360 CHICAGO is located on the 94th floor of 875 N Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Building. Situated in the heart of the city 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO offers you sweeping views of Lake Michigan and our neighboring states of Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
Reddit comments from past guests mention "Iconic lakefront views and city skyline" and "better lake and city views, hands down!" "a must see!"
This Chicago observation deck is very convenient if you’re staying north of the river around Michigan Avenue, near the Navy Pier, or along Magnificent Mile. Another plus is that you don’t need a car to reach 360 CHICAGO because the former John Hancock Center is ideally situated close to public transit. Numerous shops and restaurants abound, so you can make a day of it—hang out on the 94th floor at 360 CHICAGO, then go shopping and savor delicious local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, which is the tallest building in Chicago at 1,353 feet high. Located on Wacker Avenue, Skydeck does offer a different perspective than 360 CHICAGO with predominantly views from the west as well as the Chicago River, Wacker Drive and parts of Lake Michigan. On a clear day, you can see as far as the surrounding states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Located on the South Loop, this observation deck is an ideal location if you’re staying on or near Wacker Drive. This area also has easy transit access and is near shops and restaurants.
Some of our guests that have visited both towers have commented that "once you are at the top of any Chicago Observation deck, it's just high! The difference in feet isn't noticeable.”
Hannah R visited both the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck and the Willis Tower Skydeck and said,
"It was great to see the city from two different angles", and I liked the 360 tower because it was on the outside edge of the skyscrapers, so you could see almost all of them on the other side."
360 CHICAGO offers stadium seating for sunset viewing on the west side.
TILT is Chicago’s highest thrill! Guests grab the handlebars, lean forward, and hold their breath as the glass tilts forward, moving eight people 1,030 feet over Michigan Avenue. Guests actively participate in experiencing the movement and views from the glass.
"I'd highly recommend TILT. You lay against the glass windows and they tilt you over the edge of the building for a couple minutes. It's pretty wild." -Court
The Ledge is a glass box that extends out 4.3 feet from Willis Tower. Guests step into the glass box, look down to experience what 1,353 feet above feels like. There is a timed 60 (or 90 seconds for groups) to walk on the Ledge and take some fantastic pictures.
Visitors on Reddit said:
"It's a glass cube sticking out from the building, so you can look straight down to the street"
Another says "It's good for a photo, you don't do much there."
It's really up to you! The amount of time you spend at either Chicago observation deck depends on your interests and which activities you want to experience.
At 360 CHICAGO, a relaxed vibe and plenty of seating with fantastic vistas will welcome you to the 94th floor, encouraging you to stay a while. Your general admission ticket also gives you access to Chicago’s highest bar, CloudBar, where you can toast amazing views and good company. The bar serves up delicious snacks and appetizers that pair well with their handcrafted cocktails.
There are weekly events, including yoga, and regular rotating art exhibits at Cloudwalk—Chicago’s highest art gallery. The observation deck is a popular location for photographers because they have the space to use tripods and can set up any time of day or night. You can also savor a three-course meal (after the observation deck closes to the public) either on the 99th or 103rd floor. But for $125 per person, you are definitely paying for the outstanding views and unique experience.
The ground floor features engaging exhibits and high-definition touch screens highlighting Chicago’s history and facts about its nine neighborhoods. An app is available for interactive learning that you can download before you arrive to use during your visit.
Skydeck features occasional fitness classes and festive antenna lighting events to coincide with special holidays like Memorial Day. Through seven curated areas, the new 30,000-square-foot museum highlights Chicago’s neighborhoods, history, and local culture.
There are interactive displays, exhibits and engaging activities for kids, including fact sheets, coloring pages, and scavenger hunts. The observatory level area does have a time limit for some of the activities on the level.
"There are many fun stations to take pictures and many interactive and informative facts on the wall. Our kids were entertained." -Justin
Here is the current pricing for these two observation decks as of May 2025.
Ages 12 & up: Starting at $30.
Child (3-11): Starting at $20. Includes all the above.
Children under 3: Free
Additional tickets are available for a TILT ticket, or a Sip & View (includes a drink) or Sip, TILT, &. View ticket. Each ticket includes the general admission.
Buy a Chicago City Pass and get 49% off your 360 CHICAGO Admission ticket and tickets to four more top Chicago attractions. It's valid for 9 days with instant access on mobile.
Ages 12 & up: From $32-$44. Prices vary based on date, time, and season, including general admission and access to The Ledge.
Child (3-11): From $24-$36
Expedited entry: From $45-64 per person for expedited entry, timed entry with the express line to elevators
Kids under 3: Free
At Skydeck, you can also buy a Chicago City Pass and use the discount on your Skydeck admission ticket as well as four other top attractions
The best way to evaluate value is to research the options for yourself and read reviews from past guests. Draw your own conclusions based on your preferences and what you define as good value. What's clear is guests agree, the view from both observation decks is fantastic!
Learn more about 360 Chicago.
Learn more about Skydeck.
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