Map of Chicago Downtown Buildings from Chicago Traveler

Willis Tower Chicago

Chicago Financial District Illinois

The Willis Tower is the tallest building in America, standing 108 stories and nearly 1,500 ft. over the streets of Chicago. Formerly the Sears Tower, this iconic Chicago attraction on the Chicago Downtown buildings map is a must-see for first-time visitors in Chicago.

On the 103rd-floor of the Willis Sears Tower Chicago is their famous ChicagoSkydeck, which features panoramic views of Downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan, and tourists can literally see as far as Indiana and Wisconsin on clear days. The newest (and most popular) additions to the Willis Tower Chicago Skydeck are their Sky Ledges, which extend four feet out, are glass-enclosed, and allow Chicago travelers the opportunity to stare straight down all 103 floors to the streets of Chicago.

There are also a number of interactive exhibits and games available on the Willis Tower Skydeck, making it a popular Chicago Downtown attraction for families. The Willis Chicago Tower is open year-round, and can be found at 233 S. Wacker Dr. between Adams and Wells on the Chicago Downtown buildings map.

For more information this popular Chicago attraction, check out our comprehensive guide to the Willis Sears Tower

John Hancock Center Chicago

Downtown Chicago Illinois

The Hancock Center Chicago can be found at 875 North Michigan Avenue on the Chicago Downtown buildings map, and is the fourth-tallest building in Chicago and the sixth-tallest in the entire U.S. The popular Hancock Observatory Chicago is located on the 94th-floor of this famous Downtown Chicago building, and their Signature Room Chicago Restaurant gives Chicago diners breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline from the 95th and 96th floors.

The Hancock Observatory Chicago - which was completed in 1970 and is open year-round - costs $16.80 for adults and $11.20 for kids. Also, this iconic tower on the Chicago Downtown buildings bap is featured on both the Go Chicago Card and the Chicago CityPass, and is a top-rated attraction in Chicago.

Find out more about the John Hancock Observatory in Chicago.

Chicago Merchandise Mart

Regarded as the world's largest commercial building, the Merchandise Mart in Chicago is so big it literally needs its own zip code on the Chicago Downtown buildings map. This iconic Art Deco building in Downtown Chicago opened in 1930, and spans two full city blocks on the edge of the Chicago River.

One of the most celebrated Chicago buildings, the Merchandise Mart features two floors of retail space, and has the largest wholesale design center in the country. At its tallest point, the Chicago Merchandise Mart stands 25 stories high, and sprawls more than 4.2 million-square feet. This favorite Chicago attraction for tourists in the Windy City hosts well over a dozen top Chicago trade shows, conferences and conventions each year. Chicago tours of the Merchandise Mart take place every Friday, and their retail shops are open Mon.- Fri. 9am- 5pm, and Saturdays from 10am- 3pm.

Visit our directory of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

Daley Civic Center

The John Hancock Center in the City of Chicago

Finally, the Richard J. Daley Civic Center near Grant Park is the epicenter of Chicago business and happenings Downtown. Built in 1965, the Daley Center can be located at 129 N. Dearborn St. on the Chicago Downtown buildings map, and their outdoor plaza area is the home of an original Pablo Picasso sculpture that was installed in 1967.

The Daley Center Chicago Building is also the site of the Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting each holiday season, and it hosts the Christkindlmarkt - the traditional outdoor Christmas market in Chicago.

Find out about Chicago tours, events in Chicago and much more at the Daley Civic Center in Chicago. Or, check out our comprehensive Chicago maps page to locate the best attractions and landmarks in Chicago.