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Hancock Observatory and Tower


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #27 of 514 attractions in Chicago
Traveler Description: Considered a miracle of engineering at the time of its construction.  Most of the floors consist of condominiums.  Its observation tower affords a... more »
Know about Hancock Observatory and Tower? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: Architectural building, Observation deck/tower
Address: 875 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: 312-751-3681

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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4 of 5 stars
emkowals   1 contribution
highland
Oct 8, 2009

The Hancock Observatory and Tower was a wonderful attraction to see. It is best to go on a decent day with some visibility. You have to wait in line for a fair amount of time, before you get brought up to the top of the building. So it may not be a bad idea to try and research when the... more

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5 of 5 stars
RobAndKathy   30 contributions
Michigan
Oct 7, 2009

This is a must-see. The views are spectacular. Watching the sun go down and the city lights appear is incredible. They now have a headphone/audio presentation which is interesting. more

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5 of 5 stars
Fran&Olwyn   4 contributions
Dublin
May 7, 2009

We only went on the Hancock Tower tour on the last day of our visit to Chicago as we werent sure whether it was worth it. To be honest I've gone to a tall building in a few cities (eg Empire State in New York, Eiffel Tower in Paris) and found that you go to the top of a tall... more

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5 of 5 stars
gmm13067   13 contributions
gmm13067
Apr 23, 2009

We purposefully visited the Hancock Observatory on our first afternoon in town. It gave us a great overview of the city so that we understood the layout of the neighborhoods and the landmarks. The observation floor is phenomenal and the headset tour, which is included in the price, is fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed this unique tour and it's a great... more

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5 of 5 stars
Justine28   119 contributions
Dublin, Ireland
Apr 5, 2009

Hancock Tower offers amazing view of Chicago, a real must-see when in town! They have a great deal - two entries (day & night) for one good price and are also open till late when all other attractions are already closed. We really enjoyed David Schwimmer's (Friends) audio tour - very interesting and gives you lots of tips when it... more

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4 of 5 stars
SeminarTrekker   1,092 contributions
Sacramento Valley
Dec 21, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

We took this tour along with Grand Chicago City Tour (North & South Side). Along with these tours, you get another perspective of Chicago. And taken all together it was a good attraction But Chicago is no San Francisco in terms of scenery, hills, and mountains. more

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5 of 5 stars
mistyeyed43   23 contributions
NJ
Jul 10, 2008

Chose to visit the John Hancock Observatory rather than the Sears Tower after guidebook and local recommendations. We visited after 6pm and there was no line anywhere. We had a chance to watch the sunset from the Observatory, view three different states as well as Lake Michigan and the entire Chicago city. more

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2 of 5 stars
DavidCrescentCity_CA   15 contributions
Crescent City, CA
Mar 30, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

We've been to Chicago many times and enjoy all the city has to offer. And, we've been to the Hancock Observatory before and enjoyed the views from 1000 feet above Chicago. However, if you're short on free time or have another engagement to follow your ride to the top, you'd better plan your trip carefully to prevent frustration and heartburn.... more

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3 of 5 stars
AlFernandez   2 contributions
Miami
Nov 15, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

I have been to Chicago many time and have done the traditional Sears Tower visit whenever I go with a new friend. It got kinda old. I read on etriptips.com that there was a good alternative. Go to the Hancock Tower and go to the Sky Room. Great advice. I loved it! You get to sit with a martini and... more

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4 of 5 stars
hjenni   1 contribution
Wisconsin
Oct 25, 2007
2/2 found this review helpful

As others reviewers have stated, save yourself some time and money and go to the lounge on 95th. There usually isn't a line if you get there before 5pm on a weekday, so you can get window seating. Yes, the drinks are a bit pricey...but at $10 for a Cosmo or martini, you just paid for your trip to the... more

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Hancock Observatory and Tower Address

875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: 312-751-3681