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 bargain for the price. ALso offers some great photo ops. Definitely do this on your trip to Chicago, especially on your first day!

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 comes to nightlife, attractions, etc. There's also a gift shop and a little post office downstairs in the lobby.

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.

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.