Chicago is home to two world-class observation decks—360 Chicago and Skydeck Chicago.
They both offer stunning views of the city’s skyline, making it difficult for a visitor to choose.
If you’re torn between these two iconic observatories, don’t worry!
In this article, we compare 360 Chicago and Skydeck Chicago, helping you decide where to catch the best views of the Windy City.
Top Tickets
# 360 Chicago
# Skydeck Chicago
# Skydeck + 360 Chicago combo ticketIt’s highly recommended to book your 360 Chicago and Skydeck observatory tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Key takeaways
Skydeck Chicago is higher, located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower (412 meters/1,353 feet), while 360 Chicago is on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building (305 meters/1,000 feet)
360 Chicago features the Tilt experience, where you tilt outward over the city, while Skydeck Chicago has The Ledge, glass boxes that extend 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) out from the building
Skydeck Chicago generally has longer wait times because it attracts more visitors. If you prefer shorter lines, 360 Chicago may be the better option
Skydeck Chicago tickets are $33 for adults, while 360 Chicago charges $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends. 360 Chicago’s Tilt experience is an additional cost, while Skydeck’s Ledge is included in the standard ticket
Choose Skydeck for height and the glass-box Ledge experience or 360 Chicago for shorter lines and panoramic views. For those who can’t decide, the Chicago CityPass offers access to both
What’s ahead
Skydeck Chicago’s Willis Tower, once the tallest building in the world for 25 years, is actually taller than you might think! While most people know it as 1,450 feet (442 meters) tall, it secretly stretches to an impressive 1,730 feet (527 meters) when you count its highest antenna—making it even more towering than its official height suggests.
Visit 360 Chicago and Skydeck Chicago
If you have the time and budget, we suggest you visit both the observatories. These historic buildings—360 Chicago opened in 1969, and Skydeck Chicago followed in 1974—offer stunning but very different views of the city’s skyline.
You can buy individual tickets for 360 Chicago and Skydeck Chicago or save a bit with a combo ticket that gives you access to both at a 5% discount. If you are holidaying in Chicago for a longer period, buy the Chicago CityPass, which’ll get you into both observatories plus three more top Chicago attractions.
Now, let’s compare Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago and 360 Chicago on six parameters.
Location of observatories
Despite the reasonably different views from their observation decks, the two buildings are not very far from each other.
Location matters because, depending on the tourist attractions you’re visiting or the hotel you’re staying at, one observatory might be more convenient to reach than the other.
360 Chicago is on Michigan Avenue, while Skydeck Chicago is on Wacker Avenue (with its entrance on Jackson Boulevard).
However, if you’re not staying in the city center, the location doesn’t make much difference.
360 Chicago is only 3.2 Km (2 Miles) from Skydeck Observatory.
“TILT”—The first of its kind
360 Chicago’s TILT is the only attraction of its kind in the world. The building’s iconic X-braces aren’t just for show—they play a major role in supporting the structure, allowing for more interior space and fewer columns.
Height of both observatories

Skydeck Chicago is higher than 360 Chicago.
While Skydeck sits on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower at 412 meters (1,353 feet), 360 Chicago is on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building at 305 meters (1,000 feet).
Even though Skydeck is taller, the views from 360 Chicago aren’t anything less—they are just as impressive and definitely worth checking out!
Cost of tickets
Both observatories offer more than just the views. They also offer some interesting exhibits and unique adventures that are included in your visit.
Remember: At 360 Chicago, you must pay extra to experience the TILT, while at Skydeck Chicago, their Ledge experience is part of the entry ticket.
Skydeck Chicago Tickets
On Weekdays – (Monday to Thursday)
Adult (12+ years): $33
Child (3 to 11 years): $24
Infants (up to 3 years): Free
On Weekends – (Friday to Sunday)
Adult (12+years): $43
Child (3 to 11 years): $31
Infants (up to 3 years): Free
360 Chicago Tickets
On Weekdays – (Monday to Thursday)
Adult (12+ years): $30
Child (3 to 11 years): $20
Infants (up to 3 years): Free
On Weekends – (Friday to Sunday)
Adult (12+years): $35
Child (3 to 11 years): $23
Infants (up to 3 years): Free
NOTE: 360 Chicago ticket prices not only vary by day but also by the time you visit.
Waiting times

During peak times, the average waiting time at Skydeck Chicago is about twice as long as at 360 Chicago.
This is mainly because Skydeck attracts nearly double the number of visitors.
So, if you’re traveling with impatient kids or elderly adults, 360 Chicago might be the better choice.
Whichever observatory you choose, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance to skip the long lines and save time.
Fun Facts
The John Hancock Center was home to the first live TV broadcast from a helicopter in 1967. Plus, the building contains enough aluminum to cover 12 football fields—talk about massive!
Opening hours
Sometimes, the opening times of the observatories may help you decide on which one to visit.
360 Chicago is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, with the last entry an hour before closing.
Skydeck Chicago’s hours vary by season. From March to September, it’s open from 9 am to 10 pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 8.30 am to 10 pm on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
From October to February, it’s open from 9 am to 8 pm during the week (Monday to Friday) and from 9 am to 10 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Keep in mind the last entry at Skydeck is 30 minutes before closing. So, plan ahead based on what fits your schedule best!
Visiting New York? Find out the best observation deck in New York
TILT vs. Ledge
What differentiates Chicago’s two observatories are their unique features—360 Chicago’s Tilt and Skydeck Chicago’s Ledge.
Both these features offer unique perspectives of Chicago, but the choice depends on whether you want to tilt over the edge or stand on a glass platform high above the city.
360 Chicago’s Tilt
Tilt offers an exciting experience where you tilt outward from the 94th floor, giving you a downward-facing view of the city, including Lake Michigan and The Magnificent Mile.
On a clear day, you can even see as far as four states—Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
However, access to Tilt is not included in the standard ticket. You can either purchase tickets that include Tilt in advance or upgrade on-site if you decide to try it.
The speedy elevators of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
Skydeck Chicago boasts some of the fastest elevators in North America, rocketing visitors 1,300 feet up to the 103rd floor in just 60 seconds! Blink, and you’re there.
Skydeck Chicago’s Ledge
The Skydeck’s Ledge consists of glass boxes extending 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) from the skyscraper’s Skydeck on the 103rd floor.
The Ledge is different because instead of looking through glass windows (as in other observatories), you step out and look straight down through the glass floor beneath your feet.
There are four such boxes, and the best part is that this experience is included with your regular Skydeck tickets, so no extra charge to experience the thrill!
Our recommendation
Both Skydeck Chicago and 360 Chicago have their advantages and disadvantages, so the best option really depends on what you’re looking for.
If the height of the observatory is crucial for you, opt for Skydeck Chicago, which is 107 meters (351 feet) taller than its counterpart.
But if you prefer shorter lines and lots of panoramic glass windows, then you’ll be happier visiting 360 Chicago.
Still can’t decide? Why not get the Chicago CityPass and enjoy the views from both observation decks?
Whichever observatory you choose, here are a few tips:
- Buy your tickets online in advance. It helps you save money and also avoid long queues at the venue
- Check the weather and ensure the day is clear before booking your tickets