Willis Tower

The Sears Tower, completed in 1974 and renamed the Willis Tower in 2006, stands at 1,451 feet tall. It was the tallest building in the United States and the tallest in the Western Hemisphere until it was replaced by One World Trade Center in New York at 1,776 feet.

The most worthwhile experience is the Skydesk, located on the 103rd floor of the skyscraper's observation deck. It's 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the ground and constructed from three layers of thick glass, capable of withstanding a five-ton load. The deck protrudes approximately 1.2 meters outward, and is 10 feet (3 meters) wide and high. Three sides are covered in glass, offering panoramic views of the bustling Chicago skyline, while the other side offers a glimpse of the endless coastline and Canada across the sea. Being there feels like floating in the air, a truly thrilling experience.

The Willis Tower is 442.3 meters high, with 110 floors above ground and 3 floors underground. Including its two towers, it is 520 meters high and is the tallest building in the United States.

The line for taking photos in the glass room was incredibly long. We arrived at sunset, and by the time it was our turn, it was completely dark, with the glass room ablaze with light. To manage the flow, the staff reminded us we only had one minute to take photos. I was a little nervous standing on the glass floor, but my mom wasn't afraid at all. While waiting in line, I'd seen some promotional videos showing some of the poses tourists had used to pose, and I tried to imitate them. When it was my turn, I did a split without a second thought. It was a good way to stretch my legs after waiting in line for so long.

The usual queues are two hours long, but we had no problems all the way. We barely saw anyone downstairs, and soon we reached the 103rd floor observation deck. Sure enough, the sky outside the window was completely white, and we couldn't see a thing.

The plan to take celebrity photos in the transparent viewing room was naturally ruined.

I felt very scared. I always felt that there was a faint cracking sound on the floor. I also saw on the news that the floor glass had cracked, but most people were very calm, and some were even jumping on it.

There were times when the fog would clear up for a short while, but it was always fleeting and it was still far from being able to see the whole picture. The most pitiful thing was that even though the temperature outside was only around 20 degrees Celsius, the air conditioner was turned on very cold inside.

We were shivering with cold and occasionally had to go to the dryer in the bathroom to keep warm.

The glass balcony of Willis Tower is a must-see. Standing on the 103rd floor, you can take in the panoramic views of Chicago and the bustling city. The high floor area ratio makes the ground almost invisible, making the building seem incredibly crowded. The buildings are like trees in a forest, desperate to reach for sunlight... Unfortunately, the weather was not favorable. Without the blue sky as a backdrop, the chaotic gray scene seems a bit depressing.

The glass balcony is a viewing platform made of pure glass that protrudes from the exterior wall, giving you an absolute God's perspective. However, there was no time to appreciate it carefully. Each group only had 2 minutes to stay, take a photo and then leave.

It's the tallest building in Chicago, right? You can go up there and take some photos of the lights coming on. However, it was still very crowded when I went there. Even with a City Pass, you still had to queue up to take photos...

Going up to see Sky Space is a good choice! It's good to go during the day or at night, it feels different.

Don't worry about getting lost; there are large signs along the way. A handheld CityPass lets you enter the building directly at the front of the line without any obstructions. After taking the elevator upstairs, you'll find the Skydeck, which has many of them. People line up to take photos. Two staff members will be at the front of the deck to help you take photos, but you can use your own phone.

The local tour guide explained that while Sears Tower is now known as Willis Tower, the original name, Sears, remains a cherished memory for locals. We went to Sears Tower that evening to watch the sunset. Downstairs, a sign read: "Forget feet, meters, miles, this building is 262 Jordans high." As the tallest building in Chicago, we could truly overlook the entire city. We ascended to the observation deck an hour before sunset and watched the sun slowly set over the edge of the mountains beyond the hazy city. To the west, there were two glass platforms suspended from the building, and a long line of people lined up to try them out. As the sun sets, it will sink below the horizon. Unfortunately, that evening, a thick haze enveloped the horizon, and the sun retreated into it, painting the sky red. Meanwhile, people on the ground turned on their lights to welcome the onset of night.

We're all talking about the observation deck. There's actually a bar downstairs. No reservations are required. Seats are divided into window (by the window) and middle (not by the window). A waiter will come to ask. There might be a few more people lining up by the window, but generally there aren't that many people. Go at dusk and you can see the sky getting darker. In some directions you can see the lake, in others the city. It's nice to go up high once in a while and see scenery you wouldn't normally see. It's perfect for one or two people. Cocktails are around $20, and there are desserts. When I went to the restroom, I noticed the view was pretty good too 😭 In fact, there were quite a lot of people taking pictures. By the way, this building is on Michigan Avenue, with a lot of shops. It's a great place to go shopping during the day and drink at night.

The Willis Tower (Sears Tower), which was the tallest building in the world for 25 years, is a must-see when traveling.

The queue at Willis Tower is very long. The 103rd floor is an observation deck with a transparent floor, so of course there are a lot of people queuing up to take pictures.

The City Pass we purchased earlier also helped us reduce the waiting time a little.

There is a time limit for going up to Willis Tower. It seems that you are not allowed to go up after 7:30. It is recommended to prepare a quarter, which is 25 minutes, so that you can use the telescope at Willis Tower.

There is a large souvenir shop on the first floor of Willis Tower, which sells a lot of Chicago-related products. You can buy souvenirs there.

The tallest building in Chicago, the Willis Tower, when viewed from the air, looks like a nine-square grid of varying heights. There are fully transparent glass panes on the Willis Tower. Tickets to the Willis Tower cost about $20. When you first arrive in a city, it is a good experience to climb up and enjoy the whole city view, especially in a city with rivers and lakes running through it. The layout of the entire city is in full view. The legendary fully transparent panes still make my legs tremble when I look down.

When we went there, the entrance to the skydeck was under renovation, so we just went in from the main entrance of the building and went down to the basement. The signs were very clear.

The skydeck officially opens for viewing at 9 am, and the queue has already started 10 minutes in advance.

There weren't many people, so the City Pass didn't show any advantage. After security check, I quickly took the elevator to the observation deck on the 103rd floor.

Tips: After getting out of the elevator, quickly find the skydeck and take pictures while no one is around. Don’t get distracted by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The most important thing is to find the real skydeck to take pictures.

I passed by this landmark building while running in the morning. I recommend you to go and see it.

As a Chicago landmark, it's a must-see. Parking is conveniently located nearby, with plenty of parking lots available. Just plan your route accordingly. However, parking is not cheap. Street parking is also plentiful, so if you're lucky, you might find one.

I waited in line for three hours in Willis Tower.

If you want to go to Willis Tower, you must go early, otherwise you will waste the whole day queuing.

Looking down at Chicago from the top of the Willis Tower, I felt so high up! The Willis Tower was once the tallest building in the world, with 110 floors. Standing there, I really looked down on all the other buildings.

There will be staff in the glass room directing the photo taking, so don’t be in a hurry, just wait for your turn and go up and press the shutter like crazy.

The Willis Tower, originally named the "Sears Tower", is still called "Sears" by some Chicagoans.

This building is located in the Downtown Loop, just across the river from Union Station. Once the world's tallest skyscraper, it has been surpassed by many others, but it remains the tallest building in Chicago and a landmark. Driving near the Loop, you can see the skyscraper from a distance on the highway.

The entrance to the Willis Tower is from the south gate, on Jackson Street. A ticket is required to access the rooftop's transparent glass observation deck. Standing on the glass platform and looking down at the people and cars passing by below is a unique experience. Those afraid of heights should beware. There are two places to enjoy the view from a skyscraper in Chicago: the Willis Tower and the Hancock Tower. When it comes to aerial views, which one is better is a matter of opinion. In my opinion, the lake views and night views from the Willis Tower are not as good as those from the Hancock Tower.

Willis Tower. Unfortunately, the weather was bad, so the view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline was much less impressive, but it was still spectacular enough.

We went there at night. Overall, the scenery was beautiful, but the walk up to the observation deck was a bit tiring. However, the service and convenience were terrible, which I will complain about later.

Parking: The parking lot across from the Wills Building is incredibly expensive, costing over $10 for 20 minutes and over $30 for an hour. Highly recommended. Street parking is available for $6.50 per hour, capped at 3 hours. Since the lines inside the museum are unpredictable, I recommend buying a 3-hour pass and leaving the receipt under your car's windshield.



Tickets: It is recommended to buy a city pass, the queue is different from the regular ticket queue. We arrived at around 6 pm, and the city pass queue was expected to be 45 minutes, while the regular ticket queue was expected to be 2 hours... It was speechless.



Complaints: My biggest complaint about this building is the somewhat disorganized layout. The elevator ride upstairs was incredibly slow, seemingly with only one elevator operating. There was a 10-minute gap between each wave of passengers and the next. The downstairs delay was even worse, with the longest gap being 15 minutes, and each wave could only carry about 15 people. Later, because the line was so long, it seemed like another backup elevator was used, taking an unconventional route down. So, overall, the Skydeck tour took two and a half hours, with only half an hour actually taking photos. One of the four windows has a light, perfect for nighttime portraits. You can pay to take photos, or take photos yourself.

One of the must-see attractions at night!!!

The famous glass landscape is too, there are staff to help take pictures, there are also cameras. Taking pictures is free, but you have to queue up

The Willis Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, at 442 meters. Tickets are included with CityPass. I initially thought it would be a bit of a gimmick, like every other city's television tower, but the views overlooking Lake Michigan and the towering skyscrapers of Chicago are stunning. The glass floor is a must-see. Even if I went solo, the staff were happy to help me take photos, and I had a blast posing in all sorts of poses. On a windy Monday afternoon, there were very few visitors, so there was almost no line.

The night view is very shocking, you will regret not going there! Citypass is highly recommended, it saves a lot of queuing time

We arrived at the Willis Tower on the day of the Chicago Marathon, arriving around 4:30. We thought the wait wouldn't be long, but the ticket line was two hours long. Once inside, we had to wait in an even longer line for the elevators, all waiting for the only two elevators. After the long wait, it was already 7:00 PM, and the building was closing at 8:00. With only an hour left, we took some photos of the scenery at various locations and then headed to the glass box line. It was nighttime, and the view was all there, so we weren't scared at all. I strongly recommend buying a City Pass to avoid the long lines and avoid visiting on weekends when it's crowded. And if you want to experience the thrill of the glass box, come during the day instead of at night.

Before dark, we arrived at the Willis Tower, Chicago's most famous landmark. Since its completion in 1973, it has been the city's tallest building. The four protruding glass windows on the west side of the building, along the river, are a popular photo spot for tourists. The glass frames create an enclosed environment, freeing me from any fear. I excitedly stood, sat, or lay down, gazing down at my feet with a sense of ease, experiencing the exhilaration of being above. However, for those who are afraid of heights, the screams, cheers of encouragement, and applause were endless. After trying it once, I decided not to step on another piece of glass.

Each of the four hanging windows had its own queue for photos, and each line lasted about half an hour. I wanted to try every angle, so by the time I got to the third window, it was finally getting dark. On the day we went, the leftmost window was being photographed by staff, and the overhead light from the window prevented the subject from being a shadow.

Overlooking Illinois from more than 100 floors above sea level is quite impressive! It's also a little scary.

It's very direct to go, but you have to choose a time when the weather is good~

A good place to see Chicago is that there are four prominent hanging windows, which are good for taking photos.

The highlight of Chicago, if you get in early there aren't many people in line, about half an hour, the scenery upstairs is great, there are four glass observation decks, everyone lined up to take pictures, very orderly. It's very exciting to be completely suspended in the air.

I always go to the cafe on the top floor to have a drink and enjoy the beautiful coastline. The window seats are still very popular and there are always people when I go there. The pictures are all taken by the window. The scenery is still first-class, even on cloudy days.

It was the tallest building in North America before One World Trade Center in New York City and is also the headquarters of United Airlines. You can stand on the glass of the skydeck on the 103rd floor and overlook the entire city.

Williams is a well-known tourist attraction in Chicago. It features a transparent glass window on one of its upper floors, allowing for a clear view of the surrounding landscape. However, taking photos of this window often requires a queue, which is roughly estimated to take around 20 minutes.

I've been there twice, once during the day and once at night. The views are different each time, but I recommend going during the day. While seeing the city lights at night is quite picturesque, the photos aren't as stunning. They're probably similar to what you'd take from your hotel window. And photos taken through glass don't look particularly good. So, going during the day is better. During the day, you can capture the surrounding scenery in bright, beautiful light. It's perfect for capturing beautiful photos of people. Photos taken through glass also give you a more commanding feeling.

You can buy tickets online, so you can avoid some unnecessary queues later and save time.

Willis Tower, also known as Willis Building, formerly known as Sears Tower, is a skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was completed in 1974 and is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the ninth tallest skyscraper today.



The original owner, Sears & Roebuck, moved out in 1992, and the building has been owned by a real estate investment group established in 2004. In 2009, it was officially renamed the Willis Tower.



The Sears Tower, with its 110 floors, was once the tallest office building in the world. Approximately 16,500 people worked there each day. On the 103rd floor, there's an observation deck where visitors can overlook the city. From its height of 412 meters, on a clear day, four U.S. states can be seen.

When it comes to night views, the Wells Fargo Building is the top choice. In winter, the observation deck closes at 8:00 PM, meaning you can't enter half an hour beforehand. In summer, it closes at 10:00 PM. Also, I recommend entering around 5:30 PM to see the sunset, the pink-purple sky, and the lights gradually lighting up the entire city. It's quite captivating.

Maybe we were lucky; we didn't have to wait in line for long. The observation deck is on the 103rd floor, and it's all glass windows, so finding a clear spot is a great way to take photos of the night view. However, if you want to take photos of people underneath the glass, you'll still have to queue in a designated area. If you're short on equipment, you can ask the staff there to take photos with a DSLR. Once you're satisfied, you can buy one for about $20.

If it's your first time in Chicago, you should definitely visit it; it's a Chicago landmark, after all. Many people head to Chicago for the iconic Cloud Gate and the Willis Tower's glass facade. To be fair, the Willis Tower's location isn't quite as impressive as the Hancock Tower. If it's your second visit, consider the Hancock Tower. First, it's located on Michigan Avenue, right in the heart of the city. Secondly, you can enjoy dinner with friends while enjoying the view. It's a much more romantic experience than waiting in long lines for an hour or two, isn't it? But remember to book in advance!

The 103rd floor held the title of world's tallest building for 20 years, and the skylight is truly stunning! The staff took photos mechanically for $26 per photo, a bit pricey, but the photos were excellent!

Ranked among the world's ten tallest towers, this tower offers views of four US states at its longest point. We specifically chose to climb the tower an hour before sunset to capture both daytime and nighttime views of Chicago. We witnessed the entire process from the sun high in the sky to the fading sky and the vibrant lights of the city. The photos above are a bit dramatic, but they're truly breathtaking—the most beautiful night view I've ever seen.

Skydeck, one of the few exciting projects in Chicago, you must try it. Come on!

Chicago is the capital of skyscrapers, so of course you have to go up there and take a look.

Skydeck, a building over 300 meters high with several glass rooms protruding out, scared my legs to tremble...

The disadvantage is that there are too many people. I like it very much. I can see it clearly. Fortunately, I am not afraid of heights.

While sorting through my things, I came across an old photo and couldn't help but write something. In fact, no matter how far you go, what matters most is the people who are still there to enjoy the scenery with you. Whether it's a lover or a friend, being with the one you love makes you happy and at ease.

I flew to Chicago alone, and the woman came all the way from Detroit to accompany me. She'd booked a package of tickets for several attractions online in advance. Besides the discounts, another benefit was that we didn't have to wait in line. For example, at the Willis Tower, we used a dedicated lane. We queued up to take a group photo on the Skydeck, and in the end, we couldn't resist buying photos. Actually, Americans are very lovely, and you don't have to buy photos at all. You can download them from their website, though they might not be clear or have a logo, which is perfectly acceptable for those with low expectations. We only bought the photo for the Willis Tower; we downloaded photos of everything else online.

I've always felt that climbing to the top of these towering buildings is the same feeling everywhere: overlooking the entire city, then clearly identifying yourself as a passerby and snapping some photos to prove you've been there. Time can erase a lot, but the memories left behind are definitely the most worthwhile, and those photos bring a sweet feeling to the memory.

The Willis Tower has several entrances and exits, and I imagine many tourists, like us, get lost. However, the lobby staff are very helpful in directing you to the correct door. Security in the US is very convenient, and you have to go through a security check upon entering. There's a short film explaining the history of the Willis Tower. Then we bought tickets to SKYDEST and took in the panoramic views of Chicago. Amazing!!! The specially designed suspended glass windows are a must-see for tourists! Hahahaha

Going up to Willis Tower is a must-see attraction when you come to Chicago!

The Willis Tower's most striking feature is its several extended glass terraces. It was incredibly crowded at 10 a.m., and the overcast sky made for poor photography.

A very tall office building, with a sightseeing elevator on the 103rd floor, which is charged.

The lines for the night view are very long, so be aware of the crowds. Regular tickets typically require a 2-hour wait, so make sure you have enough time. For night view photography, remember to queue for professional photographers, who will provide lighting. During the day, you can queue freely.

One of the buildings offering panoramic views of Chicago, along with the John Hancock Center, is the other. Of the two, I recommend the Willis Tower, which offers a panoramic view of Chicago suspended from the sky thanks to its glass floor. (The John Hancock Center also has the advantage of being closer to the lake, allowing for great photos of the many sailboats moored by the lake and the Ferris wheel.)

If you're traveling during peak season, it's best to buy a fast pass. The City Pass includes a fast pass for the Willis Tower, allowing you to pass other cars along the way, shortening a two-hour line to just half an hour. While the ticket price goes from over 10 yuan to 30 yuan, the time saved is well worth it.

Its observation deck has a glass box extending from the building, allowing visitors to experience the feeling of a bottomless abyss under their feet.

The 103rd-floor observatory at the Sears Tower (Chicago's tallest building) boasts an elevator ride in just 55 seconds. Sunset is at 8 p.m., so if you ascend at 6:30 p.m., you can enjoy the view during the day, the sunset in the evening, and the night. Skydeck Chicago, part of the CityPass, is the 103rd-floor observatory at the Sears Tower. The line for tickets was long inside the building, and without a CityPass, you'd expect to wait a long time. Of course, the upstairs area was also packed. When I visited, the clouds were low, so the view wasn't great. It's best to go on a clear day, but the sunset was truly breathtaking.



Looking at Wills Tower from downstairs, although there are many clouds in the sky, it seems that the clouds are not too low. I should be able to see the scenery if I go upstairs without being blocked by the clouds.

A must-see for viewing~~~It's definitely worth a visit~

The effect is pretty good. After the snow stopped, many tourists came here to see the night view. According to my sister who has been to the Empire State Building, this place is a must-see because it is more shocking than the Empire State Building. After all, it is higher and the city view is transparent under my feet. I felt so weak in my legs when I stood on it that I basically chose to squat or sit.

A 70-second elevator ride takes you to the 103rd floor Skydeck. From here, you can overlook the magnificent city, known as an architectural museum, and even see Lake Michigan in the distance.

Standing on a 412-meter-high, 5-ton, fully transparent glass balcony suspended in the air is thrilling and exciting. You have to experience it yourself to know what it feels like.

I bought a ticket to the top. The weather was great and I could look around Chicago and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan. The most exciting thing was the glass balcony, which was completely transparent and really made my heart beat fast.

We walked through the streets and alleys to the Willis Tower, bought our tickets, lined up, and ascended to the rooftop observation deck. A panoramic view of Chicago came into view. The magnificent buildings and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, set against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, were particularly spectacular. On the glass-enclosed observation deck, playful children, unfazed by fear, took photos.

After a short rest, we headed straight to our first stop, the Skydeck (a 15-20 minute walk). The main attraction is the panoramic views of Chicago, so naturally, the night view is the most stunning. (My husband suggested it's similar to the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. Although I've lived in Shanghai my whole life, I've never been there to see the view, so I can't comment.) The elevator goes straight to the 103rd floor. It's fast and smooth, though it still makes my ears a little uncomfortable. There were quite a few people visiting, but aside from taking photos (standing in the extended glass box) and the queue at the exit, I felt the crowds were minimal and not at all crowded. The view from above is truly stunning!

Sky Deck!!! It wasn't scary at all! Wills Tower also has a 360-degree panoramic view of Chicago, absolutely amazing! Especially the view of Lake Michigan, it's stunning.

I love the skydeck! It's amazing. Standing on the glass floor, I feel completely fearless!

We took the elevator up to the 103rd floor, which was thrilling and breathtaking, and enjoyed the stunning night view of Chicago. We took a family photo together on the observation deck, and the price wasn't worth the price. Americans really know how to make money!

Willis Tower is definitely the most comprehensive sky deck we have made in this series, with a very detailed introduction and a very systematic arrangement. As soon as you get up, you can see the extensive night view of Chicago, which is very shocking.

The 103rd floor is the observation deck, with its famous four protruding glass windows.

The Wells Building was once the tallest building in the United States. On the wall of the lobby on the ground floor, a huge pendulum swings, colorful pieces tumble, and black circles dance, which is full of artistic tension.

It is shaped like stacked blocks and has two huge antennas that look like plugs. It is Chicago's most famous landmark, and the open-air observation deck is also worth a try.

Be sure to climb the tower near dusk, like around 4:00 AM in the winter, so you can see the panoramic view of Chicago at dawn, and then wait until dark to see the night view. The gradual change in scenery is truly stunning! There are several glass windows on the tower, and from the top you can overlook the ground. Those with a fear of heights should be careful; it's quite intimidating! It's also very crowded!

Looking out from the Sears Tower, the scenery is different in all four directions, yet all of them embody the spirit and soul of Chicago, stretching out to infinity...

There was a glass floor on the 103rd floor below, and I could see the ground at a glance, but I didn't have the courage to carefully distinguish the objects on the ground. As I was taking pictures, a guy next to me stomped on the glass floor a few times and jumped around wildly, probably trying to test the glass floor's resistance. It was really terrifying.

Willis Tower, currently the tallest building in the United States, was originally named Sears Tower. Its 103rd-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Chicago from all angles. The tower is constructed from nine steel-framed square tubes, each about 20 meters long and weighing a total of 74,000 tons. It is the forerunner of skyscrapers and was once the world's tallest building. It has since been surpassed by Taipei 101 and the Petronas Twin Towers, but the sense of age it has endured is truly remarkable. If you're simply looking for a panoramic view of Chicago, this is the best choice.

Designed and built in 1974, the 110-story building was once the tallest building in the world and is currently the tallest building in the United States. On a clear day, you can see the four nearby states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin from the 103rd floor observation deck.

Willis Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Chicago. For some reason, it looks like Optimus Prime.

The Willis Tower (Sears Tower), ranked third tallest in the world and the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, stands at 110 stories and is a landmark in Chicago. Chicago is the birthplace of the American skyscraper, and three of the four tallest buildings in the United States are located in Chicago.

It surpassed the World Trade Center in New York and was once the tallest building in the world. It is still the tallest building in Chicago. It has 108 floors. What makes it unique is that it has two completely suspended glass houses, which many people find frightening.

The tallest is Sears Tower

The tallest skyscraper in the United States, Skydeck (SEARS), is the tallest building in Chicago, 412 meters high and 103 stories high. Located at 233 South Wacker Drive—enter Skydeck on Jackson Boulevard, you can see the Chicago skyline at a glance.