What the Paris Olympics told me…
Some European cities are magical. From high up they are fantastical. I hate heights, but panoramas tell a story like no other. Watching the Paris Olympics made me reconsider climbing or riding to heights to catch the best views. From the air, wow’s are wow er.
In Paris you can climb up to the basilica of Sacre Coeur for views from the highest natural point on a hill. You can climb the Arc de Triomphe for a panorama of the ladder like boulevards. Those without vertigo have more 3 choices on the Eiffel Tower: first floor, second floor and summit. The first has a glass floor, the second has the famous Michelin starred Jules Verne Restaurant and the Summit at 276 meters has 2 parts, one open air and one sheltered for hair style lovers.
In London there is the London Eye. In about 30 minutes on the carousel you’ll see the entire layout of London, the Thames and way into the distance. The glass windowed pods move very slowly and do not shake. I hate carousels; this was worth the trembling and not at all scary. Most tourists do not know the cable car sponsored by Emirates over the Thames. This is another great way to catch views over the Eastern part of London and the river.
When you visit a city, a real view is so much more than a paper map. You understand why ancient settlers made an area home. You see the tops of monuments not just the facades. You get the general layout, from medieval centers to ultra modern suburbs.
Pisa, yes it leans, but you can go to the top. From the top you’ll see the enormous Pisan Cathedral and Baptistry, plus ancient walls and street markets beyond. Yes it has been reinforced from the bottom so don’t worry. Florence offers climbs in and out of town. In town you have the climb to Duomo and to Giotto’s Bell Tower. Outside Florence, you have Boboli and Bardini Gardens high enough to share gorgeous views.
Mexico City Pyramids. They are a challenge; you might get up but coming down is terrifying. In town is the Torre Latinoamerica’s 44 floors. It can be too busy to enjoy but offers great views.
Yucatan: no more climbing of the large pyramid in Chichen Itza. Our guide told us that at the year 2000, so many climbed the pyramid, it suffered great destruction. So looking at this one and other remote pyramids is the thrill on our Yucatan tour.
Rome’s St. Peters can be climbed. Part of the way is by elevator from which you can look down on the church and mosaics. The remaining 320 steps are a slanted and narrow, bending around the circular cupola. You need concentration and time and sure footedness. From the top is the entire city of Rome, laid out in a elegant way unimaginable.
Dubai has the famous Burj Khalifa. My experience is it is crowded, lots of lines, but worth the sights. An even better view is the one from your plane as you land near the azure Persian Gulf. Don’t forget airplane landings, they give the best views of all. Travel Tips from award winning The Women’s Travel Group, we visit many of these places in 2024-2025 See our tours here. Put yourself on the mailing list here.
