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Skydeck Chicago Reviews, Awards, and More

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#5 of 793 things to do in Chicago

Willis Tower’s dazzling height is even more breathtaking when experienced from the 103rd-floor windows of the Skydeck observatory and the Ledge, which extends more than four feet from the side of the building, allowing visitors the opportunity to walk out among the clouds at 1,353 feet above the street.

Skydeck offers an unforgettable view of the Windy City from 1,353 feet in the air, but you shouldn’t just take our word for it: Skydeck Chicago’s reviews attest to the unforgettable nature of the experience. Just take a look at what our visitors have said and some of the accolades the experience has earned, then buy your own ticket or contact us with any questions.

google
Visited the Skydeck early at 9 AM on a Saturday, and it was a great decision since there was barely any wait. Before you even get to the elevator, you walk through a hallway filled with interesting information about Chicago along with several photo spots, which made the experience more fun and interactive.

Once at the top, the views were incredibly clear and there was not much waiting time for The Ledge. Standing on the glass platform feels weird at first — looking straight down at your feet and seeing 103 stories below is both thrilling and slightly terrifying.

They give you 90 seconds on The Ledge to take pictures, and the process is very organized with an efficient alarm system that lets you know when your time is up. Overall, a very well-managed experience with amazing views of Chicago.
google
Visiting the Skydeck at Willis Tower is an absolute must-do when you’re in the city. Even if you think you’ve seen Chicago from above, nothing quite prepares you for the view from 103 floors up. The highlight, of course, is The Ledge. Stepping out into the glass boxes that extend four feet from the building is a total rush. Looking straight down at the street below is both terrifying and exhilarating, it definitely makes for some of the best photos you’ll ever take. On a clear day, you can see across four different states. The 360-degree views of the lakefront and the skyline are unmatched. I was pleasantly surprised by the interactive museum on the way up. It’s full of cool Chicago history and great photo ops before you even hit the elevator. Despite being a popular spot, the staff kept things moving efficiently. The timed-entry system really helps manage the crowds.
google
Pretty cool experience, first they take you through a hallway with a bunch of information about the architecture of Chicago’s buildings, food, their music, and famous people who are a big part of chicago (Barack Obama, Michael Jordan, Oprah etc), lots of information about the building! There is no wait and elevator are pretty smooth up to 103 floor! And finally, that breathtaking 360 view!
google
Super cool. Its definitely a must visit if you’ve never been to the city. Awesome views and perspective. I recommend going during the weekday. We didn’t have to wait at all and we had plenty of time to read all the information at the displays. Which is fun and educational.
Also, once at the top we were able to enjoy our time taking pictures and not having to rush. Ive been told some people wait hours, or it takes hours. Our visit from start to finish was about 45min. Got to see everything and anything we wanted.
Once your finished there’s great restaurants on the main floor, various types of food and desserts.
google
Very unique experience. There’s a small walk tour of the history of Chicago. You take an elevator to the top and then there’s diff sections for you to take pics. If you go during non busy hours they’ll let you stay in your box taking pics longer than if it was busy. We went at night and the views were still so pretty
google
A wonderful experience… we went during the off season in early February. We got right in and we were given extra time on the Skydeck platform (because noone was waitin). We timed it to watch a sunset from the 103rd floor and Mother Nature didn’t disappoint. The elevator up was fast & very smooth. Amazing views even in winter!!
google
I came here at the request of a family member who was visiting Chicago, and on a winter day with temps in the negatives, who was I to decline the suggestion? Tickets are easy to get in the off season and there was no wait to get to the observation deck. There are many photo opportunities on the way up, which I’m sure creates a line in the summer months.
The space itself is quite beautiful, providing 360 degree views of the city and lakefront.
The Tilt feature is a bit silly, I’m sure kids would have a good time with it, but as an adult, it was a novelty at most.
There are many places to get photos and for your photos to be taken.
The CloudBar was very fun! There are many themed drinks available, and the staff were helpful and friendly.
Overall it was a great experience, although definitely a tourist attraction.
google
Interesting museum. Tons of photo opportunities. Skydeck views are mesmerizing. The ledge is scary but fun. The staff are really kind, we came past the scheduled time and they simply gave us new tickets. Can get busy during weekends and public holidays.
google
Ive now been to both of the tallest public observation towers in Chicago, and both of them have their merits, however ill give this one the edge. Being able to look down at your feet and see 103 stories below you is absolutely wild! Plus, I have to endorse coming here at night once the city lights up. See attached photos for an idea. Absolutely a must for anyone visiting the city!

Online Reviews

Today Show (Online) 

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Trip Advisor (Online)

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Travel + Leisure (Online)

40 Best Things to Do in Chicago

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WGN Chicago (Broadcast)

WGN Daytime Chicago: Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

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INSIDER (Online)

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RedFin (Online)

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TimeOut

The most spectacular views in the US, according to TripAdvisor

ABC 7 Chicago

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Town & Country

The 41 Best Ways to Pass the Time in Chicago

Architect Magazine

The Ledge was awarded an Annual Design Review Citation from Architect magazine.

Fox News

10 stops to make on your trip around Illinois

Matador Network

The 10 Best Places to Watch Chicago’s Spectacular Sunsets

TODAY

Chicago travel guide: Hot dogs, beaches, art, and more to see and do

Chicago Tribune

Willis Tower’s renovated Skydeck opens Friday, offering a unique Chicago Experience for tourists and locals alike. Here’s a sneak peek

NBC Chicago

Willis Tower Skydeck Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation – And That’s Not All

Skydeck Awards

Skydeck Chicago Wins Best Social Media Marketing – Skydeck Becomes Chicago’s Biggest
Cheerleader Gov. Pritzker Addresses Tourism Professionals at Illinois Governor’s Conference on
Travel & Tourism | Illinois Office of Tourism Media Center (enjoyillinois.com)

2023 Travelers’ Choice Award – TripAdvisor

Street to Sky Transformation – Illinois Office of Tourism Celebrates Tourism Industry
Achievements with Excellence in Tourism Awards (2022)

Highest-rated Things to do in Chicago, according to Tripadvisor – WGN

Tiqets Awards Skydeck Chicago the Best Remarkable Venue Awards for Best Landmark in the USA – Tiqets

2022 Travelers’ Choice Award – TripAdvisor

Trip Advisor: 2019 Certificate of Excellence

Juror’s Favorite Award – Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

Best Media Relations Initiative Award – Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism

American Architecture Award – Divine Detail Award, Honor Award

Bronze Quill Award of Excellence – International Association of Business Communicators

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