Hotels near Willis Tower Skydeck

Once the tallest building in the world, the 110-storey Willis Tower (still widely known by its former name, the Sears Tower) rises 442 metres over the West Loop. The draw is the Willis Tower Skydeck on the 103rd floor, 412 metres up, reached by one of the fastest lifts in the country.

The signature thrill is The Ledge - a set of glass boxes that cantilever out from the tower so you can stand on a transparent floor with nothing but air and the street far below. On a clear day the view reaches across four states and Lake Michigan. A redesigned lower level adds Chicago history and interactive exhibits before you ascend.

Pro Tip: Buy a timed ticket online and aim for the hour before sunset to catch daylight and city lights in one visit. Skip cloudy days - the view is the whole point - so check the forecast before committing to a fixed slot.