All Articles 10 of the world’s most epic views

10 of the world’s most epic views

By Megan Michael8 Mar 2024 6 minutes read
A lady standing on a balcony, staring out into a blue lake situated between two mountains.
Image: Getty Images

Majestic mountains, massive fjords, and lively cityscapes are breathtaking—but they’re even better from the perfect viewpoint.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot in the city or a thrill-seeker hoping to scale their next summit, we’ve compiled a list of 10 places in the world with unparalleled peak views. From the towering skyscrapers of New York and Tokyo to the majestic mountains of Indonesia and Switzerland, these spots will make you feel on top of the world.

Best mountain views

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Zermatt, Switzerland

White capped mountains in Switzerland against an azure blue sky.
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

At an altitude of 14,692 feet, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt, Switzerland offers fantastic views of the famous Matterhorn. Take the cable car from Rotenboden up to Europe’s highest summit station, where you’ll get to enjoy amazing views of Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps.

While you’re up there, don’t forget to check out the cinema and glacier palace that’s adorned with intricate ice sculptures. You don’t even have to wait till winter; you’ll find snow-capped peaks and excellent ski slopes all year round.

If you're up for the challenge, have a go at a daredevil’s dream: paragliding right beside the Matterhorn and its surrounding snowy peaks. This paragliding tour even includes photo and video opportunities to immortalize the experience (and the views!). Fret not if you’re a beginner—you’ll be in the safe hands of a friendly pilot and guide.

More to explore

Padar Island, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

The back view of a lady seated at the edge of a cliff, looking out to lakes and mountains.
Image: Patricia Santos/Tripadvisor

Located within the Komodo archipelago in Indonesia is Padar Island, a small island known for its stunning beaches and panoramic views. For the best views on the island, take a short 20 to 40-minute hike up to Padar Island Viewpoint. While the hike is steep and over some rocky terrain, the trek is well worth it. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of lush greenery, otherworldly cliffs, and tranquil turquoise waters that stretch for miles. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and drink lots of water. For the perfect hiking conditions, visit during the dry season from April to October.

To get to Padar Island, we recommend joining a day tour from Labuan Bajo. You’ll stop at Padar, before exploring other nearby spots like Manta Point for manta rays and Komodo Island for the eponymous komodo dragon.

More to explore

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

Limestone architecture perched on a green mountain amidst clouds.
Machu Picchu on a clear day.
Image: K S/Tripadvisor

Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru is an incredible historical place that offers awesome nature views from 7972 feet above sea level. Naturally, the breathtaking vistas mean that this Incan citadel is incredibly popular among travelers, especially during the summer peak season. Only 400 people can climb its Huayna Picchu peak daily, so secure your slot by booking your tickets in advance.

We also recommend exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a Machu Picchu day tour from Cusco. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will share more about Machu Picchu’s rich history. The tour includes hotel pick-ups and train tickets, so you can travel stress-free. Here’s a bonus: the train ride from Cusco promises beautiful views of the Andes Mountains too.

More to explore

Blue Mountains National Park, Blue Mountains, Australia

A yellow cable car with people inside, hanging above the mountains against an ombre blue sky.
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

While there are incredible observatory towers in Sydney City, there are great mountain views just a two-hour train ride away. We’re talking about the Blue Mountains, known for its dramatic scenery, craggy cliffs, and beautiful mountain views. Among the best spots is Echo Point Lookout, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the famous Three Sisters. Visit during fall for stunning autumn foliage views or witness gorgeous blooms in the spring.

Apart from Echo Point Lookout, this small group tour from Sydney includes stops at other attractions like the Scenic World Cableway and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park for you to enjoy. The nearby town of Leura is also worth a stop for its quaint boutiques and charming gardens.

More to explore

Stegastein Viewpoint, Aurland, Norway

Two men standing on the balcony, staring out towards a lake situated between 2 mountains.
Image: Kelvin M/Tripadvisor

Located in Aurland, Norway is Stegastein Viewpoint, a scenic overlook that sits along the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route. Standing at an incredible 2,133 feet above sea level and jutting out 98 feet from the mountainside, it offers a fantastic view of the fjord and mountains, including the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord. Visit throughout the year to see how the vistas transform through the seasons, from dense summer greenery to snowy winter mountain tops. Apart from the views, there are also many hiking trails that you can embark on and areas for you to relax and set up a picnic with family and friends.

Go on a guided tour that will take you to see both Naeroyfjord and Stegastein Viewpoint, as well as Tvindefossen—a massive waterfall that is popular for photo ops—and the village of Flam.

More to explore

Best city views

Empire State Building, New York City, United States

Tall, grey-brown skyscraper with a pointy top.
A man uses a telescope to view New York from above.
Image: Management/Tripadvisor (left), Bridge to Cultures/Tripadvisor (right)

The Empire State Building in New York City stands at 1,454 feet and once held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years. You’ll need a ticket to access its open-air deck on the 86th floor, where you’ll get 360 views of the cityscape and Midtown. Your ticket also grants you access to interactive King Kong-themed exhibits on the lower floors, where your kids can have fun learning more about the history of this storied building. For those who love sunrise views, this experience gives you exclusive access to the Empire State Building before its official opening hours for an intimate viewing experience.

If you are up for more views, check out the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center to see the Empire State Building and other NYC icons like the Statue of Liberty.

More to explore

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Towering, reflective, skyscraper with stair-like edges against a light blue sky.
Bird's eye view of the city from the skyscraper.
Image: Edwin van Straten/Tripadvisor (left), Abhishek Mehra/Tripadvisor (right)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates is home to one of the most impressive buildings ever built: the Burj Khalifa. It’s currently the tallest building in the world, standing at 2,722 feet across 163 floors. Head up to the outdoor observation deck on the 124th floor and see if you can spot iconic architectural marvels like the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Fountain.

To make the most of your trip, you can get a combo entrance ticket to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Aquarium. After soaking in the views, visit the Dubai Aquarium downstairs—perfect for families with kids.

More to explore

The Shard, London, United Kingdom

A tall, triangular skyscraper against an ombre pink, orange and yellow sunset.
View from The Shard at night over looking London and the bridge
Image: Management/Tripadvisor; Theajw2021/Tripadvisor

The Shard in London, stands at a whopping 1,016 feet, making it the tallest building in London. The View from The Shard observation deck across the 68th and 72nd floors presents panoramic views of the city and aerial views of popular London sights like Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. The pyramid-shaped building is also home to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, where you can spend the night enjoying the sweeping views from the comfort of your suite.

Once you're done taking in the views, we recommend popping by Borough Market for a quick bite or taking a walk along the River Thames to watch the boats cruise by. You can also join the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour that lets you ride in comfort around London while listening to recorded commentary about the city’s attractions.

More to explore

Berliner Fernsehturm, Berlin, Germany

A thin but tall tower in white, with a spherical observation deck in between against an evening backdrop.
Guest viewfinder for perspective of the city from up high
Image: Management/Tripadvisor; Paul Legate/Tripadvisor

The iconic Berliner Fernsehturm in Berlin, Germany stands out in the city’s skyline. Towering over the city at a height of 1,207 feet, it is one of the tallest structures in Europe. From its 360-degree observation deck, you’ll be able to see Berlin’s top attractions like Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. While you're up there, get a table at Restaurant Sphere to drink in the views with a glass of wine—it’s especially magical at night with the illuminated skyline as a twinkling backdrop.

You can explore the Berliner Fernsehturm on a bike tour of Berlin, which drops by other must-see sights like Berliner Dom and the Berlin Wall. You’ll pass the Alexanderplatz square too, a popular spot for shopping, food, and beer gardens.

More to explore

Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo, Japan

Shadow of the Tokyo Skytree casting over the city from above
Interior view of the Tokyo Skytree.
Image: リロイ・スティッチ/Tripadvisor; Journey810356/Tripadvisor

Tokyo Skytree in Japan is one of the city’s most significant landmarks, featuring a unique design inspired by traditional Japanese pagodas. You’ll need a ticket to access the tower’s observation deck, which offers views of skyscrapers and buildings as far as the eye can see. If you’re lucky, you might even see Mount Fuji on a clear day. It’s worth a visit at night too—the skyline illuminated by sparkling lights is a sight to behold.

If you’re traveling with kids, they are sure to love the Sumida Aquarium which features more than 10,000 sea creatures, from penguins and fur seals, to jellyfish. Then, head over to Tokyo Solamachi mall right around the corner which sells adorable character merchandise and delicious, authentic Japanese food.

For even more thrilling views, consider going on a helicopter tour to see the Tokyo Skytree and other landmarks from up in the sky. We guarantee it will be a ride that you’ll never forget.

More to explore

Plan your next holiday with Trips

Travel planning is extra easy with Trips. You can now save and organize all the best travel ideas in one place—and add more as you go. That’s not all, invite your travel companions to collaborate and add more ideas to your Trip.

  • 1.
    Browse tons of experiences, hotels, and restaurants
  • 2.
    Tap the heart on your
favourite spots
  • 3.
    Save them to a trip you’ve got in the works—or create a new one
  • 4.
    Share and collab with the whole fam
Megan Michael
Megan is a current student at the National University of Singapore studying Communications and New Media along with Japanese Studies. She's written articles for the NUS Japanese Studies Society, NUS CNM Types, TripZilla, and The Straits Times. If she's not drinking yet another iced Americano then she's probably trying (her best) to learn Japanese or trying some new TikTok dance trend.