360 Chicago Observation Deck (Formerly John Hancock Observatory) Tours and Tickets

That depends on your preferences—there are no official time limits once visitors have ascended to the observatory, so you can feel free to soak up the views for as long as you'd like. According to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, most visitors spend about 45 minutes to one hour there.

As long as you're visiting on a clear day, there's no bad time to be at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Daytime makes it easiest to spot Chicago landmarks, while nighttime offers the magical perspective of the city all aglow. Or, for the best of both worlds, go at sunset.

Many argue that sunset is the best time to visit the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Time your visit for at least 45 minutes beforehand so you can see the city with the last remnants of daylight—then, wait for the colorful celestial show as the sun sets over the Windy City.

Yes, the TILT thrill ride at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is safe. The attraction—a tilting glass ledge that angles viewers over the city—is one of the observation deck's most popular features. If you've got a fear of heights, it might feel vertigo-inducing, but you're in perfectly safe hands.

The elevator at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is seriously fast. Specially constructed by Otis, it travels at 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) per hour—or 1,800 feet (549 meters) per minutes. Ascend 94 floors of the John Hancock Building in little more than the blink of an eye.

Yes, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is safe. The 94th-floor observatory, located in the John Hancock Building, has been a beloved Chicago attraction since it opened in 1969. Today, it remains one of the top-rated tourist destinations in the city, and its popularity shows no sign of waning anytime soon.