The best spots for incredible views in 15 cities around the world
The Empire State Building is known as the place for the best views of New York City's skyline. However, when you see the city from there, you miss out on seeing the iconic building itself as part of the view. Try the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center instead; tickets are slightly cheaper, the lines will most likely be shorter, and you'll still get a spectacular view from 70 floors up.
When tourists think of Paris, they usually think of the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views. But those looking for a little less crowded of an experience should try Parc de Belleville, Paris' highest garden and one of the few remaining vineyards in the city. There are multiple lookouts here that provide sweeping views of the city of lights from a more natural setting.
Rising high above the rest of Toronto's skyline, the CN Tower is a popular spot to catch a glimpse of the skyline. For a much cheaper view though, head to Polson Pier, which sits along the shores of Toronto's harbor. It's a favorite among photographers because of the picture-perfect waterfront view it provides.
If you're not a fan of ferris wheels, then you might want to skip the Singapore Flyer. Instead, go for some relaxation and a stunning city skyline view at the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. It's the world's largest infinity pool, and you'll be floating at an impressive 57 floors up.
Chicago's Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is known for its glass ledge which extends out from the building's Skydeck. If that sounds a little too adventurous for you, take a trip to the John Hancock building's Signature Room at the 95th floor where you can enjoy dinner next to a floor to ceiling window that provides 360-degree views of the windy city.
Shanghai's Oriental Pearl TV Tower is a tourist hub in the middle of the city's business district. Treat yourself to a more luxurious experience at Flair, the Ritz-Carlton Pudong's rooftop lounge that will put you face to face with the famous TV tower. Whatever you order is sure to be pricey, but just remind yourself that it's worth it for the spectacular photos you'll get.
While the Piazzale Michelangelo is definitely worth a visit, the square is not the only place to see the red roofs of Florence. Hike up the steps to the top of the tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (otherwise known as the Duomo). You'll have gotten a good workout and you'll be rewarded with an incredible view.
Rio de Janeiro is home to the impressive Christ the Redeemer statue which looms large over the city and serves as an amazing lookout. But if you're looking for something a little less touristy, go for a hike up Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountain). The trail — which only recently opened to tourists — is short but quite steep so be prepared to sweat; it'll be worth it once you reach the top.
If you're trying to view Las Vegas in all its lit up splendor, skip the masses at the Stratosphere Tower and head to the more exclusive Foundation Room on top of the Mandalay Bay towers, but be sure to call ahead and make a reservation.
Instead of waiting in a long line to get up to the top of Berlin's Fernsehturm (TV tower), book a flight on the Berlin Weltballon (world balloon). One of the biggest helium balloons in the world, the Weltballon gets up as high as 492 feet and gives views of all sides of the city.
The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong is home to Ozone, the world's highest bar, which sits on the 118th flor of the hotel, 490 meters above sea level. While drinks up here will be pricey, you'll get a 270-degree view of the city.
A trip up to the Shard — the highest building in London — will set you back $40. For a fraction of that price ($12) you can wander the walkway of the city's iconic Tower Bridge and catch a glimpse of London's most well-known landmarks.
The Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand, is the tallest man-made structure in the country and has everything from viewing platforms to bungee jumping to restaurants, making it a tourist magnet. However, you can get just as good a view — but without the price and the wait — from Mount Eden, a dormant volcano that's also the city's highest natural point.
The Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus is an elegant setting for clear views across the Bosphorus, but if you're looking for a high-up view of Istanbul itself, head to 360 Istanbul. The bar and restaurant is aptly named considering it's the perfect spot for 360-degree views of the city rooftops and the Bosphorus.
At one point the tallest building in the world, the Taipei 101 building in Taipei, Taiwan, is known for its outdoor observation platform on the 91st floor. A more underrated — but just as good — viewing opportunity is the Maokong Gondola which takes riders to 6 stations spaced out across 2.5 miles; each station offers a different view of Taipei and the greenery that surrounds it.
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