Willis Tower

Willis Tower showing a city, a high-rise building and interior views
Willis Tower
Willis Tower
Willis Tower which includes city views, mist or fog and a city
Willis Tower showing views and interior 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 Park.

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.

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Things to do near Willis Tower

Near the iconic Willis Tower, visitors can enjoy a vibrant theatre scene, captivating art galleries, and a variety of entertainment options. Be sure to explore during festival season for an immersive experience, and take a leisurely stroll along the stunning riverwalk, where you can soak in the picturesque views of the city. Chicago's lively atmosphere ensures there's always something exciting to discover.

Shopping

City Market, located 644m from Willis Tower, offers a vibrant public market atmosphere perfect for local goods. For a more extensive shopping experience, Chicago Place Mall is 1.6km away, featuring a variety of shops and dining options. If you're up for a drive, the 900 North Michigan Shops, 3.2km away, provide a blend of entertainment and shopping.

Recreation

Discover Wrigley Field for an exhilarating sports experience, only 8.0km from Willis Tower. For a vibrant evening, enjoy live music at the House of Blues Chicago, just 1.1km away. For a serene escape, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, located 3.2km away, perfect for relaxation.

Adventure

Embark on an adventurous hike along Salt Creek Trail, located 17.7km from Willis Tower, where scenic views and the great outdoors await. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 33.8km away, offering thrilling water attractions and entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at the Chicago Theatre, only 1.1km away, where culture and romance intertwine. For a lively atmosphere, visit Dave & Buster's, 3.2km distant, for drinks and entertainment. Don't miss Film Row Cinema, 1.4km away, offering a delightful cinematic experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Willis Tower

Willis Tower offers a captivating experience for tourists with its stunning skyscraper views and rich history. Visitors can explore nearby urban parks and historic buildings, providing a delightful mix of culture and family-friendly activities. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a deeper appreciation of Chicago's architectural marvels, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the Magnificent Mile, this vibrant street is a shopper's paradise lined with upscale boutiques, renowned restaurants, and iconic landmarks. Experience the bustling city energy as you stroll along this famous thoroughfare, perfect for both shopping and sightseeing.
  • Millennium Park: A stunning urban oasis, Millennium Park offers lush gardens, striking art installations, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as The Bean, and take part in various outdoor events and concerts throughout the year.
  • Chicago Riverwalk: This picturesque promenade along the Chicago River is ideal for leisurely walks, dining, and enjoying scenic views. With family-friendly spaces and outdoor activities, the Riverwalk is a delightful spot to relax and take in the beauty of the city.

Best time to go to Willis Tower

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options, including Eco-certified hotels for sustainable stays. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings. Keep an eye out for amazing deals and flexible cancellation options to maximise your budget while enjoying your trip.

  • 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 June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Willis Tower is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Willis Tower is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at the Willis Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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