Chicago Sights

John Hancock Center

#2 of 830 things to do in Chicago

#32 of 27279 things to do in North America

3 reviews | Write a review

Good for: views, Groups, cocktails

Not good for: those afraid oif heights

  • Address
    • 875 N Michigan Ave
  • Transport
    • Red Line to Chicago
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 888-875-8439
  • Price
    • adult/5-12yr $15/10
  • Hours
    • 9am-11pm

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Lonely Planet review for John Hancock Center

Chicago’s third-tallest skyscraper (at 1127ft) is our favorite place to get high. In many ways the view here surpasses the one at Willis Tower, as the Hancock is closer to the lake and a little further north. Plus, you have a couple of options for taking in the view – one of which saves money and provides liquid refreshment.

So here’s the deal: you can pay the admission price and ascend to the 94th-floor observatory. Recently revamped, it provides visitors with an edifying audio tour that gives a city history overview (good anecdotes from local newspaper journalists). There’s the ‘skywalk’, a sort of screened-in porch that lets you feel the wind and hear the city sounds. And there’s a sweet photo op where you get to ‘clean’ the skyscraper’s windows. The observatory is probably your place if you have kids or if you’re a newbie and want to beef up your Chicago knowledge.

Otherwise, shoot up to the 96th-floor lounge, where the view is free if you buy a drink ($6 to $14). That’s right, here you’ll get a glass of wine and a comfy seat while staring out at almost identical views from a few floors higher. The lounge’s elevators are to the right of the cashier’s desk for the observatory.

 

Traveller reviews for John Hancock Center (3)

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    great views of lake and city

    philmar recommends this,

    view is different than from Willis Tower but nice. http://www.flickriver.com/photos/phil_marion/sets/72157626455749635/

    Good for: views

    Not good for: those afraid oif heights

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    The best 360 view of Chicago

    juliotravels81 recommends this,

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    Chicago is a city full of hidden gems to those that care to explore it. This is the best view of Chicago for tourists.

    Good for: Groups

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    Best bar-with-a-view in town.

    remelila recommends this,

    The author's review is totally on the money – hit the Signature Lounge for a drink and you can gaze out the window at the Windy City's skyline all you want. If you get there in the late afternoon you can see the sun set and the city lights come out in full force. Beautiful.

    Good for: views, cocktails

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