• Must-sees

1-2 hours

Skydeck Chicago

Explore Skydeck Chicago with Go City and enjoy access to both the 103rd-floor observation deck and The Ledge, Skydeck’s famous glass box that extends 4.3 feet from the skyscraper.

$54.00
/person normally
Skydeck
Skydeck
Skydeck
Family-friendly
Indoors

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What you'll do

Visit Skydeck Chicago with Go City®

  • Access the observation deck and The Ledge for a 360-view of the city.
  • Enjoy the all-new multi-media exhibits on Chicago’s history and culture throughout the lower level.
  • Please note: reservations are required for this attraction and you can cancel or amend your booking up to one hour before your scheduled visit. Click here to make your reservation. 

Not for the faint-hearted, Skydeck Chicago gives daredevils a bird’s eye view of the Windy City. This observation deck is located in the world-famous Willis Tower, formerly known as the Skydeck Chicago Sears Tower. You’ll ride 1,353 feet up to the 103rd floor of the tower and get some of the best views of the city. Get your Chicago Skydeck tickets at a discounted rate with Go City!

See four states from the observation tower, as well as popular Chicago landmarks including Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Magnificent Mile. You’ll also find interactive exhibits and historical photographs to learn about the Chicago Skydeck building’s prestigious history.

In addition to being one of the most famous architectural marvels of the western world, and one of the Seven Wonders of Chicago, Skydeck Chicago offers something a little different in The Ledge. If you’re brave, step out on the glass-floored observation deck and see the city right beneath your feet.

If you head up after 6PM and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the city all lit up.

Skydeck Chicago highlights

Willis Tower Skydeck Kids Club – little ones will enjoy stepping on the interactive digital floor displays and taking part in interactive games, quizzes, scavenger hunts.

The Ledge – get a spine-tingling view on this all-glass balcony which juts out four feet from the building’s edge over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.

Multimedia Elevators – the fun starts before you get to the view with a ride in the elevator which points out the sights as you pass them.

Skydeck Chicago FAQs

How many floors up is the Skydeck in Chicago?
The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, offering breathtaking views of the city and beyond.

What four states can you see from Skydeck Chicago?
On a clear day, you can see four states from Skydeck Chicago: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

How long does it take to experience the Skydeck?
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours at the Skydeck, depending on the wait times and how long they wish to enjoy the views.

Is Skydeck Chicago better to visit at night or during the day?
The best times to visit Skydeck Chicago are just after opening or after sunset for stunning views of the city lights.

How fast is the elevator at Skydeck Chicago?
The elevator at Skydeck Chicago travels at a speed of 1,600 feet per minute, reaching the 103rd floor in about 60 seconds.

Can you bring a backpack to Skydeck Chicago?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring backpacks to Skydeck Chicago, which can be useful for carrying water, snacks, and other essentials.

How safe is the Skydeck?
The Skydeck is very safe. The protective layer covering the glass is designed to handle stress and protect visitors, ensuring a secure experience.

Skydeck Chicago facts

  • Skydeck Chicago has been featured in many movies and TV shows including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
  • The Willis Tower is the eighth tallest building in the world measuring 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall.
  • The Willis Tower at Skydeck Chicago was formally called Sears Tower and was the headquarters of Sears Roebuck and company, the largest retailer in the world when the tower was built in 1969.
  • The world’s first skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1885. The Home Insurance building boasted ten floors and was demolished in 1931 to make way for the Field Building, which is now known as the LaSalle Bank Building.

Go City is a better way to sightsee. Your pass includes Skydeck Chicago tickets, plus admission to dozens of top Chicago attractions for one money-saving price.


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Booking required

This attraction requires advanced booking.

Getting in

Please enter through the Jackson Boulevard lobby on the south side of the building and proceed down the escalator. At the base of the escalator, continue to the experience entrance on the right to scan your pass. Be sure to have your reservation confirmation email handy. Your pass will be accepted starting 15 minutes before your reservation time and up to 15 minutes after your reservation time. However, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your reservation time, Skydeck Chicago staff will try to admit you during an alternate time as space permits, but this is not guaranteed.

Plans changed?

  • You can cancel or amend your booking up to 1 hour before the scheduled reservation time in the My Bookings section of the Reservations Portal.

  • If you fail to cancel or amend your booking within the cancellation period, your pass will be ineligible for a refund or rebooking.

Please note

  • If you do not see availability during peak times and sunset hours, you can arrive without a reservation, but you will need to pay an additional fee of $10 per person. This is strictly based on same-day availability and is not guaranteed.

  • You are allowed one visit to Skydeck Chicago for the duration of your pass.

  • Your reservation permits you entry to Skydeck Chicago starting 15 minutes before your reservation time and up to 15 minutes after your reservation time. However, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your reservation time, Skydeck Chicago staff will attempt to admit you during an alternate time as space permits, but this is not guaranteed.

  • All Skydeck Chicago visitors must go through a security check in order to be admitted to the observatory. During peak hours, the security line can be lengthy, but it moves quickly.

  • Group visits of 10 or more can be challenging during busier months, and groups may need to split across multiple reservations.

  • Occasionally, the 99th floor is used for observation instead of the 103 Skydeck Chicago when maintenance is required.

Top tip: Book your visit between 9AM and 2PM for the best availability. Skydeck Chicago can get busy, and we recommend visiting the official website for up-to-date information.


Where you'll be

Operating hours

March – September
Daily:
9AM - 10PM

October – February 
Monday - Friday: 9AM – 8PM
Saturday - Sunday: 9AM – 10PM

Early opening times:
November 11–December 1: 8:30AM
December 26–January 5: 8:30AM

Skydeck Chicago is open 365 days a year and can get busy. We recommend visiting the official website for up-to-date information on availability.

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