Best view in Chicago...but for a price (literally). Very expensive. If you plan to go on The Ledge, I would probably recommend the expedited version, especially if you want to go for more than 90 seconds, which is the amount of time you get going one time on this thing. It's not really that long, maybe 20-30 minutes, but I would recommend getting it. Overall, good, but expensive, and if you go, you HAVE TO do the Ledge. read more

We were visiting Chicago for my friends bday. This is a must when coming here. FYI: this isn't the location where you do the box and lean over the city Reasonably priced, no line, and great for photo ops! My only opportunity is, you have to take so many elevators to get up to the top. We had a great time! read more

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Date of visit: July 24, 2023 Despite living 90 minutes from Chicago my entire life, I've never visited the Sears/Willis Tower and finally took an opportunity to correct that oversight! The price is the main reason for the loss of a star; $40 to visit the top of the building is a pretty--wait for it--tall order. You can likely save a few dollars if you get a City Pass and combine this visit with seeing some other Chicago landmarks at the same time, but that wasn't in the cars for us, unfortunately. Thankfully you can buy tickets online for timed entry to at least save yourself some time when you go to visit. We were able to take our online tickets and essentially walk right in, no need to pay for the whole VIP experience which seems overpriced and unnecessary. There is a fair amount of Chicago history to see and experience on your way to the main event, which I did appreciate. Staff is friendly and pleasant, which helps make the $39 admission fee a bit easier to swallow. There are some photo opportunities, but they are not pushy and you can still take your own pictures wherever you would like. Also a demerit is that they print out all of the pictures and then try to guilt you into buying them--what a waste! All that being said, it is a cool experience that everyone should do at least once. read more

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

Skydeck - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had lots of fun in this experience. I got the general admission ticket (around $41) and went through an exhibition/explanation about Chicago. The amount of detail and information was fantastic. After the exhibition you walk up to the elevator that takes you up to the 103rd floor in a minute (super fast). Once upstairs there's 360 views for days. Such gorgeous views that can only be appreciated if you're present. The you walk up to the ledge, which are several super thick glass areas which allow you to look through is all directions. Looking down makes your brain trip. Such a wonderful experience. The staff was super helpful and nice throughout the whole experience. read more

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This was fun! Tourist-y but you get what you make out of it. Before you get to the elevators to go up you walk through different exhibits that tell you information about different Chicago staples, landmarks etc. it was fun and can be great for some fun photo opportunities. We really didn't have long wait times or long lines. When you purchase tickets online you can see by color coding which ticket times are the busiest for that day. We rode 2 elevators up and got to the top. We walked along the normal windows to look at views and take some pictures. Then we did the sky deck boxes. Sky deck boxes: Your group gets 90 seconds in the "box" they will take a picture with their camera but will also take pictures for you with yours if you ask them. Sometimes you may have to share the box with another group pending wait time/ and group size. We did not have long waits (we got back in line after the first time). We got the box to ourself one time and then had to share with a super awkward couple that literally hogged most of the box. We had a blast! We went at 5:30 pm. It would be cool to go back and do it at night too. We did not purchase any pictures from sky deck. read more

Skydeck - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We walked out of the Color Factory and figured since we were there we would go over and get tickets for the Skydeck. Tickets were a bit pricey, about $75 for the both of us. We did really like the whole history of Chicago part before you even get to the elevator to go to the Skydeck. Lots of information and great displays there and it takes about 10-15 to get through if you're interested. We went on a Tuesday around 4PM so it wasn't too bad as far as the amount of people. The elevator ride was very quick and the employee gives you some quick info about the tower and how tall it is. The Skydeck really gives you great views of Chicago and the ledge gives you the feeling like you are floating 100+ floors above the city. Not a big line to get on the glass ledge and you get a few minutes to get your photos and photos taken by an employee. It just feels different up there. It might be worth it if you're looking for something to do and get a great view of the city but again, it's a little pricey so keep that in mind for big families. read more

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Came to Skydeck to look at the views of Chicago and honestly, I have to say Chicago is a city. It looks like a bigger city than Los Angeles does when you come up and see the view. We went during the daytime to check it out but I'm sure at night would also be amazing with all the city lights shining bright. I think it this a must to just take it all in and look at all the buildings. I love how pretty the buildings and the landscape look up here. A girl can dream and maybe one day I could live in Chicago! read more

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Cloudy for zero visibility. The did offer a voucher for a future visit, but we were visiting from out of town. A refund would have been better. So since we paid for it, we went ahead and confirmed that there was zero visibility in the 103rd floor. Had to walk through a maze like a rat to get to the elevator. Skydeck staff was chopped. Bro all up in us, Staff had us posing for a photo we never wanted. 2 steps to the left, 2 steps to the right. We needed up in the original place were we started. Then bro botched the photo and we did it all over again. The sold us a photo-shopped picture with the city skyline. In reality. We saw nothing but clouds and staff member that stalked us. I'm sure it's amazing in clear weather. Photo is our actual view from Skydeck. read more

Skydeck - Actual view from skydeck - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We got a city pass, and this was one of the main attraction included. I was pretty excited to check out this place. It is also known for "The Ledge" clear glass box. It is also one of the tallest tower. We went at night around 7pm, not too busy. There were no line getting in. The elevator going up was pretty informative. Night view of Chicago was really pretty. You can also take pictures on the ledge if you're not afraid of heights because you can see all the way down with the clear glass. I was a little scared thinking about it. But got my photos and all good. It wasn't busy so they gave us 3 minutes of photo shoot in the ledge box. I heard when it's busy, you only get 1 minute, and you don't even get the whole box to yourself, you have to share half of it. It was a pretty cool experience. A must in Chicago! read more

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Hosted an event their for my company. The views are gorgeous! All the vendors do need to be outside vendors (catering, AV), but the staff onsite and security team were so friendly. The only challenge was the directions to get people up to the 99th floor, there's another elevator bank you need to get off and take halfway up and it's really confusing. read more

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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. read more

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What a cool view of the city! This attraction was more than just looing out of a window. We purchased tickets online to save a few dollars. Once you get your tickets it's like you go through a maze of attractions that tell you about the city & there are several spots to take photos. I wish we would have had more time, to take it all in so go when you have time to take it all in. We arrived for the 10;30 am slot on a Thursday & it was still packed. When you finally reach the spot you stand in line and are pointed to a spot where the employee takes a pic & you are given time to take some pics. The views were awesome & we got some nice pics. Admission is kind of of pricey but it's just one of those tourist things you do. read more

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 read more

Skydeck - Don't expect to get a photo like this even if you come early and it's quiet the staff would be rude and tell you it's only promotion - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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A spectacular and wonderful experience. An opportunity to view the city of Chicago from the 103rd floor.

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. read more

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Went here as part of the City Pass. We actually also went to Chicago 360, too. We enjoyed Skydeck more, primarily because it's more interactive and there's more that's included in the ticket price. Features we enjoyed: -more photo opportunities along the way to the top, that feature Chicago -included in your ticket price is the opportunity to go into the ledges/glass boxes that jut out from the building. We did go on a cloudy day due to time constraints, but that's fine. They do take your picture there, as well as in the beginning when you first walk in. These pictures would be available for your purchase. They do not have a bar to purchase drinks at, like at the Chicago 360, if that's what you're into. The elevators are cooler here because they have a video running in the background that tells you how high you've traveled, in comparison different buildings in the world. It felt like we traveled faster in here than in the Chicago 360 elevator. This elevator also felt a little sturdier lol. Service was friendly throughout. I also think that this location is cooler because there's the Color Factory you can check out after you're done with Skydeck. I'd definitely recommend Skydeck over Chicago 360! read more

General admission is $35. They have an exhibit about Chicago from the history and culture to the architecture and food. It was fun and interactive. Beware, they have one main elevator for everyone to go up and down to the sky deck. I think we waited about 40-45 minutes until we could go up to the skydeck. There are 5 glass ledges that you can line up for. Keep in mind that you and your group have a limited time to take pictures. We only had 60 seconds for the 2 of us. Prepare your poses and angles! read more

Skydeck - The view from the 103rd floor - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is one of those things that people will say it's a must see & I guess that depends on u. We got tickets ahead of time because they of course the best time slots sell out, lots to see on your way up anything & everything that is related to this city is on display nice & informative. We made our way up & once u are here u can stroll around & check out the views unfortunately it was a cloudy & rainy day & the views were a bit disappointing. After this you make your way to the deck which is pretty cool to check out, they take quite a nice picture of u which u can purchase at the end & then you have a few minutes to take pics on your own so that was cool. overall nice to do from looking at the pics they display definitely better on a clear day or at night. read more

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We went here as part of a field trip from Detroit with 14 middle schoolers. They all really enjoyed it! The staff were very patient and us lots of time on the Ledge. They assured the kids it would hold everyone's weight :) The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the field trip price isn't much of a discount. Other area attractions made it much more affordable. read more

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This place was one our first stops in Chicago. We had purchased a GoCity pass (which I had some trouble activating, but I digress since that's entire GoCity's and groupon's fault). Anyway, once I got them properly activated I was able to easily make a reservation with Skydeck. I opted for a 9 am (the earliest available) on a Thursday to avoid crowds. The gentleman outside the building was super helpful in pointing us the right direction (the lower floor). There were no other people in sight. We easily checked in, and walked through their mini museum of Chicago. Again, no other people so we could take our time with the exhibits and photo opportunities. Once we reached the elevator and entered the 103rd floor, we finally saw some other people. I'd say the very large room only had about 20 people walking around looking at the views outside the windows. There was on wait to enter the ledge, and they allowed 2 minutes for our party. They take a photo from above that you can buy later, and then you are welcome to use your own cameras. We used up our 2 minutes, and probably could've stayed a minute or so longer as there was no one waiting for the ledges. But really you can get a lot of photos in 2 minutes. Once we left our plan was to use the Big Red Bus (there's a stop right across the street), which the staff was helpful in pointing us to. I would really recommend this experience. The mini Chicago Museum was great, my kid had a blast in it and everything was just handled so well. Our total time at the whole place was about an hour, at the time there were no crowds or lines. The bathrooms at the main entrance where you check in were super clean and had lots of stalls. read more

Skydeck - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. This wasn't necessarily near the top of my list of things to do while in Chicago, but things worked out that we had some extra time and were already nearby so decided, "why not?" I am so glad we experienced this! It was quite memorable and we were treated to some of the most incredible 360-degree views of Chicago! After walking in and making our way downstairs, we were quoted several pricing options. We opted to get the "Expedited Enry" for $57 per person. If I remember correctly, it would have been $34 for the cheapest option, but we would have had to wait around for about 75 minutes. We decided to treat ourselves so we could go up in the next 5 minutes. We truck on over to the elevator and they pack you in there like sardines, but at least you have an interesting video to watch as you rocket up to the 103rd floor in no time. Once you are up there, you are treated to some epic views of this magnificent city! It was great checking out Solider Field, the John Hancock Building, and many other significant sites and landmarks! Then there is The Ledge. lol The Ledge is a glass floor balcony that juts out of the side of the Willis Tower at 1,353 feet above the ground! The pictures don't do it justice. You have to see it for yourself! There was a pretty healthy line on the day we visited. However, with the expedited entry, we were already third in line on the expedited line! Totally worth it to me if you can swing it. Just be aware you only get 60 seconds to strike your poses and take your pictures. The employees will time you with their iPhones. On one hand I absolutely understand why this is necessary, because some people would just squat there way too long. On the other hand, I felt like it flew wayyyy too fast....so much so that I found out if you are willing to get back in line, you can get another 60 seconds. So that is what I did and I finally got a pic that I was satisfied with. They have their obligatory souvenir area with a fine selection of overpriced goodies. ;) We picked up a couple of things. :) As you make your way to the elevator, they will take a picture of you to sell to you later. Most of you know how this works at many places, like amusement parks etc. They will also take a picture of you while you are actually standing in The Ledge. When I got downstairs, I actually really liked the pictures, so I had to get them! The entire package of 6 pics cost me $42. I'm going to have the largest one framed by the end of the week. :) This was a fun and memorable experience and you owe it to yourself to check it out! 4 solid stars. read more

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103 Floor high or 1,353 feet in the air you get a sky view of Downtown Chicago. Located in the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower. I went up at night and the City lights at night from up there are spectacular. You can get a great view in any direction. I didn't do the Ledge, because I didn't feel like an hour wait just to stand on a glass floor. The only thing I didn't really like was the maze of Chicago information to get to the elevator to go up. Overall a 5 star review. Would I return? Absolutely, I recommend anyone visiting Chicago to go here. What's better 360 or Skydeck? It's a draw, you can go wrong! read more

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Beautiful observation deck. So glad we decided to do this. We learned so much about the city on the walk in. Tons of historical facts and pictures. Great views of the city from all angels. Thankfully I am not afraid of heights because you are definitely in the clouds. read more

Skydeck - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It is one of the very touristy things to do just to say that you've done it. We went in the morning and were able to get through it pretty quick as there weren't that many people there yet. The elevator ride was cool as it lists how tall the building is compared to the others in the world. The view from the top was pretty good as it was a clear day. For the Ledge part, you have 90 seconds to take your photo before being ushered out, so plan accordingly on how you want to take your photos. You can also purchase the pre-set photos that they take for you in the beginning and also at the ledge. read more

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SkyDeck Chicago was an unforgettable experience, and I can't recommend the expedited tickets enough--they are so worth it! You can check in 15 minutes early, and with expedited access, we bypassed the long lines and were on the elevator in no time. This also meant we had quick access to the SkyDeck for photos and were in and out in just 30 minutes. The staff was incredibly friendly, and we were lucky enough to witness a proposal right in front of us--such a special moment! That said, be prepared for the strict 90-second rule for photos. You'll have that time to take pictures of your group at the corner of the glass. You won't have the entire window to yourself unless the other group steps aside, so know your poses ahead of time and snap away quickly. The views are absolutely stunning, and it's amazing to see the city from that height. There's a small gift shop at the end, which was nice to browse through. When we exited, the line for regular tickets was massive--I wouldn't wait in a line like that for this experience. The expedited tickets are the way to go! I've seen complaints about pricing, but honestly, time is money, and the experience was worth every penny. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Chicago! read more

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. read more

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I had already been to 360 and wanted to give Skydeck a try. It is located in side of the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower. TO be totally honest, I like this tower better. Some things to make your trip better are to first, plan ahead and schedule parking via one of the parking apps. You will save a lot of money versus just finding a lot. I found one that was about a block away for $13 for 5 hours. That is a deal for downtown. Second, I recommend going earlier in the morning. It is less people to deal with and easy to get up to the top. We had a 10:30AM appointment and only had to wait about 10 minutes to get on the elevator. You you are scared of COVID and crowds, you may want to skip this attraction. They cram you in the elevators to get up to the top. Also, your ears will more than likely start popping because of the rapid accent to the top, so chew some gum, yawn or whatever you need to do to relieve the pressure. It is a long walk from the entrance to the elevator. They start by taking a souvenir picture of your group that you can purchase when you are leaving. Then you begin your walk to the elevator. The walkway is a museum in itself. There are many photo ops, Chicago landmarks, food, architecture and famous people exhibits. My littles liked the deep dish pizza display, Michael Jordan backdrop, the replica of the top of the Willis Tower, the large Chicago hot dog, the backdrops of the Obamas, the bean, and the Navy Pier. There is a lot to see and take pictures of during the walk. When you get to the top, hopefully it is a clear day. They have a gift shop, a sequin wall and of course 4 ledge stations that you step out onto. They do a good job with placards giving you a reference of what you are seeing and you will find a spot marked where they filmed Farris Bueller's Day Off. The staff was pretty nice and helpful, both up top and at the bottom. You more than likely will have to wait in line for the Ledge. Unlike Tilt at the other spot though, it is included in admission. We waited about 15 minutes for our turn. A group of two gets 60 seconds on the ledge and and group of 3 or more get 120 seconds. Before they start your time, they take another souvenir photo of you and your party. You can stay up top as long as you want pretty much. They do not put you on a timer up there. I would say about 30 minutes to an hour tops, is fine and that is depending on how long you have to wait in line for the Ledge. We were up there about 30 minutes. Once you get back down, they immediately peddle the souvenir photos that you took, and yes, I had to buy them. Once you are through that you exit through the gift shop and you are done. If I had to choose between this and 360, I would probably go with this one. As I mentioned, the keys to a good trip are a clear day, plan parking, and schedule for earlier in the day. This is definitely a must see when you are in Chi town. Be sure to check out Groupon and/or City pass before you purchase your tickets. It may save you a few bucks. read more

I was hesitant on visiting here as my experience at Hancock Tower was phenomenal. As you walk into the front entrance to Willis Tower there is a nice food court and seating area. They have a Stan's Donuts as one of the featured vendors. I also recalled seeing an Asian bistro or sushi restaurant. It was closed when I visited but looked like a nice vendor for a food court. It's sort of a maze to find your way to to the ticket booth for Skydeck. It's not as easy to find as the one at Hancock Tower. The admission fee for Skydeck at Willis Tower is $45. For active duty military and veterans, admission is FREE. This is such a wonderful thing they offer! Kudos to management for offering this. Speaking of mazes, it's quite the walk to actually arrive at the elevator that takes you all the way to the observation area. However, there are plenty of things (displays) to look at as you walk to the elevator area. I met a group of nice young guys from The South. It was nice talking to them and finding out where they're from, what brought them to Chicago. This is another great experience at a venue like this. One never knows who they will meet and perhaps make a new friend. Once you're at the Skydeck, the views are stunning. Better at Hancock Tower but I really enjoyed these views as well. There are a lot of window areas to take photos and rest your feet with some seating. There are several ledges to step out into and just marvel at the view. They have staff that properly regulate the number of patrons in each one along with length of time. They're not rude about it either. I feel that they understand how people want to have an opportunity to take photos and enjoy the experience. The wait for the elevator isn't as long to go down as it was to go up. After you exit the elevator on the ground floor it's a decent walk to the lobby area where there is a gift shop, of course. The gift shop is impressive. There are a lot of items to browse and help stuff your suitcase further with gifts to take back home. Overall, I had a pleasant experience here and would return if I'm ever back in Chicago. I sat in the main lobby on comfortable couches resting my feet after all the walking I did on this day. It was nice to people watch as well. I recommend checking out Skydeck if you're ever in Chicago. If you're a local, what are you waiting for? read more

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I definitely enjoyed this experience! Views were great at night. As others have said there's a "walk through" if you don't have expedited tickets. I didn't mind it as it wasn't crowded and I zoomed through it. There are some photo ops on the walk through but I bypassed it. They aren't necessary or overly special. Then you take the elevator to the tippy top! Floor 104! It's way up and your ears will pop. You see the city skyline right when you get to the top. Then you wait on the line to take pictures in the glass box things. As of now there's 4, but a 5th one is coming! There is a time limit for the boxes, which depends on the size of your party. I was alone and I believe I had a minute and a half. There are staff monitoring everything which ensures everyone is there for their allotted time. They also help you with pictures on your devices. I do not recommend this if you are scared of heights...all others, enjoy!! I would say the best times to go would be at night and during the sunset. You are able to pick your time when you purchase tickets. read more

Skydeck - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As overrated as they come. Yeah, you'll get some nice flicks. I mean, you betta be gettin' that for the price that you pay. But, the experience as a whole is pretty tragic. I purchased a Chicago CityPass and a visit to the Skydeck was included. I had read some reviews beforehand and tried to prepare ahead of time since I had read that there would be a wait. Made reservations online about a week in advance. I actually arrived a lot earlier than my start time. One of the ladies near the entrance told me that I could join the earlier session. Waited for a bit in the lobby before getting in line. I've been to several observation decks before in the past. Not all of them have been the best, but this one felt like I had to jump through hoops just to finally make it up there. After one of the associates scans your ticket, you have to walk through this maze of a museum. The problem is, they don't tell you that it's literally a damn maze. A few of us got lost trying to find the elevator entrance. I actually ended up walking all the way back up to the front to see if I was going the right way. They make the people who pay regular price (or who have a CityPass) go through the museum, while the people who pay extra get to skip it and go right to the top. I mean... if I'm paying to see views from a Skydeck, what makes you think that I want to sit and walk through a museum? Maybe AFTERWARD, but not before I even get there. I finally made it passed the museum. And then... there's the line. I think I waited almost an hour passed my appointment time before I actually made it up there. Shoutout to the lady who was letting people with their appointment times go first. I know some people were pissed, but there's a reason why you make appointments. Finally made it to the top of the elevator and then what do ya know... another damn line! This time, it's for the "ledge". This is that popular spot where you see everyone taking their photos. Once you make it there, they have someone standing there who will take your photos using your phone. After all of that waiting, you only get one minute to stand there and take photos. ONE minute, as in 60 seconds. They literally start a timer as soon as you stand in there. If you come with a party of 3 or more, you'll get 2 minutes. After that, you're done. I mean, you can walk around and look at the views from the window, but the best view and pictures that you're gonna get is from the ledge. Plus, everyone else flocks to the window, so you'll be lucky to even get a spot. There's also nowhere to sit unless you want to have a drink at the bar that's up there. All of that waiting for one minute. I'm so glad that I didn't pay regular price for this ticket because I would have been royally pissed. Don't pay for their overpriced pictures either. I mean, does anyone even buy those anymore?! iPhone picture quality is just as good and its FREE. I knew it was gonna be a tourist trap, but I didn't think it would be this bad. Glad I was able to get a few photos out of it, but definitely wouldn't return. It's a one and done for me. read more

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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. read more

Great tourist attraction. Recommend going on a clear day to see the city from above. Probably avoid weekends as it can get a little crowded. I've done this a few times and I enjoy it. read more

Skydeck - Observatories Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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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. read more

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Skydeck on top of Willis Tower, is one of my favorite places in Chicago! It's the tallest observation deck in the U.S. The view is incredible from the top! When you get to the elevator, it takes you to the top in less than a minute. It's among the fastest elevators in the world! Before you go to The Ledge, you'll be instructed by an employee to make sure you don't spend more than 90 seconds on the glass floor. The employee also takes a professional photo of you, which you can purchase before exiting the downstairs gift shop. If you don't like the photo, and you really want to buy it, they offer you to re-take it! One of the two packages of my photos were good enough for me and I only purchased the one, even though the best deal would have been if I bought both packages! Anyway, my friends also took plenty of pictures with my phone and they came out great! The Ledge/Skydeck is definitely worth the money! It's a nice adrenaline boost! read more

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Let me start by saying, this is definitely a tourist attraction. The price is higher than I would typically spend on something but I decided to go anyways. A Chicago native may have a better recommendation for similar views at a cheaper price. Tickets were $31 and you got to view their interactive "museum" of how the sky deck became a thing. Then you take the elevator up 103 floors to see the top. Look around and then hop in line for your photo on the ledge. You get 2 min to take your photos as well. Then you go down and they try to sell you the professional photos and then you're in a gift shop. A touristy experience but if that's your thing you'll love it read more

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