Willis Tower + John Hancock Tower
 

Hello,

We will be visiting Chicago for our first time in mid-June for our first time and plan on staying for about 4 days before we fly to NYC (been there many times). We plan on going up at least one of the two tall towers, but while I've heard JH is a better view, the Willis is still taller, and still the tallest observation deck in the U.S. Which one should we visit? Maybe going to both (one during the day and one at night) would be the best option? Tell me what you think...

We really enjoyed the view from the Signature Lounge in the Hancock Tower. We had a soda and an iced tea, and it was nice to sit down for a bit and look at things. Aside from the drinks, it was free - another bonus.

Lee Ann

The view from the Willis is impressive, and stepping out onto the perspex-floored observation blocks on the side of the building is a test of faith and courage!

As above though, if I'd known at the time that there was a way to get an almost free view from the top of the Hancock building, I'd have been there too!

If we were to visit both (would it be worth it?) which one would you visit during the day and which one would you visit at night?

Willis during day - easier to justify Hancock - the view with a drink - in the evening!

Okay, I like your suggestion bendigo, and I think we will do that.

Yes signature lounge in Hancock is perfect. Pay for drinks vs a fee for the observation deck 1 fl above!!

Done both -- Hancock many times - and you're getting good advice. Maybe do Hancock at twilight so you get the day view AND the night view. While there, visit the ladie's restroom - same nice view.

I really enjoyed Sunday brunch with the kids at a window table overlooking the lake, and seeing all of the activity going on.

The only reasons to do the Willis are to experience the clear 'popout" and seeing no floor between you and the street far, far down; and saying you visited the tallest building.

If your time is short, at the Willis you should know that the popout parts are almost all the way around the building, and there is usually a line there. So breeze through until you're at that part, stand on the popout part, then if you want to backtrack and see the views you missed you can.

Just read about Tilt! at the Hancock, which just opened (I think). Instead of glass cubes out over the edge (at Willis), you and the windows of the Hancock tilt outwards about 30 degrees. I did stand in the Willis cubes; not sure I'm up to the Tilt!

http://www.360chicago.com/tilt/

Been to both. Unless you want to do the tilt, go to the Signature Lounge and enjoy the view with a drink.
I like the view of the lake and Michigan Ave from the Hancock.
If you go up to the observation deck and pay they try to sell you your picture on the way out. I didn't bite.

Agree with some of the posters above. Prefer the Signature Lounge at the John Hancock. After a busy day on your feet, nothing feels so good as sipping a drink taking in the view. And. . .as mentioned above, the windowed wall in the ladies' room (sorry, Guys!) is great.

Hancock views are much better because you are closer to the lake.

On different occasions, we have had drinks in the Signature Lounge and brunch at the Signature Room enjoying window seats at both and the view below, Chicago at your feet! http://www.signatureroom.com/ The brunch on Friday and Saturday is only $20.00pp