360 Observation Deck Chicago Tickets: how to buy, prices and schedules

Chicago's 360 Observation Deck is located in the skyscraper 875 North Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Center. The building has 100 floors, but the observatory is located on the 94th floor, 314 meters above the ground. From there you can see the whole city, so I recommend you add this site to your list of things to see and do in Chicago.

However, this skyscraper is not the only observatory that exists in Chicago. We could say that its competition is the Willis Tower Skydeck. Despite this, many prefer the 360 Observation Deck because it has a bar-café, a larger space to be more comfortable and its "TILT" attraction, in which a transparent glass platform tilts. Undoubtedly a fascinating experience.

The value of tickets to Chicago's 360 Observation Deck is worth every penny. The general admission ticket costs an average of 40 €, with it you can go up to the 94th floor of the skyscraper 875 North Michigan Avenue and have a 360° view of the city. It also allows you to download the Magnicity App to learn much more about the Windy City.

The "TILT" ticket offers you the same as the general admission plus a ride on TILT, Chicago's tallest attraction. You also have the option of buying a ticket that also includes a drink from a selected menu. The cost can vary between 40 € and 50 €.

As I mentioned before, you can choose to buy a tourist pass as the CityPass. This has an average cost of 100 € or more. With this pass you will save up to 50% and you will be able to visit 4 other attractions, besides the 360 Observation Deck in Chicago. To know if it is worth buying this pass or not, add the price of the tickets to the attractions you want to go. If it's more than the price of the pass, don't hesitate to buy it!

If you're more traditional and prefer to buy your tickets at the 360 Observation Deck Chicago box office, I recommend you go early. Depending on the time of the year you travel you may or may not find a long line of people who have the same plan as you.

So I recommend you to arrive in time to make that line that usually takes 1 hour or more if you buy your tickets at the box office. The wait is long because each group that arrives at the observatory has 45 to 60 minutes to enjoy their stay in the heights.

On the other hand, remember that the observatory is located on the 94th floor of the skyscraper 875 North Michigan Avenue and the climb takes about 30 minutes. Since there is only one elevator, you must wait for the previous group to come down before you can go up.

You probably included a visit to the 360 Observation Deck in Chicago on your list of things to do in Chicago with kids. Well, I'll tell you that the entrance for the little ones of the house has an approximate cost of 20 € if the child is under 12 years old. If they are babies under 3 years old, their entrance is totally free.

On the other hand, with the CityPass Chicago you can also find a cheaper option for children under 12 years old. The average cost of this tourist pass for children is approximately 95 €. So the youngest can enjoy up to 5 Chicago attractions with a 50% discount.

To visit Chicago's 360 Observation Deck , you don't need a guide. Your stay at the observatory is meant for you to be dazzled by the wonderful views of the city, relax and concentrate on the moment.

On the other hand, if you are traveling with a group of 20 or more people, you can receive a discount and better plan your visit. If that is your case, you will need to send a request before you go. In it you can request the TILT experience, a drink or directions to where to eat near the tower.

Depending on the experience you choose, you can learn something different about the city. On the Chicago 360 Observation Deck website you will find special plans for artists, teens and children or adults in general. If you want to learn more about the city you can always take a sightseeing tour focused on its history, gastronomy or architecture. There are many options for all tastes and interests.

Chicago's 360 Observation Deck is located in the center of the city. Right on the Magnificent Mile, just a few meters from Lake Michigan, where you can take relaxing cruises. All of these sites are located on North Michigan Avenue, from where you can observe the city even if you haven't climbed the tower yet.

Fortunately, you have several public transportation options to choose from to get to Chicago's 360 Observation Deck. Both the subway and buses are run by the Chicago Transit Authority.

If you choose to travel by subway, the easiest and fastest option is to ride the Red line, which is the busiest of all. The closest station is "Chicago". When you get off, you will only have to walk about 10 minutes and you can easily find your way around with Google Maps.

If you want to travel by bus, line 151 has the closest station to the observatory. This is Michigan & Chestnut, just a few steps from the site. However, keep in mind that you will have to do a little but quick research to find out which one suits you best according to your location. There are other train stations and bus stops that may be more accessible to you.

Traveller Tip
Before you leave, it is recommended that you write down all the addresses you will need. If you don't like to carry a piece of paper in your hand, at least highlight the sites on Google Maps so you can easily locate them during your tour.

The biggest attraction of the 360 Observation Deck in Chicago is, of course, observing the city from the top. Believe me, the views are breathtaking. However, if you go, I recommend you experience the "TILT". This famous experience is not suitable for people who suffer from vertigo or are easily frightened.

The observatory staff will tell you where you should be positioned so that a large window tilts at about 30° into the void. Just saying that gives me chills! From this angle you will be able to see downtown, only everything will look as if it were hanging, do you dare to live it?

In addition to this well-known experience, the 360 Observation Deck in Chicago premiered in July 2022 a new 3D experience called Cloud Walk. It is a mural created by artist Nate Baranowski. This interactive artwork is composed of optical illusions that make visitors feel as if they are actually walking on clouds.

When planning your visit to the 360 Observation Deck in Chicago you should consider not only your time at the observatory, but also the lines you may encounter. As I have been telling you, this is a very popular attraction, so many people wait in long lines to experience it.

At the observatory alone you will have between 45 minutes and 1 hour to admire the 360° view. However, if you travel in a high season like summer or in December, you will probably get a long queue before going up. Some people have even spent 2 hours in that queue which becomes longer if you buy your tickets at the ticket office.

I know, nobody likes to wait, that's why I recommend you to choose an uncrowded time to save yourself the discomfort. Also, the best thing to do is to buy your ticket online, so you can go directly to the queue where you wait your turn to go up. If all goes well, you could wait only 1 hour to get on the elevator.

When you visit Chicago's 360 Observation Deck you can choose to see the city during the day, sunset or at night. Depending on what you choose, you'll see a different side of the Windy City. Of course, the time you choose will also depend on your itinerary, but they're all worth it.

The observatory opens its doors at 9 a.m., so if you'd like to start your day off on the right foot, this is the plan for you. If your plans get complicated or this site is on your list of things to see in Chicago at night, no problem, you have until 11 p.m. to visit the observatory.

However, don't forget that you need to set aside some time to wait in line and wait for the elevator. Keep in mind that the last group goes up one hour before closing, that is, at 10 pm is the last trip up to the 94th floor of the tower.

The 360 Observation Deck in Chicago is one of the best attractions you can visit in this city. In order for you to enjoy the whole experience with peace of mind, I recommend that you take some precautions. That's why I have prepared a small list of things that might help you:

• Tourist influx: this is a very popular site not only among tourists, but also among Americans who travel from different parts of the country to visit. The busiest times of the year are summer and December. It is usually in the afternoon that most people tend to visit this site. With this in mind you can avoid the crowds.

• If it is during these dates and times that you can visit this attraction, the best thing to do is to arrive at least an hour before the scheduled time. This way you can wait quietly in line until your turn arrives.

• If this is your first time in Chicago, you may find it a little difficult to use public transportation. As I explained in previous sections, you can use subway or bus. The truth is that it is not very complicated to understand, just look at the line you should take and the station or stop closest to the tower. You can confirm your route on Google Maps.

• To always take your souvenir with you, don't forget to bring your cell phone. Take pictures of everything you can, but don't forget to live the moment. Remember that if you are going to live the TILT experience, it is better to pay for professional photographs that the staff will take for you. It is forbidden to take pictures in this area, as it is not safe for you or your companions.

At Chicago's 360 Observation Deck you can look out over the vastness of the city while sipping your favorite drink. On the observatory floor you'll find Bar 94 which offers a selection of drinks and cocktails you can enjoy to complement your visit. One of the tickets includes a drink so you can have everything ready and just go up to enjoy the experience.

On the other hand, in this observatory you also have the option of having professional photos taken while you enjoy the TILT experience. This service is offered since it is not allowed to take pictures in this area to prevent damage to the glass. You can then order your photo virtually. The staff will let you know when your photos will be ready.

At this observatory you can also plan private business or romantic events. On the website you can see the different spaces they offer. It is also a sought-after location for weddings.

Do you want an incomparable birthday gift? Then you must visit the 360 Observation Deck in Chicago right on your birthday as your admission will be totally free. This promotion is valid only if you present your personal ID at the box office.

At the end of your visit to Chicago's 360 Observation Deck or even before you visit, you should enjoy a good meal. One option might be to take a food tour of Chicago. These have different modalities and dishes that you will surely love, besides being a different way to get to know the city.

In case you don't have time for that plan or simply prefer to visit a restaurant, you have several options. The first is to eat at Bar 94, located on the north side of the observatory. There you can eat typical Chicago dishes and drink professional cocktails. Another option in the same skyscraper is just upstairs. There you will find The Signature Room. This place is ideal if you want to continue appreciating the view from the heights accompanied by an exquisite dish.

If you are interested in enjoying a dessert then you can go to The Cheesecake Factory. This restaurant is located on the second floor of the skyscraper, so the time to enjoy their desserts will be before going up or at the end of your visit. In addition to sweets, you can get a varied menu for lunch or dinner or this can even be the starting point for a great gastronomic tour of the city.

Another option near 875 North Michigan Avenue is Francesca's On Chestnut, where you can eat Italian food. Likewise, Elephant & Castle restaurant offers an English style in both the ambiance of the place and its menu. If you prefer something simpler, a few blocks away you will also find fast food places like McDonald's or the classic Taco Bells.