The Best Observatories with Unbeatable Views
The World is a big and beautiful place. It’s filled with countless cities, each with its own culture and vibe. The best way to view them are from the heights of their highest observation points. These tall towers of the world hold extravagant views of the life beneath. Rare perspectives attained from these towers grant the perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness. Of all the soaring skyscrapers, I’ve gathered the ones that provided the most enjoyable experience. Here’s the top 10 towers that will change your perspective and where to find them.
10. Empire State Building (443m)
Right in the heart of New York City, the most iconic tower on this list is the Empire State Building. Join the “Elite 102” by visiting the observation deck on the 102nd floor. From there you can see all of Manhattan with an impressive number of surrounding skyscrapers. Tickets are expensive and lines are usually pretty long but the prestigious views are guaranteed to alter your state of mind.
9. The Shard (309m)
The Shard is a relatively new London tower, and the tallest building in Western Europe. The Shard is coated in a plethora of glass panels and has a tranquil garden vibe. This luxury skyscraper is right on the Thames River and offers fantastic views of the city. Grab a drink in this open-air haven and observe the famous British monuments nearby. There is even a wide variety of events held at this venue in the sky!
8. Willis Tower (527m)
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this Chicago based edifice was once the tallest building in the World. The Skydeck sits in the center of the city and overlooks Lake Michigan. On the top floor of the observation deck lies its infamous ledge, a glass box that protrudes off the side of the skyscraper, leaving clear views of the streets below. Take the fear-inducing step over the ledge for excellent thrills and views. It’s moderately priced but there may be long lines for your turn on the ledge.
7. The Stratosphere (350m)
This skyward spire in the center of Las Vegas is an all-in-one casino, hotel, and tower. The Stratosphere offers panoramic views of the entire strip and the surrounding mountains in the distance. The highest observation deck on Las Vegas boulevard also has exhilarating rides for extreme thrill seekers. The Sky Jump is an intense bungee jump from the top of the tower. Check out all the other rides The Strat has available here.
6. 360 Chicago (457m)
Another behemoth in the Illinois skyline is the 360 Chicago Observation deck. Located at the end of the Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Ave, the John Hancock Tower offers similar views to the Skydeck. The difference is the sight of the Willis Tower and a special feature; the “Tilt”. This attraction tilts you outside of the building almost completely horizontal to the streets below, creating an extraordinary angle of the city most people don’t get to witness. They even have a DJ playing some jams while you check out the city’s beautiful horizon.
5. Skylon Tower (160m)
Not many skyscrapers blend in perfect harmony with nature. Skylon Tower lies on the Canada side of the Majestic Niagara Falls. Capture some of the best views of this natural wonder from the top of the observation deck. The Ride up the yellow capsule elevator also has great viewing opportunities. It even has a revolving restaurant. During the summer months you may be able to catch some fireworks and Niagara Falls illuminated with colors.
4. Tokyo Skytree (634m)
The best way to see they city of Tokyo is from the tallest skyscraper in all of Japan. The lower floors are filled with affluent shops for decadent souvenirs. For exquisite Japanese cuisine, try the classy 634 Musashi Sky Restaurant. When you’re ready, head up to the Tembo Deck on the 350th floor or the even Higher Tembo Galleria on the 450th floor. Listen to relaxing music as you gaze at the beautiful city from impressive heights. The entire structure glows with changing lights as the sun goes down. Both observation decks can be accessed with the combo ticket. Lines are ridiculously long, so get a timed ticket and comeback at a later time.
3. Space Needle (184m)
The most futuristic of towers on this list goes to the revolutionary Space Needle in Seattle, Washington. This UFO inspired monolith has stunning views of the Emerald City and Mount Rainier on a clear day. The elevator to the top zooms up at velocity of 43 seconds! The disk-shaped architecture contains a high-end restaurant that completes one revolution an hour. At the base of the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass art exhibit, which you can get a bundle ticket for. Go either in the early morning or late evening to save a few dollars on the expensive ticket.
2. N Seoul Tower (238m)
The symbol of Seoul, Korea is found on the Summit of Namsan Mountain. N Seoul Tower has an abundance of attractions to see. To reach the zenith of this tower, you must ride a cable car up the peak of mount Namsan. Once you arrive, there is an area filled with thousands of “love locks” where couples unify their intertwined love for eternity. The base of the skyscraper holds a plaza where there are various museums, arcades, shops, and restaurants to indulge. Which reminds me: don’t leave Korea without having some amazing fried chicken and beer! The pinnacle of N Seoul Tower has the best elevation to embrace the starlit city. All the attractions are very affordable so take your time exploring.
1. One World Trade Center (546m)
Rising to the top of the list is another of New York’s celestial towers: The One World Trade Center. Also known as the Freedom Tower, this divine structure is the tallest building in America. The entire experience is filled with substance and knowledge. Informative galleries lie below the surface, while visual representations of New York’s historical evolution grace the elevators. Tour ambassadors also divulge every hidden secret of NYC and the cinematic reveal of the spectacular skyline is sure to leave a lasting impression. Gaze into infinity from the One World observatory with the greatest city in the world as your backdrop. You can even rent a virtual reality tablet for an interactive guide of the entire city.
The perspectives you gain from viewing a city from towering heights never fail to disappoint. Regardless of which city you choose, astounding vantage points await. Being so high up really changes the way you see things. Of course, this is not a definitive list (honorable mentions to The Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Statue of Liberty), just the best towers I’ve visited so far. May our paths cross one day at the top of the world. Until then, keep leveling up.
