Amazing experience! A must do while living and visiting Chicago. Beautiful view and delicious cocktails at the 94th floor. Beautiful sunset you won't want to miss out on read more

John Hancock Center - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Don't get me wrong, the views are fantastic. However, for a family of four people the price was $68 to essentially look out a 360° window. If I'm ever in Chicago again, I don't think I would do this. It is definitely skippable. Think about that when visiting. read more

John Hancock Center - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Best view of Seattle that I've found and a very good value. We caught the sunset over Puget Sound and it was amazing. We enjoyed this a lot more than the Space Needle, though the view from each it quite good. read more

John Hancock Center - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You know I would say skip it...I honestly wasn't that impressed with the views (maybe that's because we went at night and it looks like the day time might be better?) but I can tell you there was nearly no one inside and the staff seemed more interested in talking to one another and their cell phones than actual guests. So those two indicators alone told me it was time to go. We spent about 10 minutes upstairs and for nearly $50 it really wasn't worth it. You will definitely have a better experience at Willis Tower in my opinion. read more

I have been up to the observation deck twice here at the John Hancock Center, and both time it's been eye opening wonderful experience! And helps with my judgement that Chicago has the best skyline in America (at Night) NYC you are great too, but there is something about Chicago that makes this midwest boy smile! The view is remarkable, the price is worth it, and the memories will last a life time! There are other things you should do in Chicago first... 1. Wrigley 2. Eat Deep Dish pizza 3. See a show at the Metro 4. Drive north on Lake shore at Night but this might come in at number 5 so check it out! read more

I come here 4 or 5 times a year strictly for the parking. It is one great parking location and if you are going to the Lookingglass Theatre, is is discounted to merely ten dollars. You can't beat the location and the security. It is the only parking garage in the city that I have ever been to where they look inside your car and trunk before letting you enter. The only downside is the circular, twisting ramp up and down to the parking garage. If you get dizzy or suffer from vertigo I would skip it. read more

Two stars : Ten for being an awesome piece of architecture and a great icon for the city Minus eight for not allowing you to lock your bike up to the railing out front, which I understand, but only having like two bike racks on each corner that are ALWAYS FULL!!! ridiculous... Come on Hancock - get bike friendly and a couple more bike racks considering you have to pay people to patrol the railings. I want to see them saw off my u-lock when I go inside. Righhhht read more

I visited Chicago back in November 2013 and this place was super awesome! They had Christmas decorations in the lobby and there were a lot of restaurants around the area. I went up to the observatory deck of John Hancock Center. I love the history trip that they give before you actually get to the sightseeing view from the observatory. It was super foggy the first time I tried to go and I am really glad the staff warned me that there was only a 1 mile radius visibility or else I would have wasted a trip up there to see clouds/fog. On a clear day, I heard that you can see up to like 25 miles? I forgot... If you don't want to pay to go up to the observatory deck, the skyscraper also has a bar/restaurant that is one floor below the observatory deck. The drinks were about $15 but you get to see right against the window and take in all the scenery. I definitely want to go back when the sky is clearer! read more

Getting out of the cold and entering the lobby of the John Hancock Center and seeing a mass of people. Quite popular and busy I thought. Very peculiar that everyone was wearing shorts and light clothing considering the frigid temperatures outside. There were young and old and everyone in between. Some were standing in lines waiting or sitting against the walls. Something definitely was going on. Soon I would find out that getting to the observation deck wasn't going to happen today. Note: Make sure to avoid going on the day that they're having the "Hustle up the Hancock" event. http://www.onebrick.org/eventdetails.asp?EventID=3949 For now, I'll give this a neutral 3 stars and will adjust accordingly on my next visit to Chicago. read more

Great plAce to see the view of the city and lake. Had to find some courage to get on the "tilt". Got on there! It was scary at first but worth it! read more

Have you ever heard the Hancock is haunted? That the founder of the Church of Satan was born on the sight before the building was constructed, and brown recluse spiders migrate up and down the outside twice a year? I learned all this on a Weird Chicago tour (www.weirdchicago.com), but forgot about it until I was entering the parking garage. They stopped me to search my trunk for guns and flammables, standard practice that I guess should have made me feel safe, but it kinda freaked me out. (I guess the propane bottles with my camping supplies weren't enough to blow up a building, so I got in.) As I waited for my meeting on the 33rd floor, I really wanted to ask the secretary if she ever noticed spiders on the window, but I didn't. Her lake view was really spectacular though, probably the best I've seen. The computers were out and we walked across the street to the Westin lobby, which was nice? Leaving, I got confused at the elevators, and had a bad feeling that I just wanted to get out of the building. The elevator police were all really nice, and the shops were all sparkly and fun, but I didn't feel good. Forgot to pay my parking ticket at the kiosk, went back and paid, lost my car keys, found them, drove two floors down, couldn't find my parking ticket, drove back up the wrong way, found my ticket, tried to leave and the auto gate wanted another $13 since it took too long between paying my ticket and leaving. The parking gate police were very nice and let me out without mugging me, but phew. I don't think I'm going back. It's a great view and all, but the whole parking garage thing was a fiasco. Scared the crap out of me anyway. read more

Everyone forgets about this one because the Willis/Sears Tower is taller, but it's worth a try. Tip 1 - forget about the observation deck, get a drink at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor. It's a tacky expensive bar (however the price of a drink is cheaper than the observation deck), but the views are amazing. Just make sure you don't go on a Friday/Saturday evening, there will be a line and you could be seated on the north side where the view isn't as great. But the ladies always tell me the best view is in the ladies room, so take a look. Tip 2 - Signature Room is overpriced, but memorable again because of the view. It's better in the day time through sunset because it faces the lake. At night you're just looking at a black abyss. Tip 3 - Don't forget about Cheesecake factory in the basement, there's also a post office and a Chase bank. read more

Not surely a place where I would come back We were in 4 and everybody found the Stuff too heavy and too enriched. Half chicken acceptable but the vegetables in the plate were a juice of vinegar. Service not so accurate missing at table knife and forks and finally a table with people there were screaming all time long so totally not a great experience read more

Beautiful building with amazing views. Instead of paying to go to the observation deck, we opted to visit the Signature Lounge. Grab a drink at the bar, or sit for a bite to eat and enjoy the view. You will save yourself money, and you can enjoy a nice dinner while you take in the sights of Chicago. read more

Amazing view! I would recommend going during an off time to avoid the lines. Luckily we went during dinner time so there wasn't much of a line. read more

Went up to the observatory with a few friends. Had an amazing time! Saw the sunset over Chicago, definitely recommend. The view was breathtaking! The tilt was a few extra dollars. That was worth it. It was fun seeing the street view from above! Definitely something fun to do in Chicago!! read more

My friend recently got back from Jamaica and I from New York. We're both still in tourist mode and decided to catch up here during lunch. I've been to the John Hancock several times from work events to just showing friends the amazing view of the city. Definitely take advantage of the beautiful view and grab a drink here. You can take in the sites of the city without paying the ridiculous $20 observatory charge. I must admit I've had the food several times here for dinner and wasn't a fan. Just head to the Cheesecake Factory next door after you got your city pic :) read more

This is the local's secret to getting a great view of the city of Chicago. Instead of paying $13 to ride an elevator at the Sear's tower (and waiting 1 hour+ for the elevator), you can go up to the 96th floor to the lounge, pay $8 for a beer and a GREAT window seat and hang out as long as you want. Although the prices may be high, it's worth it just for the view. read more

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Great view, fun "TILT!" experience for only an added $7, and surprisingly large and affordable drinks at the bar. The only downside is the wait, which wasn't terrible since we knew to plan for it, but it's still a long time. Maybe 30-40 minutes in line to go up to the observation deck, and then another 20 minutes to wait in line to go back down. It makes sense, considering the number of elevators they use, so just leave yourself ample time for the visit. read more

Magical & Monumental visit at the John Hancock Center, one must definitely see & take in the breathtaking views while visiting in Chicago! read more

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Beautiful day best time to have drinks best place to have drinks and you could see forever! Nice views of the lake and Navy Pier. has the most amazing views of the city. read more

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I came here as a tourist and figured I should get the obligatory picture from the top. Turns out they charge $20/person to go up to the observation deck. Luckily I remembered my friend telling me about The Signature Room restaurant and bar, and we ended up saying we were going up to the bar so we took the elevator up for free. There is indeed a bar up there but we had literally just stuffed ourselves at lunch so we only went up to walk through, take a couple of pictures (the view of the lake is very pretty), and that was about it. I highly suggest doing this (there were several others doing the same as us) rather than paying $20/head. I would have been pretty upset if I had done that! read more

What a relaxing experience this was. A brief moment of Zen in the windy city. View, views and more views. Make sure to experience the Tilt. Take a date, the family or go alone. Sit, stroll about and admire the city with views for days. Bring money for a cocktail and stay for a few minutes or hours. On site restaurant with amazing views as well. Enjoy! read more

John Hancock Center - Just 1 shot of the view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Outstanding views. Definitely do this if you go to Chicago! !!!! I would go and do the cocktail lounge though as it's about $12 for a cocktail vs $20 for observatory. Great drinks too. Recommended!!!! Apparently the women's toilets have a great view from. read more

I had purchased a city pass but decided not to use it on the John Hancock Building because of the signature room. I found it a good value just to buy a drink at the signature room while going to the top of the John Hancock Center. Wow the views are outstanding. We decided to visit at night (while we visited the sky deck on the Willis Tower during the day) which was great idea because we got two different views of the city. The bar was so nice and clean but the best part about it was that it was not crowded at all, so we were able to enjoy the view. read more

John Hancock Center - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was incredible. I was here for a special event so we didn't have to wait in line. If you want to eat at the restaurant I would say it is definitely worth it and you have to have reservations. read more

John Hancock Center - Beautiful scenery - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While somewhat on the pricey side, the John Hancock Center serves as an excellent attraction for any Chicago tourist. We were serviced quickly and went to the 94th floor by elevator. Incredible view of the Chicago skyline, especially during and after the sun sets. Chicago is a beautiful city. This Center also offers an impressive gift shop with prices comparably better than most of the city. Definitely worth visiting at least once! read more

Lovely view of the water and chicago on a nice day. Best tip I received was to bypass the $15 observation deck fee by going straight to the 96th floor lounge (one drink minimum per person, ~$4.50-$13 max) or the 95th floor restaurant (amazing brunch, snow crab, filet, everything). Women, go to the bathroom on teh 96th floor for a great view! read more

My boyfriend and I came to Chicago during an extremely overcast weekend. We didn't think it was worth paying admission into the Sears/Willis tower to see clouds and we're glad we didn't. Instead many locals told us to check out the bar at John Hancock building and we definitely got our money's worth there! Unfortunately my lyft ride there made me a little motion sick so I wasn't planning on really getting a drink but then looked at the menu and I thought a Moscow mule would be good and boy did it help me feel better. 10 minutes after getting my drink I started to enjoy the view more and was grateful for 30 bucks my boyfriend and I could have a small date with a view! read more

I came here with my family for a trip while visiting Chicago. The view was amazing and the tilt was fun, but the customer service was horrible. I have never experienced such rude people in my life. The workers need to learn some customer service because I would not recommend anyone to be treated that bad. The girls who sell the tilt tickets, the girl who operates the tilt and even those who sell you photos. What kind of a place is open till 11 but their photoshop area to get the pictures closes at 10:30. All that does is inconvenience the visitors. Terrible experience. I wish I knew the workers by name to point them out individually. Just terrible. read more

Rather than paying for the signature room, i always go to the bar one floor below. They have an equally good view andnyou can stay for a lot longer, for a lot cheaper. I always take friends here from out of town. read more

The 360 is the most unorganized place ever. We were shifted all the way back to the end of the line we had been standing in for 40 minutes to do the tilt. Then when we were exiting, we stood in the wrong line (we were under the impression that had two lines going down, because no one is there to give directions) for 30 minutes to only be told to go right back in another line for another 30 minutes. While the tilt was neat we will never be back. Awful. Oh yes and we tried to speak to the manager (jasmine) and she was too busy to speak with us. read more

I had a great time. Came here as part of our date after the architecture tour and I have to say it was a great idea. Lines and the ticket booth could definitely use an improvement. read more

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Who doesn't love the Hancock Building. It's an architectural and Chicago icon. Pro ported to be the best known building in the world. Not so sure about that but what the heck. I'll go along with it. Fabulous views of the city and lake front. The observation deck is fantastic. Gives you the feeling of being on a screen porch 94 floors above Chicago. If you are ever in Chicago you have to do the Hancock. Hit the Signature room for a nice drink or fine dining. Haven't been there in awhile so I can't comment. You can also warm up at Lavazza cafe. read more

My bf+I went up2the signature room2enjoy a cocktail+experience the Chicago sky view.it was soon disturbed by a very rude door guy. As soon as u get off the elevator a boy/man meets u+asks how many for ur party;itwas us two,he led us to the bar. We didn't know tht u have to pick table or bar never gave us an option. We sat at table by the window and he ran over +said u need to get up that's not how it works here.we were confused+he said this is a waitress side ur tab is w the bartender. My bf said ok u can let us know how it works we will start one w the waitress+he said well ur sitting over there close it out then come back to the front. At that point I was just embarrassed and told my bf lets just finish our drinks+go. The view nice just FYI PICK A TABLE read more

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4.5 stars. I hate heights...or should I say I'm scared of heights. We took a local tip of passing the $15 observation dock fee and visiting the bar one floor below for free. As scared as I was, the view was amazing. For a moment, I experienced what it feels like to be Yao Ming. But seriously, the elevator is smooth and you really can't tell you're going up so high. We didn't grab a drink or a bite to eat, but I can see why people flock to this place. read more

The weekend before Easter I visited some friends in Chicago. Being a small town girl I'm not a huge a fan of cities especially big cities like Chicago. Despite that, visiting the John Hancock Center Observation Deck was the highlight of my stay. The views of the city and Lake Michigan were spectacular. At first I thought I the cost to go to the observation floor was a bit expensive, but my friends and I ended up hanging out on the deck for two hours. We had gone there near the end of the day and just enjoyed relaxing, learning about Chicago's history, taking in the view, and eating sorbet/gelato. While way up there in the sky one of my friends and I decided to pay to do the tilt. In my opinion it wasn't worth the money for the view and to me it wasn't much of a thrill. However something that did make it worth it was observing my friend doing it. She wasn't going to do it with us, but she did because the man who sold us our tickets offered her a ticket for free if she was willing to face her fear and try. So proud of her! Lastly it was really cool being there for the sunset. I've been blessed to see the sunset from the mountains of Colorado, the canyons of Arizona, the beaches of Florida, the shorelines in Minnesota, and the mountains of Kentucky. Even though I've seen all these beautiful sunsets, seeing this one from the skyline felt special. read more

When in Chicago this is a place to visit, from the observatory you can see all around the city and it will be an unforgettable experience. Will definitely take a lot of pictures, you can visit before dusk and you will see how the city transforms from above. Must stop by. read more

John Hancock Center - downstairs at the lobby - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Excellent view and attentive staff. Food is good but nothing outstanding. We have dined here a few times and the first time was better than the second so I'm not sure if our expectations were too high or the quality changed. It's very expensive for what you get but then again, it's the Signature Room which is known for elegant dining and the best views of Chicago. TONS OF TOURISTS so beware if you're not in the mood for that type of scene. If you aren't up to spending the money for dinner, go up to the lounge and have a drink or enjoy the view in the lobby area. (just don't eat the food in the lounge, it's horrible) read more

Being a tourist, I wanted to check out the observation deck (now 360 Chicago). I had heard mixed reviews about this attraction, specifically because of the wait to the top. We decided to give it a try and see what the hype is about. We went into the center and purchased tickets. It was $20/person for general admission and $40/person for the fast pass (allows you to skip the line). When we purchased the tickets, we weren't sure how long the line would be, so we went with the $20 tickets. The line didn't look long, but we were deceived. Our first interaction was with a lady checking bags/purses. We walked up to the desk she was working behind and she said, "Nooo.. get back. I didn't call you up yet." So, we waited for about 5-10 minutes more wondering why she wasn't checking our purse. She was sitting in a chair on her cell phone the whole time. We walked up again and asked her if we could proceed and she said, "NO, get back." When she finally checked our purses we continued on and realized we would be waiting a while. The line weaves through the area for a while and has cultural and historical information on the walls for you to read while you wait. Reading the information certainly makes the time go by faster. We waited in line for an hour before arriving at the elevator. The elevator holds 14 people at a time and takes 45 seconds to make it up to the 94th floor. Once we were on the 94th floor, you realize the views are worth the wait. There is a view of the city in all directions with floor to ceiling glass walls. We spent about 30 minutes up there and really enjoyed looking at the city from such a height. They have a new attraction called Tilt that we contemplated trying. Its $7 a person more, but there was another line for that and we didn't feel like waiting. After you see the magnificent views, you then wait in line to take the elevator down. The good thing is that this wait is much shorter than the original wait time to get to the top. This attraction seems like its a "one and done" kind of attraction. Once you see the views, you don't need to keep going back. I wouldn't go back to the 94th floor, but would consider coming back to have a cocktail at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor. read more

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