John Hancock Observatory

(312) 751-3681

875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611 41.8988 -87.624

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Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side

HANCOCKOBSERVATORY…

John Hancock Observatory

John Hancock Observatory

What People Are Saying About John Hancock Observatory

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

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 kicking back in the 96th floor Signature Lounge with a beer or cocktail and taking in a lakeside view of the city. Add the killer location on North Michigan Avenue, and you have the Chicago insider's favorite sky-high pastime. – – The Background – Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same prominent Chicago firm that designed the Sears Tower, the Hancock--"Big John," as it was…

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/14/09

Best view on the north side

by GorgeousGirl

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
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/18/05

great way to see Chicago

by mattystrappy

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
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/29/05

Better than the Sears Tower

by bluehensfan

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!

The Details on John Hancock Observatory

When to Go:

Take a stroll on the self-guided audio tour of the city's sights and history anytime, but the views are best from 9am to 11am or after 4pm.

Know Before You Go:

The Hancock boasts the fastest elevator in North America. Travelling 1,800 feet per minute (20 mph), it gets you to the 94th-floor observatory in 39 seconds.

Parking:

Convenient parking is located at John Hancock Center with entrances off of Chestnut and Delaware.

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