A one-day, unlimited rides transit authority "Fun Pass" currently sells for $5.75 and can be purchased in advance, online. Here's a link to more info:
If you're going to do that, do so within the next week. The price goes to $10 on January 14.
This is true. I often recommend the Sears Tower because of its proximity to Union Station, but I actually prefer the view from the Hancock Building, especially at night. Plus, the Hancock Building has a Cheesecake Factory at the bottom.
There's a Fast Pass for the Hancock Building? I've never felt the need for one before so I'd be surprised if you need one now. You really only need a Fast Pass if you're visiting the Sears Tower observation deck, in which case it can make all the difference in the world. Personally I enjoy the Sears view almost as much as the Hancock view and I also enjoy the alarming emotional response you feel from stepping into a glass box that extends beyond the side of the Sears Tower.
My daughter & I did the Sears tower on a Sunday morning in 2011 and the line was relatively short.
Not a bad estimation Sarah for an off the top of your head guess!
I see what you're saying but in my experience the difference in crowds between Hancock and Sears was severe enough that the increase in visitors at the Hancock would need to be fairly extreme in order for the their Fast Pass to carry a similar benefit. That being said it sounds as though Tilt only handles eight people at a time and requires a separate payment, which I hope would be included as part of the Hancock Fast Pass. If not then I'd probably just buy the basic ticket plus the Tilt ticket.
I arrive at 3 pm and depart at 9:30 pm On June 4, so it shouldn't be cold. I like to walk so my idea is to just walk around for several hours. Is it safe to do that after dark or are there areas I should avoid? Also, how late can you go to the top of the Hancock building?This is true. I often recommend the Sears Tower because of its proximity to Union Station, but I actually prefer the view from the Hancock Building, especially at night. Plus, the Hancock Building has a Cheesecake Factory at the bottom.
There used to be a three-story Borders and FAO Schwartz directly across the street from the Hancock. I miss those.
You can walk around the Loop at night without worrying, especially during early evening like that. You'll be surrounded by tourists and other people out on a Saturday night. I've done it many times. It's fun to see people all dressed up for concerts, weddings, and fancy dinners.I arrive at 3 pm and depart at 9:30 pm On June 4, so it shouldn't be cold. I like to walk so my idea is to just walk around for several hours. Is it safe to do that after dark or are there areas I should avoid? Also, how late can you go to the top of the Hancock building?This is true. I often recommend the Sears Tower because of its proximity to Union Station, but I actually prefer the view from the Hancock Building, especially at night. Plus, the Hancock Building has a Cheesecake Factory at the bottom.
There used to be a three-story Borders and FAO Schwartz directly across the street from the Hancock. I miss those.
I advise you to take a lake cruise, instead, whether it be on an Odesey, Mystic Blue, or even a non meal oriented trip (one launches from Queens Landing right across from Buckingham Fountain).
Lifelong Chicagoan. Never been inside (let alone atop) Sears Tower. Went to the Hancock observation deck in high school. Twenty Five years later, took the elevator up again to join friends for drinks at the restaurants. I get more interesting views from other buildings, often for free.
The beginning of Route 66 is actually pretty close to Cloud Gate. There's one of those brown "Historic" signs on the NW corner of Michigan & Adams (across from the Art Institute) and another sign just down Adams a bit, on the south side of the street.
