360 Chicago Observation Deck (Formerly John Hancock Observatory)

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.