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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Willis Tower Summary
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| Public website: | www.willistower.com |
United States – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
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| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Willis Tower, United States
Skydeck queues are shortest on weekday mornings and sunset slots sell out in summer
Don't miss
- 🌇 Step onto the Skydeck’s glass ledge for thrilling views
- 🏙️ Admire Chicago’s skyline from one of the tallest buildings
- 🌆 Visit at sunset to see the city shimmer in gold
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Willis Tower is an iconic skyscraper in Chicago, originally completed in 1973 as the Sears Tower and holding the title of world's tallest building for nearly 25 years. Its unique nine-square-tube design reaches 110 stories, with an observation deck known as the Skydeck on the 103rd floor.
The Skydeck offers stunning 360-degree views across Chicago, Lake Michigan and on clear days, neighboring states. One of its signature features, The Ledge, includes glass balconies extending outside the building, providing an exhilarating experience for visitors.
Visitors should note that the Tower can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays and ticket lines may be long without advance booking. Entry fees are moderate and recommended to be booked online. While the building is equipped with high-speed elevators, the experience requires some waiting during peak times.
The Willis Tower remains a defining symbol of Chicago's skyline and a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Knowledge before you go
- Book tickets online to skip long entry lines.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and clearer city views.
- Step onto The Ledge glass boxes for thrilling views 1,353 feet straight down to Chicago streets.
- Formerly Sears Tower since 2009, tallest in Western Hemisphere; elevator reaches top in just 60 seconds.
How to travel to Willis Tower
Willis Tower is located in the Loop neighborhood of downtown Chicago, easily accessible via public transit including the Chicago 'L' trains to the Adams/Wabash or Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren stations. Visitors flying in usually arrive at O'Hare or Midway airports and can take taxis or trains to the downtown area.
Access summary
- From O’Hare (ORD): CTA Blue Line to downtown, about 45–60 minutes.
- From Midway (MDW): CTA Orange Line to downtown, about 30–45 minutes.
- From Milwaukee or Indianapolis: Drive or bus to downtown Chicago, around 2–3 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Willis Tower
Most visitors stay in downtown Chicago, where a wide range of hotels from luxury to budget-friendly provide convenient access to Willis Tower and other city attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Willis Tower
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Light jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🧥
Windproof jacket
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 13% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Willis Tower in Chicago is generally safe for visitors, with robust security and well‑trained staff. The building’s elevators, CCTV and emergency protocols ensure minimal risk of crime or accidents. Visitors should stay alert to pickpockets in crowded areas and follow posted safety signs.
Accessibility
Willis Tower offers accessible elevators, wheelchair‑friendly restrooms and a dedicated service desk, making it relatively easy to navigate. However, the main observation deck’s narrow stairs and limited seating can be challenging for mobility aids; advance planning is advisable.
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