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360 Chicago Observation DeckvsNavy Pier
Both are rated highly by writers. On balance, 360 Chicago Observation Deck scores significantly better than Navy Pier. 360 Chicago Observation Deck scores 92 with endorsements from 8 sources including Frommer's, Travel + Leisure and Not For Tourists.
360 Chicago Observation Deck
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Not For Tourists Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
Where
Frommer's Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
From $0/night
Fodor's "Designed by the same team (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) that designed the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, this multiuse skyscraper is distinguished by its tapering shape and enormous X braces." Full review
Travel + Leisure "At 100 stories and more than 1,000 feet high, the John Hancock Building is the 12th-tallest building in the world (for now, anyway)." Full review
Time Out "Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, 360 Chicago offers dining, sights and an interactive tour far above the city streets." Full review
Not For Tourists "Zone out the tourists, and focus in on the prettiest view of the city."
Travel + Leisure "With views of the city from the top of the John Hancock Center, the observatory is 1,000 feet up in the air and features Tilt, a viewing platform that leans visitors over the edge of the building." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Muscular and monumental, nothing represents Chicago ("the city of big shoulders") more than this 1,127ft skyscraper." Full review
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"During the 39 seconds that the elevator takes to ascend to the 93 rd floor, your ears will pop and your stomach will drop." Full review
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Don't miss the new TILT animation to see the city from a new angle (we won't give any more away!
Where "More than 1,000 feet above Chicago, this 94th-floor observatory features Tilt, an enclosed glass platform allowing visitors to extend out and over the Magnificent Mile." Full review
Frommer's "The view up the North Side is particularly dramatic, stretching from nearby Oak Street and North Avenue beaches, along the green strip of Lincoln Park, to the suburbs that trace the shoreline beyond." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The John Hancock Building's 360 Chicago observation deck is located 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile and offers 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan"
Chicago Travel Guide
June 17, 2021
Navy Pier Fodor's Time Out Not For Tourists Michelin Guide Where
Atlas Obscura Time Out
Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure Frommer's
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
From $0/night
Fodor's "No matter the season, Navy Pier is a fun place to spend a few hours, especially with kids in tow." Full review
Time Out "This tourist hot spot features shops, eateries, an IMAX cinema and a bevy of sightseeing boat tours." Full review
Not For Tourists "Municipal wharf turned boffo tourist attraction."
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Navy Pier has enjoyed many lives since it was first built in 1916 as a passenger and freight terminal." Full review
Where "Encompassing more than 50 acres along the lakefront, Navy Pier boasts a nearly 200-foot-high, climate-controlled Ferris wheel." Full review
Atlas Obscura "A display of magnificent stained glass windows is the first exhibit of its kind. " Full review
Time Out "Windows made or inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, Tiffany, Alphonse Mucha, Roger Brown and others compose this collection of more than 150 stained glass windows, on display along the lower level terraces of Festival Hall." Full review
Afar Magazine "We decided to observe our city from a new perch, so we flew over it on a beautiful summer afternoon." Full review
Travel + Leisure "If you're looking for a day of family fun, head to Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. You'll find plenty to keep yourself and your family entertained here...get a truly one-of-a-kind view of Lake Michigan"
Frommer's "Built during World War I, this 3,000-foot-long pier served as a Navy training center for pilots during World War II." Full review
