Gone are the days of An Affair to Remember, when the observation deck on the Empire State Building was the place to be. Such rooftop rendezvous have been taken to the next level, and the next, climbing from 369m to a skycraping 488m. Here’s our guide to the six highest viewing platforms across the globe, so you can survey the world from some dizzying heights.
Willis Tower, Chicago
Formerly Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is tallest and most iconic building on the Chicago skyline. The observation deck, which stands at 412.5m on the 103rd floor, was featured in the American cult film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and has a transparent glass box ledge for a truly vertigo-inducing experience.
CN Tower, Toronto
Despite its measly fifth-place on the list, the CN Tower Toronto remains the tallest freestanding structure in the Northern Hemisphere – a feat of which the Canadians are proud. Race to the top in a high-speed elevator and enjoy the views from 346m, or scale the heights at 356m with the famous hands-free EdgeWalk. Not for the faint of heart.
Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo
Soaring above the heights of the CN Tower is the space age Tokyo Skytree, whose highest viewing platform stands at 450m. Ascend through a glass tube to achieve 360° floor-to-ceiling views of the bustling metropolis below.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Resembling one of the futuristic skyscrapers of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower and boasts the third-highest viewing platform. Climb the shard-like summit to the observation deck at 452.1m, and enjoy spectacular views of the glittering city, ocean, and desert encompassing Dubai.
Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai
The Shanghai World Financial Center, or SWFC, towers above a sea of skyscrapers in the heart of Shanghai’s financial district. The viewing platform at 474m is a ‘sky walk’ composed of three transparent walkways, to create the illusion of walking on air.
Canton Tower, Guangzhou
Finally, the svelte twisting structure of the Canton Tower has the highest lookout in the world at 488m. Endowed with phenomenal 360° views over Guangzhou, the tower is open until 11pm every night, offering sunset vistas and starry skies.
Featured Image © Liufuyu/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
