The towering heights of Chicago are just as impressive as Manhattans. A good way to fight acrophobia, or the fear of heights, is by just cruising to the top. Willis Tower, the former Sears Tower, stands at 1,450 ft. (442 m), Trump Tower at 1,389 ft. (423 m), Aon Tower at 1,136 ft. (346 m) and Hancock Tower at 1,127 ft. (344 m). These are the architectural measurements without the silly antenna extra. So, if you are actually afraid of heights there is always a possibility to keep your distance from the ceiling to floor windows. If not, then you´re into some real fun with the retractable glass balconies in Willis Tower, or the tillting windows in Hancock Tower. In any case, it´s always nice to have a view from such total high points, as opposed to heights and viewing points in mountainous areas, where mostly one doesn´t have comparable points of relation. We visited the Willis Tower Skydeck and Hancock Towers 360º Chicago, and in both towers experienced the swaying of the structure due to high winds. Very nice, very high, very impressive and very expensive. Admission fee is between $20 and $30, depending on your age. But this ring-a-ding dollar eyes mechanism is the same the world over with similar features. It´s most definitely worth it. Come in winter as we did, there isn´t even a waiting line and the viewing decks aren´t crowded and very relaxed. In the Hancock Tower there is even a nice lounge area in the north-west corner where one can just sit for hours and enjoy the view and the swaying on windy days. 

Crazy stuff: the glass balconies in Willis Tower. Even crazier: the girls handstand.

A wonderful view of the uncontrolled urban sprawl. Chicagos downtown area is magnificent,

but the outskirts are somewhat uninspired.

Blue skies, Hancock Tower, Trump Tower and frozen Lake Michigan.

North-east panorama.

View from the Hancock Tower, closer to the shore line.

Shadow of Hancock Tower.

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