Majestic mountains, wide fjords and lively urban landscapes are all breathtaking, especially if you find the perfect place to view.
We have compiled a list of 10 places in the world that offer incredible views of the peaks — it will be interesting both for those who are looking for a place for romantic meetings in the city, and for thrill seekers who dream of conquering the next heights. From the huge skyscrapers of New York and Tokyo to the majestic mountains of Indonesia and Switzerland — in these places you will feel yourself on top of the world.
The best mountain views
Matterhorn Glacier Park, Zermatt, Switzerland
The Matterhorn Glacier Park in Zermatt, Switzerland, located at an altitude of almost 4.5 thousand meters, offers fantastic views of the famous Matterhorn Mountain. Take a cable car ride from Rothenboden to the highest station in Europe, which offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps.
Upstairs, be sure to check out the cinema and the ice palace, decorated with intricate ice sculptures. You won’t even have to wait until winter: snow-capped peaks and excellent ski trails can be found here all year round.
If you are ready to take on the challenge, try to fulfill the dream of a reckless driver: fly a paraglider right next to the Matterhorn and its snow-capped peaks. The program of this paragliding tour also includes photo and video shooting to perpetuate your impressions (and views!). If you are new to this business, don’t worry — you will be in the safe hands of a friendly pilot and guide.
Padar Island, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
On the Komodo Archipelago in Indonesia is the small island of Padar, famous for its stunning beaches and panoramic views. To enjoy the best views of the island, take a short 20-40-minute walk to the Padar Island Observation deck. Although the climb is quite steep and runs through rocky terrain, it’s worth it. You will see breathtaking views of lush vegetation, mysterious cliffs and serene turquoise waters stretching for many kilometers. Don’t forget about comfortable shoes and drink plenty of water. To make the walk perfect, come here during the dry season from April to October.
To get to Padar Island, we recommend joining a day trip from Labuan Bajo. Stop at Padara and then explore other nearby places such as Manta Point, where you can see manta rays, and Komodo Island, home to the Komodo lizard.
Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru
Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru is an incredible historical place offering stunning views of nature from an altitude of almost 2.5 thousand meters above sea level. Naturally, the breathtaking views mean that this Inca fortress is incredibly popular with travelers, especially in the height of summer. Only 400 people can climb the peak of Huayna Picchu every day, so book your tickets in advance.
We also recommend visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a day tour of Machu Picchu from Cusco. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will tell you all about the rich history of Machu Picchu. The tour includes a transfer from the hotel and train tickets, so the trip will be stress-free. And another bonus: a train ride from Cusco will provide magnificent views of the Andes.
Blue Mountains National Park, Blue Mountains, Australia
Despite the fact that Sydney has incredible observatory towers, there are magnificent mountain views just two hours away by train. We are talking about the Blue Mountains, known for their spectacular landscapes, rocky cliffs and beautiful mountain views. Among the best viewing spots is the Eco Point observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the famous Three Sisters Rocks. Come here in autumn to admire the stunning views of the autumn foliage, or in spring to witness the magnificent flowering.
In addition to the Eco Point site, this tour from Sydney for a small group includes stops at other attractions such as the Scenic World Cable Car and the Featherdale Wildlife Park in Sydney. It is also worth staying in the nearby town of Leura — because of its quaint boutiques and charming gardens
Stegastein Observation Deck, Eurland, Norway
The observation deck, located in Aurland, Norway, offers a picturesque view of the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist route. It is located at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level and protrudes 30 meters above the mountainside, and it offers fantastic views of the fjord and mountains, including the Nerei Fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come here at any time of the year to see how the views change depending on the season: from lush greenery in summer to snow-capped mountain peaks in winter. Besides the views, there are also plenty of hiking trails and places to relax and have a picnic with family and friends.
Go on a guided tour, during which you will immediately see the Nerei Fjord and the Stegastein observation deck, as well as the giant Twindefossen waterfall, popular among fans of photo shoots, and the village of Flam.
The best views of the city
Empire State Building, New York, USA
The Empire State Building in New York, with a height of more than 440 meters, has been considered the tallest building in the world for almost 40 years. To get to the outdoor terrace on the 86th floor, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of the cityscape and the city center, you will need to purchase a ticket. The ticket also gives access to interactive exhibitions on the lower floors dedicated to King Kong, where your children can have fun and learn more about the history of this legendary building. Sunrise enthusiasts can get exclusive access to the Empire State Building before its official opening to take a closer look at the views.
If you want to admire a lot of views, visit the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center to look at the Empire State Building and other famous places in New York, such as the Statue of Liberty.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is home to the Burj Khalifa, one of the most impressive buildings ever built. Currently, it is the tallest building in the world with a height of 828 meters, consisting of 163 floors. Climb up to the outdoor observation deck on the 124th floor and see if you can see such legendary architectural wonders as the Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Fountain.
To get the most out of the trip, you can purchase a combined entrance ticket to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Aquarium. After enjoying the views, go down to the Dubai Aquarium — an ideal place for families with children.
The Shard, London, United Kingdom
The Shard (or “Shard”) is 310 meters high and is considered the tallest building in London. The View from The Shard observation deck on the 68th and 72nd floors of the skyscraper offers panoramic bird’s-eye views of the city and such popular London attractions as Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. This pyramid-like building also houses the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, where you can spend the night enjoying stunning views from the comfort of your suite.
After admiring the views, head to Borough Market for a bite to eat or stroll along the Thames to watch the passing boats. You can also join a city tour by bus (Hop-On Hop-Off), which will allow you to comfortably drive around London while listening to comments about the sights on the record.