Skydeck Chicago is the highest observation platform in the USA and offers excellent views of the city and Michigan lake.
If you plan to visit Skydeck Chicago at night, you are sure to have many questions.
Which ticket to purchase, what time to visit, what kind of views to expect, how much crowd to expect, etc.
Is visiting at night even worth it?
This article shares everything you must know before your night visit to Skydeck Chicago in 2023.
Table of contents
Skydeck Chicago at night or day
During the peak season of March to September, Skydeck Chicago stays open for 13 hours from Monday to Friday – it opens at 9 am and closes at 10 pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, Skydeck Chicago stays open from 8.30 am to 10 pm.
During the lean tourist season of October to February, it opens at 9 am and closes at 8 pm, Monday to Friday.
On Saturday and Sunday, you can visit anytime between 9 am to 10 pm.
Since tourists can visit even after dark, they wonder what would be better – visiting the Skydeck Chicago during the day or at night?
Daytime views from Skydeck Chicago
On a pleasantly clear day, you can see fantastic views up to 80 Kms (50 Miles) in all directions.
Guests can see four states from the top – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Nighttime views from Skydeck Chicago
Check out the video of what to expect if you reach the Skydeck’s observation deck after dark.
Our recommendation
The views from Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower are impressive all through the day.
If you have time on your hands, you can book the Skydeck Chicago tickets and reach the observation deck half an hour before sunset.
If you time it well, you will enjoy the Chicago skyline in daylight, then see stunning sunset views, and finally, catch the city’s glittering buildings after dark as the lights come on.
If you are holidaying in New York City for the first time, it is best to visit when there is daylight.
During the day, you can see the city’s layout and geography of the surrounding area in greater detail.
If you have already been to Skydeck Chicago (or 360 Chicago) once during the day, we recommend a night visit so that you can enjoy the excitement of the city’s lights.
The Standard entry tickets work well for night visits too.
If you plan to visit with your partner and impress them, opt for a night visit.
Standing on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, with almost nobody around, is a romantic experience.
If you want to avoid the crowd and the wait in long lines, a night visit to Chicago’s most famous attraction comes highly recommended.
Skydeck Chicago night tickets
There are no specific night tickets at Willis Tower’s Skydeck Chicago.
Since Skydeck Chicago tickets are timed, you can pick a time slot after dark and go up to the observation deck at night.
There are two types of experiences that the Skydeck Chicago offers –
Standard ticket
When you book a Standard Ticket online, it helps you skip the long lines at the ticket counter and waltz into the attraction.
Adult ticket (12+ years): $33
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): $24
Kids under three years walk in for free.
Standard ticket + Fast Pass
The Skydeck Fast Pass gets you VIP access with express entry to Skydeck elevators.
With a Fast Pass, you will stand in the Express Line and be within 2-4 elevator rides from the observation deck.
However, if you plan to visit at night, we don’t recommend Fast Pass for two reasons:
- At night, there is no crowd, and you will reach the observation deck without waiting
- At $55 per person, they cost two times more than the standard ticket
If you insist on getting the Fast Pass, we suggest you buy the Standard ticket in advance, and once you reach the attraction, pick up the Fast Pass from one of the many counters.
The Ledge at night time
Skydeck’s Ledge is a glass box extending 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) away from the main walls of the Willis Tower.
When you are standing on The Ledge, you see the views from both a glass window and a glass floor, which makes it exciting.
It is pretty popular and gets crowded, so visitors can only spend a limited time on it.
These time limits ensure that everybody gets a chance to experience the thrill.
Since the Chicago attraction isn’t crowded at night, you get to spend more time on the Ledge.
Skydeck Chicago and 360 Chicago
If you have time on your hands and don’t mind the cost, you can check out both the Skydeck Chicago and 360 Chicago.
You can visit the Skydeck in the morning and book 360 Chicago for a night visit (they are open till late).
Still confused? Find out which is better – Skydeck Chicago or 360 Chicago.
Sources
# Theskydeck.com
# Choosechicago.com
# Tripadvisor.com
# Freetoursbyfoot.com
The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.
Popular attractions in Chicago
# Chicago Architecture Tours
# Art Institute of Chicago
# Field Museum
# SkyDeck Chicago
# 360 Chicago
# Gangsters and Ghosts Tour
# Crime and Mob Bus Tour
# Legoland Discovery Center
# Chicago Architecture Center
# Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
# iFly Chicago
# Chicago History Museum
# Medieval Torture Museum
# Museum of Contemporary Art
# BlueMan Group Chicago
# Museum of Surgical Science
Other observatories in USA
# Empire State Building
# One World Observatory
# Top of the Rock
# Edge at Hudson Yards