Gone are the days of “An Affair to Remember,” when the observation deck on the Empire State Building was the place to be. Rooftop rendezvous like this have been taken to the next level, climbing from about 1,210 feet to a skycraping 1,600 feet.
So, survey the world from some dizzying heights. Here’s our guide to the six highest viewing platforms across the globe.
Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Formerly the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is the tallest and most iconic building along the Chicago skyline. The observation deck, which stands at 1,353 feet on the 103rd floor, was featured in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and has a transparent glass box ledge for a truly vertigo-inducing experience.
CN Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Despite its fifth-place slot on the list, the CN Tower in Toronto remains the tallest freestanding structure in the Northern Hemisphere – a feat of which Canadians are proud. Race to the top in a high-speed elevator and enjoy the views from 1,135 feet, or scale the heights at 1,167 feet with the famous hands-free EdgeWalk. Not for the faint of heart…
Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo, Japan
Soaring above the height of the CN Tower is the space age Tokyo Skytree, whose highest viewing platform stands at 1,476 feet. Ascend through a glass tube to achieve 360-degree floor-to-ceiling views of the bustling metropolis below.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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 to the observation deck at 1,483 feet, and enjoy spectacular views of the glittering city, ocean and desert encompassing Dubai.
Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai, China
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 1,555 feet is a “sky walk” composed of three transparent walkways to create the illusion of walking on air.
Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China
Finally, the svelte twisting structure of the Canton Tower has the highest lookout in the world at 1,600 feet. Endowed with phenomenal 360-degree views over Guangzhou, the tower is open until 11 p.m. every night, offering sunset vistas and starry skies.
(Main 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.
