360 Chicago Observation Deck (Formerly John Hancock Observatory)

The Basics

The 360 Chicago experience begins in a first-floor exhibition space, with interactive touchscreens and historical exhibits about Chicago and the construction of the John Hancock Center. Afterward, visitors are whisked up 94 floors in high-speed elevators to the 17,000-square-foot (1,579-square-meter), 360-degree observation deck. From this vantage point on a clear day, you can take in views of virtually the entire city and Lake Michigan. See the Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, Lincoln Park, and the high rises on Lake Shore Drive, as well as three of Illinois’ neighboring states: Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Thrill seekers can experience TILT, a moving platform that tilts you out over Michigan Avenue for a truly unique perspective.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Allow about one hour for your visit.

• The 360 Chicago site is fully wheelchair accessible.

• Cafe and Bar 94 has a full bar and serves coffee, gelato, breakfast, and snacks near the viewing windows.

• The TILT experience is not included with general admission.

How to Get There

360 Chicago is located on North Michigan Avenue, near the beginning of the Magnificent Mile shopping stretch. The John Hancock Building is easily accessible by El trains, city buses, and hop-on hop-off bus tours.

When to Get There

Early morning is best for daytime visits, as skies tend to be clearer and views are the most expansive and colorful. Nighttime gives a different, dazzling view of the illuminated city. If you’d like to visit twice, opt for the “sun and stars” admission so you can compare the daytime and after-dark views.

Activities at 360 Chicago

For an enhanced experience, time your visit with one of 360 Chicago’s scheduled activities. Wake up with Saturday morning sky-high yoga (9-10am); join a Tuesday Sky Guide “tour,” where volunteers from the Chicago Architecture Foundation discuss significant skyline buildings (6-9pm); or spend a Thursday evening at 360 Hoppy Hour, featuring Chicago-brewed craft-beer specials (5:30-8:30pm).

How long do you spend at 360 Chicago Observation Deck?

That depends on your preferences—there are no official time limits once visitors have ascended to the observatory, so you can feel free to soak up the views for as long as you'd like. According to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, most visitors spend about 45 minutes to one hour there.

Is 360 Chicago Observation Deck better at night or day?

As long as you're visiting on a clear day, there's no bad time to be at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Daytime makes it easiest to spot Chicago landmarks, while nighttime offers the magical perspective of the city all aglow. Or, for the best of both worlds, go at sunset.

What is the best time of day to visit 360 Chicago Observation Deck?

Many argue that sunset is the best time to visit the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Time your visit for at least 45 minutes beforehand so you can see the city with the last remnants of daylight—then, wait for the colorful celestial show as the sun sets over the Windy City.

Is 360 Chicago Observation Deck tilt safe?

Yes, the TILT thrill ride at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is safe. The attraction—a tilting glass ledge that angles viewers over the city—is one of the observation deck's most popular features. If you've got a fear of heights, it might feel vertigo-inducing, but you're in perfectly safe hands.

How fast is the elevator at 360 Chicago Observation Deck?

The elevator at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is seriously fast. Specially constructed by Otis, it travels at 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) per hour—or 1,800 feet (549 meters) per minutes. Ascend 94 floors of the John Hancock Building in little more than the blink of an eye.

Is 360 Chicago Observation Deck safe?

Yes, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is safe. The 94th-floor observatory, located in the John Hancock Building, has been a beloved Chicago attraction since it opened in 1969. Today, it remains one of the top-rated tourist destinations in the city, and its popularity shows no sign of waning anytime soon.

Ways to explore

The 360 Chicago experience begins in a first-floor exhibition space, with interactive touch screens and historical exhibits. Afterward, take a high-speed elevator to the 360-degree observation deck, which offers views of most of the city, Lake Michigan, as well as three of Illinois’ neighboring states: Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

To save time and skip lines, prebook admission tickets before your visit (some include discounted drinks packages). The 360 Chicago Observation Deck is included in the Chicago CityPASS and Explorer Pass. Many tours—including hop-on hop-off bus trips, walking tours, and riverboat architecture tours—stop nearby.

Accessibility

360 Chicago is ADA-compliant and accessible to wheelchair users, as well as visitors with strollers.

Age limits

There is no age limit for 360 Chicago, though its Tilt attraction is only open to visitors who are tall enough to hold its support bars independently.

What to pack

Camera, handheld bag, ID (if you plan to drink at the on-site bar)

What to wear

There is no dress code for 360 Chicago; wear comfortable clothes for sightseeing.

Not allowed

Outside food and drinks, using mobile phones when Tilt is in motion

Amenities

Restrooms, bar, gift shop

Address

The 360 Chicago Observation Deck is located on the 94th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly known as the John Hancock Center); it’s conveniently situated right on downtown Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Use public transit, taxis, or rideshare services to get there.

Driving

Take the major Michigan Avenue thoroughfare straight to the landmark. A number of paid parking garages are located in the area, though you can also use taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

Take the Red line of the Chicago L to Chicago station, located just a few blocks away on foot. The area is also well-served by local bus routes.

Best times to visit

360 Chicago is open daily, from mid-morning until late in the evening; last admission is one hour before closing time. Sunset is a particularly popular time to visit, though expect crowds to match.

Best days to visit

As a general rule, weekends and holidays are likely to be more crowded than weekdays at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

Best months to visit

Summer is the tourist high season in Chicago, and when the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is likely to be especially crowded. Aim for the spring or autumn shoulder seasons instead.

Special events

360 Chicago offers special holiday packages, including for the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve—book early for sky-high fireworks views.