Willis Tower (Sears Tower) in Chicago, Illinois, USA

Willis Tower was the world's tallest building until 2010, before the Burj Khalifa in Dubai broke all records, Illinois, USA - © James Camel / franks-travelbox — © James Camel / franks-travelbox

The Willis Tower (called the Sears Tower until 2009) was the tallest building in the world until 2010 and is now the second tallest free-standing structure in the USA. On the 103rd floor, you will float on one of the highest observation decks in the world in the glass balconies of the Skydeck above the Chicago skyline.

At 527 metres, the Willis Tower is the second tallest free-standing building in North America, behind the One World Trade Center in New York, which opened in May 2013.

The Willis Tower in Chicago (formerly the Sears Tower) is the tallest freestanding building in North America at 527 meters, Illinois, USA - © James Camel / franks-travelbox — © James Camel / franks-travelbox

It also held the title of the world's tallest building until 2010, before the Burj Khalifa in Dubai broke all records.

The Willis Tower opened in 1974 after four years of construction on South Wacker Drive under the name "Sears Tower".

It was only after the sale to the London insurance group Willis Group Holdings in 2009 that the Willis Tower was given its current name.

This renaming was met with disapproval by the residents of Chicago, as the Sears Tower had become a symbol of Chicago in its more than 30 years of existence. In common parlance, the name "Sears Tower" is therefore still used to some extent.

Visit to the Willis Tower

In the Willis Tower, on the 103rd floor at a height of 412m, visitors have the opportunity to float in the glass balconies of the Skydeck above the Chicago skyline, Illinois, USA - © James Camel / franks-travelbox — © James Camel / franks-travelbox

The Skydeck at a height of 412m is particularly interesting for visitors. The lift takes you up to the 103rd floor at a speed of almost 30km/h. On a clear day, you can see up to 80km in all directions. On a clear day you can see up to 80km in all directions. Since the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York, the Skydeck is the highest viewing platform in the USA.

Besides the impressive view, the observation balconies built in 2009 are particularly spectacular. With glass floors, glass walls and glass ceilings, they actually give visitors the feeling of floating in the air above the Chicago skyline and make unique photos possible. If you dare, you can look down 412m from there - for those not resistant to heights, vertigo and goosebumps guaranteed!

Tip: Chicago City Pass holders are treated almost as VIPs here and can simply leave the queue in front of the lifts behind. Those who don't want to buy a City Pass should get there as soon as possible (opening hours 10 am to 6 pm) to avoid the biggest rush of visitors.