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Observation decks provide a stunning aerial perspective of your surroundings. Among the most famous are the Eiffel Tower, One World Trade Center, and the Grand Canyon Skywalk. However, some decks are specifically designed for thrill-seekers who crave an adrenaline rush while enjoying breathtaking views.
Warning: If heights make you uneasy, you might want to skip this list.
10. Sampa Sky
Located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Sampa Sky observation deck opened in August 2021 and has already welcomed over 11,000 visitors. Inspired by the glass floor deck in Chicago's Willis Tower, it sits on the 42nd floor of Mirante do Vale, the tallest building in Sao Paulo.
For those unafraid of heights, this deck offers the chance to snap selfies inside a transparent box while marveling at the cityscape beneath your feet. It’s the least intimidating option on this list and an ideal spot to enjoy a sunset.
9. EdgeWalk
If Sampa Sky feels too mild, the CN Tower EdgeWalk in Toronto offers the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk. Standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet), the CN Tower is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The EdgeWalk takes place 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground, circling the tower’s edge with a breathtaking view of the bustling city below.
Before ascending, participants undergo mental health and alcohol screenings. After passing these checks, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be fitted into a jumpsuit and harness. The harness is secured to ropes attached to a rail along the tower’s edge. Once ready, you can step onto the 1.5-meter (5-foot) wide ledge and slowly traverse the tower’s circumference, soaking in the panoramic views.
8. Shanghai Skywalk
If you crave adventure but prefer staying closer to the ground, the 88-story skywalk around Shanghai’s Jin Mao Tower might be your perfect match. This skywalk lacks handrails, so participants are secured to the building’s side with a harness for safety.
The 60-meter-long (200 feet) ledge is just 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide and can host up to 15 walkers simultaneously. From this vantage point, walkers enjoy sweeping views of Shanghai’s skyline and the hotel atrium directly below.
7. Stairway to Nothingness
For an adrenaline-pumping experience with breathtaking Alpine views, head to the Stairway to Nothingness at Austria’s Dachstein Glacier resort. This adventure features a 100-meter-long (328 feet) suspension bridge perched on the edge of a 400-meter (1,300 feet) cliff, culminating in 14 steps leading to a glass viewing platform.
The Dachstein Glacier resort’s website describes the Stairway to Nothingness as an experience for those with “nerves of steel,” promising the “pure freedom” of floating above the cliff while soaking in the majestic beauty of the Alps.
6. Aurland Lookout
The Aurlandsfjord in Norway offers breathtaking views, and the Aurland Lookout Tower, or Stegastein, provides a unique perspective from 650 meters (2,135 feet) above. This viewing platform, made of steel and clad in pine, extends 30 meters (100 feet) before ending with a glass panel that gives the sensation of hovering over the fjord below.
The glass panel is designed to evoke the feeling of “falling into nature,” though those with acrophobia might feel like they’re plummeting into the fjord instead.
5. SkyPoint Climb
Located on the 77th and 78th floors of Queensland’s Q1 skyscraper, the SkyPoint Observation Deck is Australia’s only beachside viewing platform. Once the world’s tallest residential building (2005–2011), the Q1 now ranks 11th globally. The deck can host up to 400 visitors, offering panoramic views of Brisbane, the Gold Coast hinterland, Byron Bay, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
For those seeking extra thrills, the SkyPoint Climb offers an exhilarating experience for an additional fee. As Australia’s highest external building climb, it begins on the 77th floor, taking adventurers up nearly 300 stairs to the Q1 Spire, all while enjoying stunning views. Daredevils can even walk along the edge of the stairs, ignoring the internal handrail and the 270-meter (885 feet) drop beneath them.
4. Bihar Glass Bridge
Inspired by China’s Hangzhou glass bridge, the Bihar Glass Bridge in India offers breathtaking views of Rajgir’s forests and mountains. This attraction is part of a jungle safari that includes glass cabins accommodating eight tourists each, suspended on a ropeway for an immersive forest experience.
The 25-meter-long (85 feet) and 61-meter-high (200 feet) bridge can host up to 40 visitors at once. It’s expected to boost tourism in the area, complementing other attractions like the Son Bhandar caves and the hot springs of Brahma Kund.
3. Huangtengxia Tianmen Sky Walk
The Huangtengxia Tianmen Sky Walk in southeast China is a heart-stopping glass-bottomed walkway not suited for those who fear heights. Supported by three pillars, the platform extends 368 meters (1,200 feet) from a cliff’s edge, making it the world’s longest and tallest single-column cantilevered glass corridor. It also features the largest circular waterfall.
Rising 500 meters (1,650 feet) above the ground, the skywalk consists of two oval structures: a horizontal walkway and a vertical tower connected by an open-air corridor. The glass is 99.9% transparent and can support the weight of approximately 4,000 people.
At dawn, the structure is often shrouded in low-lying clouds, while at night, it dazzles with 2,000 multi-colored LED lights.
In 2019, a fashion show took place on the skywalk, with models walking barefoot to prevent scratching the glass panels.
2. Glass Love Bridge
Vietnam offers countless breathtaking experiences, from hiking in national parks to marveling at Halong Bay and exploring Ho Chi Minh City. In 2019, the country introduced a new attraction: the 5D Love Bridge. This glass suspension bridge, Vietnam’s first with 5D effects, was constructed in just four months. Spanning 80 meters (262 feet) and standing 20 meters (66 feet) high, it features 30 special effects and was designed with a romantic theme. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Moc Chau’s vast mountains and forests.
Later in 2019, a second glass bridge opened, offering spectacular views of the O Quy Ho Mountain Pass in Lai Chau province. The Rong May bridge sits 600 meters (1,970 feet) above the ground and 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. A 300-meter (985 feet) glass elevator transports visitors to the bridge, which leads to the mountain peak. Just try not to glance downward.
1. Step into the Void
“Step into the Void” might sound like a horror film, but it’s actually a dizzying attraction officially called the Aiguille du Midi skywalk. Located in the French Alps at 3,842 meters (12,600 feet), this glass box features a transparent floor, offering visitors an uninterrupted view of the dramatic alpine landscape.
A small elevator takes tourists to the glass box, and a cable car provides access to the mountain’s summit. The Aiguille du Midi is part of the Mont Blanc massif, and for those who aren’t avid climbers or hikers, the skywalk offers the closest experience to Mont Blanc.
