The World's Most Incredible Observation Points

The World’s Most Incredible Observation Points

As we travel we often observe our surroundings – scenery and iconic structures are just some of the many things we look for. But what if I told you that there was a way to see 360-degree angles of your destination from one of its highest peaks?

*Related: Otherworldly Landscapes on Planet Earth

The standpoint from an observation deck is incredible. Imagine looking down through a glass walkway that extends over the rim of the Grand Canyon, or taking the elevator up to the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa and viewing the city from up above.

From London, to New York City and Paris, these observation points are some of the best in the world.

Continue reading for The World's Most Incredible Observation Points.

The Shard

View London from its highest viewing platform and the European Union's tallest building, The Shard. Capture views of the entire city from heights up to 800 feet. Some landmarks to look out for include the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower Bridge. Click here for more information.

Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona

Devour breathtaking sights of the Grand Canyon by taking a walk on The Grand Canyon Skywalk. It's a glass walkway that extends over the rim of the Grand Canyon and enables individuals to walk beyond the canyon walls.

The Empire State Building, New York City

View New York City from inside a world famous landmark. Ride the elevator up to the main deck on the 86th floor for incredible views, or if you're up for it, keep going to the 102nd floor and view the city from one of its highest points.

International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong

Get 360-degree views of the Victoria Harbor from the 100th floor of the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. It's the tallest building in Hong Kong. Along with sky100's incredible view they also offer an interactive multi-media exhibit and a guest center. Learn about the culture and local history. Click here for more information.

Fernsehturm, Berlin

Enjoy panorama views of the entire city from this destination. Visit Berlin's highest bar, Bar 203, in the Berlin TV Tower for incredible sites, and make sure you enjoy a delicious meal at the Sphere restaurant that stands above the Tower's observation deck. Tip: It is cheaper if you purchase the Early Bird ticket. Click here for more information.

Shanghai World Financial Center

The Shanghai World Financial Center was completed in 2008. It's one of the many icons in Shanghai's skyline, and also one of the best places to view the city. It offers three floors of scenic views. Look out over the Huangpu River and take tons of pictures of Shanghai's skyline. Tip: Purchase your tickets in Basement 1 on the west side of the building.

The Stratosphere Tower, Las Vegas

This observation deck offers 360 degree views of Las Vegas, their amusement park rides, nightlife and restaurants. It's the tallest freestanding tower in America at 1,149 feet above ground. When you get tired of just standing there, try one of their adrenaline pumping rides – Big Shot, Insanity and Sky Jump, just to name a few.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

View the famous Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab in Dubai's gorgeous skyline. Or if you're up for it, take the elevator up to the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa and view the city from up above. Visitors also say Level 43 Rooftop Lounge is "a great spot to be dazzled with the best view of Dubai," and it's a great place to watch the sunset (Foursquare). *See: Amazing Things You Need to See and Do in Dubai.

Montparnasse Tower, Paris

The fastest elevator in Europe will take you up to the 56th floor observation deck of the spectacular Montparnasse Tower. Capture incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous skyline, the amazing sunset and City of Lights. Bonus: Have a glass of champagne while you admire the famous sites of Paris.

The Space Needle, Seattle

We can give credit to the famous Space Needle Observation Tower and the incredible Mount Rainer for Seattle's breathtaking skyline. The observation deck of the Space Needle provides incredible views.

Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand

The tallest building in New Zealand, and one of its most famous landmarks, is the one and only Auckland Sky Tower. It rises 1,076 feet high and contains three viewing platforms. Capture panoramic views of Auckland and if you're up for it, try out one of their thrilling adventure activities – SkyWalk and Sky Jump, which take you to the edge of the tower. Click here for more information.

Willis Tower, Chicago

Visit the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower for the best view of Chicago's skyline. Walk out on to the ledge and enter into a glass balcony at 1,353 feet off the ground that will allow you to capture views of Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. Also make sure you explore their interactive family-friendly exhibits.

Top of the Rock, New York City

For many years, the Top of the Rock observation deck has been a must for tourists. Enter Rockefeller Center, then step into a glass ceiling sky shuttle for a ride to the top – the 70th floor. Enjoy 360 degree views on the outdoor deck. Tip: Purchase the "New York Pass" and save money on your entry fee, as well as other attractions in New York City. Click here for more information.

Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

Clingmans Done is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi, according to nps. It rises at 6,643 feet. The observation tower is great. It offers incredible views, but climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top for an even better view.

CN Tower, Toronto

Located in downtown Toronto is the famous CN observation tower, also known as Canada's National Tower or Canadian National Tower. It is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. Look straight out from the towers Glass Floor and capture views of Lake Ontario and Toronto's beautiful skyline.