pass, Explorer Pass, and several other options. See package details to confirm.
Read our post comparing the different Chicago tourist attraction passes.
Unique Features:
- Tilt! A moving experience that leans 8 adults (12+), visitors, at a time toward the street below. This is often referred to as Chicago's highest thrill ride. (optional, additional cost. Watch video)
- Architect’s Corner Cafe and Bar offers coffee, a full bar with cocktails, and snacks.
- Online activities for kids to use before, during, and after your visit.
- Interactive Exhibits (in seven languages) to learn more about Chicago's rich history and the beautiful neighborhoods you'll see below.
- .Located on Chicago's legendary Michigan Avenue, not far from of Magnificent Mile, known for its shops and restaurants
- North America's fastest elevators will raise you to the top of 360 Chicago (1000 ft) on a 40-second ride to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center.
Additional Features:
- An observation deck on all four sides
- Gift Store with Unique Merchandise
- Professional Souvenir Picture (optional, additional cost)
Prices:
- $30 - Adult (12+)
- $20 - Child (3-11)
- Free for Children under 3
- 50% off for residents of Chicago
- 50% off for Military with a valid ID
To purchase tickets to 360 Chicago, click here.
Other ticket options:
- Cocktail & View Ticket: $5
- Tilt & View Ticket: $35
- All-Access Pass (Tilt, Drink, Skip-the-Line): $40
- Individual Tilt Ticket (in addition to observation deck admission ticket): $8
Can you go up in the John Hancock Observatory for free?
Although there aren't free days or any other way to get free tickets, there are a few ways you might be able to enjoy the view from this building for a much lower price.
Get a Drink at the Signature Lounge
Located on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center, this bar is actually just a bit higher than the observation deck. The view from here is just as good, and it'll only cost you $5-$15 for a cocktail!
Use a Chicago Tourist Pass
Entry is included at no additional cost for holders of the CityPass booklet, Go City Chicago Pass, Explorer Pass, and several other options. Read our post comparing the different Chicago tourist attraction passes.
Before You Buy
We love 360 Chicago for its location to the Magnificent Mile shopping district, the Architect's Cafe, some of the best views of the city, and the option to come a second time at night for only $4 more.
Keep in mind that the alternative to “Tilt” at Skydeck is “The Ledge”, which is both kid-friendly and free.
That extra $8 can be used to buy yourself something nice at the gift store.
Alternatively, you can use the ticket money for dinner or drinks at the Signature Room and Lounge on the 95th and 96th floors.
The views of Chicago are spectacular from both floors of this establishment, but your ease of movement is not.
No matter which of the Chicago observation decks you choose, you'll have to keep an eye out for inclement weather, because it will likely be much more difficult to see all the sites on a cloudy day.
If you can't manage to make it on the date of your ticket, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
You are not guaranteed a refund if you cancel your tickets within the 24-hour period before your slated arrival.
To purchase tickets to 360 Chicago, click here
SKYDECK CHICAGO (Willis Tower)
Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is the third tallest building in America, rising 1,353 feet (412 meters) in the air.
It is 108 stories tall, and at such a height, you can feel the building sway (safely!) on windy days.
Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower is located on the 103rd floor. If that is closed, there is a backup observatory on the 99th floor.
Skydeck Chicago is open from 9 am - 10 pm in summer and 10 am - 8 pm in winter.
The best time to visit is either early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the long lines.
About one hour before sunset you can view the city in the daytime, twilight, and nighttime, along with dramatic sunsets on clear days.
You'll enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago, including sites like Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and Wacker Drive. On a clear day, you can even see four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Tickets:
- General Admission
- $28-$35 Adult
- $22-$26 Child (3-11)
- Expedited Entry
- $55 per person
- Free for kids under 3
- Purchase tickets to the Skydeck at Willis Tower
All tickets are timed to help prevent large crowds and practice social distancing.
Can you go up in the Willis Tower for free?
Unfortunately, there are no free days at Skydeck Chicago, and there aren't really any other ways to get admission for free. Even so, there is at least one way to save some money on tickets.
Use a Chicago Tourist Pass
Entry to Skydeck Chicago is also included at no additional cost with the purchase of the Chicago CityPass as well as the Go City Chicago Pass.
Although this isn't free, since it's included with the pass, you won't technically have to pay any other cost for admission.
Unique Features:
- The Ledge! If you are brave enough, step out onto a glass box that extends 4.3 feet from the wall, giving you a unique perspective from 1,353 feet (412 m) above the passers-by below. There are several ledge boxes, and all are free, just politely wait your turn to get a great look at the architecture of the magnificent city! (Watch the video)
- Informative panels and computer screens that designate landmarks on the horizon, among other Chicago facts and trivia.
- An introductory movie while you wait for the elevator.
- An interactive elevator that displays famous tower heights worldwide.
- The cafeteria on the ground floor next to the gift store with free souvenir cups.
- Located in the neighborhood of South Loop, just a short walk from other popular Chicago attractions such as the lakefront shoreline.
For the Kids
The Willis Tower (Skydeck Chicago) is also a great place for kids to have fun learning.
A number of engaging activities that allow them to explore the building in an interactive way without realizing they are learning are a major plus available for every age group.
From coloring books for the very young visitors to the quizzes and interesting fact sheets for those older ones, children will be engaged from the moment they step in the front door.
Kids young and old will enjoy the scavenger hunt activity as they stand in the glass box and overlook the city in search of a number of listed items.
The list for the scavenger hunt and other interactive activities for kids can be downloaded and printed from home before you arrive at the Tower.
Even before they reach Skydeck Chicago itself, they can take in the sites of the knee-high exhibits created just for them.
With interactive floor displays that can place them right on the scene of many historical events that have happened in the city over the years, there will be plenty of experiences they will remember for a lifetime.
Imagine standing on the pitcher's mound at Wrigley Field or another experience your child will find himself completely immersed in.
Hours: October through March 10 am-8 pm; April through September 9 am-10 pm (Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing)
Address: 233 S. Wacker Dr. (map)
Before You Buy
We love Skydeck for The Ledge (free!) and the great Chicago-themed gift store when you exit.
Instead of paying the outrageous price for Fastpass, we suggest you arrive at open, with a pre-purchased admission ticket.
You will still get immediate access to the elevators after walking through a museum exhibit and a brief introductory (optional) movie experience.
Also, if you plan to purchase the CityPass booklet, the Go Chicago Card, or the Chicago Explorer, please note that the Skydeck is already included in this tourist attraction passes.
CENTENNIAL WHEEL AT NAVY PIER
Although this is not technically one of the major Chicago observation decks, it's worth mentioning because it offers some of the city's best views.
The Centennial Wheel rises to almost 200 feet in height, giving visitors an excellent look at Lake Michigan, the lakefront shoreline, the Navy Pier, and of course the architecture of the magnificent city.
This attraction is open from 11 am - 8 pm from Sunday - Thursday and 11 am - 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.
The exact address of the Centennial Wheel is 600 E Grand Avenue.
Admission to the wheel is included with tickets that provide access to all of the rides and attractions at Navy Pier.
Tickets
- $18/Adults
- $15/Children (3-11)
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
NOTE: This attraction is also included with the Chicago C3 Pass at no additional cost.
For more information on this and other attractions in the area, please read our full post covering things to do at Navy Pier.
VIEWS FROM THE SKYDECK
The view looking southeast toward Lake Michigan
The view northeast from the Willis Tower Skydeck with the Hancock Building to the left.
View from the Willis Tower Ledge
VIEWS FROM CHICAGO 360
The view north with Oak Street Beach at the bottom and Lincoln Park at the top of the image
The view south with the Willis Tower on the right and the Trump Building in the center.
The view east toward Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier.
West view during sunset.
Tips For Visiting the Hancock and Willis Towers:
- Buy Your Ticket Ahead of Time. With e-tickets and cell phones, there is little reason for visitors not to pre-purchase tickets to attractions. You’ll skip the line for the box office entirely, and head straight to the elevator after security checkpoints.
- Arrive 10 Minutes Before Open. The morning is the best time to go to these observatory decks to beat the crowds and a very long line that can form. If you go during peak hours, be prepared to wait in a line that is as long as some theme park attractions.
- Bring Your Camera. The photos you take from 1,000 or more feet above Chicago will be some of the best in your trip’s photo album.
- Take Time To Look Without a Filter. Obviously, you can get amazing photos at both towers, but don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view without the lens to gain some perspective.
- Take Your Time. Once you arrive at the top level, you are free to roam without a time limit. Be sure you enjoy the view, get your photos, and be courteous to others if you have to wait your turn for Tilt or The Ledge.
- Check the Weather. If the morning forecast calls for anything but clear skies, consider going somewhere else that day, or go later in the evening/night. Clouds, rain, and other inclement weather can quickly limit the view you paid all that money to see.
- Check Out The Shops. Both locations have excellent gift stores on your way out. Specific experience gifts (“I survived The Ledge!”) are on the upper levels, but the bigger Chicago-themed shops are located on the ground floor. There are also a lot of great places to shop in the surrounding neighborhoods, including Miracle Mile.
- Height Doesn’t Matter. The Observation Deck at 360 Chicago is 94 stories high, and Willis Tower is 103 stories high. It’s a difference of roughly 300 feet, but trust us when we say there is not much of a difference when you’re up that high.
- Follow the Rules. Perhaps this goes without saying, but you should always follow the instructions of any officials in the building to ensure you have the best experience.
