Willis Tower Tours and Activities

Willis Tower which includes a city, views and central business district
Willis Tower
Willis Tower
Willis Tower featuring a skyscraper, a city and mist or fog
Willis Tower showing 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 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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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
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
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
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
citizenM Chicago Downtown

citizenM Chicago Downtown

4 out of 5
80 East Wacker Place, Chicago, IL
citizenM Chicago Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
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
Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop

Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop

4 out of 5
226 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL
Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Hilton Chicago
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 a visit to Skydeck Chicago for stunning views, engaging photo tours, and scenic boat tours. Don't miss the sightseeing cruise for a unique perspective of the city's skyline, or consider an ivy tour for a touch of nature amidst the urban landscape. There's something for everyone to make your trip memorable!

Shopping

City Market, located 644m from Willis Tower, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for city vibes. For a larger selection, Chicago Place Mall, just 1.6km away, features a variety of shops that cater to family and business needs. If you're up for a drive, 900 North Michigan Shops is 3.2km away, providing more entertainment options.

Recreation

At Soldier Field, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of live sports events, just 3.2km from Willis Tower. Experience live music at House of Blues Chicago, located 1.1km away, where entertainment vibes abound. For tranquility, visit Northerly Island Natural Area, also 3.2km away, perfect for relaxation.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Willis Tower, explore the scenic Salt Creek Trail, located 11.6kms away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. For family fun, visit Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 21.6kms away, where you can enjoy thrilling water slides and entertaining activities for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Willis Tower with a visit to the Chicago Theatre for a captivating show, or try your luck at Bally's Casino Chicago for a thrilling evening. For a family-friendly movie night, head to Film Row Cinema for the latest films in a charming atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Willis Tower

When visiting Willis Tower in Chicago, you can explore a variety of attractions including urban parks, historic buildings, and the iconic skyscraper itself. The Willis Tower Skydeck offers breathtaking views, making it a perfect stop for cultural and family experiences. Don't miss the chance to learn about the tower's history as the former Sears Tower and discover the vibrant city life that surrounds this remarkable landmark.

  • Michigan Avenue: This bustling street, located 1.6km from Willis Tower, is known for its vibrant city atmosphere, featuring upscale shops, dining, and iconic architecture. Stroll along the Magnificent Mile and immerse yourself in the urban energy.
  • Grant Park: Situated 1.4km away, Grant Park is a beautiful urban park perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy scenic gardens, art installations, and recreational activities amidst the stunning city skyline.
  • Chicago Riverwalk: Just 1.1km from Willis Tower, this picturesque tourist precinct offers a relaxing waterfront experience. Walk along the river, enjoy dining options, and take in the stunning views of the city while spending quality time with family.

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 is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 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

When visiting Willis Tower in Chicago, consider exploring free attractions like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Grant Park. The best time to save is from December to February, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, look for package deals, and filter for budget-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to further savings. Keep an eye out for discount hotels and best-value properties near Willis Tower for a wallet-friendly experience.

  • 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Willis Tower is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. To find the most affordable rates and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Willis Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.