Tips for visiting 360 CHICAGO

Experience Chicago from a brand new angle on the Tilt platform, with views that stretch across Lake Michigan and beyond.

By Lindsay Eagan
Published: July 18, 2024
Chicago 360 view

Planning a trip to Chicago? Then you've got to check out 360 CHICAGO during your visit. Just steps from the Magnificent Mile is this 94th-floor observatory, where you can view the city from a staggering 1,000ft above the ground. 

Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, the 360 offers unparalleled views of Lake Michigan, the Windy City and its suburbs. Thrillseekers will want to experience TILT, too. Step onto the ledge, hold onto the bars, and watch as the ledge tilts outwards from the side of the building. Dare you look down?

Check out our helpful guide for visiting the 360 CHICAGO, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, places to eat nearby, and much more.

Tips for visiting the John Hancock Tower

View from 360 Chicago, West side
  • Give yourself plenty of time to explore the cultural exhibits on the way to the elevators. There are a handful of connected rooms with videos and displays about Chicago and its neighborhoods that are well worth watching.
     
  • Go on a sunny and clear day for the best views. However, the view isn't too bad at sundown either - the city turns into a glittering jewel at night, and the flow of the cars along the expressways adds to the beauty.
     
  • Views from the building offer more detail than that of Willis Tower, making it an optimal location for taking pictures of iconic buildings and landmarks of Chicago. Navy Pier is best viewed from the east side while the Willis and Trump towers are seen from the west and south windows.
     
  • The Architect's Corner Cafe serves liquor and beer and has plenty of spots to sit down and enjoy the drink. Or, you can wander around the observatory with your drink in hand.
     
  • Make sure to pick up a brochure about the exhibit for information about 360 CHICAGO and all of the available activities.
     
  • Use your Go City Chicago pass to save on admission to 360 CHICAGO and more

Best times to visit 360 CHICAGO

View at night from 360 Chicago

360 CHICAGO is most popular during the daytime year-round. The crowds aren't as large during the weekday afternoons, and it's easier to navigate around the attraction with fewer people. You're also less likely to wait long for an elevator. Late spring, summer and early fall are the busiest times of year for visitors.

The time of day to visit largely depends on what you want to see. If you want a chance to see the opposite shoreline, go during the day. If you want to see the city's famous orange glow, go up at night. If you're in town during the 4th of July, make it a point to go to 360 CHICAGO at night on either the 3rd or 4th to experience fireworks near and far. You'll never see fireworks in the same way again.

What should you do there?

Exterior view from 360 CHICAGO

The 360 CHICAGO building stands 1,127ft tall and has a total of 100 storeys. The observation deck is located on the 94th floor and offers excellent views of the lakefront, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, the city of Chicago, and its surrounding suburbs. The western view is clear all the way to O'Hare airport and beyond. The observatory has windows that span from the ceiling to the floor for visitors to get the best possible views in all directions. It's even possible to see the Indiana and Michigan shorelines across Lake Michigan on a clear day.

Hang out with a snack and a drink while enjoying one of the views, or sit down on the bleacher-style seating to watch the sun set on the west side. Try to name all of the tall buildings in your immediate view. Walk around the floor and take pictures from each cardinal direction to preserve your memories of your trip high above Chicago.

 

Tilt!

Tilt at 360 Chicago

See Chicago from a whole new angle with the TILT! attraction. When TILT! is in its place, it looks like the rest of the glass walls in 360 CHICAGO - but looks can be deceiving. Once the ride starts going, you'll notice the floor, walls, and ceiling move outwards, putting people on a 30-degree angle for a view of the Mag Mile unlike any other.

Be sure to hold onto the handles as the ride leans outwards away from the building! Riding TILT! requires an additional ticket that can be purchased at the 360 CHICAGO box office. It holds up to eight people at one time, so the whole family can experience the ride together.

Some 360 CHICAGO history
 

  • The concept for the building was originally created in 1964 and was financed by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. The architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, the same firm that designed the Willis Tower, was commissioned to design the John Hancock Center.
     
  • Construction began in 1967 but was interrupted by issues with soil settlement when the building reached 20 stories high.
     
  • Floors 44 to 92 are residential units.
     
  • In 1981, Dan Goodwin made an unauthorized climb of the exterior of the John Hancock in an attempt to draw attention to the fact that there were no escape routes from the building in the event of a fire.
     
  • The X-braced exterior made it possible for engineers to build to a record height. Its tubular structure system gives it the flexibility it needs to resist high winds without risk of collapsing.
     
  • The elevators for 360 CHICAGO are considered to be the fastest in the Western Hemisphere. They move upwards at 1,800 ft/min, or 20.5 mph. It takes less than two minutes to go from the concourse-level entryway to the observation deck.
     
  • Tilt! was added to 360 CHICAGO in 2014.

Nearby Attractions

The location of the John Hancock right on Michigan Avenue means it's within easy walking distance of the high-end stores that line it. There are also interesting attractions nearby while getting to others requires a short trip by bus or trolley.

Museum of Contemporary Art

This museum is one of the world's largest institutions dedicated to the work of living artists. It is a premiere venue for cutting-edge art and performance in Chicago, featuring rotating exhibitions of both ascendant artists and contemporary icons. Best of all? It's right down the street from 360 CHICAGO, so definitely check it out after your trip to the top of the city. 

Getting in: Museum of Contemporary Art tickets are included on all Chicago passes.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier

After seeing Navy Pier from above, visit for yourself at ground level. What’s here? Chicago’s Navy Pier, built in 1916, features timeless parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, and more. You can easily spend a full day here in this mini-city, and there truly is something to suit everyone’s tastes. Ride the Ferris wheel, explore the beer garden, or visit the Children's Museum. 

Getting in: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel & Rides tickets and Chicago Children's Museum tickets are included with Go Chicago Card.

Water Tower & Pumping Station

The Water Tower & Pumping Station are one block south of the John Hancock Center. Both buildings survived the Chicago fire of 1871, and stand as a testament to Chicago's inspiring will to rebuild after such a disaster.

Getting In: Admission is free of charge.

Places to Eat Nearby

There are plenty of dining opportunities both at the Hancock Center and in the immediate area that are sure to satisfy your appetite.

  • The Architect's Corner Cafe' and Bar, located at 360 CHICAGO, features coffee, gelato, artisanal snacks, and a full bar with daily cocktail specials.
     
  • The Cheesecake Factory occupies the first floor and concourse level for easy access. It's known for its huge portions, great menu, and of course, delicious cheesecake.
     
  • The Signature Room and Lounge at the 95th is famous for its cocktails, and quality menu options. Sit down for some cocktails and light fare with awesome views before a night on the town, or settle in for an unforgettable meal.
     
  • L'Appetito on the concourse level is an Italian bistro/gourmet grocery store. It serves hot and cold foods along with Italian and American beverages. Sit down and enjoy the meal or take it with you as you wander around Michigan Avenue.
     
  • Get a refreshing drink at Argo Tea on Chestnut and Rush, a short walk west from the John Hancock Center.
     
  • Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse on Rush and Bellevue is an iconic Chicago steakhouse that serves up the best possible cuts of meat.

Need to know

Hours

  • Daily, 9:00 am-11:00 pm. Last admission is at 10 pm.
  • Open 365 days a year. Please check the website for special events.

Directions & Address

875 N. Michigan Avenue 94th floor, John Hancock Center Chicago, IL 60611

Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? 

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Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Chicago Souvenirs

Taking a trip to Chicago soon? It’s likely you’ll want to take something back home with you that reminds you of your trip. It’s equally likely you’ll want to buy a small item for friends and family you left behind. If you want to find souvenirs made in Chicago rather than tacky plastic items that have no real link with the city, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got some fantastic ideas for the best Chicago souvenirs below! Edible Chicago souvenirs The main problem with edible gifts from the windy city is having the willpower to avoid consuming them all before you’ve even left downtown. Don’t be put off by the long lines which often stretch down the street from the Garrett Popcorn shops on West Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Dishing up their ‘Chicago Mix’, half cheese and half caramel, to the people of the city since 1949, they’re clearly doing something right. 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Stuart Bak

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