If you’ve read my blog for a while, it will come as no surprise that I love a good view, especially of a city skyline. Whenever I’m out-and-about in a place– familiar or foreign– I try to see if I can find a vantage point to take in all of the city in a single, comprehensive sweep.

It’s a different feeling when looking at a city from above than being inside of it: whereas you feel small and insignificant in the urban jungle, you feel powerful overlooking it. The architecture appears ant-like, and you feel as if you are floating, almost godly, when taking in the panorama of it all.

Whether it’s by hiking a hill, climbing hundreds of stairs, or a mixture of both, the sights at the top is incredibly rewarding. It’s seeing the big picture, rather than the details, while peering at the sheer metropolitan area of wherever you are. It’s truly amazing just how we, in the history of urban planning and modernization, have come this far in our creation, and how we continue to expand and push our limits in land, resources, and ideas.

I’ve seen dozens of city views throughout my travels. Although I’ve not seen every single one in the cities I’ve visited, I’ve come across a good number of them. Some are iconic, while others are understated. Some of my favorites span across four continents, and I would like to share them with you.

5 Best City Views in the World

1. Brașov, Romania

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Views of Brașov (February 2019).

This view is a stunning blend of three elements: city life, mountains, and greenery (at least, in the warmer months). The Carpathian Mountains appear almost to float above the cherry-red rooftops of Brașov center, all the while adding to that rustic, Transylvanian charm. Access the views with the Tampa Cable Car for 17 lei round-trip ($3.80 USD/3,50€), and you won’t regret it.

2. Santiago, Chile

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Views of Santiago (June 2018).

The Andes Mountains are breathtaking in their own right, with its snow-capped peaks visible seemingly all-year round. Their contrast with the sprawling Chilean capital is unprecedented, and seeing the imposing statue of the Virgin Mary at the summit is awe-inspiring. It costs a mere 2000 CLP ($2.30 USD/2,10€) round-trip on its San Cristóbal funicular to reach the stunning views!

3. Tokyo, Japan

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From the Skytree (June 2016).

One can get the most-comprehensive views of Tokyo from the Skytree, the largest tower in Japan and the second-tallest in the world. The Skytree is home to the country’s broadcasting station, as well as being an observation deck for visitors to see just how never-ending the Japanese capital’s borders are. Tickets to go up and down are hefty at ¥3100 ($28 USD/26€) and the wait can be as long as six hours(!), but it’s worth it.

4. Paris, France

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Paris at night (May 2017).

I’ve seen my fair share of Paris from various places, often free-of-charge. But I will say that the most-famous view requires a fee of 23€ ($25 USD) at the Tour Montparnasse. The sights are well-worth the price, as you get to see the Eiffel Tower looming right in front of you and the sprawling city-scape. The fee allows you to go twice– once in the day and once at night, so you can get different perspectives of Paris each time!

5. Los Angeles, California

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Views from Griffith Observatory (March 2020).

Okay, I’m biased, because LA is my home. But at the same time, it offers a unique skyline not just of the city, but also of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. One can access one of the best spots to view Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory, which is completely free-of-charge. It’s best to come as the sun sets and the sky fades to black, when the lights of the city turn on in its metropolitan wonder.

Honorable mentions:

** Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Views of Dubrovnik (May 2018).

Dubrovnik is nicknamed the “pearl of the Adriatic,” and it’s no surprise why. The red rooftops of the Old Town contrasts beautifully with the navy-blue sea, and one could spend a whole afternoon simply admiring it all. You can get great views along its fortifications, but I would recommend hiking or taking the cable car for 170 kuna ($24 USD/22€) up Mount Srd for the full panorama of it all.

** Seattle, Washington

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Views of Seattle at night (June 2017).

The Pacific Northwest is a corner of the US which has my heart– Seattle is no exception. The cool weather and abundant nature live in co-habitation with the city itself, all the while attuned to the brooding Puget Sound. A trip up the Space Needle isn’t cheap at $32 (30€), but the views at the top are out-of-this-world, especially at nighttime. You wouldn’t regret the money spent for that!

 

…and that’s it for my favorite views I’ve seen in the world, at least so far. Should I travel more in the distant future, I’m sure I’ll come across even more beautiful skylines to discuss. Let me know what your favorite city view is!

 

— Rebecca

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Published by Rebecca

Blogger, world traveler, poet, foodie, part-time penguin. Welcome!

30 thoughts on “5 Best City Views in the World”

  6. I love a good view too and I don’t mind climbing stairs to see one. I would love to see Seattle from the Space Needle but I’ve heard that the views from the Kerry Park are very good aswell. Thanks for sharing and inspiring, Rebecca. Take care 😊 Aiva

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    1. There are definitely other (free) places to get the Seattle skyline. I also went to Volunteer Park, and it has a water tower in which one can get views in the distance. Not as great as other spots, but it does the trick!

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  13. cool to see Dubrovnik on your list:) I’d add London, the view of the Houses of Parliament from the London Eye, or the view from the Sky Garden. Also, the view of Florence from the cathedral’s tower

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    1. I’d love to see London from the Eye! Hopefully when I return, I can go. Views of Florence are also incredible, I agree! Thanks for reading.

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  14. A 6 hour wait for the sky tree?! At least the views are stunning! Must have been so hard to narrow down to these, but all amazing views! I think Paris might be my favourite, but who can resist the Eiffel Tower at night?

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    1. I don’t know if the six-hour wait is true, but the lines I saw were definitely at least worth two hours; I went with a tour group, and we got in within an hour. Paris’ views are truly unique, and well-worth the trip over!

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