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What's the difference between Skydeck and 360 Chicago?

Author

Ava White

Updated on March 10, 2026

What's the difference between Skydeck and 360 Chicago?

360 Chicago is open daily from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, with last entry at 10:30 pm. Skydeck is open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. However, from October to February, Skydeck's hours of operation change to 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Hereof, what's better Skydeck or 360 Chicago?

The Skydeck at the Willis Tower is iconic in Chicago, which means it's also more expensive and will have longer lines. So, if you want a great view but don't want to wait for it, go to the 360 Chicago. (Or, you can always do what I did, and visit both! That way you can make up your own mind.)

One may also ask, what 4 states can you see from the Sears Tower? On a clear day, you can see four states – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Visibility from the Skydeck is approximately 40-50 miles (65 – 80 kilometers). The average sway of the building is approximately 6 inches (152 millimeters) from true center, but the building is designed to sway up to 3 feet.

Also, is Willis Tower or Hancock better?

I did both the willis and Hancock towers recently. I preferred the willis tower. The views are probably better at the Hancock tower, great view of the lake and navy pier. The "outdoor area" isn't anything great, it has a roof and a mesh wall so pretty much feels indoors!

How long does it take to see the Skydeck in Chicago?

2 hours

Is the Skydeck free?

General Admission includes access to the elevator ride to the Skydeck, and The Ledge, glass floor balconies 1,353 feet over Chicago.

Basic Admission.

Admission
Adult – Ages 12 and up$26.00
Youth – Ages 3 to 11$18.00
Children under 3 are FREE! Tickets available online to print at home or for immediate mobile delivery.

How much are tickets to 360 Chicago?

General admission: $20 for adults (ages 12+); $13 for youth (3-11); free for children under 3. Additional ticket options such as Total Tower Experience, FastPass, and Sun & Stars are available online. Packages and group rates are also available, affiliated with Chicago CityPASS and GO Chicago Card.

Can you buy Skydeck tickets at the door?

Tickets can be purchased prior to arrival, but from the Willis Tower website and not thru a vendor claiming discounts or line exceptions, pre-purchased do shorten the wait, but everyone still has to wait in the queue, take water or chilled drinks and snacks for your wait. It's an afternoon to evening event.

Is the Skydeck safe?

That structural integrity is indeed intense. The 1,500-pound ledge consists of three half-inch thick pieces of glass that can hold at least 5,000 pounds. So, yes, despite the crack, the Skydeck is still safe to peer down.

Can you go to the top of Sears Tower?

And at 1,353 feet high, The Ledge is the highest observation deck in the United States. But there's more to Skydeck than glass boxes: the 99th floor of Willis tower is open for private events, including weddings, birthday parties, corporate meetings, and much more.

Is the John Hancock building free?

Although it's not nearly as tall as the Sears/Willis Tower, the views are still great, and it can be much more affordable The official Observatory is on the 94th floor. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children, minus a 5% discount for booking on the official website.

What is there to do at Willis Tower?

Things to Do near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
  • Chicago Riverwalk. 2,928 Reviews. Chicago, IL 60601.
  • Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank. 510 Reviews.
  • The Magic Penthouse. 146 Reviews.
  • The Rookery Building. 392 Reviews.
  • Chicago Pizza Tours. 484 Reviews.
  • Lyric Opera of Chicago. 461 Reviews.
  • Union Station. 1,097 Reviews.
  • Reading Cones - Grant Park. 6 Reviews.

Is the Sears Tower the John Hancock Tower?

The John Hancock Center, one of Chicago's most famous skyscrapers, must change its name. It feels like just yesterday that Chicagoans were told that their prized skyscraper, once the world's tallest building, would no longer be named the Sears Tower.

What is the tilt in Chicago?

A one-of-a-kind experience, TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile®.

Is Willis Tower open in Chicago?

The health and well-being of all Skydeck visitors, partners and employees is our top priority. In accordance with this latest update, and out of an abundance of caution to help protect the health and well-being of our community, we are temporarily closing Skydeck, effective November 20, 2020.

How much is Willis Tower worth?

The Blackstone Group will buy Chicago's Willis Tower for $1.3 billion, the highest price ever paid for an American office tower outside of New York City.

Why is the Sears Tower called Willis Tower?

Willis Tower was the world's tallest building until 1998. After 18 years, Sears Roebuck and Company sold the tower and moved out of the building. In 2009 the building was renamed Willis Tower after the Willis Group Holdings, the global insurance broker who calls the Tower its Midwest home.

Where do you park for the Skydeck in Chicago?

Parking is conveniently located directly across the street from the tower on Franklin Street. Tower Self Park, operated by InterPark, is located at 211 W. Adams with parking access from either Franklin or Adams.

Where can I park at 360 Chicago?

Parking is available at 875 N Michigan Avenue's garage. Vehicle clearance is 6 feet 7 inches The parking garage is easily accessible from the Chestnut Street or Delaware Place side of the building. After your visit to the 94th floor, you will still have time to shop or wander The Magnificent Mile®.

Can you see Milwaukee from Sears Tower?

Once in a while, however, it is possible to see Milwaukee, which is about 80 miles north of Chicago, because the tops of skyscrapers there are above the horizon. I work on the 84th floor of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).

How far away can you see the Chicago skyline?

Mathematically speaking, from the top floor of Sears Tower the horizon is about 46 miles away. Barring mirages or other optical phenomena, realistically that's about as far away as you can see the skyline. For comparison, the border of Michigan and Indiana on the shore of Lake Michigan is about 40 miles from the Loop.

Who Built Sears Tower?

Bruce Graham

How many floors is the Willis Tower?

110
+3 basement floors

Where can you see the Chicago skyline?

7 photo spots for the best Chicago skyline views
  • Adler Planetarium.
  • Skydeck at Willis Tower.
  • Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
  • 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck.
  • Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.
  • Cindy's rooftop bar.
  • Clous Gate aka “The Bean”

What height was the Twin Towers?

541 m, 546 m to tip

Can you go to the top of Willis Tower for free?

Better view than the Sears Tower! Admission is free, so if you just want to go through to look at the view without paying or taking a drink - you can. My husband and I sat and had a drink and snack as we watched the sunset over Chicago from the Lounge.

What can you do in Chicago for free?

Chicago Riverwalk
  • Chicago Riverwalk. Downtown.
  • Smart Museum of Art. Hyde Park.
  • National Museum of Mexican Art.
  • Chicago Cultural Center.
  • Millennium Park.
  • Chicago Lakefront Trail.
  • Garfield Park Conservatory.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo.

How long is the elevator ride in Willis Tower?

Height to the top of the roof (1,450 ft.) While the Willis Tower is no longer the tallest building in the world, it does have the one of the world's longest elevator rides. You are whisked up 1,353 feet to the highest building observation deck in North America.

What floor is Skydeck Chicago?

The Ledge transforms how visitors experience Chicago. At 1,353 feet up, The Ledge's glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet from the skyscraper's Skydeck on the 103rd floor, providing never-before-seen views of the city. The tower is a world-renowned building, a Chicago icon.

What should I do today in Chicago?

And check out our budget-friendly guide for free and cheap things to do in Chicago all year long.
  • See the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo.
  • Go ice skating at Maggie Daley Park.
  • Visit the City of Chicago Christmas Tree.
  • See the famous Macy's holiday windows.
  • Watch a nighttime show at Art on theMART.
  • Stream a free holiday show.