What Willis Tower Skydeck is and how to visit

Willis Tower Skydeck is an observation deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower in Chicago, located at 233 South Wacker Drive. You enter through the ground-floor lobby, take an elevator to the 103rd floor, and walk through an indoor observation area with windows on all four sides. The deck also includes The Ledge, a separate glass-floored platform that extends 4.3 feet out from the building's exterior wall.

The Skydeck is open to the public year-round. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, though hours vary by season — winter hours may close earlier, and summer hours may stay open later. You can check the current schedule on the Willis Tower Skydeck website before you go, since hours change and occasionally close for private events or maintenance.

Tickets are sold at the ground-floor box office or online in advance. Advance online tickets are usually cheaper than tickets bought on the day of your visit. Children under 3 do not need a ticket. The Ledge requires a separate ticket beyond the standard Skydeck admission, and you must already hold a Skydeck ticket to purchase one.

Key Takeaways

  • Willis Tower Skydeck is on the 103rd floor and requires purchasing a ticket at the ground-floor entrance or online beforehand.
  • The Ledge is a glass-floored platform that extends from the building's exterior wall and requires a separate ticket in addition to Skydeck admission.
  • Hours change seasonally and occasionally close for events, so check the official website for current times before visiting.
  • Advance online tickets cost less than same-day tickets purchased at the box office.

Ticket types and pricing

Standard Skydeck admission covers access to the 103rd-floor observation deck. Pricing varies by age — adult, child (ages 3–11), and senior (ages 65+) tickets are priced separately. Children under 3 enter free. Prices change seasonally and by purchase method, so the exact cost depends on when you buy and when you visit.

The Ledge is an add-on experience. You purchase a Ledge ticket separately after buying a Skydeck ticket. The Ledge ticket price is set per person and does not vary by age. Some online vendors bundle Skydeck and Ledge tickets together at a combined rate, which may cost less than buying them separately.

Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more. Contact the Skydeck directly through their website or phone number to request a group quote, as pricing is customized based on group size and visit date.

What to bring and what is restricted

You do not need to bring anything specific to visit the Skydeck. The observation deck is climate-controlled and indoors, so you are protected from weather. Restrooms and a gift shop are located on the 103rd floor.

Certain items are not permitted inside the Skydeck. Large bags, backpacks larger than a standard school backpack, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. Professional cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed, though personal smartphones and small point-and-shoot cameras are permitted. Weapons, alcohol, and outside food and beverages are also prohibited. A full list of restricted items is available on the Willis Tower Skydeck website.

If you have a restricted item, you cannot leave it at the entrance or check it temporarily. Plan ahead and leave prohibited items at your hotel or car before arriving.

Visiting The Ledge

The Ledge is a glass-floored platform that extends 4.3 feet out from the building's exterior wall on the 103rd floor. The floor is made of thick laminated glass, and you can see straight down to the street below. The Ledge is open to anyone who holds both a Skydeck ticket and a separate Ledge ticket.

There is no age restriction to visit The Ledge, though children must be accompanied by an adult. The experience typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes, and you can stay as long as you wish within that window. Staff members are present to answer questions and take photos if you ask.

The Ledge operates during the same hours as the Skydeck. On very busy days, wait times to enter The Ledge can be 30 minutes or longer. If you are concerned about crowds, visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend typically means shorter waits.

Getting to Willis Tower and parking

Willis Tower is located in downtown Chicago at 233 South Wacker Drive, in the Loop neighborhood. The building is accessible by Chicago's public transit system (the "L"). The nearest stations are Quincy (Brown, Orange, and Purple lines) and LaSalle (Red line), both within a short walk. Buses also serve the area — check the Chicago Transit Authority website for current routes.

If you drive, Willis Tower has an on-site parking garage. Parking rates vary by duration and time of day. Validation or discounts may be available if you purchase Skydeck tickets — ask at the box office. Street parking in the Loop is metered and often difficult to find during business hours and weekends.

Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) can drop you at the building entrance on Wacker Drive. The ground-floor lobby is accessible from the street level.

Accessibility and visitor services

Willis Tower Skydeck is wheelchair accessible. The ground-floor entrance has accessible parking spaces nearby, and elevators serve the 103rd floor. Accessible restrooms are located on the observation deck. Service animals are permitted throughout the Skydeck.

The Ledge is also wheelchair accessible, though the glass platform itself is narrow. Staff can information visitors with mobility concerns.

The Skydeck does not offer guided tours as part of standard admission. Audio guides and printed information are available on the 103rd floor to help you learn about the views and Chicago's landmarks. The gift shop sells souvenirs and snacks.

Weather and visibility

The Skydeck is indoors and climate-controlled, so you can visit regardless of weather outside. However, visibility from the windows depends on weather conditions. On clear days, you can see up to 40 miles in all directions, including across Lake Michigan and into neighboring states. On cloudy or hazy days, visibility is reduced to a few miles.

Rain, fog, and snow do not close the Skydeck, but they reduce how far you can see from the windows. If you are visiting specifically to see distant views, check the weather forecast and visibility reports before you go. The Skydeck website sometimes posts current visibility conditions.

The building itself can sway slightly in high winds — this is normal and intentional engineering. You will not feel significant movement on the 103rd floor during typical wind conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to visit the Skydeck?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours on the 103rd floor, including time to walk around all four sides of the observation deck and take photos. If you also visit The Ledge, add another 15 to 20 minutes. There is no time limit — you can stay as long as you wish.

Can I bring children to the Skydeck?

Yes. Children under 3 do not need a ticket. Children ages 3 and older need a child-rate ticket. There is no age restriction for The Ledge, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The observation deck has railings and is generally safe for children, though supervision is recommended.

Is there food available on the 103rd floor?

A small café on the 103rd floor sells snacks, beverages, and light meals. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Prices are higher than street-level restaurants, as is typical for observation decks.

What is the best time to visit for shorter wait times?

Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, before 11 a.m.) typically have the shortest lines. Weekends, holidays, and late afternoon are busiest. Winter months are generally less crowded than summer, though hours are shorter.

Can I visit the Skydeck if I am afraid of heights?

The Skydeck is indoors with solid walls and windows, so you do not feel exposed. Many people with a fear of heights visit comfortably. The Ledge, however, is a glass platform with a view straight down, and it is not recommended for people with severe height anxiety.