An observation deck, observation platform, or viewing platform is an elevated sightseeing platform usually situated upon a tall architectural structure, such as a skyscraper or observation tower. Observation decks are sometimes enclosed from weather, and a few may include coin-operated telescopes for viewing distant features.
The Edge at 30 Hudson Yards in Midtown Manhattan, the highest outdoor deck containing optically transparent flooring in the world, looking toward Lower Manhattan, opened in 2020.
View from the Shanghai Tower observation deck.
Visitors on the observation deck of the Skylon Tower, which overlooks Niagara Falls.
The observation deck from the TK Elevator Test Tower, which overlooks Germany's Black Forest and the Alps
An observation tower is a structure used to view events from a long distance and to create a full 360 degree range of vision to conduct long distance observations. Observation towers are usually at least 20 metres (66 ft) tall and are made from stone, iron, and wood. Many modern towers are also used as TV towers, restaurants, or churches. The towers first appeared in the ancient world, as long ago as the Babylonian Empire.
Observation tower in Auersberg, Saxony, Germany
Haukkavuori's observation tower in Kotka, Kymenlaakso, Finland
Kirkkovuori Nature Observation tower, Karstula, Central Finland.
Swan Bells Observation tower, Perth, Australia.
