Sometimes you need a new perspective and the only way to do it is to get high… above the city, that is. Check out the best places to get a bird’s-eye-view and a new perspective on some of Europe’s most-loved cities. Be sure to take your time while you’re up there and don’t rush, as you may only visit these places once!
London
London Eye
- Crossing an icon and seeing the city off your list.
Paul’s Cathedral
- It’s cramped, but worth the time up. Make those 528 steps count.
Tate Modern
- Head to the restaurant on level 6.
Paris
Top of the Eiffel Tower
- Don’t cheat and take the elevator. It’s worth climbing the 704 steps.
Tour Monparnasse
- This is the ugly building that one sees from the Eiffel Tower. When you’re at the top, the spectacular 360 views become breathtaking.
Parc De Belleville
- Grab a baguette, blanket, and bottle of wine and have a picnic in gardens overlooking Paris.
Prague
Letna Park
- If you have an extra pair of sneakers to get rid of, lace them together and throw them over the wire next to the metronome.
Strahov Monastery (Petrin Hill)
- Probably the best panoramic view of Prague. Worth being a little out of the city center.
Charles Bridge Tower
- It’s easy to miss the entrance and the lack of an elevator helps further deter tourists. Right in the center of the action.
Budapest
Gelert Hill
- Views are everywhere, but head to the Citadella for the best one.
Fisherman’s Bastion
- The towers and terrace offer the best views, but don’t forget to check out the architecture itself.
Stephen’s Basilica
- Feeling lazy? You can get to the dome by elevator and skip the 364 stairs.
Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo
- You can walk or bus here (walk and get gelato along the way). The best time is during sunset, but this place fills up, so head there a little early to get a good spot.
Il Campanile
- Better than climbing to the top of Il Duomo because you can get Il Duomo in your pictures! 414 steps up- so stretch!
Boboli Gardens
- Sculptures, gardens, and a view that overlooks Florence? Doesn’t get much better.
Barcelona
Parc Guell
- Nature, history, architecture and a panoramic view of the city? Yes, please.
Tibidabo
- It’s a bit of a trek to get here, but you get the best view of the city from this mountaintop. As a bonus, there’s a great church and amusement park to check out.
Eclipse Rooftop Bar- W Hotel
- Overlook the beaches of Barcelona while sipping on sangria at this swanky bar. Head there during sunset to watch the city light up.
Bonus views
Venice
- Campanile di San Marco
- Worth every penny to check this view out. Go up just before the hour to watch the bell ring (be warned- it’s VERY loud)!
Nice
- Colline du Chateau
- A 20-30 minute stroll from Old Town. Stop by the cemetery to make the most of it.
Copenhagen
- The Star Flyer at Tivoli Gardens
- Yes, you have to pay to go into the park, but since this is the place that inspired Disneyland, the view alone will feel magical.