The Siberian American: Chicago Travel: Best View in Chicago-Skydeck or 360 Chicago?

Monday, February 15, 2016

Chicago Travel: Best View in Chicago-Skydeck or 360 Chicago?

I’m not being biased when I say that Chicago has one of the best skylines in the world. The architecture is stunning, and Lake Michigan is the icing on top of the cake. While there are rooftops throughout the city that offer amazing views, I think it is worth it to visit the Willis (Sears) Tower Skydeck or 360 Chicago, formerly the John Hancock Observatory. I wanted to break down our visits to both places and explain what I liked about each one.


Skydeck (Willis Tower)

The Experience: 
Although the lines are usually long (you can buy a discount card such as Go Chicago or the City Pass to shorten the wait), the Willis Tower does a great job of entertaining people in line with interesting facts. Before heading to the 103rd floor, we watched a nine-minute video about the tower, which was actually fascinating. Even the (super short!) elevator ride was fun, comparing the current height to other attractions around the world.

The View: 
Skydeck offers one of the best views of the city and beyond. On a clear day, you can see four states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin). I think the city view here is better than the lake view, but overall, the view is incredible.


The Attraction (Ledge): 
I am terrified of heights and thought there was no way I would be able to get on the Ledge. The first step was the hardest for me to take, but once I was on it, I thought it was so worth it. It was a whole new way of experiencing the city.


Tips: 
Lines are shortest as soon as Skydeck opens. If you want to get photos at sunset, go at least an hour and a half before the sun is going to set to make sure you get up in time. Weekends are super crowded, so try to go on a weekday.

360 Chicago (John Hancock Center)

The Experience: 
We didn’t have to wait to go up to 360 Chicago, but I noticed the walls also had fun quotes and interesting facts about the city and its many neighborhoods. Once you get up to the observatory on the 94th floor, the viewing areas are divided by direction, and each area has an interactive screen that tells you more about the buildings you are seeing.


The View: 
It’s no secret that I prefer lake views to city views, and I thought the lake views from 360 Chicago were breathtaking. It was also easier to spot other Chicago landmarks with the interactive screens.


The Attraction (Tilt): 
Honestly, I had no interest in doing the Tilt experience. My desire to face downward at 1000 feet was nonexistent. My father-in-law and brother-in-law did it though, and they said they preferred the Ledge. I watched them do the Tilt experience and was surprised by how short it was.

Tips: 
Go to the Signature Lounge for gorgeous views and delicious drinks. Like Skydeck, the earlier you get to 360 Chicago, the better the lines should be.

The Verdict: 
Personally, I give a slight edge to 360 Chicago, but I think both places are worth visiting. I loved seeing the city from a different perspective with the Ledge, but the lake views at 360 Chicago are just too stunning to ignore. The Willis Tower was built away from the lakeshore and is a further distance from most of Chicago’s other landmarks, but it is still an incredible view.



22 comments:

  1. Ahh I can't believe you went out on the ledge!! I feel like Chris would probably have to force me to take the first few steps haha

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  2. I didn't even realize that here was the 360 Chicago! I'm like you and probably would've preferred the lake views better than all of the city views, but I guess that's just another reason to go back! I was absolutely terrified to go on the ledge too and the Sky Deck! I'm not scared of heights but the idea of putting all of my weight on a piece of glass totally freaked me out!

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  3. I love the Ledge, but there is no way I could do the Tilt!!! It sounds terrifying! We loved going to the Signature Room for special dinners - you really can't beat those views :)

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  4. Hahaha "My desire to face downward at 1000 feet was nonexistent." I'm right there with you! I have a hard time visiting any observation deck, but I really can't deal with ones that make me feel like there isn't something completely solid underneath all of me.

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  5. i love these!! thanks for the doing the work and giving us the best of the best! i haven't been to chicago in almost 10 years!

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  6. I always forget that the lakes are so big there it looks like the beach! These are amazing photos I'll definitely check these out if we visit =)

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  7. I did the Ledge when I was in Chicago and loved it! We tried to do the observatory but it was too foggy that day :(. I have never heard of the Tilt--I will have to do that next time!!

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  8. We talked about doing these when I visited, but opted for the bar instead haha! It was an amazing view! We sat right by the window and got to look out at the skyline. It was gorgeous!

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  9. oh my gosh, i know you said you are terrified of heights but i legit don't know if i could step on that ledge. terrifying!

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  10. Is that the glass building scary to be in? Sorry it looks like the Sears building? Is that the name? But you've called it the ledge so I may be thinking of something else. Either way I would be terrified! I cannot believe you were able to do that and not cry. I get afraid of being on step ladders... I love all of these buildings, if we ever visit Chicago, this is what we're doing! Are these kid friendly too?

    liz @ j for joiner

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  11. The Skydeck sounds so cool and I totally want to check it out when we go to Chicago next year, but I just don't think I could do the ledge!

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  12. I loved visiting both when we were in Chicago and I agree with you that both are worth visiting but I think Skydeck 360 wins. I also got a nice view of the city and lake from up in the ferris wheel by the Navy Pier.

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  13. Dying! Prettiest city ever. And I agree that the John Hancock center is a bit better based on its location! So central. Just gorgeous, gorgeous.

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  14. Oh how I love Chicago! We went to the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Tower and couldn't get over the views! Next time I'm in that amazing city, I need to check out the Sky Deck <3
    Green Fashionista

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  15. I love visiting Chicago, but I've never been to the Chicago-Skydeck or 360 Chicago. Time for another trip!

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  16. I'm dying to go back to Chicago. I've been working with UChicago on a new initiative and they have invited me to visit - but suggested the spring because the weather is better! I'm thinking they are right so I can take in these amazing views!!

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  17. Wow, what amazing views!! Too bad I'm deathly afraid of heights. I don't mind looking at the pictures but I would never been able to go up there and view it for myself. I'm way too scared.

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  18. These views are ALL incredible!! You're making me want to go back to visit Chicago again!

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  19. Seriously I am jealous of all your amazing adventures!! I want to visit Chicago someday soon and this is the prefect little guide to see all the best sights :)

    xo
    Candace
    www.lovelylittlerants.com

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  20. I still need to go to 360 Chicago. I liked the Skydeck but the photos of 360 are amazing! I also signed up for yoga and mimosas at the Hancock Center. I'm excited about that!

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    1. Yoga and mimosas at the Hancock Center sounds so fun!

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  21. Oh my goodness, I give you major credit for getting on the ledge... I would be so freaked out!!!! lol

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