Top Chicago Rooftops - Where to Find Panoramic Views of Downtown For Free - My Ticklefeet (2024)

Last updated on July 25th, 2024 at 01:41 pm

Why stand in long lines of observation decks when you can get panoramic views of Chicago for free!?

There has been a renaissance of rooftop culture in Chicago since 2015. This has not only given a new meaning to the short-lived Chicago summer but free public access to several old heritage buildings.Now, you could pay to visit the observation decks of Willis Tower or the John Hanco*ck Tower or escape the entrance fee altogether by going to one of the places mentioned below.

In this post, I am going to share 5 of my favorite Chicago rooftops with exceptional panoramic views of downtown. All you have to do is get a drink or grab a friend who will if you want it to be completely free. I will also share my 5 bucket list rooftop bars at the end that I hope to visit soon. There you go,10 best rooftop bars to pick from this summer.

On that note, here are our recommendedsummer activities in Chicago. If this is your first trip to Chicago or to the US you definitely want to read these practical money saving tips we put together.

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1. London House

Recently open to the public, London House is located at the corner of Wacker Drive and Michigan Street. The outdoor rooftop offers a panoramic view of the city, and wait for it, it even has a cupola for a higher vantage point. My favorite part is watching the bend of Chicago River giving an interesting perspective to the skyline.

There are two rooftop lounges in London House. One is indoor and the other, where you want to be, is outdoors a floor above the main lounge level.

2. Cindy’s Rooftop

Cindy’s Rooftopcertainly offers a very different view from other rooftops mentioned here.The rooftop patio opens into a view of vast green space of Grant Park blending into blues of Lake Michigan in the horizon. I love how tiny the Bean in Millenium Park looks from up here. On the southern corner, you can see other famous Chicago landmarks such as Art Institute, Buckingham Fountain, Shedd Aquarium and, Adler Planetarium.

Cindy’s is located on top of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel which makes for a great brunch spot as well.

PRO TIP: While you are at Cindy’s stop by at their Game Room on the second level (hotel lobby). They not only have a pool table but lots of antique decorations from the past.

3. Raised Rooftop

My recent find, Raised Rooftop is located on top of Renaissance hotel on the intersection of WackerDr. and State St. Technically this patio – terrace is only on the 3^rd floor, the angle at which it opens up provides a gorgeous panorama of downtown.

They have a big indoor lounge and bar area but I was pleasantly surprised by the spacious outdoor terrace which offers fire pits for the winter season. According to one of the bartenders, their outdoor space is open all year long!

4. Signature Lounge

This one is here for its legacy,Signature Lounge is one of the oldest lounges in a high rise with 360-degree views of Chicago. It’s been one of my favorite spots in downtown Chicago for almost a decade. TIP: Best time to visit is right before sunset.

Don’t confuse this with Signature Room which is a restaurant one level down. The lounge is located on the 96^th floor of John Hanco*ck Tower, just a floor below the main observatory. The Signature lounge doesn’t accept reservations so you might have to wait to get seated depending on what time of the week/day you go.

PRO TIP: To all the ladies out there, make your way to the ladies’ room! With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, I haven’t seen a loo with better views ever (Sorry, Gents).

5. Restoration Hardware

RH store located in the Gold Coast area of Chicago is not necessarily a rooftop bar; it’s much more. It is, in fact, a unique home furnishing retail store with a beautiful restaurant, a coffee shop, and a wine bar inside. Another Chicago old heritage building restored by this Californian company, RH furniture store, allows you to roam freely throughout their five floors (indoors & rooftop) with your drinks in tow.

PRO TIP: Try reserving a spot for brunch or lunch at their beautiful indoor courtyard restaurant called3 Arts Club Cafe.

Chicago Rooftop BarsBucket List

As always, I have my bucket list, too, and below are the Chicago rooftops that I want to visit in better weather. Once I visit, I will update this post with new views and reviews.

Meanwhile, if you guys have been to any of these rooftops, then don’t forget to leave your reviews in the comments section. Or if you have any other recommendations, please do tell!

• 6. Noyane– Gotta go here.
• 7. Green River – I must mention that I dined in Green River, but the rooftop was closed for a private party.
• 8. Joy District – Also dined in Joy District since I heard a lot about their rooftop, but it was closed for the season.
• 9. Aire – I tried visiting Aire as well in early Nov, but even that was closed for the season.
• 10. The J. Parker –Gotta go here.

The second most difficult debate between me and my husband, after iOS and Android, is which is the best skyline in the US – New York City or Chicago? It always ends with us agreeing to disagree since Chicago is and will always be my first home in the US.Although much smaller compared to Manhattan’s skyline, Chicago’s architectural beauty & history is beyond comparison.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

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Happy Traveling!