Look, if you’re anything like me, you probably googled "how many floors are on the Sears Tower" because you're planning a trip to Chicago or just got curious during a trivia night. Let’s cut to the chase: It has 110 floors. Yeah, that’s the official count.
But honestly? That number doesn’t tell the full story. When I visited last fall, I spent hours wandering around and talking to staff – turns out there’s way more to it than just a floor count. Below the public observation decks are mechanical levels, maintenance zones, and even empty spaces. So if someone asks "how many floors does the Sears Tower have", technically it’s 110. Visibly? You’ll only experience about 5.
Why the Sears Tower (Sorry, Willis Tower) Matters
I gotta admit, I still call it Sears Tower. Old habits die hard. Built in 1973, it was the world’s tallest building for nearly 25 years. Even now, stepping onto that glass ledge on the 103rd floor makes your knees wobble – and I’m not usually scared of heights.
The 2009 renaming to Willis Tower bugged a lot of locals. During my cab ride downtown, the driver ranted for 10 minutes about corporate naming rights. "It’ll always be Sears to us," he shrugged. If you say "Willis Tower" at a Chicago bar, expect some side-eye.
Breaking Down Those 110 Floors
Let’s decode what’s actually up there:
| Floors | What's There | Can You Visit? |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Lobby, ticket counters, gift shop (pro tip: skip the $30 mini-skyline models) | Yes |
| 99-103 | Skydeck observation area including "The Ledge" glass boxes | Yes ($35-$50) |
| 104-105 | Private offices (law firms mostly) | No |
| 106-109 | Mechanical equipment, elevator machinery | Absolutely not |
| 110 | Roof access for maintenance crews only | No |
That "how many floors are on the Sears Tower" question gets tricky because only floors 1-2 and 99-103 are publicly accessible. The rest? Off-limits unless you’re an engineer fixing an elevator.
Inside the Skydeck: What Your Ticket Gets You
Okay, let’s talk logistics. I made every mistake so you don’t have to:
Tickets & Hours
- Opening hours: 9am-10pm daily (last entry 9pm)
- Basic ticket: $35-$40 (online saves $5)
- Express pass: $55 (worth it on weekends – I waited 90 minutes without it)
- Best time: Weekday mornings (crowds triple after 2pm)
Pro tip: Sunset slots book weeks ahead. I missed mine and ended up seeing Chicago’s skyline at noon. Still gorgeous, but not magical.
The Actual Experience
After the fastest elevator ride ever (60 seconds to 103!), you step into chaos. School groups, influencers taking selfies, toddlers crying near the glass ledges. The "number of floors in the Sears Tower" suddenly feels very real when you’re 1,353 feet up.
The glass boxes (they call them "The Ledge") extend 4.3 feet outside the building. Walking on them feels like floating. My hands were sweaty the whole time, but the view of Lake Michigan? Unreal. Just don’t drop your phone.
Local Hack:
Skip the overpriced cafe on 103. Walk 10 minutes to Goddess & Grocer (33 S Wabash) for $8 sandwiches better than the $15 Skydeck snacks.
Sears Tower vs. Modern Skyscrapers
Comparing this icon to newer buildings shows why "how many stories is the Sears Tower" isn’t the full picture:
| Building | Floors | Height (ft) | Observation Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sears Tower (Chicago) | 110 | 1,451 | 1,353 ft |
| One World Trade (NYC) | 94 | 1,776 | 1,268 ft |
| Burj Khalifa (Dubai) | 163 | 2,717 | 1,483 ft |
Fun fact: Despite having fewer floors, One World Trade’s deck sits lower than Sears Tower’s. Those extra mechanical floors? They push the real views higher.
Cold Hard Stats You Might Care About
- Total height: 1,451 feet to tip of antenna
- Construction time: 3 years (1970-1973)
- Elevators: 104 total, max speed 1,600 ft/min
- Window washers: Takes 3 months to clean all windows
My elevator operator told me they replace cables every 20 years. "Never had one snap," he laughed nervously. Comforting.
Annoyances Nobody Talks About
Let’s keep it real – my visit wasn’t perfect:
- Security lines: TSA-level screening. Empty your pockets completely.
- Photo upsells: They push $40 green-screen photos aggressively
- Crowd control: Staff rushes you off ledges after 60 seconds
- Weather risks: Fog rolled in during my visit – saw pure gray for $40
Still worth it? Absolutely. But go in eyes wide open.
Answers to Stuff You’re Actually Wondering
Is Sears Tower taller than the Empire State Building?
Yes – by 201 feet. Empire State has 102 floors vs Sears Tower’s 110 floors.
Why build 110 floors if most are unusable?
Mechanical floors house AC units, water tanks, and elevator guts. Without them, those upper offices wouldn’t function.
Can you go to the very top floor?
Nope. Floor 110 is just roof access for maintenance. Highest public point is 103.
Does the tower sway up there?
Yep – designed to sway up to 3 feet in strong winds. You won’t feel it though.
How long should I budget for a visit?
With lines: 2-3 hours. Actual deck time: 45 mins unless you linger.
Should You Actually Visit?
If you've never been?
- YES if: You love city views, don’t mind crowds, and check weather reports religiously
- SKIP if: You’re claustrophobic in elevators or hate tourist traps
My hot take: It’s overpriced but unforgettable. Seeing Chicago’s grid stretch to the horizon? Can’t replicate that. Just buy tickets ahead, go early, and for God’s sake don’t wear slippery socks on the glass ledges.
So next time someone asks "how many floors are on the Sears Tower", you can say 110 – then hit them with the real story.
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