360 Chicago

Really fun place to visit and there are discounts right now if you live in Chicago. I get the appeal of going to the signature room and getting a drink, but up here, there are better views. And you can also buy a drink if you want. I really enjoyed my visit. I was too scared to do the tilt, but it looked awesome, if you are not afraid of heights.

Yes the views are breathtaking! I recommend coming here in the afternoon so you get to see Chitown on both day and night. The sunset is superb! The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because it’s too touristy and so packed! $ 20 for general admission, you might as well get the City Pass if you’re also planning to visit Shedd, The Field Museum, and Art Institute ($ 90+). The Sky Deck is a must but didn’t really get to enjoy it much as they were rushing everybody because the line was long. It’s great to give this place a try if it’s your first time visiting Chicago, but probably won’t be too excited about coming here often.

We came here first before we went to SkyDeck. I have to admit at first sight the view is fantastic. You get to look over the buildings and Lake Michigan on one side. You can even see the Navy pier from here. The thing they advertise to do here is Tilt. I decided to give it a try.
It’s an extra charge of seven dollars and you go into a private room for the Tilt experience. Basically you’re holding onto bars alongside the window and it tilts forward (and down) thirty degrees. At first they take your picture and then you grab hold of the bars and it starts. As you’re tilted, they’ll tell you to turn and smile for one of those souvenir photos that they charge for. No one else is allowed in that room with you so that is basically the only way you’ll get a photo of yourself tilting. It’s an exhilarating experience in that you feel that adrenaline rush as the window is tilting down. As for me, my arms actually got tired from holding onto the bars. I don’t think I really would care to experience that again. It’s something that is fine to do once but not really an experience that I want to try again. I really did it just to do it. It’s more of a fear factor type experience. The view is, I wouldn’t say it’s the same because you’re able to look down onto the street below you, but I don’t think that it was really worth it in my opinion.

Let me start off by saying, this was such a cool experience! Chicago looks beautiful no matter day or night. I loved being able to learn more about the city and its architectural build. When you arrive at 360 (at the very bottom of he John Hancock Tower) Your wait experience is pleasant due to the plethora of facts noted on the wall and a video being played.
There are «colored» elevators that take you straight up to the top of the tower. When you arrive to the top and exit off the elevator, your absolutely blown away by the phenomenal view!
At the top you can participate in the tilt experience which is for the thrill seekers, as your slightly tilted outside of the tower.
There’s also a bar, snacks, gift shop and a video hat plays additional facts about how the John Hancock building came about.
Overall, a very near experience. I’m glad I was able to get discounted tickets thru Groupon!
— SO, why only 2 stars when the views were spectacular. Well because the staff was far beyond «spectacular».
We had 2 day passes which let us come twice within a 48 HR period. The first time we went the front desk rep said here was zero visibility, but we decided to I’ve it a go. And boy, was she right– couldn’t see a thing.
The second visit, we knew we would be able to catch some views since we could see the top of the building from the outside. When we arrived we were told there was zero visibility. We explained we could see the tower clearly outside, so why can’t you see while at the top. She just kept saying «you can’t see anything». We thought oh well and went to the top anyways. And guess what! You could see, clearly!
While getting us set up with scanning or tickets the young lady was very rude! So ok, maybe she’s not in a good mood today, fine. Getting ready to get on the elevator another employee steps off cursing! Loud and very unprofessional. I quickly cupped my young children’s ears. I was shocked.
While taking in the views there was a group of employees huddled together at the bar. They were cussing, laughing and uninterested in their surroundings. Another mom looked at me after one of them dropped the «F –Bom» a couple of times, and we both took our children to the opposite side of the tower.
Fun experience, poor staff. Advice to the manager, talk to your people about being professional.

Absolutely breathtaking views!!! Came here at night and the city looked amazing from sky high. I bought the cocktail and view deal which I didn’t feel was really worth it. The bar was more like a refreshments counter that happened to sell alcohol. I recommend skipping the cocktail ticket deal and heading up to the signature lounge afterwards. This place is also included in the City Pass deal which is a way better value.
You can’t beat the views and photo ops in this place. At night the city is lit up beautiful and it takes your breath away. If you are feeling especially adventurous you can opt for the Tilt experience where you are hanging over the edge in a glass enclosed box.
Come here if you are in town and take in the city ans waterscapes.

Great spot to see many views of the city! They also have a bar upstairs. We decided
Not to do «The Tilt» because the view below sucked! And no one was on it so I guess it’s not too popular. $ 20 for admission is kind of hefty, but that’s alright and Chicagoans get half off which I think it’s neat! Come by and see the awesome view of the lake while sipping on a nice cold drink. We sat with the view of the lake the entire time in silence and just took it alllllll in. Breathtaking view. from inside of course.

During a recent weekend trip to Chicago, my friend and I came here on a Friday evening and the line was pretty short. We waited less than 10 minutes to get our tickets. We arrived just before sunset on a relatively clear day, and the views were fantastic. They even have some seats by the west-​facing window so you can watch the sunset. We spent about an hour there total watching the sky go from day to night.
We also paid $ 7 each to go on TILT and didn’t really think it was worth it. They take your souvenir photo and then the «ride» part of it, where you press yourself against the window and tilt 30 degrees over the side of the building, only lasts a couple of seconds. It might be an adrenaline rush if you’re afraid of heights, but it was otherwise pretty underwhelming.

Atop the John Hancock building sits this establishment — 360 Chicago. The ride up is no frills up 90+ floors. No videos, no pre-​recorded message, just straight up for about a minute.
You get to the top where you’ll find a full 360 view as the name implies. The major difference compared to «Skydeck Chicago» (formerly Sears Tower) is that this building is situated more north along the lake. You’ll get a better birds eye view of the north part of Chicago along the coastal lake as well as the towns in that direction.
There is a «ride» called «The Ledge» which essentially is a framed structure which leans outward to give you a view over the side of the building. That is an extra cost to the standard admission.
I did the two observatory decks while in Chicago (the other being Skydeck Chicago) and of the two I think I prefer this one a little bit better for the reasons of being it’s a little less crowded and you get a better overall 360 view.

360 Chicago is the Chicago equivalent of New York City’s Top of the Rock or Empire State Building. It’s located 94 floors up in the John Hancock Center (downtown Chicago)– so come here for a beautiful 360 view of the city and Lake Michigan. They also have a signature lounge on the 96^th floor.
Cons — there was about an hour wait to get up. Once you get there, you’ll see why– the floor isn’t that spacious and to be honest a little underwhelming for $ 20/​entry. You’ll be done in 15 minutes.
It’s great for the view and for the IG/​SNAP lol but if you are short on money or time– as a tourist check out Wendella’s Boat Tours for a more entertaining, educational, and fun experience.

This place is pretty awesome and a must if you’re in Chicago! You get the BEST view of the Chicago skyline from here.
General admission is $ 20 but I suggest you get the package with the picture and the tilt. The tilt is a must!!! It’s only 7 bucks more to do that package. I had done the skydeck the day before and I have to say this was a bit scarier but so worth it! Give it a shot and enjoy the wonderful pictures from the 94^th floor! It’s breathtaking.
Quick tip– go on a day where it’s sunny and clear that way you get a clear shot of the city.

I had always imagined they had tilted windows where you would hold on to railings and simply look down. When in fact the entire platform moves. The entire process takes about two minutes. It tilts down a bit, goes back up, tilts down further, then goes back up, then tilts down all the way down until you’re looking straight down the building’s side and then it’s over. It’s certainly thrilling, no doubt you will get sweaty palms.
They do take your picture throughout. The guys working there either were not loud enough or maybe I was just too distracted and missed my cue to look over my shoulder into the camera — So do pay attention!
If you need some liquid courage before doing the Tilt, there is a bar on the upper level. It’s in a great location so if you want to get some shopping done or grab a meal you won’t have a problem.
As you exit you go through a gift shop and have the opportunity to select any photos that were taken. The guys there are pretty helpful and are able to do some pretty cool tricks to get you a nice souvenir photo.
I did like a different view of the Chicago skyline for a change. You get to see more of the lake and northside. The experience is more or less the same as the Skydeck. If you could do both I certainly would recommend it. But if you’re pressed with time I’d go with the iconic Sears (ugh, Willis) Tower.

Many cities across the world have a skyscraper that the public can pay to ascend and enjoy the views. Toronto has CN Tower, an amazing architectural feat, but with fairly boring views. New York has the Rockefeller Center and Empire State Building. Frankfurt has Main Tower.
Chicago, however, is a truly unique place to ascend a tall building, and the John Hancock Center is the best option. No skyline anywhere is as beautiful as Chicago’s. The architecture is beautiful to look at, and the contrast with and reflections in Lake Michigan make for a stunning view from the top. It does not get better than this.
There’s a cool bar at the top, and you can pay extra for the «Tilt» gimmick, but paying the base price is definitely enough to experience one of the nicest views you’ll ever see. At least, one of the nicest views of manmade structures (I won’t claim this beats the Grand Canyon).

This is definitely a MUST go to whenever you’re in Chicago. The view is amazing! The girls and I decided to go around 7:30pm on a Thursday (same day we landed). Perfect day and time to go. There were a total of about 15 people, including us, which was awesome.
We purchased our tickets downstairs in the lobby for $ 19.00 plus tax. The kids tickets ages 3 – 11 are $ 13.00 plus tax. Children under 3 go in for free. You can also buy the city pass which includes top 5 Chicago attractions, this being one of them for $ 96.00. Totally worth it if you have plenty of time to spend in Chicago and do some exploring.
I loved the fact that they have a bar which made the trip that much fun. Had a couple of drinks with the girls, enjoyed the amazing view. Couldn’t of had been any better.
Oh, they also have this thing called Tilt, where a huge glass window is tilted 35° 2 – 3 times giving you the illusion of staring straight down almost 1,000 feet. This is an extra $ 7.00. I personally didn’t try it but did see my cousin do it. She said it was scary as hell, who knows, maybe I’ll give it a try next time around.
There’s this unique Cheesecake factory in the ground floor of the building. I wish I would have taken pictures of it. It’s extremely different but super cute.

To me, a much better perspective of the Chicago skyline, especially looking to the south when you can view most of the major landmarks in one view. The process is significantly less tedious to get in compared to the other observation deck, and for us a significantly smaller crowd.
360 Chicago is one of your options that we chose on the City Pass vs. the Museum of Science and Industry. With the pass, you are able to bypass any lines, but for us, there were no lines when entered around 10 pm. There was literally, maybe 15 other people in the observation area and we felt like had it all to ourselves. There’s a bar, an area with seating with a view to the south, and also an outdoor viewing area to give you more sensory overload if the view alone isn’t enough for you.
360 is definitely a viable option if you’d like a different view of Chicago without the waiting and lines.

360 at the John Hancock tower is a reasonable and equally-​scenic alternative to the Willis Tower, which I still call the Sears tower. Over here, you get a view of the Chicago Skyline from the north side and a view of the Sears tower itself. The plus side is that it is not too crowded. Also great news for some is there’s a quirky and unique Cheesecake factory in the ground floor of the building. There’s also a bar up here!
We arrived at close to opening and we were the only ones there. No lines. Shhh, don’t tell anyone…

Upon touching down in Chitown, I followed suit of travel traditions and scoped out a place to check out the best aerial views of the city. That’s when my partner and I found 360; we immediately ubered over, destination John Hancock tower, and braced ourselves for an exhilarating time. What we came away with, however, was a little less underwhelming than anticipated on my part.
But before I get into before I get into the nitty gritty, let me first add a quick disclaimer: the three star rating does not reflect the stellar views of the city. Seriously, you can’t beat being 94 floors above sea level and looking way, way down upon the lake shore, the skyline, and the ant-​sized peds. You can stand anywhere in the observation deck and you’ll be amazed with what’s below.
Now for the downfalls (should I say that when discussing a 94 foot building? Yikes!). While the views are indeed spectacular, I couldn’t help but notice a gigantic smudge, blemish, or stain on the window glass of each point of lookout. And by couldn’t help but notice, I mean I was staring out at Chicago while they were staring right back at me. I know, I know. Maybe my expectations are a little unrealistic to think that the outdoor windows will be spotless being that they’re subject to weather elements. I surely wouldn’t want to get up there and wash those windows. But the prints upon prints on the inside? Couldn’t let that go unnoticed.
On top of that, the line for the elevators, (going up and going back down) were outrageously long. We spent about an hour and a half in line on the way up, and about another 30 on the way back down. While I like that they tried to entertain the guests en route by showing quick clips of the city and taking group photos, the actual time spent in the observation deck was way less than the buildup and ride down.
Once we did get up top, I did enjoy having access to the café, the gift shop, and some raised seating where we could sit back, relax, and take it all in. We took some great photos, picked out a few of our favorite buildings, and then made back for the ground.
Again, if you’re going on stellar views alone, I would recommend. But I’m not sure how other observation towers, like Skydeck, would hold up next to 360, so you may want to compare a few extra notes before you ascend into the clouds.

360 Chicago (formally known as the John Hancock Observatory) is a must see for both tourists and locals. The views are simply stunning and it was an ideal place to watch the air show while we were in town. I would also recommend going on summer nights when they shoot fireworks from Navy Pier.
Tickets can be purchased online or downstairs in the lobby of the building which is to the left by the souvenir shop. It’s $ 19 per adult and $ 13 for children ages 3 – 11. You also have the option to do the Sun and Stars package which allows you 2 different visits in 48 hours and those are $ 21 per adult and $ 15 per child.
After walking through hallways packed with facts and tidbits about the Windy City, they take your picture in front of a green screen (and insert the Chicago skyline to try and get you to buy it later) and then lead you to the line for the elevators. It’s a quick 42 second ride and once the doors open all you see is glass windows and open skies. Walk closer to the edge and you will see the whole city in action. Each wall is labeled with the direction you are facing, and my favorite part is feeling like you are suspended in time while the rest of the city is alive underneath you.
Tilt is their newest attraction which is an additional $ 7 a person. It was under construction the day we went which I couldn’t have been happier about. While some thrill seekers love the idea, I don’t particularly find leaning nearly 100 stories high on nothing but a sheet of glass to be anything but terrifying.
Food and drinks are available for purchase, but I suggest to go elsewhere for those as plenty of great restaurants on the streets of Chicago are better quality and cheaper. We stuck with drinks only and paid $ 24 for 2. The sky high cocktail tasted a lot like koolaid with alcohol, but we both agreed the Tilt (aka liquid courage) was delicious.
Having now been for both sunset and during the day, I feel they are equally as fun. Also, if you have an upcoming special occasion and need a fine dining restaurant check out their Signature Room on the 95^th floor. We had our first dinner there as husband and wife and it was a truly spectacular experience.

My first time going to Chicago I felt like I was living a life as a dream because everything and everyone was so nice and friendly. I can’t believe how bad a rap Chicago can get towards many other people but I am glad I went to check it out and not care what others thought or said.
We came here just a few minutes before they were closing for the tickets during the night. Took a super fast elevator up top and the view is breathtaking and amazing. I just wish I could see that in my life all the time.
The night view I believe looks better than the day time view. Pictures are pretty and they do have a small store for little souvenirs. Also they have a place to get something to eat or drink if you didn’t have anything.
A must see if you are traveling to Chicago, it is really worth it!

360 Chicago aka John Hancock Observatory is the other observatory in Chicago. The other being SkyDeck. However, 360 Chicago has a open air viewing deck where you could feel the wind. You get a full 360 view of Chicago; hence, the name «360 Chicago.» The view of the lake is definitely better here than at Sky Deck.
There isn’t much to say about 360 Chicago besides it’s not as crowded as the SkyDeck. I would recommend visiting during the weekday instead of the weekend. I didn’t experience any crowds. Lastly, you could have a drink at the Signature Lounge after you’re done.

tolle Aussicht Stadt und die Möglichkeit die Lichter der Stadt angehen zu sehen sowie einen unglaublichen Sonnenuntergang zu erleben… SU-​Zeit erfragen und ca. né Stunde vorher oben sein.
Die 18 $ und etwas Zeit (ca 2 Stunden) sind gut investiert!

360 Chicago or ‘Tilt’ as I would like to call it because that’s ALL I remember was an experience that I would never forget. Amazing view of the city’s skyline but to be honest, I prefered the Skydeck at Willis Tower over this. For the view, price, amount of time and pictures that you could take, Skydeck was worth it.
We arrived in the evening and it was a really cloudy day out. But as we waited it out, the sky cleared up and actually made for a nice sunset later. It’s around $ 20 per person to go up to the tower and another $ 7 per person to actually do ‘Tilt’. There are two prices for pictures, $ 25 for hardcopies only and $ 30 for both hardcopies and a digital version. So in total, me and my boyfriend spent around $ 84 just for this attraction… never again.
The floor where ‘Tilt’ was on wasn’t even finished. There was a huge area that was blocked off due to construction and it was hard getting good pictures up there. There was also a souvenir shop, but it sold the same stuff as the one downstairs in the lobby.
As for the actual attraction, yeah it’s a tourist trap but YOLO right? I wouldn’t say I’m deathly afraid of heights but I did not particular enjoy ‘Tilt’. When I first got on it and placed both hands on the side bars and it tilted once… I was like, «Okay. This isn’t so bad. I can do this.» But then, the thing tilted forward again very slowly. so I was more angled towards the glass and it felt like I was falling forward in slo-​mo. I took a step back and was like omg. I didn’t realize that it would tilt another time, the last time and at this point my hands were sweaty and I looked over at my bf who was next to me and he still had both feet up against the glass with this smile on his face where as my feet were ready to hop off this thing LOL.
See my review on the Skydeck next as I really loved going on that and my bf who did better than me on here, could barely go on the Skydeck… which is so weird. Maybe it’s the fact that I hate the fear of falling which is what ‘Tilt’ reminded me haha. But to add to my dislike about ‘Tilt’ is the fact that you can’t take any pics by yourself while on the attraction. You gotta pay for the pictures and they only take it once… lame! If I had a choice between 360 Chicago and the Skydeck AND my life depended that I do one again… SKYDECK ALL THE WAY.

Im Mai 2014, nach kurzer Rundreise durch die «Gassen» von Chicago ließ ich mich hier am Hancock Tower absetzen um auf die Aussichtsebene 360 grad Chicago zu kommen. Ich hatte zwar erst vor, den Drink in der Bar zu nehmen, entschied mich aber kurz vorm Sonnenuntergang für den direkten Weg per Lift. Erst in den Keller, wider Erwarten mit nur kurzem Anstehen, trotz obligatorischer Fotomesse vor gefaktem Hintergrund, recht schnell nach oben.
Ein gigantischer Ausblick, zumal das Wetter mitspielte. Spannend war, nach allen Seiten zu blicken und anschließend den Besuchern beim Nach-​Außen-​Kippen an der Südseite zuzusehen. Die Mönche fanden das besonders lustig, wollten sich filmen mit Ihrem Samsung Mega-​Notes-​Dings, aber die Aufnahme startete nicht und das Mädel neben mir in der Schlage schrie immer Richtung Mönchgruppe «. geht nicht … Aufnahme nicht gestartet …» und dann das Nach-​Außen-​Kippen, irres Gefühl, kann man nicht mit dem Glasboden im Willis Tower vergleichen, weil man ja an der Scheibe festhaltend nach außen gekippt wird, in den Abgrund, cool.
Und dann muss ich Peggy beipflichten, aussichtstechnisch besser als Willis Tower. In alle Richtungen, eben 360°, wie der Name schon sagt, und interessante Motive wie Navy Pier, Willis Tower, Beach to the North, Water Tower direkt unten am Fuß …
Essen und Souvenirs habe ich ausgelassen.

Auf dem Skydeck des Willis Towers zu stehen war schon cool, aber das hier topt alles andere in Chicago. Die 360 Grad Aussicht ist der absolute Wahnsinn und lohnt sich sowohl bei Tag als auch bei Nacht. Ich hab gegen halb 6 mein Ticket gekauft und war bereits kurz nach 6 oben. Sonnenuntergang war kurz nach 7, also beschloss ich an der Bar einen Käsekuchen zu essen. OMG war der lecker. Der Kuchen kann mit dem aus der Cheescake Factory locker mithalten. Zudem hat man hier eine atemberaubende Aussicht, egal wo man gerade steht. Der Sonnenuntergang war super schön. Auch danach, als überall die Lichter an waren, war die Aussicht atemberaubend schön. Ich habe solange Fotos geknippst bis mein Akku schlapp gemacht hat. :)
Toll war auch, dass man direkt an der Bar Wifi for free hatte. Echt Top! Eintritt hat zudem nur $ 18 gekostet und ist damit in keinster Weise teuer, wenn man bedenkt was man alles dafür bekommt. Tilt kostet $ 7 extra und wird direkt oben am Eingang zum Tilt bezahlt. Aufgrund meiner Höhenangst war dies allerdings zu viel des Guten. ;)
Für alles Touristen ein absolutes MUSS!

Wirklich eine tolle Möglichkeit Chicago von oben zu sehen. Das John Hancock Observatory (JHO) steht in starker Konkurrenz zum Willis Tower (frühere Sears Tower).
Vorteil hier ist, dass man hier oftmals verbilligt rein kommt (bei beiden kostet die nackte Aufzugfahrt 17,50 $), da es bei vielen Touri-​Plänen (im Hotel oder im Tourist-​Office erhältlich) einen 5 $ Coupon gibt.
Allerdings kann man auch kostenlos hoch kommen, wenn man im Restaurant (The Signature Lounge) essen möchte (Reservierung vorteilhaft, aber nicht nötig um nach oben zu kommen). Dieses ist gar nicht so teuer und bietet ebenso einen schönen Ausblick. Es gibt auf derselben Etage auch eine Bar, in der man nur etwas trinken kann und gucken kann.
Der Vorteil am JHO ist in jedem Fall die Lage. Der Ausblick auf den Lake Michigan und die Magnificent Mile sind natürlich sehr attraktiv. Ich habe bei meinem Chicago-​Besuch beide Tower besucht (das JHO kostenlos in der Bar) und fand beide super.