Observation decks in Chicago, compared

The short answer: Chicago has 2 decks. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower is the highest (1,353 ft), 360 Chicago the cheapest (from $30) — but the right pick depends on what you want.

Chicago's two decks stage the clearest argument in American observation: height versus composition. Skydeck at Willis Tower is 1,353 feet up with The Ledge — glass boxes that slide out of the building's face. 360 Chicago is 300 feet lower but stands north of the river, which means the skyline is in front of you rather than underneath you, with the lake beside it.

How to choose in Chicago

Photographers and people who want the prettier picture take 360 Chicago — it is also cheaper, quieter, and has a bar. Anyone chasing the record, or travelling with someone who wants to stand on glass over the street, takes Skydeck. Doing both in one day is redundant; if you have two evenings, do 360 at blue hour and Skydeck in daylight.

Open right now in Chicago

Civic decks close on weekends, some decks open only two afternoons a week, and one opens at 2pm for thirty minutes. This board reads each deck's schedule in Chicago local time.

DeckHeightFromTypeThrill factorBest for
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower 1,353 ft $32 indoor ★★★ glass ledge — it's Chicago's definitive high view (four states on a clear day) and The Ledge remains the most extreme glass-floor experience of any major US deck, included in base admission rather than upsold
360 Chicago 1,030 ft $30 indoor ★★★ glass ledge for many visitors it's the better Chicago deck

All Chicago decks on the map

See Chicago from above — bookable

Chicago's decks are only part of the view. These are the helicopter flights, skyline cruises and sightseeing runs that put the city below you — booked through Viator, which earns this site a commission at no cost to you.

Prices last checked 2026-08-18.

The full verdicts

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower GLASS LEDGE 1,353 ft · 103rd floor · from $32 The tallest observation deck in the US that's been one since 1974 — 1,353 ft up the former Sears Tower, with The Ledge: all-glass boxes that slide you 4. 360 Chicago GLASS LEDGE 1,030 ft · 94th floor · from $30 The former John Hancock's 94th-floor deck, 1,030ft up, positioned where the view is: the skyline and the lakefront in one south-facing frame, plus TILT, a patented eight-person platform that leans you 30 degrees out over Michigan Avenue.

Chicago observation decks — quick answers

2 public observation decks: 360 Chicago, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower. Each has a full guide here with current prices, hours, and an honest verdict.

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower at 1,353 ft (103rd floor).

360 Chicago, from $30. Prices shift with season and time slot — sunset always costs more, and booking online always beats the walk-up window.