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All 636 Chicago Attractions »

John Hancock Center / Observatory

875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
312-751-3681
Ranked #14 of 323 attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 817 Reviews
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Type: Observation Decks/ Towers, Architectural Buildings
Activities: Dining
Description: Visitors to Chicago's fourth tallest building can visit the 94th-floor observatory for a spectacular view of the city.
Useful Information: Activities for young children
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817 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    261
    63
    8
    6
Date Rating
Los Angeles, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

This place has its act together, the lines were non-existant, and it was not crowded on the top, unlike the Willis/Sears observatory. True there is no glass box to stand out of, but there is an open air patio. And seriously, the difference between the two is less than a dozen floors. More

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See 2 more reviews by bryan j for Chicago
Paradise Valley, AZ
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

Do take the elevator up when it gets dark and walk all the way around to look at the views. They are all different depending on what direction you are facing. Don't buy the overpriced drinks or food, there are many better places in Chicago to do this. All you are there for is the view, so check it out... More

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See 4 more reviews by Lynn7574 for Chicago
Cincinnati, Ohio
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

The view was great, but nothing specatcular. You can get discount coupons at the Visitor's Center near the old water works, just a few blocks away. More

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See 3 more reviews by TMT121 for Chicago
Calgary
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

I went during the day and I loved it ! We used a coupon found at any visitor information centres in the city, there's actually one a block away at the water pump house. So we paid 16$ for two ! the coupon has the second visitor pay only 2$. We thought of doing the lounge until we found the... More

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Sioux City, IA
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

The view is spectacular! Be sure to stop by the overpriced lounge for a drink. Spendy but worth it - women's bathroom offers a great view unlike any other (we joked about taking our drinks in there!) More

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See 8 more reviews by Up4Anything32 for Chicago
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Enjoy the panoramic views of Chicago especially the harbor front. Many waterfront cities ESPECIALLY TORONTO could learn a lot about development More

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See 4 more reviews by scarysherrie0 for Chicago
Mount Prospect, Illinois
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

Go during the day for huge views or on a clear night to see all the city and suburban lights....so very cool. More

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See 12 more reviews by Ericl61 for Chicago
Nashville
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Great view of the Chicago skyline. Also, excellant shopping all around the Center. More

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See 3 more reviews by StraightTalk101 for Chicago
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

Our entire visit to this observatory was great. The staff were friendly and more than willing to answer any of your questions. Seeing Chicago from this vantage point is something you don't want to miss. More

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See 10 more reviews by AngieK_14 for Chicago
Miamisburg, Ohio
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We did both the skydeck and the Hancock center. I much prefer the atmosphere of Hancock. It is much more relaxed, with the option of visiting the lounge. We used the city pass, which I highly recommend you look into if visiting the city. I would go back. More

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See 11 more reviews by Rachelmae83 for Chicago

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