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 Park.

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. 

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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
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
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
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
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
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
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Freehand Chicago
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop

3 out of 5
245 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop
Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - The Mart by IHG

Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - The Mart by IHG

3 out of 5
350 West Wolf Point Plaza, Building 2, Chicago, IL
Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - The Mart by IHG
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

A trip to Willis Tower offers a range of outdoor enjoyment and vibrant shopping experiences. Explore the nearby theaters and art installations, making your visit a blend of entertainment and culture. After taking in the stunning views from the tower, enjoy the bustling shopping spots that surround the area, ensuring a memorable day in Chicago.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is City Market, just 644m from Willis Tower, offering local goods in a vibrant atmosphere. Also nearby is Chicago Place Mall, 1.6km away, featuring a mix of family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, 900 North Michigan Shops is 3.2km away, with entertainment options.

Recreation

Wrigley Field, a vibrant sports venue 8.0km from Willis Tower, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. For music lovers, the House of Blues Chicago, just 1.1km away, provides an exciting entertainment experience. Enjoy tranquility at Northerly Island Natural Area, 3.2km away, ideal for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Embark on an adventure at the Salt Creek Trail, a picturesque hiking trail located 17.7km from Willis Tower, offering stunning scenery and outdoor exploration. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 33.8km away, featuring exhilarating water rides and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

In Chicago, the Chicago Theatre offers a romantic and cultural vibe just 1.1km from Willis Tower, perfect for live performances. Dave & Buster's, located 3.2km away, combines entertainment and drinks for a lively night out. Film Row Cinema, 1.4km away, is ideal for family-friendly films.

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

Find the best attractions near Willis Tower

Visitors to Willis Tower in Chicago can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, iconic skyscrapers, and historic buildings. The Willis Tower experience offers breathtaking views of the city, making it a must-see for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Sears Tower, which is an essential part of the Chicago skyline and a perfect spot for unforgettable memories.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue is a bustling street filled with high-end shops, restaurants, and vibrant city life. Experience the urban energy as you stroll along this iconic thoroughfare that showcases Chicago's architectural beauty.
  • Millennium Park: This urban oasis features stunning art installations, including the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, and beautifully landscaped gardens. With family-friendly events and outdoor concerts, it's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Chicago Riverwalk: A scenic waterfront path that invites you to explore the beautiful Chicago River. Enjoy dining, recreational activities, and picturesque views while soaking up the lively ambiance suitable for families and tourists alike.

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 during your visit to Willis Tower, plan your trip between December and February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find affordable accommodations, and consider eco-friendly options by applying the Eco-certified filter. Combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings through package deals. For public transport, opt for buses or trains to navigate Chicago affordably. Look for free activities in the area to enrich your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to tailor your travel plans to fit your budget and preferred location, among other options. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a list of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Willis Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia