Hancock Observatory offers a bird's-eye view of the city

You've seen it by foot, by car and possibly by boat, now see Chicago from 94 stories up at the John Hancock Observatory. You may have been there before, but the observatory was recently renovated and the new multimedia tour will teach even lifelong Chicagoans something they didn't know before.

After purchasing your tickets in the lobby, a staff member will take your picture in front of a green screen, which can be seen and purchased once you get upstairs. Watch a video about the John Hancock Center while you wait for the elevator, and be prepared for some ear popping - this elevator is the fastest one in North America, traveling 1,800 feet per minute and arriving at the 94th floor in 39 seconds flat.

Although you may not be able to see Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan at this time of year, visiting the observatory in the winter does have its advantages, namely no waiting and no one blocking your view out the windows. (Not to mention all that snow looks much prettier from a distance.)

The best addition to the new observatory is the multimedia tour, narrated by off-and-on Chicago resident, Northwestern alum and "Friends" star David Schwimmer. Every visitor receives headphones and a hand-held PDA device, which includes audio and video information for each of the numbered windows. Start walking clockwise, enter the window number on your PDA and hear Ross Gellar tell you more about what you're seeing down below.

Some of the information is common knowledge for true Chicagoans, like the origin of the Navy Pier Ferris wheel, the significance of Buckingham Fountain and Millennium Park, and that Chicago sports teams are usually a source of disappointment (thanks for the reminder). Other tidbits are more surprising, like the fact that the Streeterville neighborhood was named after Civil War vet George Streeter, who claimed his boat hit a sandbar and he and his wife decided to settle at that spot, now home to some of the city's most expensive real estate.

And then there are some facts that are a bit of a stretch, like a comparison of Castaways (the boat-shaped bar on North Avenue Beach) to the French Riveria (it's more like spring break at Panama City Beach), and a speech about how fun it is to ride the el. But hearing all of this and seeing some of Chicago's most famous landmarks from afar also creates a sense of pride for the great city we call home - yes, even for the crowded CTA.

About halfway through the tour you will enter the Skywalk, the Midwest's highest open-air viewing deck. The deck is somewhat sheltered from the elements, but you may still want to put your coat back on while you listen to newspaper columnist Rick Kogan talk about Chicago's infamous winters.

In addition to the views out the windows, there is plenty to see inside the observatory. Check out the history wall for insight into how the city has evolved into what it is today, visit the gift shop and grab a cup of coffee at the Lavazza Espression Café, scheduled to open in January. And don't leave without snapping a picture of you and your group pretending to be high-rise window washers (the real ones wash the windows four times a year).

John Hancock Observatory

875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago,

(888) 875-VIEW

hancockobservatory.com

Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Saturday

Admission: $15 for adults

While you're there

Where to eat

Signature Room, 875 N. Michigan Ave., 95th floor, (312) 787-9596, signatureroom. com: Celebrate a special occasion at this sky-high, upscale restaurant. The view is great from anywhere inside, but the best view of all is actually from the women's bathroom. Be sure to make a reservation and, if you don't want to break the bank, opt for the more affordable lunch or just stop in for a cocktail.

Mity Nice Grill, 835 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 335-4745, leye. com: It's hard to go wrong with a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, and this one is no exception. Tucked away in the back of Water Tower Place's Foodlife food court, the menu includes a tasty and affordable array of burgers, salads, sandwiches, pastas and desserts, including $1 dessert bites. Reservations recommended.

Things to see

Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 337-0665, lookingglasstheatre. org.: You saw it from 94 stories up, now grab a show at David Schwimmer's Lookingglass Theatre. "Our Town" opens Feb. 11 and stars everyone's favorite Friend himself.