Which offers the best views of Chicago?

Question

I'm planning a day trip into Chicago for this coming November. We have a limited amount of time, so I was wanting some advice. I'd planned to visit the Sears Tower during the morning, but now I wanted to know a couple of things. Which offers the best view? THe Hancock Building or the Sears Tower? Secondly, are the night views of the city worth trying to switch to an evening visit to one of the towers? Thanks!

Answer 1

I have a completely different answer from all the others: The best view of the city is neither the Sears Tower nor the Hancock building -- it's from the north facing view near the Adler Planetarium.

You can see a panoramic view of the skyline from there. I live downtown and go out there almost everyday. On weekends you see lots of people having their picutres taken for their weddings there because it is so beautiful. The advantage, too, is that it is outdoors. Truly gorgeous and the best view of the entire skyline you're going to get. In November, however, you're taking your chances with the weather.

At night, I'd go to the Hancock and have drinks and dessert at the Signature Room -- also a gorgeous and romantic view of the city.

Answer 2

Lots of people go to the Sears Tower, but my personal opinion is that the John Hancock Building is better. It's closer to the lake, so you can get a feel for how big Lake Michigan is. It is a bit smaller than the Sears Tower, so you can look at the Sears Tower and see how big it is compared to the rest of the Loop skyline. It gives you a terrific view of Michigan Avenue. And, if you go to the lounge rather than the observatory, you can take in the view with a drink or dessert, which you can't do at the Sears Tower.

The evening view is spectacular. What you might consider doing, if you find you have time and want to see both views is to go to the John Hancock Building during the day to take in the skyline and Lake Michigan, and the Sears Tower during the evening to take in the city lights (when the lake doesn't look like much anyway).

Answer 3

Hancock, hands down. It's closer to the lake, so you can get a great lakeview. And it's free! Ok, not free, but there is a bar and restaurant upstairs just below the observation deck called the Signature Room. You can go up there, buy a drink, maybe something to snack on, and see the view from all over the city. It's great! Plush couches, a guy playing the piano. Just go to the south side of the building, take the elevator up and enjoy the view. The observation deck in the Sears Tower and Hancock is full of fat tourists in bad shirts.

Answer 4

Heres the deal...the Hancock has the better view. Youll get a better view of the river at Sears, but whos going up there to see the river? One of the reasons Hancock is better is becasue youll get a nice view of Lake Michigan.

I've gone many times during the day to Hancock and its great, but i hear night is wonderful too.. a great time to go would be sunset and watch the city lights come on.

You can shop all day on Michigan ave, then go to Hancock which is also on Michigan.

The line to get up the Sears will be long.. go to Hancock so ya dont have to spend time in a long line.

Answer 5

I agree with Marc W. Hancock Building during the day , and Sears Tower in the evening. Enjoy "The Windy City", I love it there!

Answer 6

I've never been to the Hancock, but I've heard that it's a better view than the Sears Tower, even though it's not as high.

And, yeah, the view is nice, if you like night views of cities.

Answer 7

Sears Tower.
Yes Chicago Loop is very scenic at night. It's the second largest downtown in the US after NYC.

Answer 8

If you are planning to go by the Shedd and Adler museum campus there is a nice view along the lake that is really good.