Skydeck Chicago

Observation deck · Loop

Skydeck Chicago

Observation deck · Loop

3

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

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Highlights

Panoramic city views & thrilling glass ledges on the 103rd floor  

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233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606 Get directions

theskydeck.com
@skydeckchicago

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233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606 Get directions

+1 312 875 9447
theskydeck.com
@skydeckchicago
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@skydeckchicago

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Aug 14, 2025

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40 Best Things to Do in Chicago

"Offers expansive views of the city from the 103rd floor, with The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out for thrill-seekers." - Meena Thiruvengadam Meena Thiruvengadam Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Stree

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@travelleisure

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"With lots to do, see, and eat in Chicago — and sprawling views from spots like Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower — it's a great place to ring in another year." - Travel + Leisure Editors

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Danielle Sydnor

Google
Wow! Great experience — we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We especially loved exploring the museum before heading up to the top deck. The exhibits included popular historic landmarks and famous figures from Chicago, which really added to the experience. The top deck offered stunning views of the skyline, and it was a highlight of our visit. Access to The Ledge required an additional wait, but it was well organized — each group was allowed 90 seconds to enjoy and take photos once it was their turn. Definitely worth the wait!

Kurt Kaufman

Google
Skydeck Chicago was one of the highlights of our trip. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. You can see the entire city, the lake, and even beyond on a clear day. The building itself is spotless and well-managed, with smooth operations that made the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish. The glass ledge was terrifying in the best way. Stepping out onto it took serious nerve, but it’s something everyone should try at least once. It’s a unique, unforgettable way to see the city!

MARYAM

Google
What an unforgettable experience! Seeing Chicago from the 103rd floor of the Skydeck—one of the top 4 highest observation towers in the U.S.—was truly breathtaking. The panoramic views are stunning, and standing on The Ledge, with the whole city beneath your feet, is something we’ll never forget. It gave us a whole new perspective of the city, and we really enjoyed every second of that view. That said, the experience could be even better if the visitor flow was more organized. It felt a bit chaotic moving through the different parts of the tour, and when we finally reached The Ledge, the time allowed for photos was quite rushed. A bit more structure would help everyone enjoy their moment without feeling pressured. Still, it’s absolutely worth the visit—just go in knowing that it might take a bit of patience to get that perfect shot on The Ledge!

Zainab Fareed

Google
Amazing views from the 103rd floor! Standing on The Ledge is thrilling and a must-do in Chicago. You can see the city skyline, Lake Michigan, and even parts of nearby states on a clear day. The experience is incredible, but do expect crowds and a bit of waiting. It’s a bit pricey, and time on the glass ledge is very limited—but still worth it for the breathtaking view and photos!

Scott Colgan

Google
Iconic views of the Chicago city scape. Highly recommended to get some great views, pictures, and memories! Those who don’t fear heights braved out on the glass floor or an exhilarating view of the city. Highly recommended for anyone in the city or passing through. There is plenty to keep you busy on your way up to the Skydeck. The elevator is very fast with only one stop!

Beth J Pulido

Google
I went here earlier this year with my husband for a special date night to celebrate. This was the most beautiful experience for me because it reminded me of all the beautiful things that started in Chicago. This was like waking into a pop out story about the history of the city. After the walk to the elevator i was amazed because inside was a video about the history of the Willis tower displayed over the entirety of the elevator's walls. The ride up went quick and smooth and at the top I saw the entire city. I planned my trip in the evening to take full advantage of the city lights. The top was just as beautiful as I remembered and the ledge made the sky deck even more special. I remember going there as a kid when the ledge first opened and seeing it as an adult was nostalgic. It was nice to see all the things they added over the years. This made the tower not only a place for tourists but a place to relive your childhood if you grew up in or around the city. 10/10 experience.

Usman Farooq

Google
Beautiful view of Chicago Skyline 🤩 Willis Tower Observatory deck was stunning. I definitely recommend you visit. I visited 2 months ago, and it was incredible. Recommend you visiting during sunset time, as view would be better. The time I was there was from 6:30 onwards. Sunset was towards 8:30 so it was tough to see. Overall, very beautiful. Definitely recommend you to visit!

Luna

Google
I really wanted to see Chicago from a high vantage point, and I’m so glad I found this place. Not only did I get stunning views of the city, but I also learned some fascinating architectural facts about Chicago and the impressive height of the Willis Tower. The highlight of the visit was stepping into the all-glass Skydeck box that extends outside the building—you can look straight down beneath your feet, and it’s both thrilling and unforgettable. They also offer professional photos, which is a nice touch. Overall, it was a very memorable and well-worth-it experience.
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Gregston C.

Yelp
Great way to get unique panoramic views of the city and get great photo opportunities. We got our tickets through CityPass, which is a good value if you're doing multiple touristy attractions. You get expedited entry which saves time checking in, time going up the elevator and time on the ledge. Even without CityPass, paying the extra $10 for expedited access is well worth the time you save. Once you get up to the observation level, you can take in all the great views from 103 stories high. You then line up for your groups 90 second turn on the ledge. You can line up multiple times. Again this is where the expedited access helps. We were able to access the ledge twice in the same duration as the regular line went once. On days that are cloudy or rainy definitely check their webcam and consider rescheduling. If you're in town for a few days you want to book this early in your trip so you have the option to reschedule for a later day.
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Trinity P.

Yelp
The place was super big and lovely, it had a great modern touch to the decor. There's also a sushi restarsunt in the bottom floor last time I visited. Our tour guide was friendly, shoutout to her. She gave a untrusted tour and waited for everyone. SkyDeck itself was a bit disappointing in my opinion. There was a gift shop so that eased the boredom, but there was such a long line and the space was so little. There was also a one minute timer. I don't blame the staff because this place is a popular spot, so I understand why they do this, but it still made me feel a bit unjoyous. The photo they took of me and my family was ludicrous too, all of our faces were blurred and shrouded with shadows! This isn't a bad place to go to, but advice: go in the nighttime instead.
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Zay M.

Yelp
The sky deck was an attraction on the all include go city pass that my party of 3 had. We made an online reservation 10:30am and arrived around that time. It wasn't busy at all. You enter the building to food court and must go down two floors first. Before going to the top, there is a really cool immersive experience. It takes you through the music, the food, the subway, Chicago legends, landmarks, etc. The elevator ride to the 103 floor was also immersive and informative as the wall was a screen with information. Your eyes will pop and feel weird during the elevator ride. It travels at 18 MPH The line to get to the elevator to go to the top floor wasn't bad. However, once up top, the general admission line for the ledge was long. They had 5 spots I believe and one express lane. It moved at a decent pace. They put two groups at a time on each ledge with a time limit of about 90 seconds which goes by FAST! It really should be longer, considering how long you could wait. I will add that you can get in line again but who would do that? This was a pretty cool experiences and the views were great. Unfortunately, it was a cloud day. Of my 8 day trip, only 1 day was it partly sunny. When it was time to leave, the line for the elevators to leave was also very long. They take your picture on a green screen before going to the top and again when you do the ledge. The pictures are expensive. It $35 for a "set" of the photo from upstairs OR the one at the beginning; and $45 for both. For me, I wouldn't pay for pictures with a green screen and I honestly feel that one picture should be included in admission, considering the regular cost of it. The items in the gift shop were pretty pricey. I'm not sure why businesses do this? They would make a lot more money by making the prices reasonable, in my opinion. If I had paid for this separately, I'd be disappointed.
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Evan K.

Yelp
It was not what I had anticipated here at Skydeck Chicago, and it was pretty underwhelming! It just wasn't worth the time and money. Arriving at the Willis Tower, we walked through the doors to see a food court and walked to the Skydeck Signs to go downstairs to the Skydeck area. We then went to take a weird photo op of the Skydeck before we were on top to experience it. On our way to the elevator, we explored a maze of the history of Chicago with other photo ops like Michael Jordan dunking. We didn't pay attention to it much but its very informative. Once you go up the elevator, you experience a 360-degree view of Chicago and can take pictures while enjoying their gift shop. On the other side of the floor is the line for the glass part that sticks out of the building. We waited 30 minutes to get 1 minute of photos and felt rushed overall. The worst part was the lighting stunk, and when we went below, they offered our photos taken in that 1 minute from the Skydeck itself, and the lighting was perfect. You can't even take a picture of those pictures :(
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Ramona G.

Yelp
SkyDeck which is inside the Sears Tower (Willis Tower) was part of our Chicago agenda. My boyfriend bought the CityPass tickets for us and this was one of our stops. We went early on a Sunday morning and in total we were there for about an hour. They kind of make you go through a maze with picture opportunities before you get in the elevator to go up to the SkyDeck and once you're on that floor you have to wait in another line to take photos on the actual deck. You get a set amount of time to take photos, but you can go back in line again if you want to. The SkyDeck is just ok in my opinion. The view is not the nice part of the Chicago. Not sure why they placed the deck on that side. If you've ever been to the top of the Empire State Building, that one has a better view and photo op.
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Sierra S.

Yelp
Other than the cool photo opportunities this place puts mid into the mid-west. You have 60 seconds to take photos after waiting for close to an hour/hour and half to actually get said pictures. I would rather have 3 mins to take photos if I'm waiting so long it would be worth the extra wait. - they let "expedited tickets" cut in front of people who have waited longer than the people have been in the building. Giving the eat the rich vibes. But not shocked nor surprised. - add 20 minutes on to just get back down to the bottom. Because again there is a line to exit this place. For close to $70 for two people to get in on a foggy ass day is bullshit Don't waste your time or money. I could photoshop some better pictures
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Matt M.

Yelp
I visited both Skydeck and 360 on a recent trip to Chicago, and enjoyed Skydeck much more. Not only is it taller, but it's less crowded (though to be fair, we went on a Sunday morning versus a Saturday night at 360), and there's The Ledge, which comes with the ticket. It's a little counter-intuitive getting to the entrance, though. If you enter the building from the main street, you have to go down escalators, then you can take the elevator up to Skydeck. Our ears popped so many times going up. We appreciated the video on the way up as well - very informative. At the top, there are beautiful views of the city, lake, and other states. It was sunny when we were on the ground floor, and on the top floor the wind was very strong - my son loved seeing the clouds zipping by at eye level. This also made The Ledge a little spooky at times because standing out there we couldn't see anything, only clouds, until there was a break in the visibility. There's also a sequin wall to "leave your mark", which was a cool interactive bit. There's a gift shop at the top, and another at the bottom where you can buy the overpriced photos they take of you.
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Tony H.

Yelp
The skydeck at the Sears tower is worth doing if you have the time to spare. The lines to get up the elevator and to take the picture in the glass box can be long depending on the time of day so I'd say give yourself at the least 2 hours if you want to have somewhat of an enjoyable experience here. The adult ticket price ranges from $35-$50 again depending on how busy it is for the time of day. Downstairs on the way to the elevator line there are lots of photo ops and Chicago history to read about. Once you're at the top you can see the city from every direction, and then there's the line to wait for your chance to take a picture in the box. The staff will have you first take a professional picture that you have the option to purchase downstairs then you have 60-90 seconds to take your own photos. From what I saw after your time in the box you might be allowed to go back in line to wait again if you want to take more photos.
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Betty H.

Yelp
Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formally the Sears Tower) on S. Wacker Dr. and W. Jackson Blvd. Our tickets to the SkyDeck were part of the CityPass, and it was such a great selection. We got to enjoy the phenomenal view of Chicago's architecture and even stepped on 'The Ledge', which is a glass floored balcony/box perched 4.3 feet outside of the Willis Tower. We were allowed 90 seconds to stand on it and take pictures. It was such an incredible experience, and I'm glad we got to do this.
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Jason V.

Yelp
For my 800th review I'm going to review one of the places I always wanted to visit and finally did so on my birthday last month. Heights are usually not my thing, depending on what. And even though millions of people have walked on the glass skydeck, people still thought I was crazy to do it. Getting to Skydeck is easy to get to, and the workers on the ground floor of the Willis Tower (or to Chicago locals who won't let it go, the Sears Tower) were very helpful. Weirdly, you have to go two floors down, and go through a Chicago history lesson exhibit to get to the elevators. The ride is about not even two minutes and you're on the 103rd floor without even knowing it. The people who worked up there were also friendly. There is a gift shop, and of course all the viewing areas. You can view from all four sides. They only allow two minutes on the glass platform but as long as there is no one waiting in line I don't think they care that much. But if there is, you can go back in line and step on another platform. You can spend as long as you like up there, and to me - the novelty never wore off. It was cool being on the same level as clouds. My only thing is I wish I had better knowledge of the city of Chicago as I wasn't familiar with any of the buildings beneath me.
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Shaira A.

Yelp
Definitely loved this place. would love to come back here again to admire the beautiful Chicago. Such a great experience. if there's one thing i didn't like about the experience is how they only give you i think about 1min & 30 sec or so to take pics..... uh yeah i need more than that lol but overall it was good.
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Joe P.

Yelp
A fun way to see Chicago from above, SkyDeck at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower provides visitors with a 360-degree view of the Windy City from 103 floors up. The glass balconies jutting out over Wacker Drive and the other surrounding streets add an element of adrenaline to the experience, and make SkyDeck slightly more interesting than the overpriced TILT attraction at the John Hancock tower across town. Buy tickets online ahead of time if you can, and don't rush through the fascinating history exhibit on the lower floors. A must for anyone visiting Chicago for the first time.
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Ingrid J.

Yelp
I came here on a random Tuesday afternoon in October and I had a very very speedy experience. You need to purchase tickets in advance and I recommend timing it to be around sunset if you care about that. It's timed entry to help with the flow of traffic. I was able to get up to the sky edge in less than 20 minutes however I understand that's not the average busy day. I like how along the way up you have history of Chicago exhibits to look at to keep you entertained. I was worried about the line at the top so rushed through them but I wish I took more time learning about Chicago! Once you get to the top there is another line for the sky edge but you can take photos in other areas than the edge too. Once you get to the edge they give you 90 seconds to get all your photos in. I personally appreciated that because it helps keep the line moving. The people take your photo if you ask but do so a little begrudgingly I must say lol the experience is about 40-45 dollars. I recommend to check off the Chicago bucket list but no need to go back after that! View was gorgeous and one of a kind if you take the time to learn about the city with the exhibits they offer.
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Dayna E.

Yelp
"The Skydeck at Willis Tower offers an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline and beyond. The glass-floored Ledge is both thrilling and unique, perfect for capturing amazing photos. The interactive exhibits add an educational touch to the visit. Staff are friendly and keep things moving smoothly, even during busy times. A must-visit attraction for anyone in Chicago!"
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Connie L.

Yelp
Touristy, but definitely a Chicago must visit! The view is second to none and they even have an exhibit you can walk through that displays Chicago's history. The wait to get onto the glass floor decks can be long (about a 45 min wait) and you only get 60 seconds to take pics. They let you re-join the line in case the first pics aren't to your liking though which is great.
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Richard N.

Yelp
This Skydeck is a must for any Chicago traveler. Iconic, beautiful, memorable. Yet, not really for me. This visit to Chicago I was solo and I had a free day so I went online and booked a ticket. Booking a ticket ($44) includes scheduling a timeframe, I suppose to control the flow for the limited space. I considered when would be the optimal time, and did a quick Goog for Chicago sunset time and selected 8:15 pm. They say arrive 15 minutes early so I got in even earlier around 7:40. As a note, when you arrive you don't just hop into an elevator and reach the top. There is a loooong walkway that is used a queue to the elevator; didn't get inside the elevator until 8:30. But it wasn't all terrible, the path is setup like a museum showing historic Chicago. I even took a selfie with a cutout of the Obamas :) It could be that other visitors also considered the timeframe because when those elevator doors opened, it was packed! The floor is just empty space with no seats, just windows and a souvenir shop, yet there were people everywhere. Almost just a quickly as I stepped out, I was looking to get back in. The longest part to getting back down was the photo area where people stand on the glass ledge. The down elevator was beyond this long queue, taking maybe a 1/3 of the floor - long line. Once you get to the front of the window queue, you're assigned a window and an employee starts a timer that's easily displayed; I think it was 60 seconds. TL;DR: Iconic building with a breathtaking 360 view. Great for groups and families doing the tourist thing. Be prepared for long waits.
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Tish P.

Yelp
Listen, I'm scared of heights! I'm gonna have to work on that cause I despise being fearful but until then, I don't let it stop me from doing the things! Idk how much expedited entry costs but it's worth it. I purchased the citypass and this was one of my excursions and thankfully, it came with expedited experience. Comparing the expedited line for the ledge to the regular admission, IT'S WORTH IT! There's also an expedited line for the elevators going in. They don't give a damn about it when you're leaving though lol so that line was annoying. Anyway, I had to share part my ledge with a party of two which initially I didn't like but they were cool (talked to them while in the line also) and left before me so I could enjoy it alone a few seconds. Cynthia helped me out on the ledge, again I was scared af! She was super motivational and supportive and literally I locked elbows with her and she walked me out. She was a doll! Couldn't have done it without her support. The key was to not look down the whole time. I know, I know but it helped til I got more comfy. But you don't get but a minute or two so all that has to happen quickly. She took pics with their camera and mine. Of course theirs was lovely but I opted not to pay $40 for 2 pics that will end up in a drawer.
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Matthew U.

Yelp
The one thing I wanted to do while in Chicago the last time was to make my way to Willis Tower and go to the Skydeck. But that wasn't in the books back then, but I made sure to do it right this time. I booked my visit ahead of time so that way I didn't have to mess around with getting a ticket when I arrived. We can circle back around to this a bit later, there is so much more to say. When I arrived, I was so confused as to where to go. GPS only takes you so far and I was so lost when I got to the tower. I followed the signs around the building and literally ended up a half block from where I started. Then inside I just kind of guessed where I had to go by following people around me. Then there is the entrance area, it was so confusing. Do I do the kiosk or not? There really is not signage to tell you what to do and on top of that, there was no one around to ask. I just say screw it and headed to the next area. Checking in was easy. I was early but they allowed me to enter. See, no one was really around here this time of day and I think that they just didn't really care at that point. Before heading up to the Skydeck you are treated to a brief history of Chicago, surrounding area, the tower, and a few other things. Think mini museum. Once you make your way through the many turns and exhibits that are meant to thin out the crowd to no overwhelm the upper portion, you make it to the elevator line. Have fun on there, you never know who you might be with on the elevator. My luck, going up, I was on with a whole family who were visiting. I think I may have made their elevator up picture a bit awkward. But, hey, no one said you had to take a group family picture in the elevator. The elevator ride, even though it wasn't as long as I expected it to be, was intriguing. I was really impressed by the amount of thought put into this. And it totally tricked my mind into thinking that I was flying through the air at one point. Then you get up to the top and finally get to see the whole entirety of Chicago. I was floored by the views. You basically get a 360 of the area. Such great views, get scenery, and depending on the time of day you visit, the best picture you will take in Chicago. I went as the sun was setting and it allowed for a great array of pictures. The one I got looking out over the lake even had a rainbow in it. The one looking towards the sunset was almost postcard worthy. Now, the Skydeck itself is an amazing feeling. You feel as if you are suspended in the air overlooking the city yourself. I've done this also in Paris and London where you are high up and walking on glass. It's a bit intimidating here as you are much higher up than most places. You can get lost in the moment and definitely take all the selfies you can while here. Now, the circling back. The pricing here is what really nagged at me. I knew there was going to be a price, but it felt a little steep for all that this is. A very small museum, an elevator ride, and a view of the city. Not only that, but they also seemed to think that you would part with your money on top of paying an admission fee. When you make your way through the museum they want to take one of those gimmicky tourist photos. Then when you finally do get to one of the Skydeck pods they try to get you again with another gimmicky photo there. Listen, we are living in a world where people are not going to pay for your photos, especially when you have not only a camera, but a video camera, in your phone. I did enjoy this, as I doubt I would be back in Chicago any time soon. But I felt a bit underwhelmed with it all. I got my photos, I took in the view, I learned something new, but it just felt underwhelming. To top it off, check out the gift shop on your way out.
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Sanjay G.

Yelp
More than 1.7 million people make their way to Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago each year, and it's easy to see why. (I have been to both Skydeck and 60 Chicago and I guess, I will choose this). Occupying the 103rd floor - (that's nine floors higher than 360 CHICAGO) of the 110-story Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago boasts breathtaking views of the city It is the third-tallest building in North America after One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower and is home to the highest public viewing area in the United States. cool! Long lines quickly form for Skydeck Chicago, so plan on arriving early or purchasing a Chicago City PASS, which covers expedited admission into the attraction. If you'd like to enjoy the sunset from the tower, plan on arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to ensure you have enough time to get through the elevator line and up to the top. Coming to "The Ledge" Queue: I suggest going there as early as possible. I bought the 10 AM slot and straight away we hit for ledge, not many people in the line and we got 90 secs to experience it. after that, we were exploring the city, Lake View, and spent around 30 minutes. wife suggested, can we go again one more time (yes, we went to the ledge 3 times) - but it was too crowded, and they were accommodating 2 couples in one ledge. 45 secs - one couple at one side and then switch for the next 45 seconds. They keep a timer and will be rude sometimes if you don't follow the rules. some facts: The Ledge's glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor. Each box weighs 7,500 lbs. and is comprised of three layers of half-inch thick glass and is built to withstand five tons of pressure and can hold 10,000 lbs.! I found it cooler than TILT. in tile, you can't carry a camera for safety reasons and your friends/relatives can't take pics. they are outside the room. here in Ledge, I can go banana and do anything.
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Ashley H.

Yelp
We have done this 2x now. It's definitely a cool photo to look up into their camera in the ledge and see Chicago beneath you but it's definitely crowded with lines and waits and they hurry you along when you're on the edge taking your photos. We purchased the City Pass which expedites the lines and did help with the wait and had a nice time helping our friend face her fears and stand in the ledge for photos. It's awesome to see the city like this and everyone should try and do it at least one time.
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Claire C.

Yelp
It's what you would expect. You could do either Chicago 360 or the Skydeck and be satisfied. There's no need to do both. The Skydeck has the box that is over the building, it's fun but mostly to try and sell you a picture at the end. I cannot imagine how horrible that line is in the summer.
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Jennifer C. L.

Yelp
It was astounding standing over the Skydeck in Chicago, which was an unforgettable experience that was filled with breathtaking views. This skyscraper of 1,353 feet was phenomenal with its panorama view that stretched endlessly. The view was mesmerizing with all the lights that stretched across the sky. The glass floor was a breathtaking experience that helped to see across the city as far as the eye can see. The experience felt surreal to zip up in an elevator that almost makes you feel like flying. It was a moment of pure wonder of enligthenment to see the skyline in its pure beauty. We did the accelerated line that gave us minimal wait time to experience the skyline. I recommend it to get the best bang for its buck. The beauty and memories during this experience will linger long after leaving the Skydeck.
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Regina C.

Yelp
It was my second time at Skydeck but my boyfriend's first, tell me why I was more scared this time around?! There was no line for the photo ops and wasn't crowded when we reached the top either. We ate our breakfast at the top while we admire Chicago's beautiful view. We then lined up to take a multitude of pictures while we sit, stand, jump on the glass ledge. I was so scared! But everything was worth it. My boyfriend was very well braver than me and even pushed me to the very edge while I was shaking my legs doing it. No regrets!
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Emily G.

Yelp
Highly anticipated and well worth it. I loved this. We did this at night and the lights were awesome. On a Saturday I was glad we opted for expedited tix. It was busy(good thing!!) I will do this again in the daytime
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Rob S.

Yelp
It's an experience however it is $36 for adults and $28 for kids. At the end they try and sell professional photos for an extra $35-$45. There is a history of Chicago before you head to the Skydeck and also restaurants and a shop if you need to kill time before your reservation. The entire experience was about 45 minutes. Once on the Skydeck you have 90 seconds to take your photos. We went at 4:30PM on a Monday and there was no wait. The views are great and the Skydeck 90 seconds photo opportunity was nice.

Nathan C.

Yelp
Pictures turned out nice! It's just that the view and resulting pictures are pretty time and weather dependent. Especially for me since I went during the winter and it can be kind of gloomy outside. I'd say it's worth it, I just recommend: 1. Arrive 45 min to an hour before sunset (even more if going on a weekend) and avoid overcast weather (ideally partial clouds/clear day). The Skydeck itself faces westward so you can get a really nice orange/pink sunset if you line both of these up and time your turn to be right at sunset/a little after. If you arrive too early you'll probably end up with an underexposed subject since the sun is on the other side of the building (maybe try flash in that case). 2. Avoid going on a weekend if you can. When it's less busy they'll allot more time for you to take photos (1.5 or 2 min vs. 1 min) and the line for me was only about 15 to 25 minutes long on a Thursday. You're able to queue in line to try again as many times as you'd like. 3. If you can't plan around sunset and weather, safest bet is to go at night and USE YOUR PHONE FLASH. The lighting otherwise is abysmal unless you're looking to purchase the photo that they take.
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Amber L.

Yelp
This is the one place to go up high in Chicago. Great views fast process ( pay extra for it) and worth the money.
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Allison P.

Yelp
I went here in August 2019 with a friend and we had a good time. It was a very long line to get in - we probably waited over an hour just to get in the elevator up. Once we got to the top, there were a ton of people and it was very loud. The guy taking pictures in the class enclave did so for free which we appreciated. You hand him your phone and he takes your picture(s) and hands your phone back. The views were good, the spiders on the glass were not.
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Larry G.

Yelp
It's fleeeeeeewe 4 vets yooooo get ur parachute and knock out a window so u can airborne yo way outta there!!!
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Patrick L.

Yelp
Lame. Long lines, expensive and crowded. Lame. Long lines, expensive and crowded. Never again. 2 stars
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Jasmine C.

Yelp
Being on the 103rd floor was scary and exhilarating all at once, how can you not appreciate the jaw dropping gorgeous views while terrifyingly perching 4 feet away from the building in a 1.5" thick glass box. Sounds scary right?! It was! I tiptoed into the glass box shaking, while others jumped and posed for photos and videos. You get one minute in the box, but are allowed to re-enter the line for more terrifying fun! Fun fact: on a clear sunny day you can see 4 states from here!
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Jane G.

Yelp
A great tourist trap. Wouldn't necessarily make a repeat trip, because there's only so many times I want to venture to the top of a skyscraper and peer down at Chicago from like, 100 stories up, but worth the wait and the view. Fun for people of all ages!
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Rinell D.

Yelp
Rude staff misleading photos on socials They advertise certain pictures only to tell you, you can't take that picture because it's for promotion only even if you ask to use your phone Lower expectations
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Randy W.

Yelp
Thankfully the Skydeck is generous and kind to the military as $45-50 per ticket would be too expensive for this sightseeing experience for me. Granted, I've been to other sightseeing attractions and think a more reasonable ticket would be $25-35 but they do have high rent/lease so totally understandable. The waiting line wasn't too bad as they kept it flowing but we were in and out within 20-30 minutes. Good place for sightseeing if you get a deal otherwise save your $ for Deepdish pizza or something yummy.
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Destiny F.

Yelp
If you plan to visit Skydeck Chicago, I'd recommend arriving about an hour before your assigned time to enjoy the walk-through portion. The overall experience is cool, with breathtaking views of the city, and makes use of great social media pics However, I have to admit that my experience was marred by the behavior of the employees. Unfortunately, they weren't as nice and welcoming as I had hoped. There was a fair amount of yelling, hollering, and making demands towards visitors, which I found to be quite rude. It made the experience less enjoyable. I believe they should work on implementing a better system to ensure a more pleasant and organized experience for visitors. While the views are undoubtedly worth it, the atmosphere could use some improvement to make the visit more enjoyable. Just my thought.
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Abel R.

Yelp
A great experience for my first day in Chicago. Skydeck takes you to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and take in the amazing view of the city. There is an area to take pictures over the ledge of the building - you have 90 seconds to take photos and if you want to take more you can simply get back in line. A recommendable activity for whoever visits Chicago.
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Savanna B.

Yelp
Checked out Skydeck for the first time last week as it was part of our CityPASS. We got expedited entry with it and I'm so glad we did- otherwise we would have waited awhile...and it didn't even appear to be that busy. I think we probably spent a half hour or so walking around up top and then we got 2 minutes on the actual ledge- yes they time each party and you get 1 or 2 minutes depending on your group size. It was cool and definitely thrilling to be up so high and I'm glad we did it once but I don't think we'll do it again.
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Jasmine S.

Yelp
Any Ferris Bueller fan who goes to Chicago will probably end up here. Loved that they had vendors on the ground floor (shake shack, sweetgreen, donuts, sushi, tacos??!) making it a nice destination for ppl on lunch in the area but also patrons who might have a grumbly stomach as they wait for their time slot or after they've exited the attraction. They offer timed tickets that instruct you to arrive 15 mins prior but I was on time and was still allowed up with no wait. You will go through security giving me airport flashbacks and they take a photo before you go up ($30 ish dollars and you get 3). The real treat is the immersive experience. You learn Chicago history as you walk through scenes showing it's architecture, landmarks, and it's origin story. Great photo ops honestly better than the pics they may give you lol. The ride up the 103rd floor is the most annoying part. They will pack you in like sardines. They have 2 elevators but only one working. The views are amazing once you get there. You'll see east, south, north and west views and they tell you on a sign what you are looking at. Definitely try going on a sunny day so you can see for miles. They also have "the ledge" where you can step out and get a more thrilling experience and more photos. There's a line for this. I opted out lol. A great treat especially for the iconic scene that was filmed here. Gen admission prices do vary based on what I saw and they do offer expedited admission but I don't see the need to pay extra for that. Lines moved quickly except for the ledge experience.
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Lee D.

Yelp
Quality/Quantity - We had more fun touring the bottom "The Skydeck Experience" with all the city backgrounds. Somewhat interactive. And just like the London Tower Yelp review, I think I cleaned your floor glass with my back, LOL. Willis Tower, but I still call it Sears Tower. 1353 feet and 103 floors in the sky. Atmosphere - A main tourist attraction. We just did this in Norway and Tower of London (way cooler) and will do something like this in Australia later this year (also will be way cooler climbing a bridge). But when in Chicago... Open 7 days a week. See Yelp or website for specific hours. Keep in mind hours are seasonal. Available for events also. Service - Just okay. Super strict with a 1 minute limit on the sky deck. And there was almost no one here today, well at least when we were here. Btw - website says 1-2 minutes per party. The photographer was cool though. Actually, took so many pictures within the minute. Price - $33.50 per person. Prices vary with demand. Discounts for advanced purchases. Same prices in person or online. Check out the Chicago City Pass for potential more discounts. Owner comment - Congrats on all your successes since 1974.
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George B.

Yelp
What a wonderful experience checking out the Chicago Skydeck. The service was really good and the people were very nice. I enjoyed checking out the different views of the city. I throughly just enjoyed taking time on a beautiful day to enjoy this city!
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Clarizza A.

Yelp
A must visit if you're visiting Chicago! Our ticket is for 7pm and going at that time gives you a chance to see the sunset from the sky deck and the nice city lights after. The line to get to the sky deck wasn't very long, and there were a lot of photo ops on the way to the elevator so you can just enjoy the displays as you walk through. Just a warning that they pack as many people possible in the elevator so it's a little awkward. I found that the line for the photos at the ledge (once you're at the top) is the part where you'll have to wait a bit, probably took us 15-20min to wait. The workers there time each party that's taking photos so you can't take too long. Overall it was a good experience and recommend it to people who are Chicago tourists :)
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Mina O.

Yelp
If you aren't afraid of heights check out this super cool view. Breath taking views of the city, fun experience with friends.
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Cam S.

Yelp
Fun excursion with plenty of photo opportunities. Great view of the Chicago skyline. 103 floors and the elevator was fast. Looking over onto the glass deck was scary. You have to have a lot of nerve.
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Bianca I.

Yelp
The most amazing views of Chicago! Staff was very friendly. You only got about a minute or two to take pictures in the glass box, but you were able to go multiple turns! We recommend going on a weekday, so it's not too crowded. :) We went on a Wednesday and it was $32/adult. A great, family-friendly activity to put on the Chicago trip itinerary!
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Linh D.

Yelp
I visited Chicago for the first time and got the City Pass which automatically included this experience. Of course going into this, I already knew that this was your typical tourist trap, but it's one of those things that you kind of have to do as a first time tourist to get that bird's eye view of the city...and get those instagram-worthy pictures of course. I put in a reservation for 8:30am on a Saturday. There was a good group of people there but we were all able to fit into one elevator ride up so it was pretty quiet and empty. When you get to the top, you kind of go at your own pace to take in the view from all the windows around the floor. Whenever you're ready, you can go to one of the infamous ledges and take your photos, but they also time you so work quickly to get all those good pics. After the ledge, you can choose to walk around the floor some more or you can head back down the elevator to finish the experience. I spent around 40 minutes here. The City Pass gets you into the faster expedited line. Since we went early, it didn't make too much of a difference for us, but it would be really nice for those busier times. Skydeck as our first activity on our itinerary was a nice scenic introduction to the whole city. It was nice to have that opportunity, but it's not too big of a deal to skip it.
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Jason P.

Yelp
Sears Tower I was born and raised in Chicago, and the Sears Tower was built the year I was born. That said, it was and will always be the Sears Tower to me...... Not sure what the other name is now. There has always been a sky deck at the top, but several years ago they added the ledge for a better viewing experience. The ledge allows you to stand on clear glass 103 floors over the street so you can look straight down.
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Rathvon M.

Yelp
What can I say that hasn't been said? If you go to Chicago, you gotta do this. Is it overpriced? Yes Is it crowded? Yes Is it worth the wait? Yes Should you miss the opportunity? No Crack open the wallet and get the best view of Chicago....or any city...that you will ever get. It is pretty incredible.
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Nick P.

Yelp
This is a fun place to visit. If this is your first time coming to Chicago, I would recommend putting this on your list. Admission is like $32-36. It does get crowded, so you'll have some heads in your pictures. The skydeck is fun but I wished there were less people, so that I can take my time doing poses. You can probably spend 30 mins or less after you get up to the top. I'll have to give this place a 3 just because it's overcrowded and there needs to be a more efficient way of taking pictures on the skydeck without being rushed.
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Sergio F.

Yelp
I got to sit on glass, 103 floors up! To paraphrase a certain commercial, 'the view it's gotta be the view'! Heck I even got to stand by the windows with the south view and throw my "305" up for Miami :) Similar to the other high rise observation deck, this is a panoramic penthouse of an office building. Since it is not X-braced and a little taller, I certainly felt a little more sway than the other tall building I visited. The employees took the picture for sale (I got the printed copy at the gift shop #banksy) as well as some on my cellphone. The elevator ride up is pretty cool, as you get a recording comparing what other tall structures you pass on the way up. There's also a food court / hall on the ground floor. Definitely another must see if you're in Chicago!