Top Ten Observation Deck in The World

Aerial views of any city are known as one of the best things to do there and provide the best view of the city. Nothing beats being inside the twists and turns of a city to truly explore it. The only way to glimpse the full extent of those streets and lanes, though, is to fly high in the air and gain a bird's-eye view of the ever-evolving human maze.

An observation deck is a platform, room, or floor at the highest point of a building from which people can enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.

List of 10 Observation Decks in The World

Shanghai Tower, Shanghai (China)

• Total Length of Building - 632 metre (2,073 ft)
• Height of Observation Decks - 562 metre (1,844 ft)

The Shanghai Tower is another impressive skyscraper with a remarkable observation deck. Officially known as the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck, it is located in the Lujiazui area of Pudong, Shanghai, China. It is second on the list of the tallest human structures in the world. The floor space of the Shanghai Tower is bigger than that of the Burj Khalifa, which makes it a better observation deck. The tallest floor used for the observation deck is 561 metres, and it is the tallest observation deck in the world for now. It is not open yet, but it has an observatory room on the 118th floor, which is ranked second in the world.

Multiple floors of the observation deck provide various vantage points over the city. Floors 118, 119, and 120 contain the principal observation levels. Tourists can enjoy a 360-degree view of the observation deck. You will find glass floors on the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck. It means tourists can see the ground from a considerable height. So, it is one of the top observation decks in the world, and if you are supposed to visit this place in the future, do not miss the aerial view of Shanghai City.

How to Reach Shanghai Tower?

To reach Shanghai Tower, you must arrive at the nearby Airport (Shanghai Pudong Airport). You can choose a bus, metro, or taxi from the airport to the tower. A cab will take you to the Shanghai Tower in 45 minutes, but it is costly. Other inexpensive options include the bus and metro, although it will take an hour or so to get to Shanghai Tower from the airport.

What are the Opening and Closing times of the Shanghai Tower?

Tourists can enjoy the aerial view of the city from the observation decks of The Shanghai Tower, which is open seven days a week from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Interesting Things about The Shanghai Towers and Their Observation Decks

• The Shanghai Tower observation decks will cost the basic entry fee, which is 180 Chinese Yuan.
• It is a very popular observation deck in China and around the world, with nine cylindrical-shaped towers, and around 15,000 tourists visit this place per day.
• The Shanghai Tower elevator travels at around 74 kilometres per hour, making it known as the second-fastest elevator in the entire world.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

• Total Length of Building - 828 metres (2,716.5 feet)
• Height of Observation Decks - 452 metres (1,483 ft)

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings from the observation deck, also referred to as the "At the Top" experience. One of the most well-known and iconic observation decks in the entire world can be found at The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The viewing deck of the Burj Khalifa offers you the most spectacular aerial view of Dubai City. There are three observation decks at Burj Khalifa: the 124th floor, also known as "at the Top", was the tallest deck when it opened, and later the 148th-floor observation deck opened. Now, it is ranked third on the top observation deck list.

The height of the building is 828 metres, and you can see the city as well as the outskirts of Dubai. When you reach 555 metres, Level 148 offers an outdoor terrace and a premium lounge. Tourists will be escorted by Dubai Ambassadors for customised tours. And they can enjoy delicious food. So, if you are in Dubai, you should not miss this iconic place and the breathtaking aerial view of the city.

How to Reach Burj Khalifa?

Dubai International Airport is 14.7 kilometres away from the Burj Khalifa. Take the red line of the Dubai Metro to get to the Burj Khalifa Metro Station. In addition, you can take the bus to the Dubai Mall or hail a cab to get to the Burj Khalifa.

What are the opening and Closing times of the Burj Khalifa?

The Burj Khalifa is a place where you can go at any time. It is open 24 hours a day. So, you can enjoy the iconic aerial view of the city at any time.

The Interesting Things About The Burj Khalifa

• Burj Khalifa entry prices start at AED 224, and if you want to enjoy the observation deck, it will cost you around AED 459 each.
• Tourists enjoy interactive experiences and motion senses, and the deck has telescopes to see the famous places of Dubai.
• Tourists can enjoy Arabic decor and a heartwarming view at Level 125. There is Dubai: A Falcon's Eye.

Empire State Building, New York City (United States of America)

• Total Length of Building - 443.2 metres (1,454 feet)
• Height of Observation Decks - 373.07 metres (1,224 feet)

New York is the centre of attraction, whether it's skyscrapers, museums, zoos, or statues. You will find everything in this iconic city. There are several skyscrapers in the city, but the Empire State Building is the most iconic and tallest of them all. The official name of this building is Empire State Building Observation Decks, and it is located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA. There are 102 floors in the building and two observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. It is one of the top ten observation decks in the world. Visitors can enjoy an open-air deck on the 86th floor of the building, and 102 floors provide aerial views of New York City.

Although the building is 380 metres tall from the ground to the top, once the antenna is attached, it rises to a height of about 443.2 metres. truly an amazing view full of fun and excitement. It is the top thing to do in New York, and tourists cannot miss this place. If you want to enjoy and feel the thrill, then ticket prices for the Empire State Building start at $48, and the express ticket is $87.

How to Reach the Empire State Building?

There are lots of international airports in New York City; John F. Kennedy, Newark, and LaGuardia are the major ones. The nearest airport to the Empire State Building is LaGuardia Airport; it is 8.3 miles away, and several modes of transport are available, including bus, train, or taxi, to reach the Empire State Building.

What are the opening and Closing times for the Empire State Building?

If you are planning to visit the Empire State Building, it is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. People can book their tickets online, and the average waiting time is around one hour.

Interesting Things about the Empire State Building:

• The Empire State Building has held the record for the tallest building in the world for 42 consecutive years.
• The observation deck is 102 stories tall. There are two observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
• More than four million people come to the Empire State Building and its observation deck every year.

Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

• Total Length of Building - 452 metre (1,483 ft)
• Height of Observation Decks - 370 metre(1,210 ft)

The Petronas Twin Towers (Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge and Observation Deck) in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are renowned for their architectural beauty and have an observation deck that offers stunning views of the city. Visitors get the chance to take in the panoramic splendour of Kuala Lumpur's skyline from the observation deck.

This twin tower is an 88-story building, and the total height is around 451.9 metres (1,483 ft). The famous Argentine-American architect César Pelli is the mastermind behind this marvellous building. Travelling on the building's cutting-edge, quick double-decker elevator system is an additional benefit for tourists. The Suria KLCC, an upscale shopping complex, is located at the base of the skyscraper. It features a science centre, an aquarium under the ocean, an art gallery, and about 300 shops. If you are visiting Malaysia, then the Petronas Twin Towers should be on your list of the top things to do and see in the country. It is one of the most remarkable architectural works of humankind.

How to Reach the Petronas Twin Towers?

The road distance between Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) and the Petronas Twin Towers is around 59 kilometres. From Kuala Lumpur Airport, tourists can take a taxi or the subway to PETRONAS Twin Tower. KLCC is the closest metro station to the Twin Towers; it is a 3 minute walking distance from there. They can also choose trains or LRT.

What are the Opening and Closing times of the Petronas Twin Towers?

The observation deck in Malaysia is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Mondays, the skyscraper is closed.

The Interesting Things About the Petronas Twin Tower:

• It is an 88-story structure that is 451.9 metres high. Visitors may take in a panoramic view of the city from level 86 of the skyscraper, which is almost 170 metres high and the tallest twin construction in the world.
• From 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Twin Tower was the tallest building in the world.
• The observation deck showcases the journey of imagination to the execution of the Petronas Twin Towers. Tourists must pay an entry fee to PETRONAS Twin Towers of 64 MYR for adults and 53 MYR for children.

Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Shanghai (China)

• Total Length of Building - 468 metres (1,536 feet)
• Height of Observation Decks - 351 metres (1,150 ft)

The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower is a distinctive landmark in Shanghai, China, known for its unique architectural design and observation decks that offer perfect views of the city. Officially, the name of this deck is Oriental Pearl Tower Observation Decks, and It is in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China. The Oriental Pearl Tower's observation decks give tourists a panoramic view of Shanghai's busy life. It is approximately 468 metres high and has multiple levels of observation decks. It has everything to make it one of the top ten observation decks in the world.

Its main observation deck offers 360-degree views of Shanghai's skyline and the Huangpu River. The tower's distinctive "Space Module" sphere offers another elevated observation point. In addition, the tower has a special observation deck with a glass bottom that allows guests to feel as though they are floating in space. To make it an adventure, they have made its floor and walls of Glass. Visitors feel like they are flying above the city, and the night view of the city is amazing, making nighttime visits particularly enchanting. The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower has an entrance fee of ¥199 for adults and ¥104 for kids.

How to Reach Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the nearest major airport to Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower. Tourists can go to the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower from the Shanghai Airport by train, bus, or cab. The distance between both places is 51 kilometres.

What is the Opening and Closing time for Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower?

The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower is open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is open all days of the week and opens a little earlier to avoid any hustle.

The Interesting Things About the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower:

• Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower has fifteen levels of decks. Tourists can enjoy it from different levels of this tower.
• The highest observation deck is 351 metres high. The lower observation decks are the Sightseeing Floor (263 metres) and the Space City (90 metres).
• Tourists can experience several exhibitions inside the deck, outside with a 3.8-cm glass floor, and in a shopping centre.

Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona (United States of America)

• Height of Observation Decks - 350 metres (1,160 ft)

Talking about the top observation deck in the world and forgetting to mention the Grand Canyon Skywalk. That’s not a favour. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a unique glass bridge and observation deck that offers one of the best views of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. Imagine the height and speed of the wind; it is a completely thrilling experience for the tourists visiting this observation deck. Officially named the Grand Canyon Skywalk and extending over the edge of the west side of the Grand Canyon, the government started opening it for tourists in 2007.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the elevation of the skywalk is around 1,450 metres above SEA level, and the Colorado River is flowing 350 metres to the base of the canyon. The overall width of the Skywalk is around 20 metres. This iconic observation deck is made of Four layers of Saint-Gobain Diamant low-iron glass with DuPont SentryGlas. If you are not afraid of heights and want a thrilling experience, then the Grand Canyon Skywalk is the perfect place for you in Arizona. However, you have to pay $64 per person as the entry fee for the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

How to Reach the Grand Canyon Skywalk?

The nearest airport to the Grand Canyon Skywalk is St. George Regional Airport; other nearby airports are Las Vegas Airport, Phoenix Airport, and Flagstaff Airport. People can choose an airport according to their convenience and needs. Once you reach the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the Skywalk from there.

What are the Opening and Closing times for the Grand Canyon Skywalk?

If you want to visit The Grand Canyon Skywalk, you can go any day of the week. But the timing of the deck is limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Interesting Things About the Sky Tower, Auckland:

• The Grand Canyon Skywalk is horseshoe-shaped. It is known as a cantilever bridge.
• Amazingly, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is located 4,000 feet above the canyon's floor.
• From the Skywalk, people can enjoy breathtaking aerial views with their loved ones.

Eiffel Tower, Paris (France)

• Total Length of Building - 330 metres (1,083 feet)
• Height of Observation Decks - 276 metres (905 feet)

Indeed, the Eiffel Tower in Paris has one of the best observation decks in France, known as The Eiffel Tower Observation Decks. The deck is an iconic observation tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is famous for its futuristic design, stunning views, and surroundings. The deck is one of the best places to make a tourist's vacation come alive. Three observation levels on the Eiffel Tower are reachable through stairs or elevators. Tourists can eat at Restaurants and purchase some gifts from the shops located on the first and second floors, while the tallest observation deck is on the third level.

If visitors want an aerial view, they can enjoy it from the observation deck. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Paris and its landmarks, including the Seine River, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, and more. The first floor of the Eiffel Tower is a glass floor, so you can look down clearly, and there is a bar on the third floor for the most memorable cheers of your life. From the observation decks, the nightly illumination of the Eiffel Tower creates a spectacular ambience that is particularly engaging. Tickets for the second level cost 10.20 euros for people over the age of 25, 5.10 euros for those between the ages of 12 and 24, and 2.50 euros for those between the ages of 4 and 11. The price of an elevator-accessible admission ticket to the Eiffel Tower is 25.50 euros, 12.70 euros, and 6.40 euros for each age category.

How to reach The Eiffel Tower?

The nearest airport to the Eiffel Tower is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The Eiffel Tower is 34 kilometres away from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Depending on your budget or travel time, you can travel by tram, bus, train, or taxi. The cheapest option is the bus, and the fastest is the car or taxi. Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel on the RER C train line (Yellow Line) is the nearest metro station to the Eiffel Tower.

What are the Opening and Closing Times of The Eiffel Tower?

The opening time of the Eiffel Tower is 9:30 in the morning, and the closing time is 10:45 at Night. It is open all days of the week.

Interesting Things about The Eiffel Tower:

• Till 1930, The Eiffel Tower was the tallest human-made building in the world.
• The Eiffel Tower was supposed to be demolished after 20 years of construction. But after some radio antenna installations, It started working as a transmission tower.
• Believe it or not, the Eiffel Tower is painted by hand, and a minimum of 60 tones of paint are used to cover all parts of it.

Tokyo Tower, Tokyo (Japan)

• Total Length of Building - 332.9 metres (1,092 ft)
• Height of Observation Decks - 249.6 metres (819 ft)

One of the most iconic and landmark buildings in the capital of Japan Officially known as the Tokyo Tower Observation Decks, they were originally located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is famous for its distinctive design and observation decks that offer breathtaking views of the city. The observation decks provide visitors with a chance to admire Tokyo's urban landscape from a significant height above the ground. The main observation deck of the skyscraper is 150 metres (492 feet) above the ground, and the main observation deck provides sweeping views of Tokyo. On clear days, visitors may gaze out over the entire city, taking in sights like the Tokyo Skytree, the Rainbow Bridge, and Mount Fuji.

Tokyo Tower also has a special observation deck called the "Top Deck," located at a height of 250 metres (820 feet). This deck provides even higher and more extensive views of the city and a unique experience called the "Tower Top Deck Tour," where visitors can walk along an external walkway near the top of the tower for an exhilarating view. The tower is particularly popular during the evening when the city lights create a mesmerising and vibrant atmosphere.

How to Reach Tokyo Tower?

If you are travelling from another city or country, It takes around 40 minutes to travel by tram from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Tokyo Tower. Tourists can take a taxi or shuttle to get there in 12 minutes. Alternatively, you can ride the Tokyo Monorail to get there in 24 minutes; from there, it's six to seven minutes walking distance. So choose your ride wisely.

What are the Opening and Closing times of Tokyo Tower?

The Tokyo Tower is open on all days of the week from 9 a.m. to 10.30 p.m., but the observation deck of the Tokyo Tower is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Interesting Things About the The Tokyo Tower, Tokyo:

• If you want to visit Tokyo Tower, you have to pay the entry fee for adults, which is 1200 yen, and for children, 500 yen.
• The 332.9-meter-long Tokyo Tower is one of the most magnificent skyscrapers in Japan and is the second-tallest structure in the country.
• There are two observation decks at the Tokyo Tower, known as the Main Deck and the Top Deck. The Height of the Main Deck is 150 metres, and the Top Deck is 249.6 metres.

Sky Tower, Auckland (New Zealand)

• Total Length of Building - 328 metres (1,076.1 ft)
• Height of Observation Decks - 244 metres (801 ft)

Do not be surprised to see Sky Tower on the list of the top ten observation decks in the world. The Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand, is an iconic landmark that offers visitors mind-blowing views of the city and its nearby places. The official name is Sky Tower Observation Decks, and it is in Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand. The Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere, with a height of 328 metres (1,076 feet). It provides a unique experience with a lot of things to do.

At a height of 186 metres (610 feet), the main observation deck provides incredible vantage points of the city, the harbour, and the surrounding areas. Visitors may take in a 360-degree panorama of Auckland from the observation decks, seeing sightings of famous structures like Rangitoto Island and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. If you are with your beloved once, arrange dinner at the observation deck and make it memorable by having food with your partner and mind-blowing views. A distinctive rotating dining experience is offered at the Orbit 360° Dining restaurant. A wonderful environment is created by the city lights in the evening.

If you want to visit the Sky Tower observation deck, it will cost $40 for adults and $20 for children.

How to Reach the Sky Tower?

If you are flying to Auckland, then the distance between Sky Tower and the airport is 26.3 km. Choosing a bus is one of the best ways to cover the distance between them. Visitors can take a bus, taxi, or shuttle to reach the Sky Tower, depending on their time and budget. However, the bus is the quickest and cheapest option.

What are the Opening and Closing times of the Sky Tower?

The Sky Tower is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Interesting Things About the Sky Tower, Auckland:

• Sky Tower is a famous observation deck, but it is also used for telecommunications. It is 328 metres tall.
• A well-known tourist destination in New Zealand, The SkyCity Auckland casino complex is included in Sky Tower. There is a SkyJump (192 metres). The jumpers can reach a top speed of 85 km/h.
• There are two observation decks at the Tokyo Tower, known as the Main Deck and the Top Deck. The Height of the Main Deck is 150 metres, and the Top Deck is 249.6 metres.

The Shard, London (United Kingdom)

• Total Length of Building - 309.6 metres (1,016 feet)
• Height of Observation Decks - 244 metres (801 ft)

How can someone forget The shard? It is a striking skyscraper in London, United Kingdom, and its observation deck offers an awesome aerial view of the city's skyline. This magnificent building is located in the London Bridge Quarter, London, United Kingdom. Notably, one of the most visited tourist places in London If you want to enjoy the scenery of the River Thames with a stunning view of London, then The observation deck at The Shard is the only place for you.

From one place, Visitors can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of London's iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye. The Shard has multiple viewing levels, offering several levels and capturing different perspectives of the city. It is full of modern technology; for example, Interactive touch screens are installed on the deck to provide information about the landmarks that can be seen from every angle. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, you can. It depends on the weather and your preferences. So, it is on the list of top places to visit in London.

General Tower tickets cost 32 pounds, premium tickets cost 42 pounds, and combo tickets for London Tower Bridge cost 47 pounds. If you are looking for VIP tickets, they will cost you around 52 pounds.

How to reach the Shard?

Tram, bus, or cab are all ways to go from London City Airport (LCY) to the Shard. Tram travel time to the Shard is about 32 minutes. The Line 474 bus and metro will take you in 27 minutes to the Shard. The car or cab takes about 15 minutes, making it the quickest option to get to the observation deck. Heathrow is a secondary airport, and it is 15 miles west of The Shard.

What are the Opening and Closing times of The Shard?

Every day of the week, The Shard is open. The hours of operation can be different. From Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The hours of operation are Sunday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Interesting Things About the Shard, London:

• The London Symphony Orchestra and The Joyful Company of Singers have composed original orchestral and choral music for entertainment on deck. To keep visitors engaged, a custom soundtrack composed for the location plays nonstop in the background.
• There is a high-speed lift that runs at 7 metres per second, and it used to go on top of the tower.
• Originally adopting its official moniker, the Shard was known as the London Bridge Tower, and an observation deck called The View from The Shard is in between its 68th and 72nd floors.

Conclusion

Seeing the city from a height is enjoyable. The Observation decks offer panoramic views of its surroundings. Although numerous observation decks in the world entertain people, the ones mentioned above are on the list of the top observation decks. You should now cross visiting an observation deck off your bucket list. Tourists can enjoy mind-blowing views of various natural and man-made things and natural landscapes from these observation decks.