John Hancock Observatory

The John Hancock Observatory is one of the most frequented sites by tourists, but we Chicagoans like it, too. You do have an option if you are an adult, however. You can get the same views (without all the tourists) for the price of a cocktail at the Signature Room in the same building. If you have kids or decide you'd rather walk "outside" (a caged area), the Observatory is best. Be sure and look in tourist pamphlets in your hotel as the Observatory regularly offers discounts for multiple ticket purchases. You can stay up there as long as you like and take all the photos you want. I'd choose a time when the city is most beautiful, at dusk when the sun is setting, or on a summer evening when you can see fireworks over the Chicago River. more

If you reall want to see all of Chicago, I would advise going here. This observatory is awesome. You can see the entire city. But make sure to go on a clear, sunny day or else you wont be able to see much. Besides that, the pricing is pretty reasonable. You will usually find toursits gathered around to get up there. But its a nice place to visit even if you're a resident of Chicago. more

This is a cool place to go in Chicago if you want to see a great view from an older building. I love standing in the "open air" area - you have no idea what the wind is really like till you actually feel it all around you! It can get crowded in the summer so I'd recommend late spring or early fall so that you really get a chance to experience it! more

One of the greatest things you can do when you live in a big city or plan on visiting a big city is get the view of that city from on high. When the city in question is Chicago, you have a variety of choices. Many people know about the Sears Tower, which stands well over all other buildings in the city and once bore the label of World's Tallest Building. Sure, this is impressive, but for my money the best place to look over the City of Big Shoulders is in the John Hancock Observatory located near the top of the John Hancock building. When you look at a skyline shot of Chicago you see three dominant buildings. The blocky Sears Tower is at the south end, the Aon Center building sits in the middle and way off to the north end is a building that seems to be growing to a point and is topped with two huge antennae. That is the Hancock building. Just across the street is shopping in Water Tower place and Bloomingdales. The old Water Tower, one of the few surviving buildings of the Chicago Fire is there as well. The cost is a little steep, but the view is just fantastic. It will literally take your breath away. The problem with the Sears Tower is not only that it is not on Michigan Avenue but it is so tall you feel almost too far away from the buildings. Here you get a great view of the lake and of the Magnificent Mile. In recent years there has even been a renovation of the observatory and a skywalk added. I have not been to to skywalk and given the wind patterns of this city I can't imagine walking outside. So, if you're in Chicago and you want to look down on the pedestrians and shoppers, visit the Hancock Building and save the Sears Tower for another trip. more

Walking past, I was intrigued enough by the Hancock Observatory to check it out. I was downright offended by the 10 dollar price tag. Inside, it was nothing special. It took no more than five minutes before boredom struck. The dilema is, on a hazy day, all you see is fog, but when it's sunny, you're blinded!!! this was definately not worth the money, and completely boring! more

My family and I made as many visits as about 8 or 9 times so far. It has never been the less. They take you to the top floor to the observatory. Side walk is Glass protected, but some part of it is net (I believe) which allows the visitor to feel the wind. Such a great view of chicago. You can see all the attractions, and feel like flying over them. There is a Lakefront view aroung the Lake shore drive which you can see clearly from here. Go there in the afternoon to get beautiful snaps, but stay till dark to see how beautiful chicago looks in night. For more information visit this site: http://www.hancock-observatory.com/attractions.asp more

I don't think you are technically on the top floor. Bill Moy would know about this. But I also prefer this observatory over the Sears Towers. This has more charm or character. If you haven't been up here, this is another must while visiting Chicago. Bring some chewing gum for that elevator ride! more

I like to take visitors to the John Hancock Observatory, in a building that is a Chicago icon and an example of progressive structural engineering and design. There are excellent views of the city and Lake Michigan. There is even an “open-air” area where you can stand outside and feel the winds whip through you, though you are fenced in and will not tumble to the ground. more

When they first built this building, I rented a great apartment in Old Town for $85. I helped the former resident move out from his 4 room space in Old town into the freshly built Hancock. He was moving into this 2 room cramped space up on a high floor of the Hancock. I think the rent was $475. I thought he was crazy. It was eerie up there. We had to take two separate elevators. I was anticipating this great view, but because it was a cloudy day, when you looked out the windows all you saw was this fuzzy gray blanket. The wind was whistling; I was aware of how high up I was. I had read that they had designed the building to sway a bit in high winds and I swear I could feel it swaying. But I ramble. Go visit the observatory on the top on a clear day, or better yet, sit in the lounge up top and savor an overpriced drink and enjoy the best view in Chicago, more

If you are in the main downtown area in Michigan Avenue and don't want to drive to Sears Tower, try the John hancock Observatory. You get the same view as the Sears Tower although you aren't as high. It is less expensive than the Sears Tower with a 360 degree view of the City. There is also a history Wall of Chicago and one floor below is a lounge area where you can site right by the window and order cocktails. On the first floor there are resturants that you can grab a bite to eat also. more