Tall buildings and hotels in Chicago (Lee, Milton: rooftop, live, bars)

[SmilingImpala]

I'm new here - so a quick hello before I plunge in and see if I can pick your brains....?

Where are the best places in Chicago to photograph the skyline? I'm looking for places that are open (not behind glass) with a great view of the city. Perhaps balconies would work?

- I know about the Skydeck at the Sears Tower - but apparently their top viewing platform is closed, so you can *only* get to the 99th floor. Is that only behind glass and is the view any good?

- The John Hancock centre is a great view but you can only see it through glass I believe

Also - are there any good tall hotels to stay in which have great views and open balconies or roofs to get onto?

Thank you so much - all ideas will be very much appreciated!

[Lookout Kid]

Adler Planetarium. You can get a great panoramic view of the skyline with the lake in the foreground.

[Chicagodan]

Though not an elevated view, the Adler Planetarium offers up a great view of the city. It's location is several blocks into Lake Michigan with great views looking north - and no glass windows.

[Chicagodan]

You beat me to it, LK!

[Intergalactic]

If you have your sealegs, take one of the boat tours out of the harbor. It gives you views from unusual angles, like this one: File:Chicago-lighthouse.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[jdiddy]

Promontory Point.

There are also a number of new rooftop bars that have opened in the last year, so visiting one of those will provide you the opportunity to take some pictures without dealing with panes of glass.

[ERS-One]

Milton Lee Olive Park

Montrose Beach

Top of the Nichols Bridge at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute

[SmilingImpala]

Fab! Right - Adler Planetarium, Promontory Point and possibly a boat are on the list! Would love to hear more ideas - it's for a 4 day trip

Just heard back from Sears that the Skydeck is definitely glassed in so that's a shame.

Just seen ERS's post - off top google those too - thank you!

[Lookout Kid]

Now that the financial district along LaSalle and nearby Wacker has been built upon so heavily, I'm starting to really like the skyline view from the west. But I've only seen it from private rooftops or randomly from different spots. Anyone have a good place to get a great view from the west?

[Lookout Kid]

I'll also add that you can get some good shots from bridges over the river. And if you know anyone in the Marina City complex, there are great views from many of the balconies.