We started with 12 iconic views, but who could stop there? Each of these views is just as deserving of a spot on your short list.
Vatican City from St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Square, and Rome beyond, takes on new dimensions when seen from above.
Rome photo by tartlette
National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial
The Washington Monument in D.C. is twice as impressive when reflected.
Washington, D.C. photo by mh75
Denali from a Flightseeing Plane
To guarantee a clear view of mighty McKinley's peak, ascend above Alaska's clouds.
Denali photo by ramcgraw
Rio de Janeiro from Pão de Açúcar
Both levels of Sugarloaf Mountain afford stunning looks over Rio’s mountains and sands.
Rio de Janeiro photo by Stephanie Shaner
Lake Wakatipu from the Skyline Gondola
Hugged by the Remarkables range and the city of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu is one of the most striking sights in a very striking country.
Queenstown photo by Erin_on_an_adventure
Fez Medina from the Borj-Nord Museum
With Fez’s potteries marked by black smoke (and its tanneries by strong smells), this view of the medina and its minarets is unforgettable.
Fez photo by michaelhudson
Ngorongoro Crater from the Rim
A traveler’s first peek at Ngorongoro Crater belies the wildlife-filled ecosystem within but puts the world's biggest whole volcanic caldera on full view.
Tanzania photo by Ryan's Dad
Lake Tahoe from a Hot-Air Balloon
Lake Tahoe, California, offers the unique experience of inflating and launching a hot-air balloon right on the water.
South Lake Tahoe photo by hellotmf
Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand
This classic view of Table Mountain lures photographers to Bloubergstrand’s windy beach.
Cape Town photo by Willie Wandrag
Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero
From the vantage point of the Trocadero, the Eiffel Tower can loom over you—or you over it.
Paris photo by aviron7