Willis Tower - Skydeck Chicago, Chicago (must see)

While London and Paris are recognized respectively for their Big Ben and Eiffel Tower, Chicago has its own architectural landmark that makes its skyline unmistakable for any other place – the Willis Tower. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1974 and formerly known as the Sears Tower, the building once stood as the tallest skyscraper in the world, until 1996. Recommended by the readers of the Chicago Tribune as one of the "7 wonders of Chicago", this impressive structure rises 1,730 feet tall, spanning 110 stories. While it may have yielded its title and embraced a new name, the fascination of the Skydeck on the 103rd floor remains unmatched. On clear days, it provides breathtaking vistas encompassing the states of Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

The journey in the elevator, lasting a mere 70 seconds, is transformed into an exhilarating experience through video monitors. Within the observatory, interactive exhibits breathe life into Chicago's visionaries, entrepreneurs, architects, musicians, and sports icons. Additionally, computer kiosks, available in six languages, aid international travelers in discovering Chicago's most sought-after destinations. Yet, for many visitors, the ultimate highlight is stepping onto the Ledge, a glass enclosure protruding 4.3 feet from the building, creating the illusion of being suspended 1,353 feet above the ground.

Despite occupying an entire city block and boasting over four million square feet of interior space, the tower was remarkably constructed in just three years. Its innovative design featured nine massive steel "tubes" of varying lengths, bundled together to provide both strength and flexibility. The concept for these distinct levels is said to have originated from the observation of someone shaking cigarettes out of a pack. Initially intended to accommodate up to 13,000 employees of the department store Sears Roebuck & Co., the tower changed hands in 1989 when it was sold to three property developers and is now home to a diverse range of commercial tenants. Remarkably, it houses one hundred elevators and 16,000 windows, all of which are thankfully equipped with automatic window-cleaning systems.

Tip:
Before deciding to ascend, it is advisable to check the visibility ratings, either on your phone or at the security desk. If visibility is less than five miles, it's best to plan your visit for another time.