Our Skydeck Chicago Experience at Willis Tower

As soon as we arrived in Chicago, we knew we wanted a bird’s-eye view of the city. The Skydeck Chicago atop the Willis Tower was an obvious choice—after all, it’s among the most iconic observation decks in the U.S. We took the C3 pass for our trip, and Skydeck was one of our must-do stops.

Booking & Arrival

We reserved our time slot in advance (Skydeck requires timed tickets) and showed our C3 pass for entry. Using the C3 pass meant we didn’t have to pay separately for admission to Skydeck—one of the three attractions we picked.
The entrance is on the south side of the Willis Tower (via Jackson Boulevard) per Skydeck’s visitor info. Skydeck+2CityPASS+2

The Ascent & First Impressions

Once inside, we passed through exhibits about Chicago’s history, architecture, and the Tower itself. Then came the elevator ride—fast and thrilling. In about 60 seconds, we were whisked up to the 103rd floor observation deck. Skydeck+2CityPASS+2

We stepped onto The Ledge, a glass-floor balcony that projects out from the building. The view straight down to the city streets far below was both terrifying and exhilarating. The Ledge is made of multiple laminated glass layers and juts out about 4.3 feet from the facade. CityPASS+4Skydeck+4Skydeck+4

From that vantage, we could see for miles—Lake Michigan, the distant outlines of Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and a sprawling grid of Chicago’s streets and skyscrapers. The panorama on a clear day is simply unforgettable. CityPASS+2Skydeck+2

What We Loved & What to Know

Highlights:

• The thrill of stepping onto The Ledge
• The architecture exhibits that prime your view with historical context
• The rapid elevator ride that builds anticipation
• The sweeping city vistas, especially at sunset or in good weather

Caveats / Tips:

• The Ledge experience is timed per group; you may only have a fixed window (e.g. 60–90 seconds) to linger. Skydeck+3CityPASS+3Skydeck+3
• On busy days, lines or wait times might build up even with a reservation.
• If the weather is cloudy or hazy, the views are less dramatic.
• Go early in the day (shorter queues) or later near closing for softer light.

Despite those caveats, we count this as one of the most memorable parts of our Chicago trip. Standing that high, with the city wrapped around you in every direction—it gives a grand perspective on how Chicago grew and how every building plays a role in its skyline.

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Official Prices & C3 / C5 Pass Info

Skydeck Ticket Pricing (standalone)

• General Admission for adults (ages 12+) starts at US $32 U.S. News Travel+3Skydeck+3Skydeck+3
• Youth (ages 3–11) cost US $24 Skydeck+2Skydeck+2
• For faster access, Expedited Entry (skipping or reducing wait) is offered from US $55 CityPASS+3Skydeck+3Skydeck+3
• There is also a Golden Hour / premium package (for certain times in late afternoon) priced at US $65 Skydeck

C3 vs C5 Pass Pricing & Inclusion

• The Chicago C3 pass costs US $106 for adults (ages 12+) and US $79 for children (ages 3–11) CityPASS+2CityPASS+2
• The Chicago CityPASS / C5 (5-attraction pass) costs US $142 for adults and US $112 for children CityPASS+2CityPASS+2
• In the C3 pass, Skydeck Chicago is included as one of the three attractions you may choose. book.tourdesk.com+4CityPASS+4CityPASS+4
• With the CityPASS / C5, you get expedited entry for Skydeck as part of the premium bundled access. Skydeck+3CityPASS+3Skydeck+3

Since we used the C3 pass, we didn’t pay the standalone Skydeck fare—we just reserved our timeslot and entered under the pass. That made the experience feel even more seamless and cost-effective for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book Skydeck Chicago?

You must reserve a timed ticket in advance. Use the Skydeck website or the CityPASS / C3 system to schedule your slot. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

How high is the Skydeck?

The Skydeck is on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, about 1,353 ft (412 m) above the ground. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

What is The Ledge?

The Ledge is a glass-floored balcony extending about 4.3 feet from the facade, letting visitors look straight down through multiple layers of laminated glass. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

How much does standalone admission cost?

General Admission starts at US $32 for adults, US $24 for children 3–11. Expedited Entry is available from US $55. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Are tickets included in the C3 / C5 passes?

Yes. With the **C3 pass**, Skydeck can be one of your three included attractions. With the **C5 / CityPASS**, Skydeck is included with expedited entry often bundled in. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

How long does a visit typically take?

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours: this accounts for exhibits, elevator ride, the view, and time to enjoy The Ledge. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Are there times when views aren’t great?

Yes—on cloudy, hazy, or rainy days visibility is reduced. For best experience, choose a clear day and try to go near sunrise, early morning, or near evening. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}