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The John Hancock Tower (now 875 North Michigan Avenue) offers the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan stretching out into the distance. From the observation deck on the building's 94th floor, one will be able to gaze out and have a perspective of Chicago one hasn't had before.

The John Hancock observation deck is not the highest in the world - the highest observation deck is in the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. If one is in NYC, then experience the Big Apple from above from the One World Trade Center's observation deck. The One World Trade Center's observation deck is the highest in New York City.

The Cost Of Visiting The John Hancock Tower

While the tickets aren't cheap, they are worth it for the stunning bird's eye view of the Windy City and its surrounds. 360 Chicago offers several ticketing options from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Tower.

Tickets With TILT:

The Tickets With TILT option includes a ride on TILT - Chicago's highest thrill ride. It also includes a drink from a selected menu (Sip, TILT & View only menu), and one can skip the ticket desk line for faster entry.

Cost:

  • Sip, TILT & View: From $49.00
  • TILT & View: From $39.00

Admission Tickets:

The Admission Tickets do not include the TILT ride, but they do include the same views out of the 94th floor with 360° views of Chicago. If one is not sure about the TILT experience, one can always upgrade the ticket to include a TILT ticket on-site - although that's subject to availability.

  • Cost: From $30.00

CityPASS:

If one has a CityPASS, then one gets 48% off the admission to 360 Chicago. The CityPASS also includes admission to four other top Chicago attractions and is valid for nine days. One can also upgrade the ticket to have a TILT ride on site.

  • Validity: 9 Days
  • Discount: 48% Off Admission Price

Cost:

  • Adult: $114.00
  • Youth: $93.00

Currently, their main bar area is undergoing changes, but they have a temporary on-site bar and seating that visitors can still enjoy. One should also download the Magnicity App to learn more about Chicago.

Related: The Empire State Building: Why Its Story Will Make You Want To Take The Tour

Why The John Hancock Tower Observation Deck Is Worth It

Imagine sitting 1,000 feet above the streets of Chicago, gazing out with a drink from their full bar with local selections. Enjoy Chicago's highest thrill ride - the TILT. The TILT is a moving platform that leans visitors over the edge of the skyscraper to a hair-raising 30-degree angle. It is billeted as the only one of its kind in the world.

From the deck, one has a 360° view of the city, can see up to four states, and can see at a distance of over 80 miles (depending on the weather).

  • Opening Hours: Daily 9.00 to 11.00 pm
  • Last Entry: One Hour Before Closing

If one would like to consider another observation deck option in Chicago - consider Willis Tower's Skydeck.

Related: The Story Behind The Singer Building: NYC's Lost Skyscraper

The John Hancock Tower - Once Chicago's Tallest Building

The John Hancock Tower is a massive 100-story skyscraper in Chicago. It is located Magnificent Mile district.

The John Hancock Tower's name was changed to 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2018 - although most folks there still just call it the John Hancock Tower. It was renamed after John Hancock Insurance requested its name be removed (it moved out of the building years ago).

  • Stories: 100 Stories
  • Height: 1,128 Feet
  • Official Name: 875 North Michigan Avenue

The John Hancock Tower was built in the 1960s and topped out on May 6, 1968. At the time, it was the second-tallest building in the world after the iconic Empire State Building in New York City. That made it, for a time, the tallest building in Chicago. Over time more tall buildings have been constructed, and now it is the fifth-tallest building in Chicago (and now the 13th tallest in the USA).

  • Second Tallest: It Was The Second-Tallest Building On Earth When First Completed
  • Built: 1968

The John Hancock Tower is now home to offices, restaurants, and around 700 condominiums. It also has America's highest indoor swimming pool on the 44th-floor sky lobby. When it was first built, it had the highest residence in the world.