10 world cities pictured from above

You can see and explore every city in many different ways. One of the most spectacular options is to take a look around from above.  It can be just a few floors above, a view from a hill or 148 floors above like from Burj Khalifa. Here is how I explored 10 different cities of the world from above for your travel inspiration:

1) Auckland, New Zealand

There are many ways to see Auckland from above. One of the most popular is the 328 meters high Sky Tower offering a view of the city from 220 metres above street level. However, there are many other options available.The other way is to go fifteen minutes by boat from downtown Auckland to the marine village of Devonport. Mount Victoria is one of Devonport’s famous landmarks. It’s easily accessible by foot. Loved by locals and visitors, Mount Victoria is one of the best vantage points in all of Auckland. Enjoy spectacular views of the Auckland City Skyline and the stunning Waitemata Harbour – have your camera ready! Read about how to travel New Zealand naked clicking this link.

One Tree Hill is an 182-metre volcanic peak in Auckland city. It is an important memorial place for both Māori and other New Zealanders. It also offers great views of the sheep and city.

2) Queenstown, New Zealand

I just love Queenstown. One of the best ways to see the city is from the Bob’s Peak. Sit back and relax and take in the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best views in the region unfolding before your eyes. You’ll get to experience a spectacular panorama with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

3) Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on the planet and found in the heart of Dubai. It’s marketed as one of the main attractions in Dubai, offering an unrivalled perspective of the city. But the observation deck experience is a bit on the pricey side. So many visitors want to know if it’s worth it. To get up to the 125th floor, during peak hours, is 200 AED if you book in advance, 300 if you buy for that day ($55-$82) for adults. For the 148th floor, it's 500 AED ($136) and you have to book in advance. I didn’t get a chance to see the view during the day so I’m not able to compare the night time view to anything, but I did think it was a pretty remarkable sight. Read more how to spend a day in Dubai clicking this link.

4) Haifa, Israel

Israel’s third largest city is home to the world-famous Baha’i Gardens – and is often described as a model of coexistence among residents from different religious communities. Just 400-meters long, the Louis Promenade is one of the most picturesque city walkways you’ll ever cross. The promenade was built in 1992 and stretches from Hotel Nof to the upper entrance of the Baha’i Gardens. Take in the panoramic view of the Haifa Bay, Acre, Mount Hermon and Rosh Hanikra. Read about 10 days Israel itinerary clicking this link.

5) Jerusalem

In the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, a stone’s throw from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the Church of the Redeemer. It was built by Kaiser Wilhelm in the late 1800s. You can climb 177 steps up the bell tower, the tallest in the vicinity, for a fine view over the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and as far as the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion.While you’re in Jerusalem, you can admire a view of the Kidron Valley from above. It is located between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives.

6) Cologne, Germany

If you’re planning to combine culture with stunning views, you’d better be wearing your comfiest shoes. One of the best vantage points in the city is the viewing platform on the south tower of the Dom. You have to climb 533 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to get there. The downside is that if you are standing on top of the famous cathedral, you don’t see the cathedral itself for obvious reasons.The panorama platform on top of the high-rise Köln Triangle offers what is probably one of the most stunning views over the city. At an altitude of over 100 metres, visitors enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the city, the Dom, the Rhine and the bridges over the river. Unfortunately, thick glass walls prevent taking good quality photos in my opinion.

7) Genoa, Italy

You can get the panoramic perspective of Genoa taking a steep but short walk up to the Spianata Castelletto platform where you can get 360° views of the city and the port below. If you’re feeling less adventurous, there is also the option of taking the Art-Noveau style public lift, accessible from Piazza del Portello. Genoa has a peculiar colour, don’t you think? A bit sand-like and a little magical. Read more about what to see in Genoa clicking this link.

8) Minsk, Belarus

The open observation deck is located at the top of the National Library of Belarus. It offers a panorama of several suburbs and the outskirts of Minsk, as well as a view of the Independence Avenue. To get to the rooftop, follow the signs to the observation deck. When you buy a ticket, you’ll be directed straight to the elevator with its glass windows entertaining you on the way to the 23rd floor.Read more about what to see in Minsk clicking this link.

9) Prague, Czechia

Castle Hill: cross the river from the old town and wander up the winding streets. Soon you’ll find yourself at the Prague Castle. At the top of the road that leads from the Charles Bridge is a courtyard in front of the main castle gates. From this plaza, you can get a good view of the city and the river. It’s accessible by walking a path instead of a bunch of narrow staircases.Another option is to go to the Petrina Tower. Visible on Petrin Hill, west across the river from the old town, is a small replica of the Eiffel Tower. The tower has been built explicitly to be the highest spot in town. Take public transport down to the stop Ujezd. Nearby is a funicular that takes you up to the top of Petrin Hill. The top of the tower is narrow, but it provides great views of Prague from above.

10) Riga, Latvia

The St. Peters Church Tower is the best known option for a city view, and you can get there on your own. It is excellent for seeing Riga from above, which is a good way to say you have seen a lot of Riga, including the old town, the River Daugava and the Moscow District, very quickly.I suggest you have a view over Riga from the roof terraces of the Latvian National Museum of Art. It looks interesting I think. I had a feeling I am in the middle of a forest even it is just the Esplanade Park that creates this impression.Read more about Latvian National Museum of Art clicking this link.
What is your favourite urban view from above? Share in the comments section.

• Published by Anita on July 01, 2017

Author: Anita Sāne

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