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John Hancock Center
Almost everyone would agree that one of Chicago's most popular tourist spot is the John Hancock Center and Observatory on Michigan Avenue.  Completed in 1970, this building is 100 stories tall and is labeled as "The World's Most Recognized Building". It is also the tallest building in North America. The building is open for visitors every Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. The building features the famous Observatory on the 94th floor and the well known Signature Room/Bar that occupies the 95th and 96th floor. Among other things that you can find in the John Hancock Center are malls, health clubs, some brand name retail stores, restaurants and even a bowling alley! Start off on ground level with the Cheesecake Factory; it has an extensive menu that'll make your mouth water. Then work your way up to Observatory and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Chicago. It is the only open air Skywalk in Chicago, and stands about 1000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. On a bright and beautiful day, you can see a view that spans 80 miles around the building, which includes the four states surrounding Michigan. You can even see all the way across Lake Michigan to Canada. If you love photography, the Observatory offers the most wonderful photo ops, but be sure to go on a bright and sunny day. There are also a number of fun things to do in the Observatory such as the soundscopes, don't just look at the view, but hear them narrated to you either in English, French, Japanese or Spanish. There is also a Sky Tour you can take, and take the tour at your own pace, available in English, Spanish and German.
Don't forget to take a look at the history wall as well, a giant 80-foot display of over 100 photos detailing the history of Windy City Chicago.  There is also a state of the art display called "Windows on Chicago", a user friendly device that allows you to take a tour of the 80 most popular tourist spots in Chicago. Last, but not least, stop and take some daring pictures! The Observatory has a fun spot where you can pretend to be a high rise builder in the construction days of John Hancock Center. Once you're done exploring the Observatory, you must not miss the great view and the awesome buffet at the Signature Room! The Signature Room is an elegant hang out for everyone from casual loungers to business meetings. The dining room is on the 96th floor with a lounge on the 96th floor. Although considered to be rather pricey, the food is great and the cocktails are a delight. The lounge is open 7 days a week, 11am to 12.30am, and on Fridays and Saturdays they are open until 1.30am for the late night party group. The Signature Lounge also provides live jazz entertainment throughout the year. If you go to the tower during the day, there are several retail options on certain floors, such as malls, even a Sunglass Hut, a Paul Stuart and Accent Chicago in the same building, and if you have errands to run, there are postage services such as USPS, FedEx and UPS offices for your convenience as well. You will also find a bank, a travel agency and even an office supply center. For a majority of visitors, the common attraction at the John Hancock Center is the Observatory and the Signature Room. A candlelit dinner, cocktails, and a spectacular view to boot, what more can you ask for?
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Writer: Sunita D.
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[Must Visit]
Nearby Spots: Magnificent Mile · Navy Pier ···
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