360 Chicago Experience: Views, CityPASS C3 Tips & The Famous TILT Attraction

Our Visit to 360 Chicago: Sky-High Views & The Thrill of TILT

After visiting The Bean and Millennium Park (read our post here), we continued our Chicago adventure by heading to one of the city’s most spectacular viewpoints — 360 Chicago, located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building.

This was our third attraction using the CityPASS C3, after visiting the Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (our Skydeck experience here) and Millennium Park. The CityPASS C3 made it convenient to enter without long ticket lines, but there were still a few details we learned that can help you plan your visit better.


🌆 What Is 360 Chicago?

360 Chicago is one of the city’s top observation decks, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Lake Michigan, the city skyline, and even neighboring states on clear days. It’s located at 875 N Michigan Avenue, right at the heart of the Magnificent Mile, one of Chicago’s most famous streets.

From up there, the view is nothing short of breathtaking — you can see Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and even parts of Wisconsin and Indiana in the distance. We spent a good amount of time simply admiring the city from different angles, taking pictures, and pointing out places we had already explored.


🎟️ Using CityPASS C3 at 360 Chicago

We visited 360 Chicago using our CityPASS C3, which was extremely convenient. The C3 pass lets you choose three popular attractions in Chicago, and we had selected:

  1. Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower)
  2. Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Tour
  3. 360 Chicago Observation Deck

The CityPASS C3 includes the general admission to the observation deck — allowing access to the 94th floor and all the stunning views. However, there is one important detail you should know before you go.


⚠️ TILT Is Not Included in CityPASS C3

The highlight (and adrenaline rush) of 360 Chicago is its TILT experience — a moving glass platform that literally tilts you outward from the building’s 94th floor, giving you the feeling of hovering over the city.

However, TILT is not included in the CityPASS C3 ticket. If you want to experience it, you need to pay an additional $18 per person on-site.

If you buy your ticket directly from the official 360 Chicago website, you can choose a combo ticket that includes the TILT experience and a drink, which can sometimes be a better deal depending on your plans.

We decided to enjoy the observation deck itself, taking in the views and the relaxed atmosphere at the top. Watching others brave the TILT from the inside was entertaining enough — you can see their reactions as the platform leans forward over the city streets below!


🏢 A Bit of History: The John Hancock Center

The John Hancock Center, home to 360 Chicago, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

  • Construction began in 1965 and was completed in 1970.
  • Designed by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan, it was once the second-tallest building in the world.
  • The building stands 1,128 feet (344 meters) tall, including its twin antennas.
  • It houses offices, luxury apartments, and restaurants, along with the observation deck on the 94th floor.

The tower’s X-shaped bracing is not just a design feature — it provides structural strength, allowing for wide-open spaces and the ability to withstand strong winds from Lake Michigan.


What Else You Can Do at the Top

At the observation level, you’ll also find:

  • A bar and café offering cocktails, coffee, and snacks with a view.
  • Interactive displays explaining Chicago’s history and architecture.
  • A photo zone where you can take professional pictures (available for purchase).

It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the skyline, especially around sunset, when the city lights start to glow.


💡 Tips for Visiting 360 Chicago

  • The best time to visit is around sunset for both daylight and nighttime views.
  • Book online if you want to combine your ticket with the TILT and a drink.
  • Bring your CityPASS C3 barcode ready on your phone for fast entry.
  • Don’t rush — plan at least an hour to enjoy the views fully.
  • For families: children love spotting buildings and landmarks from the top!

Frequently Asked Questions about 360 Chicago

Where is 360 Chicago located?

360 Chicago is located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center at 875 N Michigan Avenue, right on the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago.

Is the TILT experience included in CityPASS C3?

No, the TILT attraction is not included in CityPASS C3. It requires an additional payment of $18 per person at the attraction.

Can I buy a combo ticket with TILT and a drink?

Yes, if you purchase directly from the 360 Chicago website, you can choose a combo ticket that includes both the TILT experience and a drink.

What are the opening hours of 360 Chicago?

Typically, 360 Chicago is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Always check the official website before visiting.

What can you see from the 360 Chicago observation deck?

From the 94th floor, you can see the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and even parts of nearby states on clear days.

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If you’re planning your Chicago trip, check out our other posts to make the most of your visit:

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