September 3 is Skyscraper Day, so why not pick a skyscraper experience to bag? Just then book tickets and accommodation and buy travel insurance at the same time, to get full cancellation benefit.
Visiting one of the world’s tallest buildings can be a phenomenal experience, creating memories for a lifetime. A skyscraper provides extraordinary views and can help pinpoint other things to put on your itinerary, from the cityscape laid out in front of you.
It’s a must for those who love photography and can offer great selfie opportunities. It can also give you a real sense of the layout of a city and how it has developed over time – something you often don’t get at street level.
One thing to remember though is that millions of people crave this sort of experience. That invariably means long queues. Do your planning in advance, make sure you have tickets before you arrive, if you can, and consider upgrading to skip a queue, if you would find it difficult to stand in line for long periods of time.
Europesure Travel Insurance has taken a look at some of your options.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Let’s start at the top, with the world’s highest building, at a staggering 828 metres. Burj Khalifa offers two different observation decks: one spanning the 124th and 125th floors; the other on the 148th, at a height of 555 metres.
The tower’s design represents an abstract version of the Hymenocallis flower and comprises a central core and three sections. If you flew over it, you would recognise the onion dome so often used in Islamic architecture.
The experience is available from 9am to 10pm, but the pre-sunset slots are hugely popular. Book a time that will still give you the 1.5 hours needed. You might also wish to book a table at The Lounge (585 metres and the world’s highest lounge), on levels 152-4. Alternatively, on level 122, you will find the fine dining restaurant, At.mosphere. That might just stretch the budget, however, as a main course typically costs around £42-£67 (€50-€80). Even a brunch in the The Burj Club, Rooftop, starts at over £51 (€61).
Visiting the Burj Khalifa also makes it easy to take in The Dubai Fountain, the tallest performing fountain in the world, offering an illuminated water show that could be set to Sarah Brightman’s melodic voice or the unmistakable tunes of Michael Jackson.
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China
If you fancy a trip to China, you might want to put this attraction on your itinerary. After all, it is the world’s second tallest building (632 metres). It will also whizz you to the top, in the fastest elevator in the world (18 metres per second), taking you from ground level, to sightseeing deck, within one minute – a world record. Look through the transparent glass curtain wall and you can drink in a 360-degree view of the city, with fabulous views of the Huangpu River, the Bund to the west, and other skyscrapers on the east bank.
The tower’s design, shaped like a spiralling snake (or guitar pick), with a one degree twist per floor, protects against the city’s frequent typhoon risk. If there at night, it will treat you to a fabulous light show on its exterior walls, which house 127 floors above ground and five below. Helpfully, the metro station is only 500 metres away. Take your passport with you, if visiting (and protect against its loss with a Europesure Travel Insurance single trip or annual policy!)
The Clock Tower Museum (the Makkah Clock Royal Tower)
This towering structure – the world’s third largest structure at 601 metres – is located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The museum itself, dedicated to clockmaking and offering a vast amount of information about the universe, is located in the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, on which sits the world’s largest clock face. The tower itself is part of the Abraj Al Bait complex of luxury hotels.
Whilst visiting the clock tower, tourists can head to the observation deck on the 120th floor, to grab a bird’s eye view of the city and the Kaaba, at the centre of Islam’s holiest site. A VIP ticket will fast-track you through with no queuing, so consider that option.
The Seoul Sky Observatory, Seoul, South Korea
The Lotte Tower is the world’s fifth tallest building and home to the 555-metre-high, 123-storey Seoul Sky Observatory. A range of experience is on offer here, whether you want to simply go to the 118th-floor-based Skydeck, to feel as if floating in the air as the indoor floor changes from opaque to clear, or higher. Two floors above, the Sky Terrace affords an outdoor view which may be enough for most. If a true adrenaline junkie, tackle the walk across the Sky Bridge, above the 123rd-floor lounge and at a height of 541 metres. Just book tickets well in advance, as places are limited.
The amazing observatory symbolises a mountain arising from three circles, to convey natural energy, traditional Korean motifs and a bright future. Four little children-friendly pals live in the tower, as mascots to help enliven the experience for kids.
One World Trade Center, New York
Located in Downtown Manhattan, this building is home to the One World Observatory that is the highest point in New York City and a brilliant way to take in panoramic views of the Big Apple, from over 100 storeys up. Ride a SkyPod elevator to the top in just 47 seconds and understand how New York City has transformed over the centuries. Dining in the ONE Dine restaurant is also pretty spectacular and there’s even the chance to add your place of origin and see all other visitors’ data presented on the largest curved indoor LED in the world.
Meanwhile, on the Horizon Grid, you can witness a multimedia spectacular, showing memorable moments, famous faces and iconic places that can be viewed from the One World Observatory. If it’s audiovisual experiences you want, then the See Forever® Theater won’t disappoint. Also, don’t overlook the opportunity to quiz Tour Ambassadors – mines of information about NYC. Pick up some extra NYC tips here.
With so many more skyscrapers, ‘wheels’ and tall buildings to visit, if you wish to gain a different perspective on a city, there’s a whole new world to explore from a great height. Just remember to check out travel and vaccination advice, for wherever you travel, and buy your travel insurance prior to departure. That way, you can be looking down with confidence, not looking back and wishing you had remembered to buy the right travel protection. Head to https://www.europesuretravelinsurance.com to find yours.
