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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.

Review from Google
Willis tower was once the tallest building in the world for 25 years. Top level observation floor is all windows including the ledge. The ledge are large all glass sections that portude out of the building walls. Dare to step into one of these. The sensation is incredible.

The ride on the elevator is so fast you can feel your ears pop on the way up. I say that it is worth the money for all there is to experience if you have never been up on the observation deck.

Plenty of views to go around to take all the photos you want. The fact is the Willis tower is so tall, the other buildings look short looking down on them. There is an unobstructed view all around.

Highly recommend everyone go and see. Experience it even if just once in a life time. Make it one of your life buckets.
Review from Google
One of the best experience in Chicago.
Skydeck Chicago is a must visit.

The view is just woww, and the open viewpoint is just amazing.
Best point to witness golden hour and lake michigan.

Skydeck chicago has good number of restaurants at lower levels. Good seating place to chill.

I would recommend buying tickets in advance and if you are visiting for the first time its better to buy city pass because you can get express entry to elevators.
Review from Google
Due to unrelated issues, I was late for my 8pm dinner reservation and if I don’t know what time the reservation was for I wouldn’t have know that I was late due to the professionalism, personally, and excellent customer I had the pleasure of experiencing during my evening dinner! My birthday meal went off without a hiccup, the wait times were not excessive, and the food was delicious! I was pleasantly surprised with the birthday gifts I received, which are worthy of day-to-day use and the button is going in my scrapbook! Highly recommend this experience, especially since at the end of your meal you basically get to go out on the ledge without the hustle and bustle of the crowds giving you your own VIP experience!!!
Review from Google
Visiting the Skydeck Chicago was one of the highlights of our trip! The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, offering a stunning 360-degree look at the city and beyond. Standing on The Ledge was an unforgettable experience and definitely worth it for the incredible photos.

The staff was friendly and organized, and the entire experience was well-managed from start to finish. If you’re visiting Chicago, the Skydeck is a must-see attraction. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for amazing views and a memorable experience!
Review from Google
Went here around a month ago on a Wednesday. It was a great experience. Finding where to get in was very easy as there was extremely helpful staff who directed us along with signs leading to the entrance. The check in was very quick and easy and there was a small museum telling the history of Chicago before boarding the elevator. I’ve been up the 360 Chicago and I would say this pre-info museum was much better than the one at 360 Chicago. Once up, I was surprised on how the Ledge was free and you could do it as many times as you wanted to, as the attraction at the 360 Chicago was paid and not included with Go City Pass. Views were amazing and you could see all sides of Chicago. Would come back again.
Review from Google
A must do in Chicago! There is a really nice museum available to go through before going to the top that has some great info on the city and the building.

Once you’re at the top, the views are amazing! Definitely do The Ledge – a glass box that extends over the edge of the building at the 103 floor. Some in our group were scared but did it anyway and enjoyed it!
Review from Google
We did Pie in the Sky on the 99th floor for my son’s birthday and had such a wonderful experience! Everything felt really special and made for a memorable way to celebrate.

The experience itself was great, and the views were incredible. Afterward, we got to visit the deck, which was also such a fun experience and the perfect addition to the celebration.

Overall, we had an amazing time and would absolutely recommend this experience to others. We would definitely come back again!
Review from Google
★★★★★

The Skydeck Chicago was absolutely breathtaking and offered some of the most amazing views I have ever seen. As someone who loves architecture and city skylines, this experience was unforgettable.

Seeing Chicago from above gave me a whole new appreciation for the city’s beauty and design. While stepping onto the glass platform was definitely a little nerve-wracking, it was completely worth it for the incredible views and photos.

If you appreciate architecture, skylines, or simply want a memorable experience in Chicago, Skydeck is a must-see.
Review from 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.

Online Reviews

Today Show (Online) 

Check out these film-inspired travel ideas for a blockbuster vacation

Trip Advisor (Online)

2 days in Chicago: The perfect itinerary – Tripadvisor

Travel + Leisure (Online)

40 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The Most Thrilling Observation Deck in Chicago Just Got a Makeover

WGN Chicago (Broadcast)

WGN Daytime Chicago: Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Revamped Skydeck Chicago has Interactive Museum, one-of-a-kind photo spots

INSIDER (Online)

35 of the most beautiful places in the US

RedFin (Online)

12 Fun Facts About Chicago: How Well Do You Know Your City?

TimeOut

The most spectacular views in the US, according to TripAdvisor

ABC 7 Chicago

Staycation: Skydeck Chicago

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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