Hancock Building and Water Tower

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360° Chicago

Top choice in Chicago


The views from the 94th-floor observatory of this iconic building (formerly known as the John Hancock Center) in many ways surpass those at the Willis Tower; there are informative displays and the 'Tilt' feature (floor-to-ceiling windows you stand in as they tip out over the ground), which costs $7.20 extra and is less exciting than it sounds. Or just shoot straight up to the 96th-floor Signature Lounge, where the view is free if you buy a drink ($10 to $18).

Transportation

  • metro: Red Line to Chicago

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chicago attractions

1. Chicago Sports Museum

0.05 MILES

To understand Chicago's sports psyche, peruse the memorabilia-filled cases at this gallery attached to Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch restaurant. See…

2. Water Works Pumping Station

0.11 MILES

Built in 1869, the Pumping Station and Water Tower, its companion building across the street, were constructed in Gothic style with yellow limestone. It's…

3. Water Tower

0.12 MILES

This 154ft-tall, turreted tower is a defining city icon: it was the sole downtown survivor of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, thanks to its yellow limestone…

4. City Gallery

0.12 MILES

Set inside the historic Water Tower, this small gallery showcases Chicago-themed works by local photographers and artists.

5. Museum of Contemporary Art

0.16 MILES

Consider it the Art Institute’s brash, rebellious sibling, with especially strong minimalist, surrealist and conceptual photography collections, and…

6. Oak Street Beach

0.27 MILES

This beach at the edge of downtown packs in bodies beautiful to play volleyball or sunbathe in the shadow of skyscrapers. Swimming is permitted in summer…

7. Holy Name Cathedral

0.29 MILES

Holy Name Cathedral is the seat of Chicago’s Catholic Church and where its powerful cardinals do their preaching. It provides a quiet place for…

8. Driehaus Museum

0.35 MILES

Set in the exquisite Nickerson Mansion, the Driehaus immerses visitors in Gilded Age decorative arts and architecture. You'll feel like a Great Gatsby…

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