10 of the World’s Best Observation Decks

A city is best explored by foot. We follow our map, walking from place to place, turning off down tangents when a sound, a sight, or a smell catches our interest. We see doorways. We see ground floors. And sometimes, when we crane our necks back at an angle that no chiropractor would recommend, we begin to get a faint understanding of a city’s full scope. But to really take in the magnitude of a city, to see where it ends or just how far it stretches to the horizon, we need to see it from above. We need to visit an observation deck.

Nearly every city has one – either a designated observation deck that charges money for visitors to get an aerial view, or just a building that happens to offer a great vantage point from which to see the city. Some are tall, some are small, for some the appeal lies in unobstructed views and for some the appeal lies in the total experience. Here are some of the best views worth checking out around the world.

Sears (Willis) Tower, Chicago

Though the Sears Tower (recently renamed Willis Tower) offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city of Chicago, many people prefer heading up to the lounge on top of the John Hancock Center (no admission fee, plus drinks!) instead. But with the addition of the new glass-bottomed viewing decks at the Sears Tower Sky Deck, that could change. Now, instead of just looking out at the city skyscrapers, the clear blue of Lake Michigan fringed by golden beaches, and the ant-sized people and cars below, you’ll be able to stand over them, seemingly suspended in air 1,353 feet over the city.

Taipei 101, Taipei

You may not fully comprehend just how big Taipei is until you take the high-speed elevators, which travel over 50 feet per second, up to the 91st floor observatory of the Taipei 101. The tower holds the current distinction of being the world’s tallest building (though once the Burj Dubai is occupied, it will lose the title) and offers sprawling views of the city. As you see Taipei spreading to the horizon, you realize just how big it is, and how very small you are in comparison.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

If Paris were to be summed up in one iconic image, it would be that of the Eiffel Tower. One of the most famous landmarks in the world, it is the tallest structure in Paris. Visitors can ascend to the second level for a view of the area surrounding the tower and the thousands of tourists taking pictures below. Or you can go all the way to the top, about 900 feet above ground, for views of the whole city. In the distance, you can just make out landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre.

Shanghai Oriental Pearl, Shanghai

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands 1,500 feet over Shanghai. The tower is composed of spheres of varying sizes suspended at different points along the tower’s height as though they were slowly descending. While the view of the tower is impressive enough, the one you’ll get from inside is even better. Fifteen different observation decks include a restaurant, revolving tearoom, and an outdoor observation deck with a glass-bottomed floor.

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

At only 7 stories up, the Gravity Bar on the top floor of the Guinness Storehouse is the shortest building on the list. But it is also the only one where you can get a complimentary glass of beer to take in along with the view (after a tour of the brewery). You’ll only be about 130 feet above ground, but as the rest of Dublin’s buildings aren’t much taller, you can still enjoy a nearly unobstructed 360-degree view of the city along with your Guinness.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo, Florence

The 15th century Duomo, or dome, at the Santa Maria del Fiore church in Florence remains the largest masonry dome in the world. Visitors have the option of not just gazing at the dome from below, but of actually climbing up the nearly 500 steps to the top. The climb is narrow, but not too difficult, and the rewarding panorama of the city of Florence below makes any exertion worth the effort.

Hallgr?mskirkja, Reykjavik

Iceland’s Hallgr?mskirkja church is the largest in Iceland and Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmark, but when it debuted in the 1980’s, it was to mixed reviews. Some praised the unique design, which symbolizes the lava flows that run through the country, while others found it gaudy and ostentatious. If you’re in the latter camp, you might change your mind once you see the views from the observation deck on top. Below you you’ll see the brightly colored houses of Reykjavik, retired whaling ships in the grey-blue waters of the harbor, and snow-covered mountains in the distance. With a view like that, you might forgive any shortcomings of the exterior’s design.

Space Needle, Seattle

On clear, sunny days in Seattle, there’s no better place to be than at the top of the Space Needle. Head up to the revolving restaurant for brunch, or just take the elevators to the 520-foot high observation deck for a panoramic view of the “Emerald City”. To the north you’ll see Lake Union, with its houseboats and sea planes. In the west, you’ll find cruise ships docked in port, ferry boats in Puget Sound, and the lush greenery of islands like Bainbridge Island fading into the background of the Olympic Mountains. As you make your way to the south end of the deck, you’ll see the city below and just beyond that, the snowy peak of Mt. Rainier.

Top of the Rock, New York City

There’s no city in the world like New York. And there’s no view in New York like one from the Top of the Rock, the 70th floor observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Center, which offers sweeping views of New York, including Central Park and the city skyline. The Top of the Rock also boasts views of the city’s most iconic skyscraper, the Empire State Building (which of course you wouldn’t see from the Empire State Building itself). And the Top of the Rock has glass walls enclosing the observation deck, meaning you get unobstructed views from eye level to your feet.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

The unfinished famous work of Antonio Gaudi, Sagrada Familia’s main draw is not the view it offers. But the view is a nice perk to visiting this architectural masterpiece. For a few extra euros, visitors can take the elevator up into the towers, about 230 feet above ground, and walk out onto the connecting bridges. Unlike on most observations decks, where visitors are kept safely behind glass or enclosed by tall walls that cannot be scaled, here you are virtually unrestricted and open to the elements. While you fight the crush of tourists and try not to drop your camera while attempting to take in the view, the only thing that keeps you from falling to the city below is the few feet of stone that form the bridge’s walls.

From the Washington Monument in DC to the Sky Tower in Auckland and nearly everywhere in between, there are countless places to rise above a city and enjoy spectacular views. Next time you think you’ve seen a city from every angle, make sure you’ve also seen the view from above.

Photo credits:
Willis Tower by thomas.merton on Flickr, Taipei 101 by misterbisson on Flickr, Eiffel Tower by switchhook on Flickr, Shanghai by Pixeloflight on Flickr, Guinness by Ian Wilson on Flickr, Florence Duomo by Tama Leaver on Flickr, Reykjavik by Wrote on Flickr, Space Needle by anneh632 on Flickr, Top of the Rock by qbix08 on Flickr, Sagrada Familia by Andifeelfine on Flickr

Northam Exposure: John M. Edwards Interviews Adventure Journalist Bruce Northam

Award-winning travel journalist Bruce Northam has wandered freestyle in over 100 countries on seven continents, with experiences ranging from drifting with Burma’s sea gypsies, playing naked Frisbee with New Guinea natives, and beholding the beguiling shores of Antarctica.

With three books under his equatorial belt and a fourth on the way called “The Wisdom of Strangers”—a 108-country journey in search of unsung hero wisdom and happiness–Bruce still finds time to contribute to such venerable venues as Forbes Traveler, Perceptive Travel, Details, National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times, and National Public Radio.

Meeting up in Manhattan at a South African winebar called Xai Xai, Bruce, an energetic and entertaining conversationalist, and I downed
three bottles of Stellenbosch and became new best friends for one extraterrestrial night.

JOHN EDWARDS: Bruce, how was your recent trip to Vietnam? What all did you do? What was the travel vibe like?

BRUCE NORTHAM: Southeast Asia is my first faraway love. After covering a travel conference for a trade magazine–and staying in fancy hotels—I got back to basics, stayed in a dive, hung with local expats, and explored the countryside and the coast. Vietnam differs from nearby Laos and Cambodia where there’s a Buddhist vibe. I’m not a Buddhist, but I love Buddhist countries because of their food, tolerance, geography and affordability–that seems to be a consistent theme in those countries.

Whereas, Vietnam is more like industrious China–go go go–Me = Now. Sort of like New York City, but everyone zips around on mopeds instead of in taxis or in subways. The only drawback for me in Hanoi and Saigon is the horn-honking nightmare–oh, and almost getting whacked by spastic, no-look moped pilots.

JOHN EDWARDS: How did you get into travel writing in the first place? Is there any one author or book, or experiential epiphany, which set off your perpetual motion? Who are some of your favorite travel writers?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I had already traveled far and wide by the time I was in my late 20s, and I wanted to break into the speaking business. Every successful speaker I knew told me to write a book first, then you’ll get gigs. So I turned my seminar outline into a book called The Frugal Globetrotter, and that enabled me to go out and corrupt young minds on campuses nationwide. Tim Cahill and Bill Bryson are my favorite roving writers–equally funny, but different.

JOHN EDWARDS: Was it difficult getting your books–The Frugal Globetrotter, In Search of Adventure: A Wild Travel Anthology, and Globetrotter Dogma published? They say you need an “agent,” but they are difficult to find. Any advice?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I got The Frugal Globetrotter published by cold-calling 300 publishers in the summer of 1993. No agent, just sweat. This was pre-email, so it was all about letters and phone calls. I don’t miss licking envelopes.

I had an agent for Globetrotter Dogma, which sounds fancy . . . but it didn’t mean that I could then go out and buy a few houses.

I recommend turning your book idea into a 2,000-word story that gets published somewhere–then that is the root of your book proposal to show agents.

JOHN EDWARDS: What are your 3 favorite countries, and why?

BRUCE NORTHAM: For visuals, Antarctica–stadium-sized icebergs that shimmer between aquamarine and psychedelic blue, kayaking next to whales that roll by and look at you, and, of course, the affable penguins.

For culture, Southeast Asia–incredible nature, quietude, or party-off-the-hook city life. Whatever you want. You can eat all day and not get fat, and (legitimate) massages are a bargain.

For entertainment, Manhattan, New York, USA, which I consider to be its own country. I don’t go out on weekends when I’m home, but there is great everything, music, food, whatever, from Sunday through Wednesday.

JOHN EDWARDS: What are your three least-favorite countries, and why?

BRUCE NORTHAM: Aruba: I don’t go to Hooters, Outback Steakhouse, or McDonald’s when I’m home in the U.S., so why in God’s name would I go to one of those joints when I’m supposedly traveling.

France: Yes, beautiful women, wine, countryside, whatever–if you don’t speak French, though, you’re toast. Most of the time, I find French men extremely annoying. No further comment.

Open: Anywhere native English speakers say things like “Where’s Tom at?” rather than “Where is Tom?” . . . just a pet peeve. I’m not Mr. Grammar, but I think it’s important to honor a few easy rules.

JOHN EDWARDS: So what is your upcoming book, The Wisdom of Strangers, about?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I had to put that down for a bit with the economic hell we’re in right now–my agent pitched a different version of this book idea around but nothing happened. Example: today I got the word that Best Life Magazine folded. My Arctic Northwest Passage story was supposed to run soon. I’m taking a break from worrying about the freelancer’s toil for now. Taking a break from a life of taking a break, I guess. To stay current, I’ve created a web video series called “American Detour.” Tunisia is finished. I just returned from frozen Burlington, Vermont, to cover the Magic Hat (beer) Mardi Gras. Next up for the travel show series is Honduras.

JOHN EDWARDS: There’s an underlying philosophic edge to your stories. Do you think with so many boho backpacker boomtowns worldwide that modern travel writing is veering more towards narrative essay or practical advice?

BRUCE NORTHAM: There’s enough practical advice out there. How many self-help books can you read before you smile on your own? I think it’s all about entertaining while informing. I think perceptivetravel.com is the best zone for modern narrative essays about travel.

JOHN EDWARDS: What is your travel mantra?

BRUCE NORTHAM: On any journey, the first thing you pack is yourself.

JOHN EDWARDS: What are you excited about these days?

BRUCE NORTHAM: Along with my American Detour travel show series, I enjoy being a street anthropologist . . . . Hey, that might be the title of my next book?

JOHN EDWARDS: Where are you off to next?

BRUCE NORTHAM: I already told you: Honduras!

JOHN EDWARDS: Fantastico. Muy bien. I had a great time on the Honduran island of Roatan, where you can snorkel on the Belize Barrier Reef only 100 meters from shore. Didn’t make it to the ancient mainland ruins of Copan, though. But I’m sure you will. Bring me back an awe-inspiring hand-rolled stogie.

BRUCE NORTHAM: Okay.

About the author:
John M. Edwards has traveled worldwidely (five continents plus). His work has appeared in such magazines as CNN Traveller, Missouri Review, Salon.com, Grand Tour, Islands, Escape, Endless Vacation, Cond? Nast Traveler, International Living, Emerging Markets, ForeWord, Literal Latt?, Coffee Journal, Artdirect, Verge, Slab, Stellar, Glimpse, Big World, BootsnAll, Trips, Travelmag, Vagabondish, Hack Writers, Richmond Review, Borderlines, North Dakota Quarterly, Michigan Quarterly Review, and North American Review. He recently won a NATJA (North American Travel Journalists Association) Award, a TANEC (Transitions Abroad Narrative Essay Contest) Award, and a Solas Award (sponsored by Travelers’ Tales). He lives in New York’s “Hell’s Kitchen.” His future bestsellers, Move and Fluid Borders, have not yet been released. His new work-in-progress, Dubya Dubya Deux, is about a time traveler.

Things to do in Japan: #10, visit a temple

Things to do in Japan: #1, sleep in a ‘ryokan’

Things to do in Japan: #2, eat a traditional breakfast

Things to do in Japan: #3, take a communal bath

Things to do in Japan: #5, ride a bullet train

Things to do in Japan: #6, people watch

Things to do in Japan: #8, check into a love hotel

Things to do in Japan: #9, check out the view over Tokyo

New York: Greene County, Catskills Family Vacation Ideas, Butterflies and Bears, Splash Parties, and  a Farm Adventure. Imagine a family vacation spot with golf, tennis, bowling, hay rides, fishing, stargazing, horseback riding, hiking, drive-in movies, bowling, mountain biking, mountaintop picnics, farm adventures and a waterpark. Add to that farm fresh produce markets, awesome ice cream, delicious German pastries and tasty Black Horse Farm pies. You are imagining Greene County in the family friendly Catskills. 

Located between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains two hours north of New York City, Greene County has embraced family vacationers for more than a century. It is a family vacation destination with resort options geared to families. Choices span the gamut of vacation styles filled with traditions – something old, something new. Like an heirloom cake recipe meant to be shared with those who appreciate quality, a family vacation in the Catskills offers a rich mix of traditions and a funky American style uncommon at mainstream destinations. What exactly does Greene County have to offer vacationing families? We have assembled a family vacation list making it easy to take action on your own.

Seek bears and butterflies in Cairo. Okay so everyone knows about the clever cat sculptures adorning walkways and parks in Greene County but new this year visitors will also find hand-painted statues of bears positioned to celebrate Henry Hudson. The bears have been individually painted by local artists to depict scenes relevant to Henry Hudson’s life and legacy. The bears may be found along Main Street in Cairo and in surrounding hamlets. Bonus points: The bears are part of a summer-long interactive quest complete with clues and an “Explore with Henry Hudson” treasure map. The fun and educational quest was created for families to share while learning fun facts about Henry Hudson and his journey. Using the quest map participants find each bear and look for the hidden butterflies somewhere within each bear’s design. Inside one of the butterflies on each bear there is a clue that corresponds to one of the “Quadricentennial ‘Quest”ions” about Henry Hudson. Finalists are eligible for a prize drawing, and coupons from local businesses.

Go Cat’n around Catskill. For the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration Main Street in Catskill becomes the Hudson River as the Catskill Cats help visitors celebrate Explore NY 400.  The 2009 artful felines celebrate the uniqueness of the Hudson River Valley adorned to reflect the culture, art, history, agriculture, industry and landscapes of vicinity. Need to know: Wherever a cat appears you will be in the middle of the fun and if you want to take a cat home, there will be an auction in September.

Pay one price and get it all. The Hudson Valley area offers Brigadoon style resorts where the fun just happens without the support of the outside world. Many have all-inclusive vacation packages offering three meals a day, nightly entertainment, daytime activities and counselors for the kids. From country western dancing, Karaoke and campfire songs to Bocci, horse-drawn wagon rides and ping-pong, vacationing is easy. Some resorts welcome dogs and even have created dog parks onsite while other spots produce Las Vegas nights, fireworks and talent shows. Some all-inclusive resorts add a cultural twist. Think about a getaway with an Irish twist, maybe a resort with a German atmosphere or place with Italian flare - just step inside the Greene box.

Go golfing with family. If golfing is a family tradition then sharing the tradition with your youngsters is a vacation benefit. In Greene County courses offer – no they welcome - junior golfers. There are several courses within the area that have family friendly policies which allow youngsters ages 12 or older to share green space and fairways with parents or grandparents.

Splash down with your kids. Water always makes a summer vacation more fun and Greene County is the home of New York’s top ranked waterpark. The Zoom Flume makes any summer day a little crazier, more fun and definitely exciting. It is the place to zoom down giant winding water slides and careen 300 feet to a splash down pool. Travel the 10,000 gallon-a-minute “rapids” rafting a 600-foot chute and slide, twist, turn and splash in the darkness of the Thrilling Black Vortex. Splash and play in the giant sized lagoon activity pool or relax and float slowly down the Lazy River. For little tykes they have created Pelican Pond - a miniature version of the waterslide fun. Need to know: Mother Nature’s swimming spots include Dolan Lake and North and South Lakes where you will find fishing and rowboat rentals.

Remember the good old days? Not everyone remembers when drive-in movie theaters, roller rinks, and bowling nights were common place but Greene County has two drive-in movie locations and a 1950s era roller rink. So it is still possible to share a vintage night in the car at the movies or skate to the music at Purling Roller Rink and bowl a few games at Hoe Bowl Lanes. Bonus points: It’s also possible to pick your own berries, peaches or apples and ride in a horse drawn carriage at Boehn Farm. At Hull O Farms guests are encouraged to feed calves, milk cows, and collect eggs.

Go for the ice cream. Every family vacation should include at least one, if not two stops for ice cream and the town of Catskill has two promising spots. Cone E Island by Catskill Creek has more than a dozen tempting soft-serve ice cream cone choices, plus soda floats, banana splits, egg creams and simple fast food in a Coney Island atmosphere. The funkiest ice cream flavor is Blue Goo soft-serve which tastes like cotton candy. About a dozen coin-operated mechanical animal rides add to the retro atmosphere. Also in Catskill on route 32 is Kaatskill Cider Mill with a 1950s-style ice cream counter serving burgers and dogs and featuring more than 20 flavors of hard packed ice cream. Try dark chocolate cappuccino crunch or maybe a scoop of cotton candy.

Remember Rip Van Winkle? This is the region that inspired the legends about Rip. The tales of Washington Irving reflect the mid-Hudson Valley, the sleepy home of Rip Van Winkle. Irving’s tales include localized German and Dutch lore and uniquely American tales and legends. His timeless stories create a sense of place. Stories like ‘‘Rip Van Winkle’’ and ‘‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’’ remain timeless signatures of the area which is definitely not a sleepy place.

Ride up and hike down. Not just for snow skiing anymore Hunter Mountain operates its SkyRide - four-passenger chairlift during the summer months. It is the longest and highest in the Catskill region moving riders to an altitude of 3,200 feet above sea level. Imagine gliding effortlessly to the top – seeing plenty of green, feet kicking in the wind. From the drop-off point there are miles of state-maintained hiking trails criss-crossing the area, offering terrain for short scenic hikes of varying difficulty. While it is always an option to ride back down from the crest, there are several trails leading back to the mountain’s base or for the energetic on Hunter’s 4,040-foot summit and the fire tower. Bonus points: During weekends in the warm weather months the spirit of Rip Van Winkle pervades. In homage to the tale of the man who fell asleep in Greene County a giant sculpture of Rip and his faithful dog is being carved on the mountain. Just take the chairlift to the top and watch the sculptor at work.

Bike in the mountains. Any family with young teens knows that energetic days sustain family vacation harmony and that mountain biking is loads of fun and takes oodles of energy. The best bet in the area is Hunter Mountain with miles of mountain bike trails and to make it easy to enjoy a mountain bike adventure they rent IronHorse mountain bikes at the Sports and Expeditions Center. Hunter Mountain’s lift-serviced mountain biking program is flexible providing easy scenic routes for beginners and for expert riders challenging downhill trails and single tracks spread throughout 200 plus acres. Bonus points: For skills practice and mastery Hunter One Skills Center features a learning park with scaled down features and guided tours with staff in a safe and controlled environment. Families with hard-to-please teenagers should make a beeline to the Adventure Park at Windham Mountain to see why paintball is one of America’s fastest growing sports or to try the bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall and skateboard park.

Time travel in Cairo. Each August the annual Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire in Cairo makes it easy to escape to another century. Visit the make believe land of Cantonshire and spend a day with knights, maidens, beggars and fools. Listen to a psaltery played by a lady in waiting and watch a festive joust. Hear stories and listen to court music. Shop for a costume or acquire the perfect accessory. Need to know: Those who approach the gate wearing Renaissance garb will receive $2 off per ticket.

Arrange family spa time. Sharing spa time with a teen has its rewards and spa staff can often provide information without it sounding like a lecture. The Spa at Kaatskill Mountain Club in Hunter offers several appropriate spa experiences including an essential facial geared to teen skin. At Friar Tuck Resort & Spa in Catskill a skin care professional will consult and educate your teen on skin care. During this visit the aesthetician will do a deep cleanse, extract if necessary, and treat teen skin to a therapeutic masque. Bonus points: For expectant moms Friar Tuck offers a special massage to ease back tension, relive water retention and basically calm the body, mind and spirit.

Make it happen. Take a summer vacation in the Northern Catskills of Greene County and make memories with your children. All inclusive seven-day family vacation packages range from $1500 to $3700 for a family of four or for shorter stays, rates start at $150 per person for weekend two-night stay including meals. No two resorts are alike but all offer family fun made easy. Knowing the cost of your family vacation makes it much easier to unwind, relax and enjoy yourself and your kids – no surprises. Greene County Tourism Catskill, NY. Toll-free 1-800-355-CATS (2287), (518)943-3223 or log on to Greene Tourism and make your family vacation happen.