The only way to see a city in all its glory is to get a panoramic view of all the landmarks and skyscrapers in one go. You’ve got record-breaking structures in Dubai, neon-lit landmark replicas in Las Vegas, and the iconic concrete jungle that is New York.  

Here are some of the unmissable city skylines across the globe, and how to see them…

Hong Kong

You can’t visit Hong Kong without getting a view of its impressive, skyscraper-saturated landscape – in fact, it’s the city’s biggest must-do. You’ll see clusters of tall buildings backed by mountains, with crystal clear water meandering around them. It’s a truly breath-taking sight, and the best place to see it all is from the Sky Terrace at Victoria Peak. Take the funicular up the steep hill or, if you’re feeling fit, hike up the Morning Trail to the top.

You’ll also get amazing 360 degree views from the Sky100 observation deck which is Hong Kong's highest. Here, you can learn about the landmarks below through virtual reality exhibits, and then grab a drink from the world’s highest bar a few floors above.

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Kowloon Tour – Blue Route, Stop: Sky100

Sky100 Observation Deck Tickets

Dubai

This middle-eastern metropolis is all about the record-breaking skyscrapers and out-of-this-world architecture. Every year a taller, quirkier feat of architectural wonder pops up somewhere in the city. And, because some of them are so huge, you need to be a good distance away to appreciate them. Get amazing views of the the whole of Dubai from its tallest building, The Burj Khalifa. You’ll see the dancing Dubai Mall fountains, the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina and the vast landscape beyond. Or, head to the Burj Al Arab for a landscape view that includes the Burj Khalifa, to really see the height difference between the mammoth building and its surrounding skyscrapers.

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For the Burj Khalifa: City Tour – Red, Stop: The Dubai Mall

New York

The Big Apple’s skyline is one of the most iconic and recognisable in the world. And, to appreciate the vast concrete jungle, you just have to get a sky-high view. Enjoy gorgeous sunset and night time views of the illuminated skyscrapers from the Empire State Building, which is open until 2am most nights. Or, if you want to include the Empire State Building in your panoramic view, head to the One World Observatory. This 541 metre building offers 360 degree views of the surrounding sights, plus immersive virtual reality displays that tell you all about the city’s history.

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Explore Brooklyn Route, Stop: One World Observatory

One World Observatory Tickets

Las Vegas

Vegas has taken some of the world’s major landmarks and conveniently put them all in one place. Statue of Liberty? Tick. Eiffel Tower? Tick. Pyramids of Giza? Tick. See them all in their neon-lit glory by getting up high and enjoying fabulous views over the city. You can either hop on the High Roller, and enjoy a 30-minute revolution over Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Or, for a truly special experience, book a helicopter trip and you’ll get a spectacular Birds-Eye-View of the strip. You can even combine a flight over Vegas with a trip to the Grand Canyon and tick off two once-in-a-lifetime experiences in one go.

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Day Tour – Red Route, Stop: High Roller / LINQ Promenade

High Roller Tickets

Maverick Helicopters Vegas Nights Tickets

London

London’s eclectic skyline is made up of historic landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Big Ben, and shiny new skyscrapers like The Shard and Heron Tower. You’ll get a real insight into how this city has developed over 2,000 years just by looking at the skyline. Enjoy a 30-minute relaxed ride on the London Eye and spot all the landmarks from different perspectives as you travel over the rooftops of London. Or, for an alternative city panorama, head up to Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath in North London to view the city skyscrapers through a mass of trees and parkland.  

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Red Tour, Stop: London Eye

London Eye Tickets

Sorted for your sky-high sightseeing? Tick off these top city skylines and you’ll have seen some of the best views in the world. Check out our bus routes for more inspiration on how to fill the rest of your time in these cities.