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Sunset

Golden Hour at 360 Chicago

Skip the crowds at the Opera and head up the Magnificent Mile for a drink that actually matches the view.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 150 min

Timeline

  1. 14:59

    Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop

    Grab a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop. It is right behind the Water Tower and open late enough for the evening rush.

  2. 15:44

    360 Chicago

    Walk up to the 94th floor of 360 Chicago. The glass balconies offer a 360-degree view. Use this hour to find your favorite angle before the light changes.

  3. 16:44

    360 Chicago

    Watch the sun dip toward the WSW. The city lights begin to flicker on as the sky turns that deep blue just before total darkness.

  4. 17:14

    Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop

    Head back down and walk over to Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop again, or stay in the area for a late treat. The shop is open until 22:30 on weekdays and 23:30 on weekends, so you have time to linger.

Local tip

The walk from Ghirardelli to 360 Chicago is only a few minutes, but the elevator lines at sunset can be long. Arrive early to secure your spot at the glass ledge.

Check before you go

  • 360 Chicago is open late, but check the specific closing time for your day.
  • Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop is open Mo-Th 10:00-22:30; Fr,Sa 10:00-23:30; Su 10:00-22:00.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Chicago (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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