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We are witnessing an unprecedented race to the sky when it comes to building the tallest and most impressive towers. Here are 10 jaw-dropping observation decks on the top floors of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The tallest structure ever built naturally also has the highest viewpoint in the world, although its title will shortly be transferred to the Kingdom Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which will surpass the 1000m mark. Don’t worry though, Dubai is already planning an even higher building in order to regain the title once and for all.
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2. Shanghai World Financial Center, China
The 493m tall Shanghai World Financial Center hosts the third highest hotel in the world and the second highest tower in Shanghai. Its observation deck is one of the best in China, offering breathtaking views over the modern Pudong district including the new Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in the country.
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3. One World Trade Center, New York City
The highest observation deck in the US on the 100th floor of the One World Trade Center offers staggering views over the Big Apple and its height is unrivalled by any of the other skyscrapers in Manhattan.
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4. Sky Costanera, Gran Torre Santiago, Chile – best observaton decks in South America
The highest tower in Latin America contains an enormous mall and offers 360-degree observation decks on the 62nd floor. On clear days, the viewpoint enables you to enjoy views over the complete extent of Santiago and the surrounding Andes whose peaks are covered in snow all year long.
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5. CN Tower Toronto, Canada – best observation decks in Canada
The 553m tall CN Tower was the world’s tallest free standing structure when it was completed in 1973 and held that title for a staggering 34 years. The tower’s unique shape and recognisability earned it a place in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ ‘modern Seven Wonders of the world ranking’ in 1995.
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6. Eureka Tower, Melbourne, Australia – best observation decks in Australia
Eureka stands at 297m tall which makes it the second tallest building in Australia and one of the most recognisable towers in the Australian metropolis. It serves as residential apartment complex and offers a fantastic observation deck on the 88th floor.
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7. Taipei 101, Taiwan
The 509m Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world in 2004 and one of the most innovative towers in Asia at the time thanks to its modern building technology and earthquake defence systems. Its observatory on the 89th floor is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views over the Taiwanese capital.
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8. Tokyo Skytree, Japan
The broadcasting, observation, and restaurant Tokyo Skytree multipurpose tower stands at 634m high which makes it the second tallest tower in the world and the highest structure in Asia. Its observation decks offer amazing views over the dense concrete jungle of the Japanese capital and its earthquake and wind defence technologies are among the most advanced in the world.
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9. Petronas Towers Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Another set of twin towers which, standing at 451m, held the title of ‘tallest building in the world’ for a while, from 1998 to 2004. This multi-purpose complex contains several observatories which offer amazing views over the Malaysian capital and the surrounding region.
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10. Willis Tower, Chicago, US
The Willis Tower, formerly named Sears tower, is the second highest tower in the US and dominates the Chicago skyline. It surpassed the World Trade Center at its completion in 1973 and held the title ‘world’s highest building’ with its height of 442m for a whopping 24 years. Its observatory is also the second highest in the US.
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