John Hancock Observatory

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875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

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(312) 751-8598
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John Hancock Observatory - Chicago, IL
John Hancock Observatory - Chicago, IL
John Hancock Observatory - Chicago, IL
Reviews
( 11 )
( 18 )
( 3 )
( 2 )
( 1 )

Best

I really liked going to the John Hancock Observatory. It was really interesting. I loved the little sound recorder that told us about the different buildings and the history of Ch...

Worst

We had purchased tickets in advance of our trip to Chicago. We arrived only to discover that there was a hike/climb of the tower & we had to wait 40+ minutes to take an elevator u...

should be closed during fundraising events...40 min wait 2/28/2011

We had purchased tickets in advance of our trip to Chicago. We arrived only to discover that there was a hike/climb of the tower & we had to wait 40+ minutes to take an elevator up or down. Once in the observatory it was sweaty, hot, and you are trapped without a chair until you can go down. It was not first-come first-served, and rather all the parents & children were hustled in front of us, causing even longer waits to get up to the observatory or back down the elevators. The staff seemed frazzled, and in our opinion, the entire observatory should have been closed and tickets refunded to tourists... as with any race or fundraising event, close it down except to those participating. It wasn't worth the money for the view. It's a good view, but not spectacular. There are more impressive sites the world over...save your money. more
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should be closed during fundraising events...40 min wait 2/28/2011

We had purchased tickets in advance of our trip to Chicago. We arrived only to discover that there was a hike/climb of the tower & we had to wait 40+ minutes to take an elevator up or down. Once in the observatory it was sweaty, hot, and you are trapped without a chair until you can go down. It was not first-come first-served, and rather all the parents & children were hustled in front of us, causing even longer waits to get up to the observatory or back down the elevators. The staff seemed frazzled, and in our opinion, the entire observatory should have been closed and tickets refunded to tourists... as with any race or fundraising event, close it down except to those participating. It wasn't worth the money for the view. It's a good view, but not spectacular. There are more impressive sites the world over...save your money. more
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Really interesting, great views 12/21/2009

I really liked going to the John Hancock Observatory. It was really interesting. I loved the little sound recorder that told us about the different buildings and the history of Chicago. It was David Schwimmer's voice (Ross from Friends) If it was just some nobody spouting off boring facts in my ear it would have been boring. Schwimmer made it interesting and fun. Pros: interestings, great views more
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Really interesting, great views 12/21/2009

I really liked going to the John Hancock Observatory. It was really interesting. I loved the little sound recorder that told us about the different buildings and the history of Chicago. It was David Schwimmer's voice (Ross from Friends) If it was just some nobody spouting off boring facts in my ear it would have been boring. Schwimmer made it interesting and fun. Pros: interestings, great views more
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Best view on the north side 7/14/2009

With the exception of the Sears tower this is the best view from any building in Chicago. It's a must for Chicago tourists. I love the view of the lake when you look east from here and the restauarant upstairs is amazing too. Great place to hang out Pros: Amazing view Cons: Not as good as the Sears more
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Best view on the north side 7/14/2009

With the exception of the Sears tower this is the best view from any building in Chicago. It's a must for Chicago tourists. I love the view of the lake when you look east from here and the restauarant upstairs is amazing too. Great place to hang out Pros: Amazing view Cons: Not as good as the Sears more
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Better than Sears 11/25/2007

The view from the Hancock Observatory is probably the best in the city. The observatory itself is kind of weak, and the lines can be long, but you're here for the view anyway, right? For up top, you can sometimes make out Michigan and if it's super super clear, Wisconsin. You get sweeping views of the lake beaches from way up north to around the bend down south. Lake Shore Drive is beautiful up here at night. As is Navy Pier. Plan on about 45 minutes to enjoy it all, plus 15-30 minutes in lines. more
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Better than Sears 11/25/2007

The view from the Hancock Observatory is probably the best in the city. The observatory itself is kind of weak, and the lines can be long, but you're here for the view anyway, right? For up top, you can sometimes make out Michigan and if it's super super clear, Wisconsin. You get sweeping views of the lake beaches from way up north to around the bend down south. Lake Shore Drive is beautiful up here at night. As is Navy Pier. Plan on about 45 minutes to enjoy it all, plus 15-30 minutes in lines. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Better than Sears 11/25/2007

The view from the Hancock Observatory is probably the best in the city. The observatory itself is kind of weak, and the lines can be long, but you're here for the view anyway, right? For up top, you can sometimes make out Michigan and if it's super super clear, Wisconsin. You get sweeping views of the lake beaches from way up north to around the bend down south. Lake Shore Drive is beautiful up here at night. As is Navy Pier. Plan on about 45 minutes to enjoy it all, plus 15-30 minutes in lines. more
Reply | Report abuse |

great way to see Chicago 10/18/2005

It was beautiful being at the observatory at night. It would have been more romantic if there hadn't been so many noisy kids there. If you do go, try to go as late as possible. Also, go when you have some time, because you'll have to wait in line for the elevator both to go up and down. Pros: awesome view, romantic music, outdoor section Cons: noisy kids more
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great way to see Chicago 10/18/2005

It was beautiful being at the observatory at night. It would have been more romantic if there hadn't been so many noisy kids there. If you do go, try to go as late as possible. Also, go when you have some time, because you'll have to wait in line for the elevator both to go up and down. Pros: awesome view, romantic music, outdoor section Cons: noisy kids more
Reply | Report abuse |

Better than the Sears Tower 8/28/2005

Thanks to the proximity of Lake Michigan, the view seems better here even though you're not as high up as at the Sears Tower. Less of a line here and no pre-trip movie presentation, as well as an outside viewing area mean a more enjoyable visit. The view is great, and they have a few exhibits up top where you can take your picture that make you look like you're hanging from a suspended beam or are waskhing the windows up high. When you're done, stop by the gelato store at the bottom for some good food! more
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Better than the Sears Tower 8/28/2005

Thanks to the proximity of Lake Michigan, the view seems better here even though you're not as high up as at the Sears Tower. Less of a line here and no pre-trip movie presentation, as well as an outside viewing area mean a more enjoyable visit. The view is great, and they have a few exhibits up top where you can take your picture that make you look like you're hanging from a suspended beam or are waskhing the windows up high. When you're done, stop by the gelato store at the bottom for some good food! more
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Tower of Dreams 11/10/2002

The John Hancock Center was breathtaking, the view was incredible, and the staff was very friendly. Pros: not crowded, Inexpensive, friendly staff Cons: bad parking more
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Tower of Dreams 11/10/2002

The John Hancock Center was breathtaking, the view was incredible, and the staff was very friendly. Pros: not crowded, Inexpensive, friendly staff Cons: bad parking more
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Picturesque View 8/17/2002

This is a nice place to go after eating an early dinner at one of the restaurants downtown and watch the sun set. The view is incredible, almost too hard to describe with words, as you have to see it to feel it. more
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Picturesque View 8/17/2002

This is a nice place to go after eating an early dinner at one of the restaurants downtown and watch the sun set. The view is incredible, almost too hard to describe with words, as you have to see it to feel it. more
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Signature Room Rating 8/7/2002

I have only been in the Signature room in the John Hancock, and it is great. It is a very good view, while you enjoy an awesome buffet. more
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Signature Room Rating 8/7/2002

I have only been in the Signature room in the John Hancock, and it is great. It is a very good view, while you enjoy an awesome buffet. more
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Best View in Chicago 6/6/2002

Yes, everyone knows this is the tallest building in North America, and by some standards, the world. And yes, it was featured prominently in Ferris Buller's Day Off, a seminal Gen X flick. But you can do better. The John Hancock building has a cocktail lounge on its top floor, which you DON'T have to pay to get into, nor do you have to deal with unhappy families having bad vacations, and the location is more central and closer to Lake Michigan AND you can have a cocktail. Yes, the drinks are priced a bit steep and the some of the specialty cocktails have funny names, but really folks, this is the ticket! Pros: amazing view Cons: a little cheesy more
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Menu for John Hancock Observatory


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Above all, a great time.

Owner Message

  • John Hancock Observatory in Chicago, Illinois offers the best views of our city. Included in your marveling experience is a multimedia sky tour narrated by David Schwimmer.

    When standing on the top floor, you don?t just sit in a room and have a boring voice describe images on a screen. We know that to truly experience the grand height of our observatory and the incredible sights below, you need to have the wind in your hair and feel as if you are standing directly over the city. At our open-air skywalk, you?ll enjoy just that. We take you to the edge at 94 stories!

    Our Soundscope feature is a high-powered telescope that imitates the sounds of the sights below. You?ll truly believe you?re right there with the birds chirping or fans cheering at U.S. Cellular Field.

    Our 80-foot long History Wall contains a conglomeration of murals that convey Chicago?s rich past. You?ll also enjoy the award-winning Lavazza Caf, a pre-eminent coffee house known throughout the world. Chef Ferran Adria creates inventive cuisine that is made even more delicious by our award-winning ambience and restaurant design, all situated on the 94th floor.

    Come see the world in a whole new way at the John Hancock Observatory.

    Call us today for more information on ticket prices!

    Entertainment

Editorial

  • The View
    The third tallest building in Chicago (after the Sears Tower and Aon Center ), the Hancock stands 1,127 feet tall, 100 floors high. The Hancock's greatest draw is the option of...

  • 11/15/2004 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Daily 9am-11pm ; Open 7 Days
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
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