12 Of The Most Beautiful Views In The World

Are you a traveller who doesn't mind putting in a few yards to see the most amazing views? That might mean… hiking a mountain, climbing narrow windy stairs up a bell tower, or getting up at the crack of dawn for a sunrise. It is always worth it. The views are always worth the pain caused.

Then when you get up there, you could stay for hours, just looking down and out at all the comings and goings or just the natural beauty which keeps you captivated.

This is my list of top ten places around the world you must visit to see the most incredible views; 

Mount Srd, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Catch the cable car up for the sunset. It offers 360-degree views, over the Old Town Of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO site, the coastline and distant mountains. If you're not catching the cable car up you can walk taking the zigzag path to the top or drive up. You will find the Panorama Restaurant at the top.

Line of Lode Lookout at Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia

Has impressive views over the mining town of Broken Hill. There is ample parking, and it's easy to get to. Up the top, you can also visit the Miners Memorial while you are there and JP Keenan Lookout and get your photo taken on the famous big red chair.  

Skyline Queenstown, New Zealand

Take a gondola ride to the top and be prepared to be amazed by the views. I expect you will have to queue for the gondola. It is very popular. Return tickets cost $44 for an adult, but it is very worth it.  There are package tickets, including lunch or dinner at the restaurant or taking the luge back down.

queenstown

Skyline Bar, Riga, Latvia

The Radisson Blue Hotel is well known for its spectacular view of the city from the toilets. So we took the lift to the Bar and snuck into the bathroom. I'm sure we are not the only ones. We didn't eat or drink at the Bar, which is an option. It is just costly.

Belfry of Bruges, Belgium

Climbing the narrow windy 366 steps of the medieval Bell Tower in Bruges. 83 meters high. The reward is stunning views over the city and its surroundings. Opens 9:30 am – 6 pm, 7 days a week. Cost is 12 euro for adults. It was once used as an observation point for spotting fires and other dangers.

Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen, Denmark

Another great city view from the top of the baroque church. Famous for its helix spire with an external winding staircase offering extensive views over Copenhagen. Stand on the outside of the tower at 90m tall. Open 10am – 4pm. 35kr for an adult ticket. Super scary and only for the brave. If you are one to be scared of heights, this is probably not for you.    

Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

Take in the views of the city of Sydney on the Bridge Climb. Tickets range in prices depending upon the time of day you do your climb. We did our bridge climb at twilight, and lucikly saw the sunset and then the city lights come on. No cameras allowed. Learn the history on the way up. Amazing views that are worth the cost and effort. If you are scared of heights to reconsider this activity, however, you are wearing a harness and tacked on.

Arco da Rua Augusta, Lisbon, Portugal

Open 9 am – 7 pm. Tickets cost 3 euro. Get to the top by elevator, and spiral staircase for a panoramic view of the Terreiro do Paco and the riverside quarters of the city. Good place to chill for awhile and people watch.

Lisbon

Nam Xay Viewpoint, Vang Vieng, Laos

We got saturated during a downpour while climbing the mountain, just in time for the sun to come out at the top to dry us off. A reasonable level of fitness is required to do the climb. Stare down at the green fields and mountains in the distance. Very peaceful and relaxing.

Cerro de La Cruz, Antigua, Guatemala

View over the UNESCO world heritage site of the city of Antigua. Only a 15 minutes walk to the top but will get your heart pumping.

Acropolis of Athens, Greece

The best views in Athens is from the Acropolis. Spectacular views over the huge city that is Athens. Opens 8am – 5pm. Ticket for entry is 12.75 euro. Check out the ancient buildings and monuments as well as the view. Defintely worth getting up early for and being one of the first through the gates.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Excellent vantage point. Hundreds of tourists visit every day. You can opt to take the cable car to the top, or you hike up. Once you are at the top there are several walking paths which lead to different directions and different views.     

table mountain

Where do you think the best views in the world are? Is there somewhere that took your breath away? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.