Willis Tower Tours

Willis Tower which includes views, a city and a skyscraper
Willis Tower showing a city, views and interior views
Willis Tower which includes views and interior views as well as a couple
Willis Tower featuring a skyscraper, mist or fog and a city
Willis Tower which includes interior views and views as well as a small group of people


Visit the Skydeck and gaze down over the Chicago cityscape from a dazzling 1,353 feet above the sidewalk.

Willis Tower, the tallest building in the US, is a 1,450-foot modern office block that offers unrivalled views of Chicago. Ride the elevators to the 103rd floor Skydeck, 1,353 feet above the sidewalks to check out a viewing platform and small museum. On a clear day it’s possible to see as far as Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Gaze across the city’s major attractions, including Lake Michigan and Millennium ParkOpens in a new window.

This landmark building on South Wacker Drive, in the West Loop, was constructed in 1973 as The Sears Tower (the name changed in 2003). It was the tallest building in the world for 25 years until the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia took this honor. The Willis Tower still holds the title as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, though, and it’s the seventh tallest building in the world. It holds more than 3.8 million square feet of office space.

Don't miss one of the highlights of the Skydeck, the glass ledge which juts out from the side of the building. Walk on the glass floor and peer down at the street more than 1,000 feet below. Many stop to have their photo taken. There are 360-views from glass windows on every side of the tower, and a railing to hold on to in case you get dizzy.

Take the time to walk through a small interactive museum about Chicago. There are short videos, a trivia game, and photographs of the City’s attractions from 1,353 feet in the air.Enter on the south side of the building along Jackson Boulevard.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in ChicagoOpens in a new window page.

Plan a trip to see Willis Tower

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Reviews of Willis Tower

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2030
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
977
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
255
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
61
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
46
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There's a 2 .5 hour wait with 2 different lines most times

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Try going right when it opens or during a weekday. Gets very busy.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Try to visit during summers, because during winters the visibility is very low or sometimes there is no visibility.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wait for a clear day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Definitely worth it! This should be your skyscraper experience. Try going around sunset to enjoy both daylight and night.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My wife and I did the VIP Pie in the Sky and it was amazing. The best place to see Chicago at night.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Willis Tower

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

4 out of 5
171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago

Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago

4 out of 5
111 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop

Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop

4 out of 5
226 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL
Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop
The Midland Hotel Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Midland Hotel Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
172 W Adams St, Chicago, IL
The Midland Hotel Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Willis Tower

At Willis Tower, immerse yourself in a blend of vibrant shopping, thrilling theater, and engaging art. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic observation deck for stunning views of Chicago. Explore nearby shopping spots for unique finds, and enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding area. Whether you're seeking entertainment or relaxation, the vicinity of Willis Tower offers a diverse range of experiences to enhance your visit.

Shopping

At Willis Tower, enjoy shopping at City Market, just 0.4 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of local goods. Chicago Place Mall, located 1 mile away, features a blend of business and family vibes. For a broader selection, 900 North Michigan Shops is 2 miles away, with entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

Explore Wrigley Field for an energizing sports experience, just 5 miles from Willis Tower. Enjoy live music at House of Blues Chicago, only 0.7 miles away, for a vibrant entertainment vibe. For relaxation, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, located 2 miles away, offering a serene escape in nature.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience, hike the Salt Creek Trail, located 11 miles from Willis Tower, offering stunning outdoor scenery. Alternatively, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 21 miles away, where you can enjoy thrilling water rides and family-friendly entertainment in a fun-filled atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Willis Tower with a show at the Chicago Theatre, just 0.7 miles away. For a fun night out, visit Dave & Buster's, 2 miles away, or catch a film at the Film Row Cinema, located 0.9 miles from the tower.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Willis Tower

Visiting Willis Tower in Chicago offers a blend of urban parks, stunning skyscrapers, and historic buildings. Travelers can immerse themselves in the culture and family-friendly experiences available in the area. Key attractions include the iconic Willis Tower experience, often referred to as the Sears Tower, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and learn about its rich history. Don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant surroundings that make this location a must-see.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, this bustling street is a shopper’s paradise lined with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and iconic architecture. Experience the vibrant city atmosphere as you stroll along, enjoying street performers and local art.
  • Millennium Park: A cultural centerpiece of Chicago, this urban park features stunning gardens, the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as The Bean ), and various art installations. It's perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a relaxing retreat amidst the city’s hustle.
  • Chicago Riverwalk: This scenic waterfront promenade offers a picturesque view of the city skyline and is ideal for leisurely strolls, dining, and boat tours. Families can enjoy the open space while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere along the river.

Best time to go to Willis Tower

The best time to visit Willis Tower can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Willis Tower falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Willis Tower falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Willis Tower

To save money on your trip to Willis Tower, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices drop. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, and use Expedia to compare hotel prices and find package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn rewards for future bookings. For local transport, consider walking to explore the area, as it’s compact and pedestrian-friendly, and look for beverage discounts to stretch your budget further.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Willis Tower are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Willis Tower is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Willis Tower is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Willis Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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