Travel
Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond
Slide Nr 1A change of perspective is always welcome – especially when it means admiring a stunning destination from among the clouds. Whether lookout points hovering over glaciers or observation decks above iconic cities, these 12 towering experiences will take your trip to the loftiest levels.
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 2Empire State Building, New York City – An enduring symbol of the Big Apple, the Empire State Building was built in a little more than a year, becoming the world’s first over-100-story building –and the world’s tallest at the time – in 1931. Nearly a century later, it remains among the most beloved attractions in the city. Enter the iconic construction through its stunning Art Deco lobby, and head to the second floor, where immersive exhibitions invite you to dive into the building’s rich history. The 86th-floor main observation area awaits with 360-degree views of New York from the very heart of Midtown, while the 102nd-floor ‘Top Deck’ observatory grants even more impressive panoramas.
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 3Seoul Sky at the Lotte World Tower, Seoul – Korea’s tallest building – and the sixth tallest in the world – is home to Seoul Sky, located on the top seven floors of the skyscraper. Here, breathtaking views of the Korean capital are complemented by a Guinness World Record: Seoul Sky boasts the world’s highest crystal floor, placing you 478 metres above ground. Visitors will also find a variety of experiences across each level, including a cafeteria, a boutique, and many angles from which to admire this spectacular city. If you’re in the mood for shopping, check out the Lotte World Mall once you’re back on the ground level, featuring boutiques, a movie theatre and an aquarium. [Photo via Getty Images]
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 4Columbia Icefield Walk, Jasper, Canada – Exploring Canada’s national parks means taking in majestic mountains, rivers, waterfalls and glaciers. But there’s more than one way to do it: hovering 280 metres above the rugged landscape of the Sunwapta Valley, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk features a 1-kilometre-long glass-floor platform that allows you to float over these magnificent landscapes, spotting local wildlife and even the fossils of primaeval species. Open from May to October, the experience starts and ends at the Glacier Discovery Centre, where you’ll find interpretive exhibitions, a gift shop, a restaurant and a patio. [Photo by Mike Seehagel]
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 5Monumento a la Revolución, Mexico City – Soar above Mexico City from one of its most significant historic constructions, and soak in 360-degree views of the sprawling metropolis. There’s plenty to explore on your way up the Monumento a la Revolución, as you walk among the landmark’s interiors and even its steel structures. Learn all about its original design, imagined as a legislative palace by President Porfirio Díaz in the early 20th century, and discover the many twists and turns that led to its current status: a mausoleum honouring the heroes of the Mexican Revolution. The monument is also a museum, featuring exhibitions like Bajo la Mira, an installation and a call to non-violence.
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 6Stegastein, Aurlandsvangen, Norway – Few places can promise you’ll feel like you’re flying, but Stegastein is one of them. Floating at 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord, the platform brings you 30 metres out from the mountains, providing incomparable views of the fjord and surrounding scenery – but most of all, an indescribable sensation of freedom and awe. Designed by Norwegian architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen, the lookout is a sleek structure that curves elegantly around the mountain, ensuring that the striking natural scenery remains the main attraction. Open year-round, it offers memorable views across all four seasons.
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 7Edge at Hudson Yards, New York City – Yes, we included two lookouts in the same city – but can anyone ever get enough of New York? As part of the swanky new Hudson Yards development in west Manhattan, Edge – the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere – affords gorgeous views of the entire island from its 100th-story location, plus a glass floor that’s as thrilling as it is photo-friendly, granting a bird’s-eye view over the city below. Craving more adrenaline? Try City Climb, which lets you scale the outside of the skyscraper, more than 365 metres above the ground, and (safely) lean out over the ledge. [Photo: Courtesy of Related-Oxford]
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 8Tokyo SkyTree, Tokyo – Originally designed to stand at 610 metres tall, Tokyo Skytree boasts a 634m height – and a Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower. But, this being Tokyo, an endless array of surprises awaits: learn about the tower’s history and fun facts at the Skytree Gallery, and dine on a seasonally rotating menu of local specialities at Musashi. Early risers will love the Morning View experience, a chance to watch the city waking up from up above – breakfast included! – while yogis of all experience levels can’t miss Skytree Yoga, a unique practice held on the Galleria deck. [Photo via Getty Images]
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 9360 Chicago, Chicago – The name says it all. Well, almost. Perched on the 94th floor of the iconic John Hancock building, 360 Chicago promises jaw-dropping views of the Windy City, from its buildings and landmarks to its parks and the imposing Lake Michigan. For an added thrill, check out Tilt, an enclosed moving platform that rocks you forward until you’re nearly face down, admiring Chicago from more than 300 metres above the ground. Later, toast to your adventures at Cloud Bar with a creative cocktail inspired by Chicago’s diverse neighbourhoods.
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 11CN Tower, Toronto – This Toronto landmark served as a broadcasting tower in the ‘70s; today, it remains the city’s telecommunications centre and one of its most popular tourist sites. CN Tower’s highest observation platform, The Top, stands 447 metres above the city, while 33 levels below, the Main Observation deck boasts window walls perfect for snapping splendid photos. One floor down, the Lower Observation Level beckons with formidable glass floors. The most adventurous visitors can walk along the tower’s exterior on the EdgeWalk, whereas those who find their thrills in food shouldn’t miss the revolving 360 Restaurant, housing the world’s highest wine cellar.
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 12Sands SkyPark, Singapore – Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands might be one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of the Lion City, and with good reason. The mammoth complex is home to a luxury shopping mall, a hotel, restaurants and an unmistakable infinity pool. Its SkyPark Observation Deck, floating 56 levels above the city, offers soaring views of Marina Bay and the city skyline, as well as other icons like Gardens by the Bay and the Esplanade theatres. Head to the deck in the evening and enjoy Spectra, A Light & Water Show from a unique vantage point.
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Elevated Experiences: 12 Observation Decks That Go Above And Beyond.
Slide Nr 13Messner Mountain Museum Corones, Marebbe, Italy – A place as awe-inspiring as Italy’s South Tyrol deserves an equally impressive lookout; leave it to Zaha Hadid Architects to create something that blurs the line between the organic and the futuristic. Perched on the summit of Mount Kronplatz, the Messner Mountain Museum Corones – part of a family of six museums founded by mountain climber Reinhold Messner – immerses visitors in the spirit of mountaineering and exploration as they take in panoramic views as far as the eye can see, from the Dolomites to the Zillertal Alps. [Photo © wisthaler.com]
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