World's Greatest Elevator Views

This 1,800-foot-tall tower has six glass-sided elevators that whisk visitors to the Look Out Level 1,100 feet above ground in just 58 seconds. Feeling extra adventurous? Hop on the elevator with two glass panels on the floor—a ride not for the faint of heart. (Tickets from $15.)

This “hidden” treasure might technically be for use by hotel guests, but that doesn’t stop non-guests from going on a joy ride. Just walk by the front desk and follow signs that point you to the Tower Elevators. You’ll be treated to a view of surrounding Union Square from 32 floors up. (Free.)

Of the iconic tower’s four double-decker lifts, three—with plenty of windows looking over the Parc du Champ de Mars—haul visitors to the first and second levels, at 187 and 377 feet, respectively. Ready for more? Another glass lift brings guests to the top—540 feet, or 54 stories, off the ground. (Tickets to top from $12.)

The 500-foot-high peak of Bürgenstock—a famous Swiss plateau–cum–lookout point known for its stunning views of Lake Lucerne—is easily reached by a metal-and-glass elevator, which opens onto a viewing platform that actually extends over the plateau’s edge. (Free.)

This lift may rise a mere 95 feet off the ground, but that’s from an elevation of some 1,050 feet—the highest point in the Baltic states. The glass sides allow for views of the Haanja Upland while in motion. And on a clear day, you can see more than 30 miles away. (Tickets from $2.)

Egg-shaped trams that burrow along the length of the Gateway City’s famous arch give travelers a fun glimpse at the inside workings of the structure during the ascent and descent. And of course, there’s the more traditional view of the rest of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and downtown St. Louis from the top. (Tickets from $5.)

Claiming to be the highest (and heaviest) outdoor elevator in the world, this cliffside lift takes brave riders some 1,060 feet above ground. The dizzying views of the surrounding finger-like, tree-covered mountains—not to mention the increasing distance between your feet and the ground—are more than enough to induce a panic attack. (Free.)

The elevator in Tokyo’s Sunshine City 60-story skyscraper may ascend to the 60th-floor observation deck, but the cool view here is inside. As the lift rises, the lights dim, and passengers are treated to a music and light show—think stargazing. (Tickets from $7.50.)

Seattle’s futuristic and skyline-defining structure is also home to an elevator that delivers beautiful views of Washington’s metropolis. As guests climb the 520 feet to the Observation Deck, they’re also treated to panoramas of either Puget Sound to the west or Mount Rainier, south of the city. (Tickets from $11.)

Great views don’t always come from Mother Nature; sometimes they’re man-made. The atrium at this hotel spans the entire height of the building—that’s 50 stories, or 470 feet. Take the elevator to the tippy-top floor, and enjoy a (slightly dizzying) view of the interior space as well as the illuminated 50-foot sail canopy (which changes colors!) from above. (Free.)