Willis Tower

4.5 (23,324 reviews)

Tourist AttractionCorporate OfficeObservation DeckPoint of InterestEstablishment

Best time to visit

Early morning on weekdays offers shorter lines and clearer air for long-range views. Sunset delivers dramatic light but expect larger crowds and longer waits.

Budget tips

Buy timed-entry tickets online in advance to lock lower prices and skip the ticket queue; CityPASS and Go City Chicago include Skydeck for a notable discount. Children under 3 are usually free, and combo tickets reduce per-attraction cost.

Recommended for

Photography enthusiasts, Families with children, Architecture fans, First-time visitors to Chicago

Plan your visit

45-60 minutes

About

Quick facts: Soaring 1,450 feet to the roof and 1,729 feet including the antenna, this building once led skyscraper rankings in the Western Hemisphere. Nearly 110 floors are served by high-speed elevators that travel around 1,600 feet per minute, a ride that often causes a noticeable stomach flip.

Highlights: Step onto one of three glass balconies extending about 4.3 feet beyond the façade. The transparent floors let you look straight down to street level roughly 1,353 feet below. Photographers and locals often visit during blue hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., when the skyline shifts from daylight to a tapestry of lights and the glass boxes reflect painterly colors.

Insider tips

Wear layers, the top is often windier and cooler than street level.
Arrive at opening to minimize wait times for the elevators and the Skydeck Ledge.
Bring a wide-angle or use panorama mode for full skyline shots, and step off the Ledge for profile photos with the skyline behind you.
Expect a security screening and bag checks, so pack light and avoid large luggage.