The travel bug is never quite so infectious as when you’re gazing out across a beautiful foreign city, soaking up those incredible views from some lofty vantage point. The world’s your oyster, just waiting to be conquered. Keen to experience your holiday destination from its most beautiful angle? We’ve found the best city views across the globe, and they’re bound to take your breath away.
Montjuïc Castle, Barcelona
Between the buzzing markets, the famous Gaudi architecture, and all those lively tapas joints, the cobbled streets of Barcelona are a party for the senses. Take a few steps back and you’ll discover an entirely different side to its personality. Amble about eight kilometres out of the city centre and climb 173m up Montjuïc Hill. You’ll find a historic castle at its peak. You’ll also score sweeping views of the sunny beachside metropolis, bordered by a sparkling blue slice of the Mediterranean.
Empire State Building, New York
Icon of the silver screen and grand dame of New York’s city skyline, The Empire State Building is a majestic creature, with an outlook to match. Venture the 102 storeys to the building’s top observation deck and you’ll be rewarded with magical views of the Big Apple. It’s open to visitors until 2am daily. For a little romance and a real taste of why they call it ‘the city that never sleeps’, plan a post-midnight visit. Watch those sparkling lights stretched out for miles.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
Singapore has no shortage of sky-high vantage points from which you can feast your eyes on its glittering harbour and dramatic urban landscape. But if it’s luxe you’re after, there’s one spot that blows the others right out of the water. Sitting at 57 storeys high, the Marina Bay Sands’ glam infinity pool is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic swimming spots. It has a captivating backdrop of the Singapore skyline spilling out below. Take a dip, sip some bubbly, and that view really does feel like a million bucks.
Mt Eden, Auckland
Auckland is home to almost 50 dormant volcanoes, and what more fitting spot to grab a panoramic view of the city, than the top of the tallest one? Clocking in at 196 metres high and with a history of some 20,000 to 30,000 years, Mt Eden (or Maungawhau) boasts incredible, 360° views of Auckland. Below is sparkling Waitemata Harbour, and their lush green surrounds. What’s more, standing on a peak so steeped in Maori culture is a pretty special way to connect yourself to the land’s rich history.
Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro
The view from Rio De Janeiro’s Corcovado mountain is so special, that even God himself has nabbed a permanent spot. Or at least, his likeness has. Corcovado, which translates to ‘hunchback’ because of its shape, plays host to Brazil’s iconic Christ The Redeemer statue. This means you’ll be in pretty good company when you’re up there gazing out across the South American city. Bike, hike, or tram your way to the summit for a religious experience of your own. Soak up those rolling vistas of Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and everything in between.
Image Sources: Travel Dig, Keep Calm And Wander, Pinterest, AucklandNZ, Spiced Destinations.
