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Things To Do in Chicago

Hancock Building Observatory

875 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611
Description: The tallest building in the world outside of New York City upon its completion in 1968, the Hancock Building's 100 stories soar 1,127 feet above the streets below. The building's observatory provides a full 360 degree vi...Read More
  • #9 most popular
    thing to do in Chicago
  • Avg. User Rating:
    4 out of 5 stars

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Hancock Building Observatory Reviews

Have you visited the Hancock Building Observatory in Chicago? We're always looking for more Hancock Building Observatory reviews and photos. Contribute yours today.

Too High

  • 4 out of 5 stars by artslover from Calgary, Alberta
  • June 12, 2025
Quote: I hate heights. So why did I decide to go up the Hancock Observatory?Maybe it was because getting up high is the best way to see all the skycrapers of Chicago instead of from the canyon formed on ground level. Maybe it was because it was just too... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review

From journal Four Days of Chicago Delights

Not worth going up-head to the Signature Lounge instead

  • 1 out of 5 stars by aa02451 from St Louis, Missouri
  • February 4, 2025
Quote: If you are willing to pay $15 for adults and $9 for kids to go up, have a wonderful time. I personally would recommend visiting the Signature Lounge (located two floors higher than the observatory!). You can bring the kids and purchase a soda ($6)... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review
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The John Hancock Observatory

  • 5 out of 5 stars by GB from Devizes from Devizes, United Kingdom
  • June 14, 2025
Quote: I never made the time to see this black monolithic structure close up last October, so this would be one of my priorities this time around. The building is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile at 875 N. Michigan Ave, surrounded by such... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review

From journal The Second City Revisited - Chicago in the Spring

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Hancock Observatory

  • 3 out of 5 stars by callen60 from Ozarks, Missouri
  • January 21, 2026
Quote: The Hancock Center was once Chicago’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest. Not for long—within five years it was locally eclipsed by the Aon Center (which entered life as the Standard Oil Building) and then the Sears Tower. Still, at... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review

From journal Wintry Mix: First Time in the Second City

John Hancock Building

  • 5 out of 5 stars by teebee29 from San Antonio, Texas
  • February 24, 2025
Quote: This is the place to get the best view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Go at sunset, and watch night fall over the midwest... from the 94th floor.

From journal Winter Weekend in Chicago

John Hancock Tower

  • 5 out of 5 stars by c_rau from Denver
  • September 10, 2025
Quote: I like the Hancock observation deck a little better than the Sears Tower simply because it's closer to the water and you have fantastic views of the beaches and marinas up and down the Lake Michigan (it's all about the water). The cost is $9.75,... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review

From journal Weekend in Chicago

John Hancock Tower

  • 5 out of 5 stars by melissa_bel from Hautrage, Belgium
  • August 2, 2025
Quote: The John Hancock Center Tower is maybe not Chicago's most beautiful building but is one of the most recognizable. After the Sears Tower, and the Aeon Building, the Hancock is the third tallest building in Chicago and in the US. While the Sears Tower... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review

From journal Chicago-My Kind of Town

John Hancock Tower

  • 4 out of 5 stars by legokid50 from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
  • July 27, 2025
Quote: Seeing the John Hancock Tower was great. Once you get there, you ride up a very fast elevator to get the observatory. From the observatory, you can see the whole city. They also have tons of displays with historical information.

From journal Trip to Chicago

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John Hancock Center Observatory

  • 4 out of 5 stars by billmoy from Chicago, Illinois
  • March 17, 2025
Quote: While the Hancock Observatory is not the tallest one in Chicago (the Sears Tower owns that title), it is usually regarded as the one offering the best high-rise views of Chicago. This is because of its proximity to Lake Michigan and the landmarks of... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review

From journal Bill at home in CHICAGO - Activities

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John Hancock Tower

  • 4 out of 5 stars by rbank from Bannockburn, Illinois
  • September 17, 2025
Quote: The Hancock building is definately a great view of the city and the mag mile, but there are some things most guidebooks don't tell you. The main thing is to skip the entrance fee for the skydeck and go one floor down to The Signature Room. It is a... Read the full Hancock Building Observatory review

From journal Chicago 'Da' Right Way