The Chicago Skydeck is on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower in downtown Chicago.
The iconic glass box known as ‘the Ledge’ extends 4.3 feet from the exterior of the skyscraper.
The Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago and the 3rd tallest in the Western Hemisphere. The Chicago Skydeck ledge is suspended 1,353 feet over the city and offers breathtaking views of the skyline and an excellent photo opportunity.
I visited downtown Chicago with my mom for 1 day a few years ago and it was a worthwhile visit. We packed in so much and had a lot of fun. Chicago Skydeck pictures are some of the best souvenirs the city has to offer.
Chicago Skydeck Tickets
Get your Skydeck tickets here.
Tickets cost around $35 dollars for a timed slot. This amount has significantly increased in the last few years. Chicago Skydeck ticket options include:
- $30 – $44 for General Admission
- $55 – $64 for Expedited Entry to skip the lines
- $114 – for a City Pass
The Chicago Skydeck price varies based on season and time. General Admission includes access to the Ledge and the observatory. Expedited Entry lets you skip the line, which can get long, depending on the time you choose to visit.
The City Pass tickets include 5 other city attractions and can be a great choice if you plan to see several attractions on the list of attractions.
If you’re looking to save money on your trip, checkout these two entry-level travel credit cards. The Discover It Miles card has $0 annual fees and gives new users a $100 statement credit after the first purchase.
Chicago Skydeck Willis Tower Address
The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower in Chicago at:
Google maps can get you there, whether you’re driving or taking public transport and walking.
Chicago Skydeck Hours
The Chicago Skydeck Willis Tower is open 365 days a year!
March – September Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily
October – February Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 9 am 9 pm
- Friday – Saturday 9 am – 10 pm
The last ticket is allowed 30 minutes before closing.
Chicago Skydeck Restaurant
There are a number of restaurants housed in the Willis Tower, with many more planned to open.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner with a Skydeck view, you can make a dinner reservation for $150 per person. Dinners start at 10 pm after the Skydeck is closed to the public and is catered exclusively by Giordianos.
The 3-course meal includes a deep dish pizza, a salad, and dessert. For additional details and to make a reservation call (312) 875-9447.
Please note, you need to allow a 3-business day notice for your reservations.
Chicago Skydeck Photos
My mom and I visited the Chicago Skydeck a few years ago and had a lot of fun taking in the views from the Willis Tower observation deck and the Ledge.
We visited after lunch and didn’t have too many lines to wait in for our chance to step out in the iconic glass box and take some photos on the Skydeck ledge.
There are four glass boxes in total. Each one is attended by a moderator who makes sure that each group/person gets only 60 seconds to take photos. The timekeepers will also offer to take photos for you.
How to Take the Best Chicago Skydeck Photos
Everyone has their own style when it comes to taking photos. Here are a few things that can help:
- Have a photo concept in mind
- Get on the same page with your group
- Take rapid-fire pictures and try several different angles
- Take a 2nd and 3rd round of photos
- Ignore everyone watching
1. Have a Photo Concept in Mind
It’s not that serious, but it is helpful to know what kind of concept you’re going for ahead of time so you can use your 60 seconds to try a couple of different ideas. If you need some creative inspiration, browse the Skydeck Instagram page or use Pinterest to get a couple of concepts for your Skydeck shoot.
2. Get on the Same Page with Your Group
While you’re in line at Skydeck, talk over your ideas with your group (if you have one) so that everyone knows the game plan when it’s your turn to step out on the Ledge.
3. Take Pictures Rapid-Fire and Try Different Angles
Taking a bunch of photos, rapid fire is an obvious tip, but it is still a great one to try. Taking a lot of photos while someone is moving and posing in slightly different ways and angles is often where the most natural and flattering photos come from.
4. Take a Second and Third Round of Photos
Keep in mind that you can always get back in line and take another round of photos for 60 seconds if you’d like. Personally, I’m not the best photographer, so I often have to review the photos I take, see where they can be better, and then try again, incorporating some changes. We ended up getting 3 minutes total on the Ledge.
5. Ignore Everyone Watching
Behind every great Chicago Skydeck picture is a group of impatient tourists staring at you while you try to get a good Skydeck photo. This is due to the lines for each glass box ledge being right in front of each glass box. You just have to ignore that people are watching and have fun.
Most people will also want a couple of photos to make the most of their time visiting the Skydeck, so you can’t be judged that hard.
Is the Chicago Skydeck Worth the Visit?
Visiting the Chicago Skydeck Willis Tower is a fun experience with a long elevator ride and excellent views, but is it worth it?
The price of visiting the Skydeck has significantly increased to $30 per person (at the very least). So, is it worth the time and money? I would say if you are into the idea of standing in a glass bottom box while 1,353 feet in the air, you’d enjoy it. It is a very unique experience, but you only have 60 seconds at a time to enjoy the Ledge and there’s usually a large crowd waiting to do the same.
If you’re looking to get some quintessential Chicago Skydeck photos, it is definitely worth the visit and the time to take a couple of rounds of photos. I know the fun my mom and I had while on the Ledge taking pictures under pressure was worth the visit to me.
