Since the dawn of time, man has sought out high ground. While before it was all about making sure settlements were well-defended, nowadays taking in the views is purely recreational.
Observation decks are a dime a dozen in the major tourist destinations of the world, but if you’re looking for something a little different on your next international jaunt, consider strapping in for a roof walk instead.
The highest roof walk in the UK at Alexandra Palace
“Ally Pally” is already one of the best places in London to see the cityscape, but the opening of the roof walk “Summit” in February this year took it to another level – namely, 130 metres above sea level from where you can see for up to 40 kilometres around.
Visitors can pull on their harnesses to climb the iconic roof during the day, at sunset, or at night when the city lights really start to shine.
A view from the tallest structure in Tallinn, Estonia
Built in 1980 ahead of the Moscow Summer Olympics when Soviet-occupied Tallinn hosted the regatta event, Tallinn TV Tower is the tallest non-building structure in the Estonian capital.
Between April and October, the tower opens up its Edge Walk experience where you can take a circular stroll around the structure’s rooftop.
At 175 metres above the ground, this is the highest open viewing platform in Northern Europe, and you can see both the cityscape and the Gulf of Finland.
A non-spooky UFO experience in Bratislava, Slovakia
The UFO Observation Tower on SNP Bridge in Bratislava first opened back in 1972 and has been an iconic part of the skyline ever since.
Technically, this isn’t a roof walk as you make your way around the windowsill just outside the tower’s restaurant, but it’s definitely got the thrill factor from 100 metres above the ground.
Record-breaking views in Toronto, Canada
Toronto’s CN Tower may have lost its Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest free-standing structure upon the completion of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, but it still retains the title of the highest external walk on a building.
Visitors taking on the EdgeWalk will find themselves 116 storeys – some 356 metres – off the ground walking along a 1.5 metre wide ledge that circles the top of the tower’s restaurant.
You won’t have to brave the elements as the EdgeWalk closes during the chilliest months, but you’ll also be given a suit and potentially a jacket, gloves and hat if the temperatures plummet too much when it is open.
A different perspective on a city icon in Sydney, Australia
Aside from the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge may just be the most iconic structure of the Australian city’s skyline.
Visitors have been able to climb the bridge’s south-east pylon for an incredible view almost since its opening nearly a century ago, but the launch of the BridgeClimb in 1998 gave thrill-seekers another reason to visit.
The full summit climb takes around two hours from start to finish, and you can book in for a sunrise, sunset, daytime or nighttime experience. Don’t miss the chance to experience it during Vivid Sydney, the annual light festival held every May and June.
Admire Zaha Hadid’s work from every angle in Seoul, South Korea
Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid’s buildings are instantly recognisable thanks to their curved façades, and even those who know nothing about design can appreciate how stunning they are.
In Seoul, the late architect is responsible for the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a landmark building near the city’s former eastern gate.
While you can book onto architecture tours year-round, roof walks are also offered seasonally where you’ll be able to stroll the full 652 metre length while learning about the design, the wider cityscape, and the history of the site.
The next round of roof walks ends at the end of May, so book now if you don’t want to miss out.
The ultimate F1 experience in Abu Dhabi, UAE
NB: While the US-Israel attack on Iran means that travel to the Middle East is not recommended at this time, we’d be remiss to not mention this iconic roof walk for when the region does reopen to tourism.
If you’re a Ferrari fan (and, in the words of four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, everybody is, even if they’re not), Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is a must-visit.
Sure, riding the world’s fastest roller coaster and driving a Ferrari are fun, but really, the roof walk is what we’re most excited about here.
Available in the cooler months, you’ll get up close and personal with the gigantic Ferrari logo and be able to see out to both the nearby mangroves and the Yas Marina Circuit. The less said about the fact that a Ferrari driver has never made it to the top step of the podium here, the better…
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