Willis Tower Tours

Willis Tower which includes views, a city and a skyscraper
Willis Tower showing a city, views and interior views
Willis Tower which includes views and interior views as well as a couple
Willis Tower featuring a skyscraper, mist or fog and a city
Willis Tower which includes interior views and views as well as a small group of people


Visit the Skydeck and gaze down over the Chicago cityscape from a dazzling 1,353 feet above the sidewalk.

Willis Tower, the tallest building in the US, is a 1,450-foot modern office block that offers unrivalled views of Chicago. Ride the elevators to the 103rd floor Skydeck, 1,353 feet above the sidewalks to check out a viewing platform and small museum. On a clear day it’s possible to see as far as Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Gaze across the city’s major attractions, including Lake Michigan and Millennium ParkOpens in a new window.

This landmark building on South Wacker Drive, in the West Loop, was constructed in 1973 as The Sears Tower (the name changed in 2003). It was the tallest building in the world for 25 years until the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia took this honor. The Willis Tower still holds the title as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, though, and it’s the seventh tallest building in the world. It holds more than 3.8 million square feet of office space.

Don't miss one of the highlights of the Skydeck, the glass ledge which juts out from the side of the building. Walk on the glass floor and peer down at the street more than 1,000 feet below. Many stop to have their photo taken. There are 360-views from glass windows on every side of the tower, and a railing to hold on to in case you get dizzy.

Take the time to walk through a small interactive museum about Chicago. There are short videos, a trivia game, and photographs of the City’s attractions from 1,353 feet in the air.Enter on the south side of the building along Jackson Boulevard.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in ChicagoOpens in a new window page.

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Best Lodging Options Near Willis Tower

Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG

3.5 out of 5
25 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

4 out of 5
171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - The Mart by IHG

Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - The Mart by IHG

3 out of 5
350 West Wolf Point Plaza, Building 2, Chicago, IL
Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn - The Mart by IHG
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Willis Tower

At Willis Tower in Chicago, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the vibrant theater scene and engaging in entertainment options nearby. A highlight of the area is the Chicago Riverwalk, offering stunning views and a lively atmosphere perfect for strolling, dining, and relaxing along the water. This blend of culture and outdoor enjoyment makes for a memorable experience in the heart of the city.

Food and drinks

Indulge in classic American fare at the Historic Michael Jordan Restaurant, just a mile from Willis Tower. For spectacular views and a romantic atmosphere, try the Grand Terrace Ballroom, located three miles away. Don't miss the vibrant cocktail scene in downtown Chicago's theatre district!

Shopping

The closest shopping spot is Maxwell Street Market, about 0.9 miles away, offering a mix of local goods. Chicago Place Mall is just 1 mile away, featuring various family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, check out 900 North Michigan Shops, located 2 miles away for more upscale options.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of a game at Soldier Field, where the energy of the crowd boosts your spirits. For a serene escape, head to Northerly Island Natural Area, perfect for relaxation and nature walks. Enjoy laughter and family fun at Second City, where comedy brings joy to all ages.

Adventure

Salt Creek Trail offers an invigorating hiking experience 11 miles from Willis Tower. This scenic trail showcases the beauty of nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure amidst picturesque landscapes and refreshing greenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Willis Tower is vibrant and diverse. Catch a show at the Chicago Theatre, just 0.7 miles away, for a cultural experience. For a thrilling evening, visit Bally's Casino Chicago, 1 mile away, or enjoy a movie at Film Row Cinema, located 0.9 miles from the tower.

Find the best attractions near Willis Tower

When visiting the iconic Willis Tower in Chicago, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, including urban parks, modern universities, and local beaches. The area is perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Be sure to check out the Skydeck Chicago for stunning views and learn about the history of the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. There's something for everyone in this vibrant part of the city!

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the "Magnificent Mile," Michigan Avenue is a vibrant shopping and dining destination filled with iconic architecture. Stroll along this bustling street to experience the heartbeat of Chicago, with upscale stores, trendy cafes, and stunning city views.
  • McCormick Place: This massive convention center is a hub for business and events, hosting major trade shows and conferences. Its modern facilities and impressive design make it a vital part of Chicago's economy, and visitors can often find exciting exhibitions and networking opportunities.
  • Navy Pier: A picturesque waterfront destination, Navy Pier offers scenic views of Lake Michigan, diverse entertainment options, and cultural attractions like the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Enjoy a leisurely walk, dine at waterfront restaurants, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a fun-filled day.

Best time to go to Willis Tower

Visitor numbers around Willis Tower is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Willis Tower can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Willis Tower falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Willis Tower falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Willis Tower

To save money on your visit to Willis Tower, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park. The best time to visit is from December to February, when hotel prices drop. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly hotels and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash back on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Willis Tower are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Willis Tower is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Willis Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.