10 Top-of-the-World Views

Denali, Alaska

Not everyone may be up for summiting 20,210-foot Denali, North America's highest peak in Denali National Park and Preserve. But K2 Aviation in Talkeetna takes visitors on flights around the massive mountain and, weather permitting, will land on a glacier on the side of the mountain for hikes and views usually only seen by serious mountaineers.

CN Tower, Toronto

Vistors to the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower can take in the views of Toronto and Lake Ontario as they enjoy dinner at 360 Restaurant, or from one of two observation decks. For the adventurous, put on a harness and walk around the edge of the CN Tower during an EdgeWalk excursion. It is the ninth tallest free-standing structure in the world.

Teotihuacan, Mexico

The mysterious Teotihuacan culture predates the Aztecs by 1,000 years and is known for its Temple of the Moon and Temple of the Sun, which is 234 feet tall and one of the largest pyramids in Mesoamerica. Visitors may climb the pyramids, located 30 miles outside of Mexico City.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

With its open spaces, good weather and favorable wind currents Albuquerque, New Mexico, claims the title of Ballooning Capital of the World. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place the first full week of October, when more than 550 balloons from 19 countries take flight during mass ascensions, making it the largest annual ballooning event in the world. Balloon rides are available year-round in Albuquerque. 

London Eye, London

The Coca Cola London Eye is a 443-foot-tall Ferris wheel with observation pods, and is the second tallest vantage point open to the public in London next to the Shard, which stands at 1,016 feet with an observation deck at 802 feet. The London Eye was the world's tallest Ferris wheel when in opened in 1999, but the current record is held by the High Roller, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at 550 feet.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

Listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World, Brazil's iconic art deco Christ the Redeemer statue was completed in 1931 and is 124 feet tall, including its pedestal. It sits atop 7,300-foot Corcovado Mountain within Tijuca National Park. A steep hike leads to the statue's base with a payoff of views of the vast city and Atlantic Ocean. Vans are also available. Although the statue is hollow with a staircase, the general public is not permitted to climb the statue.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa's highest point at 19,341 feet and called the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro within Tanzania's Kilimanjaro National Park may be climbed with a permit and a guide. It is snow capped with glaciers and contains four climate zones. A dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro is the world's tallest free-standing mountain.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji is 12,388 feet high and doesn't require special mountaineering skills to summit. The active volcano is 60 miles southwest of Tokyo, and last erupted in 1707. It is Japan's highest peak. 

Empire State Building, New York City

Reaching a height of 1,454 feet with observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, the Empire State Building is known worldwide and completes any trip to the Big Apple. Tickets must be purchased to visit the observation deck that afford unparalleled views of the city. The Statue of Liberty is 306-feet-tall, and reservations must also be made to visit the observation floor that looks out from within the crown.