Chicago Observation Decks: Book Tickets Now

Chicago from above is something else entirely. Pick your deck and book your tickets today.

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

From $27.00

Skydeck Chicago

From $42.25

Skydeck Chicago Admission Ticket

From $44.00

Chicago has two of the most visited observation decks in the country, and they sit on two very different buildings with two very different approaches to the experience. One takes you to the highest publicly accessible point in the United States and includes the glass-floored ledges as standard. The other puts you above the Magnificent Mile with a tilting platform that angles you out over the street.

Neither is a bad choice. The question is mostly about what kind of height experience you're after.

More About Chicago's Observation Decks

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1973, and while it's since been overtaken globally, the Skydeck on its 103rd floor remains the highest observation deck in the United States.

At 1,353 feet above ground, views stretch up to 50 miles on a clear day and take in four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The Ledge, four glass-floored balconies extending 4.3 feet beyond the building's edge, is included with admission and puts you directly above Wacker Drive with nothing beneath your feet.

The building itself has 110 floors and 16,100 bronze-tinted windows, and the ride to the top takes under a minute. Interactive exhibits on the way up cover Chicago's architecture, history and culture.

360 CHICAGO at the John Hancock Center

360 CHICAGO sits on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center at 875 North Michigan Avenue, 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. The views cover the full Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan and four neighbouring states. The TILT experience, a glass platform that slowly angles you outward at 30 degrees over Michigan Avenue, is an optional add-on rather than included with general admission.

The deck also has a CloudBar with drinks and snacks, and interactive exhibits in five languages on the floor itself. The John Hancock Center reaches its elevators in around 40 seconds, making it one of the fastest rides in North America.

Picking between the two

The two decks are about three miles apart and cover some of the same visual ground, so most visitors pick one rather than both.

Skydeck is higher, The Ledge is included in the ticket and the building has more historical weight. 360 CHICAGO is in a more walkable location on the Magnificent Mile, has the CloudBar for a longer stay, and the TILT experience is genuinely different from anything at Skydeck.

If you're going with younger kids who might find the glass floors nerve-wracking, 360 CHICAGO gives you more ways to spend time at the top without pressure to step on the glass.

Good to Know About Chicago Observation Decks

The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago is included with standard admission, while TILT at 360 CHICAGO is a separate paid add-on.

Skydeck Chicago is the highest observation deck in the United States, sitting 1,353 feet above ground on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower.

360 CHICAGO is on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile, with views of the lake and four states.

Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset gives you daytime and lit-up evening views in a single visit.

Early morning visits tend to have the clearest skies and the shortest queues at both decks.

Booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and in summer when both decks get busy.

Both decks are open daily year-round, so a rainy day visit is still possible, though views will be reduced in heavy cloud or fog.

Both observation decks are wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the viewing floors.

Chicago Observation Decks - Gallery

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FAQs about Chicago Observation Decks

What are the observation decks in Chicago?

Chicago has two main observation decks: Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, and 360 CHICAGO on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center.

Which observation deck is higher, Skydeck or 360 CHICAGO?

Skydeck Chicago is higher, sitting at 1,353 feet on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, compared to 360 CHICAGO at 1,000 feet on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center.

Is The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago included in the ticket?

Yes, The Ledge, the glass-floored balconies extending beyond the building's edge, is included with standard Skydeck admission at no extra cost.

Is TILT at 360 CHICAGO included with admission?

No, TILT is a separate paid experience and is not included with a general admission ticket to 360 CHICAGO.

Can you see four states from Chicago's observation decks?

Yes, on a clear day both Skydeck and 360 CHICAGO offer views across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.

What is the best time to visit Skydeck Chicago?

Early morning has the clearest skies and shorter queues, and arriving around 30 to 45 minutes before sunset gives you both daytime and evening views in one visit.

How long should I allow for a visit to an observation deck?

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on how long they spend on the exhibits and whether they queue for The Ledge or TILT.

Do I need to book observation deck tickets in advance?

Yes, booking online in advance is recommended, especially for weekends and summer visits, as both decks can sell out popular time slots.

Are Chicago observation decks open year-round?

Yes, both Skydeck Chicago and 360 CHICAGO are open daily throughout the year.

Are the observation decks suitable for people who are afraid of heights?

Both decks have enclosed viewing floors with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can take in the views without stepping onto the glass features if you prefer.

Are Chicago's observation decks wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both decks are wheelchair accessible with lifts to the viewing floors.

Which observation deck is better for families with kids?

Both work well for families, though 360 CHICAGO's CloudBar gives you more ways to spend time at the top, and TILT is optional so younger kids don't feel pressured to take part.