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ChicagoViewing points

Our most recommended Chicago Viewing points

Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

1. Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Ticket

Marvel at the views from 1,000 feet over Chicago’s legendary Michigan Avenue with this ticket to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. Save time with skip-the-line access to this popular attraction. Head up to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck to take in breathtaking views of Chicago’s lakefront and view the city skyline from above. Take a peek at 4 neighboring states from this height. Feel the thrill of a 40-second ride in one of North America's fastest elevators to the observation deck to experience what 'Travel & Leisure Magazine' voted one of the best views in America. Enjoy an interactive exhibit on the Ground Floor that highlights Chicago’s rich history and showcases 9 of the city’s culturally unique neighborhoods. On the 94th floor, explore the history and architecture of the magnificent city stretched out before you. To enhance your experience, download the Magnicity App for a guided tour right from your smartphone. The App includes an interactive viewfinder, unique facts, stories and recommendations. Enjoy a thrilling photo opportunity at CloudWalk, a breathtaking 3D mural with the optical illusion of walking in the clouds. Relax and take in the view at the 94th floor’s Cloud Bar which serves up iconic Chicago snacks, neighborhood-inspired Cocktails, and a local brew, Moody Tongue, on tap. By purchasing this timed ticket, you get to skip the ticket desk and present your barcoded voucher to security to be scanned - you may have to wait in a short line at security, then head directly into the Ground Floor Exhibits, and then on to the Elevator Line.

Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

2. Chicago: Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket

Enjoy an unrivaled view over the city of Chicago on a trip up the city's Willis Tower. This famous building, once known as the Sears Tower, is not only home to a Skydeck on the 103rd floor, but it also features The Ledge, a series of 4 glass-paneled boxes that extend out from the building's facade to give visitors a view straight down. As you wind through the ground levels of the Willis Tower, you will be surrounded by museum-quality exhibits highlighting the iconic tower. Learn about Chicago's rich history and culture through these informative visuals. Watch a video presentation, "Reaching for the Sky," where you will be briefed on the history of the building and of architecture in Chicago. Then step into your elevator and you will be amazed at how quickly it ascends. As you travel, your multimedia-equipped elevator will inform you about your vertical progress. Upon reaching the 103rd floor, step out onto the Skydeck, which offers views spanning over 50 miles and across 4 states. Then summon your courage to step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony that hangs over the edge, for vertigo-inducing views 1,353 feet (about 412 meters) straight down to the city below! Download the Skydeck Mobile App for a free viewfinder which points out many of Chicago’s notable landmarks. Learn more about sights like Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Grant Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum of Natural History.

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

3. Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Experience the views from the Centennial Wheel at the Historic Navy Pier in Chicago with this attraction ticket. Be suspended over Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Chicago River. Marvel at the Chicago skyline and gaze out over the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan. Choose between two options: With the Regular Barcoded ticket, skip the ticket line and enter the line to board the wheel. The Fastpass Express ticket allows you to skip both lines, and gives you VIP access. Both tickets allow you to visit within 7 days of your scheduled ticket date. Enjoy the Centennial Wheel, which was built in 2016 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Navy Pier opening. Featuring 42 gondolas, each holding 8 people, it operates year-round. They also feature LED lighting, padded seats, TV screens, and speakers, as well as panoramic windows on all 4 sides. A ride on the wheel gives you plenty of time to enjoy these panoramic views of Chicago as they unfold around you, and allows you to visit the top three times. Relax and take in the view, or get your camera out to snap pictures of the ever-changing Chicago landscape.

Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

4. Chicago: 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

Take in the beautiful views of Chicago as you enjoy a drink from our carefully curated Sip menu. 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck sits 1,000 feet over Chicago’s legendary Michigan Avenue. Located on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Center), 360 CHICAGO gives you the opportunity to experience the best views of the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan. 360 CHICAGO’s concourse level includes an interactive exhibit highlighting the history of Chicago and the vibrant cultures and businesses across Chicago neighborhoods. Get inspired to explore Chicago beyond downtown after watching a short documentary titled 3 of 77 featuring an immersive view of three Chicago neighborhoods. Travel to the 94th floor in 40-seconds on one of North America’s fastest elevators and step foot onto the observation deck to experience what 'Travel & Leisure Magazine' voted one of the best views in America. Experience 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck with panoramic views of the city, lakefront, and four neighboring states. Download the Magnicity App for a guided tour right from your smartphone. The app includes unique facts, stories, and recommendations to further enjoy Chicago. TILT offers thrill-seekers the chance to see Chicago from a one-of-a-kind view. Step onto TILT and peer out of the building through floor to ceiling windows at a 30-degree angle 1,000 feet above Michigan Ave. TILT is Chicago’s highest thrill ride. CloudBar serves up iconic Chicago snacks, like Garrett’s popcorn, and neighborhood-inspired cocktails with local brewery, Moody Tongue on tap. CloudWalk takes you on a walk in the clouds across a 3D mural complete with an optical illusion – a great photo op!

Chicago: Small-Group Night Tour w/ Skydeck & Skyline Cruise

5. Chicago: Small-Group Night Tour w/ Skydeck & Skyline Cruise

Immerse yourself in Chicago’s distinct skyline with bold skyscrapers and incredible views of Lake Michigan illuminated at night on this city tour. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to Willis Tower, and a scenic Chicago skyline cruise. After getting picked up from your Downtown Chicago hotel, hop in your Mini van and travel to your first stop, Willis Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Take the elevator all the way up to the 103rd floor of the tower, where you can enjoy 360-degree views spanning 50 miles and 4 states. Get your adrenaline pumping at The Ledge – a glass balcony extending 4.3 feet outside the building which provides a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once your feet are back on solid ground, take to the water for a skyline cruise to see the beauty of Chicago's world-famous skyscrapers lit up by the moonlight and bustling city lights. Enjoy a boat tour passing by over 40 Chicago iconic landmarks. You will also get to see the infamous Chicago Bean (also known as Cloud Gate), Anish Kapoor’s first public outdoor work installed in the United States. At the end of your tour, your guide will take you back to your downtown Chicago hotel.

Chicago Express: 360 Chicago Early Access and Navy Pier Tour

6. Chicago Express: 360 Chicago Early Access and Navy Pier Tour

Experience the best of Chicago's must-see locations soaring above the bustling metropolis from the heights of 360 Chicago. With exclusive early access, you'll bypass the crowds and enjoy one of the city's top attractions at your own pace. See the city from a fresh perspective at Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. The crowds that pack the 360 Chicago observation deck later in the day are no match for your early-access tickets to the best views in the city. Skip the long lines and glide up to the 94th floor for panoramic views that span across four different states. Look out over the city's famous skyscrapers and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Adrenaline junkies need to try Tilt, an exhilarating experience where you lean against a floor-to-ceiling window and tilt out over the city almost 100 floors below. Recharge afterwards at the sky-high bar and enjoy a Sip & View cocktail inspired by the city's skyline before stepping into the open-air Cloud Walk for a head-in-the-clouds experience. Once back on ground level you’ll explore the Magnificent Mile, where your expert guide shares captivating stories about the city's 77 diverse neighborhoods. Chicago has its own unique take on crowd-favorite dishes, so tuck into some Chicago-style popcorn and a cup of coffee from the Starbucks Reserve in the heart of the city.

Chicago: Big Bus Sunset Tour with 360 CHICAGO & Cocktail

7. Chicago: Big Bus Sunset Tour with 360 CHICAGO & Cocktail

Start your evening at Navy Pier by hopping on an open-top, double-decker bus to enjoy the warm breeze and city sights as a live guide shares fascinating stories of Chicago’s unique history, art, and culture. As the tour concludes at Navy Pier, you’ll board an included shuttle to 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck to take in the breathtaking skyline view from 1,000 feet high, while sipping on a delicious cocktail from the newly-renovated CloudBar. Begin on your own with a dinner before the tour at one of Navy Pier's many great restaurants. Sunset Tour is 90 minutes long and ends at Navy Pier. Guests will be transferred from Navy Pier to 360 CHICAGO by shuttle. Transportation after 360 CHICAGO not provided. Top sights include: • Navy Pier • Centennial Ferris Wheel • Museum Campus • Magnificent Mile • River North • Lake Michigan • John Hancock Center • Historic Water Tower • And more!

Chicago: Guided Tour with Skydeck and Shoreline River Cruise

8. Chicago: Guided Tour with Skydeck and Shoreline River Cruise

The day begins with bus pickup from your downtown Chicago hotel and heads to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Chicago Bean. Learn about this iconic artwork as well as its artist, Anish Kapoor. Next, admire Chicago’s impressive skyline aboard the Shoreline Architecture Cruise. Listen to the onboard narration as you admire over 40 of the city’s landmarks.  Afterwards, head to the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, Skydeck Chicago. Take the elevator up to the 103rd floor and soak up 360-degree views. There’s also time to walk out onto The Ledge, a special glass balcony which provides a once in a lifetime experience. Later, enjoy a narrated drive through the city and pass by famous sights including the Aqua Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and more. Finally, visit the Adler view point for one last view of the city then enjoy drop-off back to your hotel.

Chicago: Small Group Walking Tour with Skydeck and Boat

9. Chicago: Small Group Walking Tour with Skydeck and Boat

Explore the best way to see the Windy City on foot on our Best of Chicago Walking Tour! Your tour will begin with your local friendly guide meeting you outside of Willis Tower. No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere - Skydeck Chicago (formerly Sears Tower). You will take the elevator all the way up to the 103rd floor where you will enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view spanning 50 miles and 4 states. Witness the most spectacular view 1,353 feet in the air on The Ledge - special glass balconies extending 4.3 feet outside the building that provide a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Once your feet are back on solid ground, you will head to Millennium Park. You will love this urban oasis with its stunning art installations, gardens, and attractions. Featuring the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, interactive Crown Fountain, and free cultural events, the park offers a vibrant atmosphere and impressive skyline views that make it a must-visit destination. You will then make your way to Navy Pier. What was once a shipping and recreational facility, now offers a plethora of entertainment, dining, and retail options, including a Ferris wheel, boat cruises, museums, theaters, and outdoor parks and gardens, making it a must-visit destination for people of all ages. For your last stop, you will get to witness the beauty of Chicago's architecture by seeing world-famous skyscrapers from the Chicago River. Hop aboard the Shoreline Architecture Cruise to enjoy a narrated boat tour where you will see the breathtaking views of over 40 Chicago iconic landmarks, from hidden architectural features to the Windy City's most famous monuments. Once you are back on dry land, your tour will come to a close and you and your guide will part ways.

Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour

10. Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour

Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Art Deco abounds in Chicago. The style made its way to the city in the 1920s, after it was showcased at an international art exposition in Paris. It was widely seen at the 1933-1934 Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago as well. Influenced by Cubism and the art and architecture of the ancient Middle East, Art Deco can be found in popular motifs like zigzags, octagons, sunbursts and flowers. Art Deco reflects the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornaments. Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now the St. Jane Hotel), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn), the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower) and the Engineering Building—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. This tour ends at the Merchandise Mart. Tickets purchased for experiences run by the Chicago Architecture Center help build the greater Chicago community. When you hit the pavement on a walking tour, set sail on an award-winning river cruise (Chicago's First Lady), or visit the Center, you’re helping fund Chicago Architecture Center education initiatives like Girls Build!, Teen Fellows and the Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition. Or you may be helping to keep programs like Open House Chicago free for participants for years to come. As a certified nonprofit, all Chicago Architecture Center ticket purchases directly support local education efforts and community engagement projects.

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What people are saying about Chicago

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 579 reviews

Easy to book. Full refund if cancelled 24+ hours before use. Walked right up to ferris wheel entry; no need to wait at tix line. No issues at all. Great ride.

It was scary at first but I had fun the whole time I was there with my husband

Loved it!!! No crowds or long lines!! Love Chicago in the winter!!

Very busy long wait even though we showed up 30 mins before hand.

Was on my daughters bucket list and she really enjoyed it.