One of the great pleasures of traveling is having the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on new and different destinations. From architecturally distinctive skylines to majestic waterfronts, postcard-worthy neighborhoods to world-famous historic sites, the world’s most popular cities for sightseeing are full of world-class attractions where you’ll want to have your camera constantly at the ready. For some travelers, though, what’s the only thing better than snagging the perfect photo opportunity during your latest sightseeing adventure? The chance to experience that photo opportunity from hundreds of feet in the air!
No matter where you’re planning to take your next trip, if you’d like at some point in your travels to experience that city from the sky, there’s likely a well-regarded observation deck there worth knowing about. Continue reading below for information on several of the top observation decks in the world.
360 Chicago
Skydeck Chicago, located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, has a tendency to overshadow 360 Chicago, the outstanding observation deck on the 94th floor of the 875 N. Michigan Building (formerly known as—and still routinely called by locals—the John Hancock Building). However, 360 Chicago is a smart choice for those visitors wanting to take in the entire scope of the city’s lovely skyline—including Willis Tower itself. 360 Chicago is located just two blocks west of Lake Michigan; as a result, it also provides visitors breathtaking views of Chicago’s magnificent lakefront. And if you’re prepared to pay high-end prices, there’s even a hip bar here where you can sip a glass of wine or cocktail in style.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has become such an iconic symbol of Paris—not to mention one of the most famous structures located anywhere in the world—that it can be easy to forget it’s actually an observation deck. In fact, visitors to the Eiffel Tower have their pick of three different levels from which to bask in the beauty of Paris: the first floor, at some 200-feet-high renowned for its glass floor and interactive displays; the second floor, home to a Michelin-star restaurant and 360-degree Paris views from 400 feet up in the air; and the third floor, where you can sip champagne 900 feet above one of the world’s most romantic cities.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City’s Top of the Rock observation deck is a can’t-miss destination for first-time visitors to the Big Apple. You’ll encounter an expansive selection of observation decks in New York—in addition to Top of the Rock, there’s also One World Observatory, Edge at Hudson Yards, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt—but most observers, if pressed, will argue that Top of the Rock offers the best views. That’s because it provides visitors unforgettable photo opportunities of both Central Park and the nearby Empire State Building.
London Eye
The London Eye has attained beloved-attraction status in such rapid fashion that it’s hard to believe it was never meant to be a permanent addition to London’s bustling South Bank district; in fact, it was originally planned as a temporary site paying tribute to the arrival of the year 2000. Fortunately for visitors from all over the world, the London Eye is still going strong a quarter-century later. Technically an “observation wheel,” the London Eye is comprised of some 32 pods (each one can hold about two-dozen people at a time) that slowly turn, providing visitors shifting, panoramic views of this wonderful city’s historic core. Each revolution of the London Eye takes about 30 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to snap as many pictures as you want.
Burj Khalifa
Since it first opened its doors to the public in 2010, the Burj Khalifa (in Dubai) has become one of the world’s most famous buildings. At a total height of just over 2,700 feet, the Burj Khalifa stands today as the tallest skyscraper on the planet—which means its 124th– and 125th-floor observation decks are absolutely incredible to experience firsthand. Not only are the views on display from these vantagepoints well worth your time, but the Burj Khalifa is also home to a wide range of shopping destinations, as well as an aquarium, ice rink, amusement park, and more.
Mirador Torre Glòries
Mirador Torre Glòries occupies the 30th floor of Torre Glòries, a visually memorable, 500-foot-tall skyscraper designed by the architect Jean Nouvel that itself makes for a terrific photo opportunity. Mirador Torre Glòries gives visitors unique views of nearby Barcelona attractions like the one-and-only Sagrada Familia; it also features a series of optional upgrades that include your choice of an immersive experiences or an interactive sculpture created by the Argentinian artist Tomàs Saraceno.
Space Needle
Few landmarks are as closely identified with the city in which they’re located as the Space Needle is with Seattle—you simply can’t visit Seattle without making time to check out the Space Needle! Built for the Century 21 Exposition (aka the Seattle World’s Fair), the Space Needle first opened to the public in 1962. All these years later it’s still one of the city’s most popular attractions, a place where you can enjoy remarkable views of the Seattle skyline, the Cascade Mountains, and Mount Rainier.
A’DAM LOOKOUT
The charming canals and historic cobblestones of Amsterdam have never looked as striking as they do from the A’DAM LOOKOUT observation deck. Located on the 22nd floor of the city’s A’DAM Tower, approximately 350 feet in the air, A’DAM LOOKOUT not only features 360-degree views of the city, but it offers visitors multiple dining options, the chance to go on a VR-enabled thrill ride, and access to Over The Edge, a harness swing that lets participants feel as though they’re flying “over the edge” of this skyscraper and above the canals and streets of Amsterdam. It’s considered the highest swing ride available anywhere in Europe.
Empire State Building
New York City is home to so many fantastic observation decks that it just wouldn’t feel right to end this list without including another acclaimed attraction from the city that never sleeps. Arguably to this day still the most famous skyscraper located anywhere on the planet, the Empire State Building features a pair of distinctive viewing platforms. You’ll find an open-air observation deck located on the building’s 86th floor, while an enclosed space occupies the site’s 102nd floor. Can’t decide which one to visit? When in doubt, go with the 86th floor observation deck. Admission here is a bit cheaper, and you’ll probably even get better pictures given the open-air nature of the space.