16 Incredible High Viewpoints Around The World

16 Incredible High Viewpoints Around The World

I'm a sucker for high viewpoints.

In every city I travel to, one of my "must-dos" is to find a high viewpoint. Why? I love taking in the surroundings from the angle, seeing where I've walked around below.

Plus, much of the time it includes an adventurous aspect like a hike or stumbling across it unexpectedly. #adventure

With my camera in tow, I've made it to the top of some incredible high viewpoints around the world.

And, as always when it comes to traveling, there is often a story behind the photo.

In this post I'm sharing with you 16 of my absolute favorite viewpoints I've been to around the world!

1. Singapore: Skypark Observation Deck

On my way to Thailand from Bali I had a long layover in Singapore. With limited time, my top priority that day was to see the incredible view from the Skypark Observation Deck!

This observation deck is $23 SGD and you get to see the famous Singapore skyline.

You can also glance over and see the famous Marina Bay Sands infinity pool, which you must be a guest to access. Rooms at MBS are pretty pricey but would be worth it for a dip in the pool with the amazing view!

I remained on the observation deck with the other peasants. ;)

2. Bangkok Lebua Sky Bar

One of the more recent viewpoints I've seen! In Bangkok I met up with a couple friends I made in Thailand at the Sky Bar. This is also where they filmed a scene in The Hangover 2.

This view was amazing and feels so different than the rest of Bangkok with the music and being above the chaos below.

There is no entry or cover charge, but the drinks and food are very expensive. Like, Vegas-style or more - think $20 USD for a drink.

3. Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia 

This view was AMAZING! We started the hike around 4:00 am so we would summit for sunrise.

After an hour or two of hard work getting up the volcano, seeing the sun peek over the edge was so beautiful. The views all around are nothing short of amazing.

4. Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale, AZ 

In a dry and empty desert, you wouldn't expect there to be mountains, right? When I first moved to Arizona in 2014, I didn't really think about hiking. Since I grew up in the Seattle area, mountains to me meant seeing endless evergreen trees, some snow, and lakes at the bottom.

The view from Camelback is a refreshing change of pace, plus, it is in the center of Phoenix/Scottsdale so it is easy to get to.

5. Railay Beach looking over Ao Ton Sai

Omg, Thailand...you just get me.

My travel buddy Nick and I were exploring Railay for the day. It was my first full day in Thailand and I was already obsessed.

We stumbled across the area where you can climb up to see the viewpoint.

Seeing as I didn't do a ton of research before coming to Railay, I didn't know there was a viewpoint. (And probably would've packed an extra pair of shoes as flip flops aren't recommended, haha).

So of COURSE we made the climb up!

READ NEXT: Exactly what it cost island hopping for 4 days in Thailand

6. Hong Kong Victoria Peak 

So. Many. Lines.

That's what I think of first when I think of the Victoria Peak view that I happened to visit on a Saturday afternoon in Hong Kong.

So. Much. Waiting.

BUT! The view was pretty amazing and really cool to see in person.

7. Macau from the Fortress

I took a spontaneous day trip to Macau from Hong Kong, so I didn't really know much about Macau other than the Portuguese history and casinos.

I was walking around the old town area, which was FILLED with people. I even made a comment (to my camera video, I was traveling solo, ha) about how it felt like an unorganized 5K race by St. Paul's Cathedral. People EVERYWHERE.

But, the crowd of people thinned out near the top of a hill, and I saw a small group of people going up another hill. So, naturally, I followed them to see where they were going (haha).

It ended up being the old fortress, old canons and all. At the top was an incredible view of Macau. It was so fun to see the places I was walking around all morning.

8. Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France 

This VIEW!!! The Arc de Triomphe in Paris has an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysee, and the modern city skyline.

In Paris, you have many viewpoint options. I visited Paris back in 2014 and was on a really tight budget (the city is definitely one of the more expensive places I've visited).

Since the main viewpoint places all charged entry fees - the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame Cathedral - I chose to do the Arc de Triomphe. I considered the Eiffel Tower, but I wanted to be able to see the Eiffel Tower...ya know?

Paris is beautiful.

9. Galata Tower, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul was a city on my bucket list when I was working in Europe a few years ago. I was so excited to see something completely different than Western/Central Europe, especially the architecture of the mosques and other buildings.

The view atop the Galata Tower gives you birds-eye access to the city, the water, and both the European and Asian sides. Definitely recommend!

10. Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY

There are ENDLESS viewpoint options in New York! You have the Empire State Building, One World Observation Deck, and more tourist-driven spots, in addition to all the rooftop bars and restaurants.

Taking in New York City from above is just...so New York. I LOVE IT. And you're extremely high up, since the buildings are so tall.

During my most recent visit to New York, I stayed at the Pod 51 Hotel. This view was pretty awesome!

11. Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic 

A high-up view of Prague, the bohemian city. I've gone up the hill to the Prague Castle three times now on three separate visits to Prague. Each time this view blows me away!

12. Bavaria, Germany

View near the Neuschwanatein Castle entrance

You always see pictures of Neuschwanstein Castle, but what does the surrounding area look like?

Hint: Spectacular.

It is all your Disney fairytale dreams come to life.

13. Bratislava Castle, Bratislava, Slovakia

Upon arriving in Vienna, Austria last summer for a work trip, a few of us on our team took a quick day trip to Bratislava, Slovenia.

We knew there was an old castle on a hill, so, naturally, we decided to go up and see.

Viewpoint goals for sure!

14. Reykjavik, Iceland

The church in Reykjavik is known for the famous aerial photos of all the colorful rooftop houses.

Photos of this view were some of the first pictures I remember seeing of Iceland, and made me want to make my childhood pipe dream of visiting into an attainable goal.

It was cold - but worth it! - to go up and see the view.

15. Vatican City from Castel d' Saint Angelo, Rome

Vatican City, the city-state surrounded by Rome and where the Pope lives, is architectually and artistically extravagant. The first time I came here was at the opening tour of my study abroad program in Italy, about two or three days of my first time out of the US. I was blown away by this place.

Highly recommend a visit here at least once in your life.

16. Uluwatu Temple, South Bali, Indonesia 

In Bali you will find Uluwatu and the temple perched near the cliffs. It is spectacular and the cliffside views are beautiful...plus you'll see some monkeys!