“Connecting Global Cities” is a monthly column written by Colin Speakman, Resident Director for CAPA Shanghai.
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This is a sister post to last month’s “Relaxing in Global Cities”, where our observation decks were essentially at ground level to watch the world go by. However, the concept of a vantage point often conjures up a loftier perch from which to survey a city. Such points are not necessarily the tops of tall towers – these may be too high up for clear views and also often expensive to access. Perhaps there are more convenient staging-posts part way up, with a great view and a coffee? Perhaps others are on more natural landmarks like the top of a hill? Perhaps the best way to look out is from an ‘eye’ - a large ferris wheel?
Of course some observation towers do not have a mid-point alternative. They are designed for getting to the top. A very recent example is the new Olympic Park Observation Tower in Beijing. It was not opened for the Olympics, though construction was started in 2008. It finally opened in 2014. Its design of a top floor and just below four smaller floors echoes the five Olympic rings. It would be my recommendation for a vantage point in the Chinese capital. You get to look down on the Birds’ Nest for a start.
Photo: Olympic Park Observation Tower overlooking the Bird's Nest by Colin Speakman
How about in New York? We all know of the Empire State Building. There is an alternative where the visitor can see a lot from a vantage point that keeps moving. I recommend a ferry ride along the Hudson River – I have done it and it and the boat is a good vantage point, especially for a close up of the Statue of Liberty!
Photo: Sunset over the Hudson by joiseyshowaa
In my favorite global city in the US, San Francisco, the standout vantage point is the top of Coit Tower (completed in 1933), itself perched atop the historic Telegraph Hill in North Beach. Thus a not too tall building gets you high enough for a great view and the elevator fees are not too steep. There are also some great murals inside the tower.
Photo: Coit Tower in San Francisco by Jon Sullivan
Some observations desks can be found on buildings which are definitely not towers. In Madrid, I recommend such a deck on the Cibeles Palace, a magnificent building dating from 1904. It stands in front of the famous fountain of the same name and I always found the whole experience inspiring. The tops of many famous buildings around the Grand Via boast impressive statues, so this vantage point is ideal for spotting them.
Photo:
Cibeles Palace by imagea.org
So what would I recommend as vantage points in CAPA’s six global cities? Read on..
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Visitors are going to have to cough up around $50 for this vantage point in Buenos Aires, but it is worth it. For that, you can get a daytime tour of the Palacio Barolo (completed in 1923) which reaches 100m into the air. The 24 floors are designed to reflect the path travelled by Dante in his Divine Comedy. Floors include Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. At the top is the lighthouse floor where a 360 degree view of the city is available. It is worth the effort and a lot to take in.
Photo: Palacio Barolo by Felipe Gabaldón
DUBLIN, IRELAND
While options in Dublin include the Guinness Gravity Bar and Smithfield Tower, I am going for a more natural recommendation: The Hill of Howth, where one can look right across Dublin Bay, take in the Wicklow Mountains, and see parts of Dublin City. Take a city DART train to Howth and walk to the Summit of the hill or take a 31 Dublin Bus right to the top. There are no entrance fees and it's an escape to nature.
Photo: A view over Howth by William Murphy
FLORENCE, ITALY
I am sticking with a more natural, outdoor option in Florence too, although the Giotto Tower offers an alternative deep in the center of Firenze. I recommend the famous Piazzale Michelangelo. There are a lot of steps to climb or if you're feeling a bit lazy, you can take a taxi to the top. The views are great at any time of day (including those of the famous Duomo Cathedral), but being there to observe sunset is a special pleasure. There are no entrance fees, many areas to relax and places to take in some refreshment.
Photo: View from Piazzale Michelangelo by Simone Zuffanelli
LONDON, ENGLAND
The Shard (of Light) has added a great viewing option, located near to London Bridge, since this tallest inhabitable tower in the EU opened a couple of years ago. Although I have taken in those views myself, I am going to be loyal to the London Eye as my recommendation as it takes a lot of the effort out; just sit or stand in a capsule while getting great views of many parts of London over a 30 minute slow rotate. I have done it a few times and it is still exciting. Head to the former County Hall building on the Southbank of the Thames and join a line.
Photo: View from the London Eye by André Zehetbauer
SHANGHAI, CHINA
This global megacity of skyscapers does not lack vantage points, and for some, the eagerly awaited completion of the new Shanghai Tower in Pudong (the tallest building in Asia for now), is the go-to observation deck for the best vantage point. I am going to recommend it when it's fully functioning, but with a caveat – if you want to avoid the elevator fees and the risk that the views at the top are clouded out, there are the options of midway up hotel lobbies with coffee areas in the JinMao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center (both also in Pudong) and the J.W. Marriott in Tomorrow Square in Puxi. You have plenty of choices in Shanghai.
Photo: Shanghai Tower by Colin Speakman
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Everyone has seen posters of the twin namecards of Sydney, the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. My recommendation would be to walk across part of the Sydney Harbor Bridge as your vantage point. Not only do you get great views, but it is something you might want to say you did anyway. If you do not fancy that climb, under the ramps of the bridge, the grassy knoll of Milsons Point offers unobstructed city views. The choice is yours.
Photo: Sydney skyline from Milsons Point by russellstreet
Thanks Colin!
