10 Places to Catch Insane City Views

Taipei 101 is so cool–I’d say the building itself looks better than the view from the top. Also contains what’s billed as “the world’s fastest elevator.”

I’ve done three of these and by far my favorite is the view from the Eiffel tower at night. It’s so romantic. I really enjoy the cityscape from the stratosphere but all of the noise of the rides ruin (change?) the mood.

I have been up both the Sears Tower and Sky Tower and can only comment on these. The views of Auckland are amazing. However, a little freaky are the sections of glass panels along the floor of the observation deck which you can stand on and look at the city below. I think the Sky Tower is the highest observation point in the southern hemisphere?? The views of Chicago and Lake Michigan are likewise amazing – I have some great photos of the city!

I believe the Eureka Skydeck in Melbourne is the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere…or at least that’s how it’s billed. Sometimes the Aussies like to claim these sorts of things!

the eureka tower skydeck in melbourne australia is a good one. i’m pretty sure it’s the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and from 88 stories up, you get a 360 degree view of the city.

These are great fun…but wait…why not the top of the Space Needle in Seattle?! The restaurant on the 35th floor of the US bank tower in Portland, OR has a great view of our city as well.

The views from the Hancock Center are, by far, better than the Sears Tower. No contest.

Great comments, everyone. Any other ones that we missed?

Twin Peaks in San Francisco at night is the best city view I have personally seen. And to the poster who said the Hancock is better then the Sears, I agree 100%.

The Seoul Tower in South Korea’s capital offers great 360 degree views of this sprawling city (though, admittedly, the smog at times impedes a clear view).

Though I love a great view from the highest point in any city, they’re usually the most touristy and overpriced. I find it much more rewarding to make it to the top of a lesser building for free, and without a crowd. Though security in many tall city buildings is tight, it never hurts to try, or to ask. I’ve had building managers escort me to the roof of their building with little more than an exchange of names.

I visited Seoul Tower towards the beginning of my stay in the city. A sign said it had closed the previous day…for one whole year! Maintenance work, I guess. By the time it reopened, I had lost interest. Did get to eat that day at the ridiculously priced revolving restaurant towards the top, though.

What about the 63 building? Is that still the tallest in the city?

Good article. I’ve only been to the Jun Mao Tower, in Shanghai, but have to say I was disappointed with all the pollution. Big fan of the jumping picture at the beginning

Don’t agree with you about the Eiffel Tower – not only do you have long queues to get up to the top, but also, when you get there…you can’t see the Eiffel Tower. Montparnasse is much better – it’s cheaper, less busy, and your panoramic city shots will have the Eiffel Tower on them!

How about the Emirates Office Tower or the Hotel Tower… Anything that views Dubai is an insane view

How about from a plane over any city.

I would add to the list the Euromast tower in Rotterdam, NL. Check out the recent view here http://www.picture-story.net/web/rotterdam/

Another great one:
Take the cable car up to Monserrate (yes, a little terrifying, but so worth it) in Bogota, Colombia and have numero quince (15) on the menu at the restaurant at the top – Casa San Isidro – while enjoying the most spectacular view of a city I’ve ever seen. Word of caution, the locals deem it as ‘unlucky’ to take your novio/a to the top before you’re married! There’s also a beautiful Catholic church and a little market open during the day. Wear shoes you can walk in because it is steep cobble and rock.
http://www.cerromonserrate.com/