The City From AboveConnect with us.

With all the hustle and bustle in Chicago, it’s easy to get lost in the hubbub. While there’s hundreds of things to do at ground level, The Magnificent Mile invites visitors to explore the city from above! As you scope out your next shopping spree from 1,000 feet up, discover why Michigan Avenue is the ultimate destination!

• 360 Chicago

  360 Chicago, located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building is 1,030 feet above the city. The 94th floor is surrounded by windows, allowing visitors to get a panoramic, 360 degree view of Chicago. 360 Chicago allows you to see up to 50 miles out and has some great views of Wrigley Field, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and the famous Chicago skyline.

  Looking for a way to see Chicago like no other? Search no further. TILT, The unique attraction, allows guests to tilt up to a 30 degree angle out from the building and overlook The Magnificent Mile. TILT is an experience like no other, which tips your body 4 degrees past its equilibrium point, and gives the effect of one falling. TILT was designed and built right here in Chicago, and while it is absolutely frightening for others, I loved every minute of it! Although TILT has only been open for three years, it has thrilled over half a million visitors. When you take your next trip down to The Magnificent Mile, be sure to add a little tilt to your day!
  
  875 N. Michigan Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60611
  (888) 875-8439

• 52Eighty Rooftop Lounge

  After spending an afternoon tilting over the city, what better way to end your day than enjoying a beautiful view of the city from the 52Eighty Lounge. 52Eighty is a rooftop bar located on the 29th floor in the Cambria Hotel, and is home to many weddings and events each weekend. In fact, it’s the highest rooftop bar in Chicago!

  52Eighty is open year-round weather dependent: when, it’s too chilly to be outside, the indoor part of the lounge is always open. In recent years, indoor/outdoor rooftops have taken over Chicago for a cozy complement to chic outdoor spaces. 52Eighty is open Tuesday-Saturday from 5p.m.-midnight. Not only do you get to experience the unique atmosphere of the lounge, you also get a great view of the city!

  Photo courtesty of Go Travel Tipster

  166 E. Superior St.
  Chicago, IL 60611
  (312) 787-6000

• Upstairs at The Gwen

  Like I said, rooftop bars are all the rave in Chicago and there are several great options along The Magnificent Mile. Upstairs at The Gwen is a rooftop lounge located on the 5th floor lobby of The Gwen Hotel. The Gwen Hotel’s architecture and decor was inspired by Gwen Creighton Lux, a pioneer sculptor whose pieces belong to many famous landmarks like Radio City Music Hall in, New York. Gwen’s visions and spirit is displayed in the hotel through its unique decor.

  If anyone is seeking a little winter fun, Upstairs at The Gwen is the place to go for the chance to play one of winter's most popular sports! The Gwen Hotel has opened a curling ice rink on their rooftop bar. Enjoy a complimentary drink when you play. The rink is open all week from 11:00a.m. to 11:00p.m. weather-permitting.

  521 N. Rush St.
  Chicago, IL 60611
  (312) 645-1500

• Chicago Helicopter Experience

  If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to see the city from above, Chicago Helicopter Experience is the place to go! Chicago Helicopter Experience is the only year-round helicopter service in the city with their own private heliport, located off S Halsted St. in Chicago only 8 minutes from the Loop.

  The Chicago Helicopter Experience team created a fun hangout space in the lobby for their guests waiting for their flight to take off. They have bags (corn hole) set for customers to play. A section of the lobby is reserved to the history of Chicago along with some fun facts about our amazing city. And soon CHE is planning on adding a restaurant and bar, so customers can make a day out of their experience.

  CHE has partners with boat companies so customers can arrive on site by boat onto their own private dock, and then get whisked away in one of 6 helicopters. CHE offers many different flight packages such as daytime, twilight, fireworks, night and group tours! No matter what tour you choose you will get to see an unbelievable view of the famous Chicago skyline, Lake Shore Drive, and Lake Michigan.

  But CHE doesn’t stop at tours, if you’re going somewhere and want to make a grand entrance, CHE is there to help you! As long as there is somewhere to land, CHE will take you there.

  I was able to catch a daytime flight earlier this month, and speaking as someone who loves heights, there were some the most unbelievable views I have ever seen. Not only was the view amazing, I also had the great company of my pilot Jose. One of my favorite parts of my trip was chatting with Jose. His jokes and vast knowledge of the city made the experience even better! Getting the opportunity to see Chicago from above gave me a whole new perspective on the city. Walking along Michigan Avenue is an experience in itself, but flying above the city and next to our famous skyline is an experience that will take your breath away.

  2420 S. Halsted St.
  Chicago, IL 60608
  (312) 967-8687