Best observation decks

A guest rides the SkySlide during the OUE Skyspace. Photo / Getty Images

1 Skyslide, LA

It's scary enough walking across a glass-bottomed viewing platform, but LA's Skyslide takes it to the next level. This terrifying glass tube is attached to the outside of the US Bank Tower in downtown Los Angeles and opened to the public last year. Perched 304m above the ground, it's a steep thrillride from the 70th to the 69th floor.

2 Sky Tower

Kiwis — the people, not the bird — are great with heights. It's practically in our DNA. At Auckland's SkyTower, there are two exhilarating experiences for both locals and tourists. The SkyWalk is a 360 degree walk around the outside ring of the Sky Tower, with a 192m drop below. Orthe truly brave can take it further with a leap of faith. The SkyJump is a bungee-like plunge off the side — definitely not for the faint of heart.

3 Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai

China debuted its own skywalk last year at Shanghai's Jin Mao Tower. The transparent walkway sits on the 88th floor of the tower, a staggering 340m above the ground, and runs for 60m. Aside from the adrenalin rush, the experience offers stunning views of the city's economic hub. It's believed to be the world's highest outdoor, handrail-free walkway on a skyscraper.

4 British Airways i360, Brighton, England

Located in the seaside town of Brighton, the i360 is the tallest moving observation tower in the world and was designed by the team behind the London Eye. It's also the world's first vertical cable car, with a glass viewing pod that takes 200 guests 121m above the ground. At the top, you're treated with spectacular panoramic views over Brighton, the South Downs and the English Channel. On a clear day, it's possible to see the Isle of Wight, 79km to the west.

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