This list of destinations isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you have acrophobia (an extreme fear of heights), you probably wouldn’t want to be anywhere near this list. The places listed here range from the world’s scariest pathways to towers of dizzying heights, and from edges of cliffs with a staggering drop to crystal-clear glass walkways. Whether you’re a fan of heights or not, you’ve got to admit, the views offered are unparalleled.
If you’re someone with a taste for adventure or someone looking to overcome your fear of heights, it’s time to take that step of faith and behold some of the world’s most amazing panoramas:
Asia
1. Burj Al Arab's Helipad, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (from USD 1805)
Imagine having a game of tennis on the world’s highest tennis court. This is no Burj Khalifa, but the helipad of the Burj Al Arab, the third-tallest hotel in the world, is bound to make anyone’s knees weak when they look over the edge and see the ground 210 metres (700 feet) below. While the helipad is only transformed to a tennis courts for special professional matches, you can enjoy awesome views from the hotel’s swanky Skyview Bar instead, sitting high above the city on the 27th floor. Alternatively, with wads of cash to splash, you could also arrive by helicopter!
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road
2. Huangshan, Anhui Province, China
Huangshan (黄山), which translates to “Yellow Mountain”, has been a source of inspiration to Chinese artists and poets for centuries and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Take precaution when walking down the steep steps along the face of the mountains. There are two paths to choose between: the eastern path and the western path. If you want to access the peaks, you should use the shorter eastern path. Alternatively, conserve your energy and take the cableway up for mountain for stunning views.
Huangshan
Address: Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan District, Huangshan 245000, China
Price: admission fees from 34 USD (high season), 22 USD (off-peak season). Cableway (one way) 12 USD (high season), 9.70 USD (off-peak season)
Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm (Cableway until 4.30 pm)
Duration: around 6 hours required
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3. Marina Bay Sands Skypark's Infinity Pool, Singapore
Have a swim at the top of the iconic building of Singapore and marvel at the city-state’s skyline. The world’s largest infinity pool doesn’t disappoint, and with a drop of 57 storeys, you’ll be glad no one can see your pants get any wetter!
The pool is only open to guests of the elegant hotel. Non-residents can, however, be wowed by the views from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, or enjoy a meal or drink at one of the high bars and restaurants, such as Ce La Vie, Spago, Sky on 57, and Flight Bar and Lounge, all also located on the 57th floor.
Marina Bay Sands
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay, 018956 Singapore, Singapore
Price: SkyPark Observation Deck 23 SGD (16.90 USD) for adults, 17 SGD (12.50 USD) for children (aged between 2 and 12), 20 SGD (14.70 USD) for senior citizens (aged 65 years and above)
Opening Hours: Pool daily 6 am to 11 pm (hotel guests only). SkyPark Observation Deck Monday to Thursday 9.30 am to 10 pm, Friday to Sunday 9.30 am to 11 pm (subject to weather conditions; times may vary). Check the individual bars and restaurants online for their operating hours
Access: 2-minute walk from Bayfront MRT Station
Website: Marina Bay Sands
4. Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro District, Bhutan (from USD 2.0)
The most iconic temple in Bhutan and also one of the country’s holiest Buddhist sites, Taktsang Palpung Monastery, more popularly known as Paro Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, hangs on a sheer cliff at 900 metres (3,000 feet) above the Paro Valley. Steeped in legends, often surrounded in ethereal mists and cloud, and offering amazing views, several steep paths lead to the monastery.
Taktsang Palpung Monastery
Address: Taktsang Trail, Paro, Bhutan
Opening Hours: October to March, daily, 8 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. April to September, daily, 8 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm
Website: Taktsang Palpung Monastery
Glimpses of Bhutan - 4 Days Tour
Duration: 4 days
North America
5. Haiku Stairs, Oahu, Hawaii, United States of America
The steep hiking trail of Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, consists of almost 4,000 steps leading up to a defunct military radio station. Although this trail isn’t open the public, it’s no stranger to trespassers.
Haiku Stairs
Address: John A. Burns Fwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
6. Willis Tower Skydeck, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Fancy knowing what it feels like to see 103 storeys of nothingness beneath your feet? You’re in luck! Skydeck Chicago is located on one of the top few floors of Willis Tower, commonly referred to as Sears Tower, and opens its skydeck to visitors daily. Prepare to feel your heart beating faster as you stand on the sheer glass ledge.
Skydeck Chicago
Address: 233 S. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60606
Price: Adults 22 USD, youths (aged 3 to 11) 14 USD, free for children under 3 years old
Opening Hours: March to September, open daily from 9 am to 10 pm. October to February, open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +1 312-875-9447
Website: Skydeck Chicago
7. CN Tower Edgewalk, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The CN Tower really stands out of the Toronto skyline due to its sheer height. Take a walk on the edge 116 storeys above ground and try to spot the people walking about below. Don’t worry, they won’t be able to see you trembling all the way up there!
Do note that no personal items, including cameras, are allowed (secure lockers are provided), children under 13 cannot access the EdgeWalk, and people between the ages of 13 and 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian.
CN Tower Edge Walk
Address: 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada
Price: from 195 USD
Opening Hours: 9 am - 8 pm
Duration: around 2 hours required
Contact: +1 416-601-3833
Website: CN Tower Edge Walk
8. Grand Canyon Skywalk, Peach Springs, Arizona, United States of America
View the Colorado River 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) below on a horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge that protrudes out of the cliff’s edge. The bridge is fitted with transparent panels on the floor that provide visitors with an uninterrupted view. Cameras and other personal items are not allowed on the daring walkway.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Address: Eagle Point Rd, AZ 86434, USA
Price: from 71 USD
Duration: around 2 hours required
Contact: +1 928-769-2636
Website: Grand Canyon Skywalk
South America
9. Swing at the end of the world, Baños, Ecuador
Casa del Arbol is a must-visit when in Baños. Jump on the “swing at the end of the world”, a sturdy wooden plank and rope are all that you have to hold on to as you swing off the edge. Are you brave enough?!
Casa del Arbol
Address: Runtun village, Banos 010151, Ecuador
Price: 1.50 USD
10. El Caminito del Rey, Málaga, Spain
El Caminito del Rey (The King’s Little Pathway), commonly shortened to Camino del Rey (King’s Pathway), was known as one of the world’s most dangerous walkway. The original path had deteriorated over the years and was subsequently restored. Visitors can now enjoy the same views of the raging river below without the same risks.
El Caminito del Rey
Address: Caminito del Rey, 29550 Ardales, Málaga
Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am - 5pm. Closed on Mondays
Duration: around 5 hours required
Website: El Caminito del Rey
Europe
11. Preikestolen, Forsand, Norway
There is only one way up to Preikestolen and that is on foot. If the hike up doesn’t make your knees tremble, standing on the edge will. The plateau is 604 metres (1,982 feet) above Lysefjord and presents quite a spectacular view.
Preikestolen
Address: Preikestolveien 521, Forsand, Norway
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +47 5185 9200
Website: Preikestolen
12. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland (from USD 55.0)
The Cliffs of Moher stretch for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic Coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland and stand at 214 metres (702 feet) at their highest point. The cliffs offer breathtaking views and, on a clear day, you might be able to see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.
Galway to Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way: Full-Day Tour
Duration: 10 hours
13. AlpspiX, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
The AlpspiX is a viewing platform that presents you with a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains all around. Take in the scenery as you hover over a 1,000-metre (3,280-foot) drop into the Höllental Valley. And, if you hike up the mountain, it’s completely free!
AlpspiX
Address: Alpspix Ausichtsplattform, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Opening Hours: 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
Price: Free
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +49 8821 180700
Website: AlpspiX
14. Cliffs of Étretat, Normandy, France
Hang your legs off the edge of the Cliffs of Étretat and take pleasure in the strong sea winds that strike the face of the cliffs daily. This magnificent natural formation is an inspiring sight to behold.
Cliffs of Étretat
Address: 76790 Étretat, France
Duration: around 1 hour required
15. Trolltunga, Odda, Norway
Trolltunga, one of the most spectacular scenic cliffs in Norway, boasts quite a view if you’re willing to work for it. The hike to the cliff takes around 5 hours and, when you finally arrive, you will be greeted with a 700-metre (2,300-foot) drop to Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Don’t look over the edge until you’re sure you can stomach the view after that long hike!
Trolltunga
Address: 5760 Røldal, Norway
Duration: around 10 hours required
Are your knees shaking yet?
If you’re feeling more excited than nervous about standing on the edge and witnessing the incredible views from the places mentioned, you’ve got the spirit of adventure within you! Just be careful not to stray too close to the edge!
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