 I MADE IT! Life goal fulfilled. by Fewf | Sears Tower or John Hancock Building tips and photos posted by real travelers and Chicago locals. • 12 Photos • 20 Reviews See all Chicago Tourist Traps |  | Chicago Sears Tower or John Hancock Building Reviews | 1 - 10 of 20 |  |
 Cite` above the city by pedersdottir If you want to spend the money and get a fabulous NIGHTIME view over the city and waterfront.......
spring for a sinfully delicious dinner at La Cite`, the fabulous round restaurant on top of Lake Point Tower (the wave-shaped glass building across the street from Navy Pier). Prix fixe menu. This is Champagne and Chateaubriand heaven. For daytime views at a more modest cost Sunday brunch is sometimes offered. Call ahead to check/make reservations: 312-644-4050. Valet parking available in the building. Leave a Comment
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You can spend $10-11 and visit the official observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building, or you can wait in another line, sometimes shorter, and always free line to go to the Bar/Lounge on the 96th Floor. The view isn't as dramatic with tables, and bars and people sprawled along the window seats, but for the budget traveler, or drinker, you can get a 2nd-rate view and spend your $10 on a couple of expensive drinks. Leave a Comment
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 Sear's Tower from Below by Jim35 On a good, clear day, you can see all of Chicago from its observation deck on the 103rd Floor. It's great! However, the tickets aren't cheap, the lines can be long, and depending on the weather conditions you may not see anything anyway, So ask the attendant or call first. (312) 875-9696 - 233 S. Wacker Dr. (entrance on Jackson Blvd.)
So, before you stand in line to buy a $10 ticket, ask the elevator attendant what the visibility at the top is like. He or she will know, and will probably tell you. If he or she says the visibility is bad, save your time and money for another day or another attraction. Do not assume that because it's a great, sunny day on the street, that the view will be fantastic. Many times there is a haze that prevents visibility 'up there' that you won't notice until too late.
Weather bad, but you're already there? Get a slice of Chicago style deep dish pizza, or stroll over the canal bridge and see Union Station (2 blocks west) or just catch the 60, 130 or 151 buses east to Michigan Ave and the Art Institute. Or even stay on the 130 to get to the Museum Campus and many more attractions. Leave a Comment
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Sears Tower. For a much better view and a ride on the world's fastest elevator, try the Hancock Building. Leave a Comment
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by dzni The Sear's Tower is EXPENSIVE. Ok, yes, go up by all means if you want to say you've been in the tallest building in the world (I wouldn't believe other claims to this title!). And the views are incredible, don't get me wrong. But, I think better views can be had at the Hancock Center for a little less. And ugh, you have to wait through lines and a movie, and... might not be worth it. Depends on what you want to say you've done in Chicago! Leave a Comment
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by denver662 Going to the top of the Hancock Building is definitely something you can skip. It's expensive and you can see more from the Sear's Tower. If you have to go I would recommend going up to the restaurant at the top and enjoying the view from there. It's free. If you want you can have an overpriced martini to go with the view. Leave a Comment
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by Don_Bodie Chicago itself is kind of a giant tourist trap. It's a money motivated town to it's core and that's reflected by the inflation you'll find here. The entirety of Magnificent Mile and most everywhere else inside the Loop is going to be very expensive. The Sears Tower Observatory is not worth the price of admission. The Hancock Observatory would be a better choice because it's got a bar and retaurant. Leave a Comment
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by markymark Sears Tower - this is a photo from, not of. Amazing to see helicopters flying at the same level you are! Leave a Comment
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Of course Sears Tower is a tourist trap, but you have to go there anyway. You get a very good view over the Chicagoland area. Leave a Comment
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John Hancock building has this photographer who politely asks to take your photograph as you wait to ride the elevator up and gives you a tab asking you collect the photo at the top. When you go to the desk, you're told its going to cost about $10 and you can choose your own background from the cheesy choices they have...falling off the building etc. They have you lapping up the photo in no time. Leave a Comment
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