The United States is the hometown of high-rise buildings. For a long time, skyscrapers have been the symbol of American architecture, and the viewing platform is the best product of skyscrapers. This guide is divided into two parts, taking stock of the American high-altitude viewing platform and exciting and fun high-altitude experience activities. Let you feel the charm of the city’s “forest” from another angle, and be a “senior” player while overlooking the scenery.
High-altitude viewing – the whole city is under your feet
At the beginning of the 20th century, the United States already had strong economic strength and advanced construction technology, and the construction of skyscrapers itself was a good investment. Therefore, capitalists competed to build skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, making the United States. The high-altitude viewing platforms abound.
[New York – Empire State Building] How can I be so embarrassed to say I have been to New York if I don’t go to the Empire
There is no doubt that the Empire State Building is a representative building in New York and even the United States. It is located in central Manhattan and was completed in 1931.
The Empire State Building has two observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. Compared with the 86th floor, the 102nd floor ticket is $20 more expensive (the 80th floor observation deck is $32 for adults, and the 102nd floor observation deck is $52 for adults). Because the height is similar, the scenery seen is almost the same, and the environment on the 102nd floor is a little rough, so most tourists will choose the 86th floor viewing platform.
The 86th floor observation deck is also the location for many movies, such as “Sleepless in Seattle”, “King Kong”, etc. Many movie fans will come here to relive the classic plot.
Tourists can download the Empire State Building Guide App on their mobile phones and choose Mandarin service. It has to be said that the Empire State Building is quite caring for Chinese tourists.
The Empire State Building is also a great place for a marriage proposal or confession. From 9:00 pm to 1:00 am from Thursday to Saturday, there is a romantic saxophone performance, and the player can also play your favorite tune on request, which is very romantic.And the Empire State Building has a bright light show at night, not to be missed.
Hours of Operation: Open year-round, 8:00am to 2:00am, last lift at 1:15am
Address: 350 5th Ave New York, NY 10118
Price: Arrive at the 86th Floor Observation Deck (Adult 32 $26 for children, $29 for seniors); to the Observation Deck on the 102nd floor ($52 for adults, $46 for children, $49 for seniors)
Transportation: Take subway B, D, F, N, Q, R to 34th St. Get off; take bus M2, 3, 4, 5, 32 to 34th St. and get off
Tips:
- It is forbidden to bring tripods, and there is no storage room in the building.
- Children under the age of six are free of tickets, please fold the stroller before entering the elevator.
- The observation deck provides a high-power telescope, you can use the telescope to enjoy the beauty of New York.
[New York – Rockefeller Top of the Rock] Known as the first observation deck in New York
The Top of the Rock observation deck is located on the top floor of the Rockefeller Center. It may not be as familiar as the Empire State Building, but it was named “New York’s No. 1” observation deck by the New York Times!
The observation deck is divided into upper and lower floors. The upper floor has a small area without glass curtain walls and railings, which is more suitable for photography; the lower floor has a large area and is closer to the edge. Although there is a large floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall, it will not obstruct the line of sight and ensure safety. Most tourists will choose the lower floor.
Standing on the observation deck, one side is the Empire State Building as the center, row upon row of skyscrapers, and the other side is the lush Central Park. It’s less crowded than the Empire State Building, and it’s the only place to take pictures of the Empire State Building and its gorgeous nighttime light show. (After all, the biggest disadvantage of the Empire State Building is that it can’t appreciate itself…)
Ice skating downstairs when visiting Rockefeller in winter. Before Christmas, there is also the famous Christmas tree lighting show.
Hours : Open year-round 8:00–00:00, last elevator up at 23:15
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY Entrance on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Price: $34 for adults , $28 for children 6-12, $32 for seniors
Transportation: Take Subway B, D, F or Q to 47th–50th Streets/Rockefeller Ctr; also available 6 to 51st Street; 1 or 9 to 50th Street; N, W or R to 49th Street
Tips:
- The passenger flow will be less from 8:00-10:00 or 22:00-23:00 every day, and the last elevator will go up at 23:15.
- The Empire State Building light show is very beautiful. If you have time and money, you can choose to go on the stage twice during the day and at night.
【New York-World Trade Center One World Observatory】New York’s new landmark taller than the Empire State Building
The new 1 World Trade Center (One World Observatory) is built on the former site of the former World Trade Center that collapsed in the 9/11 incident. It is currently the tallest building in the United States (541 meters), with a total of 104 floors.
Take the elevator to the 102nd floor within 60 seconds. There is a virtual video display of floor-to-ceiling LED technology in each elevator, reproducing the changes from the 16th century to today’s New York, which is very cool.
First come to the 100th floor of the main scene layer, that is, the “discovery layer”, the main scene platform is characterized by the air portal. There’s a 4-meter-wide disc on which you can stand and enjoy live HD footage of the street below.
In the observation restaurant on the 101st floor, there are three different dining options, and the restaurant can be entered with the observation deck ticket.
After reaching the 102nd floor, you will see a video about New York with a very creative ending.
Hours : 9:00am to 8:00pm year-round, last entry at 7:15PM
Address: 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
Price: $32 for adults, $30 for seniors 62 and older , 2 $26 for children ~12 years old
Transportation: Take subway line A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and get off at Fulton St; take subway line E and get off at WorldTrade Center.
Tips:
- Guests will take one of the five dedicated sky pod elevators to the 102nd floor within 60 seconds.
- The characteristic of the New World Trade Building is the combination of virtual and reality, allowing you to experience the charm of technology while viewing the scenery.
【Seattle-Space Needle】Look! UFO on the triangular fork
The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s landmarks, 184 meters high.
If the weather is good, you can overlook the snow-covered Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, Olympic National Park and other sights in the daytime, and in the evening enjoy the sunset over the bay and watch the city gradually shine. If it is Independence Day (7/4 every year) or New Year’s Day, you can also enjoy the fireworks show on the Space Needle.
Although it is an “old” building from 1961, it has a very futuristic feel. From a distance, it looks like a UFO is floating in the air. You can take a lift at a speed of 16 kilometers per hour to reach the top, and the whole journey only takes about 43 seconds.
Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm, open year-round
Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
Price: $22 for adults, $14 for children 5-12, $19 for seniors 65+
Transportation: Self- driving Go there; or take bus 3, 4, 16, 82 to 5th Ave N &Broad St stop, get off and walk.
Tips:
- Due to the large number of visitors, sometimes the queue will last for about an hour, and there are relatively few tourists visiting in the morning.
- Strollers are not allowed to enter, but tripods can be brought in.
High-altitude experience-viewing the sky at the same time
Perhaps there are too many high-altitude observation decks today, and it is really difficult to satisfy some people’s appetite after just looking at the scenery. As a result, some fun and exciting high-altitude activities came into being, allowing you to experience different fun/fear while enjoying the scenery.
【Las Vegas – High Roller Ferris Wheel】The World’s Highest Crazy Wheel
The “High Roller” Ferris wheel is located near Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It is 167.64 meters high, which is 30 meters higher than the “London Eye” Ferris wheel in London, England. Because it is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, it is also known as the “Crazy Wheel”.
It takes about 30 minutes to sit in a lap on the “Hawker”. The Ferris wheel can take up to 40 people in the fully glass-enclosed spherical cabin, which is very spacious and does not feel closed at all.
How to play?
When riding, the cockpit slowly rises, and you can fully enjoy the excitement brought by the “crazy wheel”. The Ferris wheel is located in the heart of Las Vegas, and truly enjoys a dynamic panoramic view of Las Vegas.
Opening Hours: 11:30-2:00am the next day
Address: 3545 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
Price: Daytime Tickets (10:00-18:00) Adults $25, Children 5 years old ( Inclusive)-12 years old (exclusive) 10 dollars, evening ticket (18:00-2:00) Adults 37 dollars, children 5 years old (inclusive)-12 years old (exclusive) 20 dollars
Transportation: Monorail Las Vegas Monorail Line Get off at Harrah’s / The Linq Station or Flamingo / Caesars Palace Station
Tips:
- There is no toilet in the cockpit of the Ferris wheel. It is recommended to solve related problems before riding.
- Tourists can buy drinks and beverages in the Ferris wheel hall, and can bring the Ferris wheel at the same time. Outside beverages are prohibited from entering the cockpit.
3.4 years old (inclusive) and under are free, but can ride for free if accompanied by an adult/guardian who has a ticket.
[Las Vegas – Sky Tower] If you are brave enough, go to the amusement park on the top of the tower
The 383-meter-high Stratosphere tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.
The Yunxiao Tower is divided into indoor and outdoor observation decks. The outdoor observation deck is located at the top of the Sky Tower and is the highest outdoor observation deck in the United States. You can fully enjoy the day and night view of the casino city and the desert sunset. The indoor viewing platform is more intimate, and the wind and rain are not invading while viewing the scenery.
How to play?
The playground at the top of the tower has several exciting high-altitude entertainment items: high-altitude swivel chair insanity, high-altitude diving X-scream and high-altitude jumping machine big shot, the stimulation index increases. At the highest point, there is also a sky-high tower-top roller coaster. If you are brave enough, give it a try.
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:00-22:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00-23:00
Address: 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, Las Vegas, NV, 89104
Price: $13.95/person for sightseeing; $10/person for children, seniors, hotel guests and Nevada residents
Transportation: Take bus DEUCE Road to Las Vegas @ Main (S) stop and get off
Tips:
- The rides at the top of the tower are very exciting. If you have cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it is recommended not to try them.
[Los Angeles – OUE Observation Deck] Open-air glass slide, those who are afraid of heights should be careful
The OUE Skyspace observation deck is the highest open-air observation deck in California, about 304.8 meters above the ground.
From the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, you will have a panoramic view of many representative attractions such as Dodger Stadium and Catalina Island.
How to play?
Here is the world’s first glass slide. Visitors take a glass slide from the 70th floor to the 69th floor, and walk with a blanket! It’s up to you whether you can turn your head and overlook the city’s beauty.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 – 22:30; Friday – Sunday: 10:00 – 23:00. Due to the many changes in this attraction, it is recommended that the official website of the attraction prevail
Address: 633 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Price: USD 26 for adults, USD 23 for children
Transportation: 721 Agatha St, Santa Monica, about 8 minutes walk, 0.3 mile
Tips:
- For the sake of safety, children under the age of 5 cannot book the sky slide, and children under the age of 2 are exempt from tickets for the observation deck.
- The observation deck provides high-power telescopes, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the city.
[Chicago – Willis Tower] Viewing in the hanging glass house, don’t let your legs be soft
Chicago is known as the “hometown of skyscrapers”, with 4 of the top 10 tallest skyscrapers in the United States and the Willis Tower, the tallest building in the world.
Willis Tower is 442.3 meters high and has its most prestigious observation deck on the 103rd floor, 412 meters above the ground. Here, visitors can overlook the city and, on a clear day, have spectacular views of the four states.
How to play?
The observation deck has glass balconies that extend four feet outside the building’s 103rd floor. Standing on the glass balcony and looking down, as if you were in the sky, your legs could not help trembling.
Are you sitting slumped and trembling on stage, or arrogant? Depends on your guts.
Opening Hours: October to February 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, March to September 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. From December 22, 2017 to January 8, 2018, morning 9:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Address: Willis Tower 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
Price: $23 for adults (12 and up), $15 for teenagers (3 to 11), free for children under 3
Transportation: Subway You can take the subway orange line, brown line, pink line, purple line and get off at Quincy/Wells station. By bus, take bus 1, 7, 28, 126, 134, 135, 136, 151, 156 and get off at Adams & S. Wacker stop
Tips:
- Best time to visit: before 10:00 or after 3:00 pm. For sunset views and night views, please arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset time.
- Tripods are not allowed on the viewing platform.
- You can make reservations to dine on the 103rd floor of the Sky deck.
【Chicago-John Hancock Center】Do hanging push-ups, arm strength + guts
Also located in Chicago, the John Hancock Center (John Hancock Center) is as famous as the Willis Tower, with a height of 343.5 meters. The observation deck is on the 94th floor, and visitors can take the elevator to the 94th floor, which is one of the fastest elevators in North America.
There are fewer tourists here than Willis Tower. Due to being closer to the lake, the scenery seen is also somewhat different.
Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink at the Signature Room bar on the 95th floor, while enjoying the breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
How to play?
The most exciting and fun project here is the TILT viewing platform whose glass is inclined 30 degrees to the outside of the building.
Leaning over the glass, visitors overlook the bustling streets and Chicago’s famous skyline in a unique way. Bend over the glass to do a few push-ups, and I don’t know if your arms are shaking from tiredness or weak with fright.
Hours: 9:00-23:00 all year round
Address: 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1330 Chicago, Illinois 60611
Price: $18 for adults, $12 for teens 3-11, free for children under 3
Transportation: By bus Get off at Michigan & Chestnut.
Tips:
- Arrive early in the morning to get to the top the fastest. The least tourists are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Exclusive audio guide, divided into adult version and children version, the guide supports multiple languages.
As far as climbing is concerned, picking a good weather is king. As the saying goes, when the weather is good, you can see far. However, when you climb high on a rainy day, you can see the misty and rainy city, which is also a different feeling. Also, if you go to the open-air viewing platform in winter, you should pay attention to wind protection and warmth.
