Ever felt like a giant peering down at tiny ant-sized people? That's the thrill of an observation deck! As cities grew taller, someone had the bright idea to allow us all to touch the clouds without growing wings. It's not just about urban jungles though; some decks showcase Mother Nature's handiwork. From these dizzying heights, the world unfolds below like a live-action map. Almost every major metropolitan city boasts a towering platform from which to gaze. Let’s look at some unique observation decks around the world that offer some of the most breathtaking views in the world. !
1. Summit One Vanderbilt
📍 NYC, USA
Perched high above the city that never sleeps, Summit One Vanderbilt is a feast for the eyes. Snap a shot with Midtown Manhattan sprawling beneath you and the art-deco spire of the Chrysler Building up close. It's definitely among the top spots in NYC where you can capture that perfect ultra modern skyline of NYC. The All-Glass elevator adds an exciting dimension to the visit.
2. Mori Tower
📍 Tokyo, Japan
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower offers an unparalleled, panoramic view of the bustling cityscape with Mount Fuji in the distance. Ascend to the Tokyo City View observation deck, where you can see a 360-degree expanse of Tokyo unfurling below. It's a breathtaking experience that offers a unique blend of Japan's modernity and timeless beauty, especially during cherry blossom season when the city blooms in pink hues.
3. Top of the Rock
📍 NYC, USA
Nestled within New York's Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers a stunning vista that rivals the iconic Empire State Building's view. With a clear shot of Central Park against the city's skyline, it provides a vertigo-inducing perspective of Manhattan's grandeur. The deck's three levels offer various vantage points, ensuring that each visitor finds their perfect backdrop for a memorable snapshot. It's an especially enchanting sight during holiday seasons, as the city buzzes with festive energy.
4. At The Top, Burj Khalifa
📍 Dubai, UAE
How can we not mention the record-breaking heights of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai? This observation deck offers you a glimpse from the highest man-made structure on the planet. The 'At The Top' experience takes you to an awe-inspiring 555 meters above ground, whisking you away on a journey that starts with a high-speed elevator. Once there, floor-to-ceiling windows offer a vista that stretches across the Arabian Gulf. Additionally, you can delight in the finest selection of gourmet canapes and beverages at The Lounge, the world’s highest lounge at 585 meters above the ground.
5. Shanghai Tower
📍 Shangai, China
China's Shanghai Tower spirals into the sky as the third tallest building in the world. The observation deck situated on the 118th floor offers views of the sprawling urban expanse and the serpentine Huangpu River winding through the city. Standing over half a kilometer in the clouds, this marvel promises an unforgettable skyline spectacle, showcasing the Pudong district's futuristic skyscrapers alongside historical shikumen houses.
6. The Edge
📍 NYC, USA
100 floors above the bustling streets of New York City, The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Jutting out from the sleek skyscraper, it provides an adrenaline-pumping experience as you stand on transparent glass, peering down at the urban tapestry below. This spectacular platform hangs in mid-air like a sky-high balcony, offering a perspective that will have your heart racing.
7. One World Observatory
📍 NYC, USA
Another gem in NYC, One World Observatory is on top of the One World Trade Center. As you ride up the SkyPod elevators, you can catch the history of the city on it’s walls watching a time-lapse of New York's skyline evolving. At the top, the sweeping 360-degree panorama of New York City steals your breath away. Avoid visiting during the winters because of the snow which can obscure the views.
8. Tokyo Skytree
📍 NYC, USA
Rising majestically into the skyline, the Tokyo Skytree towers over the city as a modern marvel and a beacon of technological advancement. Stretching far above the city's streets, this spectacular structure holds the title of the world's tallest radio antenna. The view from its Tembo Deck, at 350 meters, gives you a sweeping landscape of the city, where you can witness the sheer expanse of Tokyo's metropolitan sprawl. It’s truly magical in the night with the city twinkling below.
9. CN Tower
📍 Toronto, Canada
Iconic for its slender needle-like silhouette against the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower was once the world's tallest freestanding structure. The Glass Floor and SkyPod levels allow visitors a heart-thumping view straight down to the city streets far below. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Niagara Falls on the horizon. 360 The Restaurant is a revolving restaurant that provides diners with a constantly changing backdrop as they enjoy their meal. There’s also EdgeWalk that lets you venture outside on a 5-foot-wide ledge encircling the top of the tower's main pod, 356 meters above the ground.
10. KLCC Observation Deck
📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The KLCC Observation Deck, located in the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, offers a stunning view that encapsulates the vibrancy of Malaysia's capital. The twin structures themselves are an architectural sight to behold, and the observation deck on the 86th floor allows visitors to take in the city's skyline in its full glory. The connecting Skybridge also provides a unique perspective and photo opportunity between the two skyscrapers, truly a must-visit for panoramic enthusiasts.
11. Berliner Fernsehturm
📍 Berlin, Germany
Rising high above the German capital, the Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower) offers a unique vantage point. As Germany's tallest structure, the tower's observation deck provides panoramic views of the Berlin landscape, encompassing historical landmarks like the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin Wall remnants. The revolving sphere allows for a 360-degree Berlin experience from a height of over 200 meters.
12. Lotte World Tower
📍 Seoul, South Korea
Seoul’s Lotte World Tower is the sixth tallest building in the world. The tower's Seoul Sky, on the 123rd floor, provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city and beyond. You can walk on the sky deck’s glass floor and observe the city scenes unfold beneath your feet as if you're floating in the air.
13. Melbourne Skydeck
📍 Melbourne, Australia
Perched on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, the Melbourne Skydeck offers a sky-high experience unmatched by any other in Australia. It provides an expansive view of Melbourne's urban landscape, with vistas extending to the Dandenong Ranges on a clear day. Thrill-seekers can step onto The Edge – a glass cube that projects out from the building for a breathtaking view of the city beneath.
14. KL Tower
📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur provides yet another stunning city vista. While slightly shorter than the Petronas Towers, its observation deck still offers exceptional views and it boasts a revolving restaurant that allows for a 360-degree scan of the Malaysian capital.
15. Grand Canyon Skywalk
📍 Grand Canyon West, USA
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped bridge with a transparent floor, providing a unique perspective of the natural wonder. Situated over 1,200 meters above the canyon floor, visitors get to experience the grandeur of the landscape in a way that's both exhilarating and humbling. Surrounded by the canyon's ancient rock walls, the Skywalk is an unforgettable opportunity to walk the sky above one of the world's most magnificent natural formations.
