Travel Guide
Everything you need to know β hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
The observation deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, once the world's tallest building, about 1,353 feet above the street. Step out onto The Ledge, glass boxes that extend from the facade, and on a clear day you can see across Lake Michigan toward several neighboring states.
Insider Knowledge
Buy timed tickets online and go on a clear weekday morning or around sunset.
Nearby
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the US, home to Grant Wood's American Gothic, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and one of the finest Impressionist collections outside Paris. Its Modern Wing faces Millennium Park, and the bronze lions out front are a city icon.
A 75- to 90-minute narrated boat tour along the Main, North and South branches of the Chicago River, where guides explain dozens of landmark buildings, from the Wrigley Building and Marina City to Willis Tower. It's the single best introduction to the city and the reason many visitors fall for Chicago.
A 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the south bank of the Main Branch of the Chicago River, running from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street. It mixes terraced seating, floating gardens, kayak rentals, cafes and wine bars, with tour boats and water taxis departing along the way.
One of the oldest zoos in North America and one of the few major US zoos that is free to enter. Its 35 acres in Lincoln Park hold lions, gorillas, polar bears and more, with a farm for kids, skyline views and the free Lincoln Park Conservatory and Nature Boardwalk next door.
A 24.5-acre park on the edge of the Loop known for Anish Kapoor's mirrored Cloud Gate sculpture (the Bean), the Crown Fountain's video-face towers, the Lurie Garden and Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which hosts free summer concerts. In winter, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink sets up here.
The observation deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, once the world's tallest building, about 1,353 feet above the street. Step out onto The Ledge, glass boxes that extend from the facade, and on a clear day you can see across Lake Michigan toward several neighboring states.
Lines for The Ledge can be long, so head there first once you reach the top.
Check the visibility forecast; low clouds can hide the view completely.
The entrance is on Jackson Boulevard, and security screening is similar to an airport's.
Common Questions
Willis Tower is higher and has The Ledge, while 360 Chicago has closer lake views, so choose skyline drama or lakefront scenery.
Hours change seasonally, so confirm the last entry time online.
Prices vary by date and time; a city attractions pass can save money if you visit several sights.
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