Skydeck Chicago
4.6(37K)google
3.5(946)yelp
Thrilling
Overview
The Willis Tower, formerly and still commonly referred to as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story, 1,451-foot (442.3 m) skyscraper in the Loop of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Designed by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), it opened in 1973 as the world's tallest building, a title that it held for nearly 25 years. It is the third-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, as well as the 26th-tallest in the world.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat8:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeAim for a clear evening approximately 45 minutes before sunset. This timing allows you to step onto 'The Ledge' glass balconies in full daylight for dizzying vertical photos, witness the fiery sun dip below the Western horizon, and stay long enough to watch the grid of Chicago light up in its breathtaking night glory.
Getting ThereHoused inside the Willis Tower. It is exceptionally accessible, located just a 5-minute walk (2 blocks) east of Chicago Union Station. For subway riders, take the CTA Brown, Orange, Pink, or Purple lines to Quincy station, and walk 2 minutes west on Adams St to find the dedicated Skydeck visitor entrance.
Travel Tips
- Avoid severe mid-afternoon solar backlighting and indoor glass reflections by booking access windows either before 10:00 or exactly 1 hour prior to astronomical twilight.
- The mandatory multi-media exhibit sequence below the elevator bank introduces a 45-minute baseline approach delay; factor this tracking time into downstream itinerary scheduling.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The Ledge glass boxes operate under zero-tolerance countdown control; individuals are restricted to exactly 60 seconds (90 seconds for large groups). Pre-configure all camera burst settings prior.
Reviews
Positive
- Standing on 'The Ledge'—the all-glass balcony on the 103rd floor looking straight down at the streets—delivers an unmatched rush and stunning visuals.
- The interactive museum exhibition on Chicago history before the elevators is excellent, adding high engagement to the queue; facilities are modern and sleek.
- The elevators are incredibly fast and smooth, ascending in seconds; staff at the top manage the photo lines professionally to ensure solo photo times.
- Opting for the sunset or twilight window reveals a glittering metropolises that maximizes the landscape value, making it visual perfection.
Heads up
- Your actual photo time on the glass Ledge is strictly rationed to just 60-90 seconds per group before staff hurry you off, making it feel rushed.
- The queues are excruciating; even with timed tickets, navigating security, exhibits, elevators, and top-floor photo lines easily eats over 2 hours.
- Located inside Willis Tower, parking is extortionate, and if you visit during overcast or foggy weather, visibility drops to zero, yielding total disappointment.
- Standard tickets are already pricey, and dodging lines requires buying a heavy VIP Fast Pass premium, driving up the total wallet impact significantly.