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John Hancock Center Review
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John Hancock Center 
- Address: 875 N. Michigan Ave., Near North, Chicago, IL | Map It
- Phone: 312/751-3681
- www.hancock-observatory.com and www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com
- Category: Architectural Sites
- Location: Near North
Fodor's Review:
Designed by the same team that designed the Sears Tower (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), this multi-use skyscraper is distinguished by its tapering shape and the enormous X braces, which help stabilize its 100 stories. Soon after it went up in 1970, it earned the nickname "Big John." No wonder: at 1,127 feet (1,502 feet counting the antennae at the top), 2.8 million square feet, and 46,000 tons o' steel, there's nothing little about it. Packed with retail, parking, offices, a restaurant, and residences, it has been likened to a city within a city. Impressive from any angle, it offers mind-boggling views from a 94th floor observatory (as with the Sears Tower, you can see to four states on clear days). For anyone afflicted with vertigo, a sensible option is a seat in the bar of the 95th floor Signature Room. The tab will be steep, but you'll be steady on your feet -- maybe.
- Cost: Observatory $10
- Open: Daily 9 AM-11 PM; last ticket sold at 10:45 PM
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