This was published 2 years ago
The 10 highest structures in the world you can still climb
By Brian Johnston
Petronas Towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. Credit: iStock
At 146 metres, the Great Pyramid of Egypt was the highest structure for 4000 years. While you can no longer climb the pyramid, you can clamber up its record-breaking successors.
LINCOLN CATHEDRAL, LINCOLN, UK
Credit: iStock
In 1300 the spire of Lincoln cathedral (160 metres) became the tallest structure on Earth, knocking the pyramids into second place. Hoofing up 338 narrow and uneven steps inside the tower gets you halfway to the top and provides masterful views over the city and countryside. You'll need ear protection when the bells start ringing. Some tours take you onto the roof. See lincolncathedral.com
ULM MINSTER, ULM, GERMANY
Credit: iStock
A succession of European churches held pole position for centuries and when the spire (161.5 metres) of medieval Ulm Minster was completed it became the world's tallest structure. It remains the world's tallest church spire. Its observation platform is only 70 metres up but you still get a fine view over the old town and Danube River towards the Swiss Alps. See tourismus.ulm.de
WASHINGTON MONUMENT, WASHINGTON DC, USA
Credit: iStock
The recently renovated Washington Monument (169 metres) became titleholder in 1884. This remains the world's tallest stone structure and obelisk. A visit only costs a US dollar, though involves laborious security checks and long lines. A lift carries you upwards in 70 seconds, a big improvement on the 12 minutes it took the original early steam-powered elevator. Views over Washington DC are wonderful. See nps.gov/wamo
EIFFEL TOWER, PARIS, FRANCE
Credit: iStock
By 1889 the Eiffel Tower (317 metres) stood tallest. The first level has an unnerving glass floor, the second level is best for photos over Paris landmarks and has an excellent restaurant. The highest floor, reached by glass-walled lift, is great at dusk and tests your vertigo. It has both indoor and outdoor areas, and only the Eiffel Tower's antenna rises above. See toureiffel.paris
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, NEW YORK, USA
Credit: Evan Joseph Images
By 1929 the Chrysler Building (320 metres) was tallest, the only record-holding structure you can't ascend. It was overtaken only a month later by the Empire State Building (381 metres), notable for its sumptuous Art Deco architecture and as a setting for Hollywood movies. There's an indoor observation deck on floor 102, but the outdoor deck on floor 86 is better. See esbnyc.com
SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, USA
Credit: iStock
New York's World Trade Centre (417 metres) arrived in 1972 but was destroyed in 2001. In 1973 Sears Tower (now called Willis Tower) hit 442 metres. The biggest challenge of the Skydeck on floor 103 is The Ledge, a cantilevered glass box not for the fainthearted. The observation deck is the highest in the USA, with views that extend over four states. See theskydeck.com
CN TOWER, TORONTO, CANADA
Credit: iStock
In 1975 CN Tower (553 metres) became the tallest freestanding structure. A glass-floored lift, which has thrust similar to an aircraft taking off, ascends to the lookout at 346 meters, from which you have access to the unnerving Glass Floor Level. Even higher is the 447-meter Skypod, which sways in high winds. The outdoor EdgeWalk on level 116 is the world's highest external building walk. See cntower.ca
PETRONAS TOWERS, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Credit: iStock
These twin towers (452 metres) opened in 1998, linked halfway up by a double-decker Skybridge that provides impressive panoramas in two directions and allows a close-up look at the Islamic-inspired architecture. Another observation deck on floor 86 hunkers under the impressive twin spires and has well-placed telescopes. There's an interesting exhibit on the buildings on level 83. See petronastwintowers.com.my
TAIPEI 101, TAIPEI, TAIWAN
Credit: iStock
In 2004 Taipei 101 (509 metres) became the record holder and claimed the world's fastest elevators. The building is celebrated for its post-modern design said to resemble a lotus blossom. Level 89 is the viewing floor. Check out the world's largest wind damper which acts as a counterbalance during typhoons. When weather permits, hit the outdoor deck on level 91. See taipei-101.com.tw
BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI, UAE
Since 2010 Burj Khalifa (830 metres) is the tallest freestanding structure and building with the most floors (163), plus the highest restaurant and nightclub. Its observation deck on floor 148 is the world's highest at 555 metres. There are further observations floors at levels 124 and 125 with an outdoor deck. Clever telescopes allow you to see historical views over ever-changing Dubai. See burjkhalifa.ae
Brian Johnston has travelled as a guest of numerous tourism offices and travel companies.
See also: 165 pegs of hell: Australia's scariest tourist attraction
See also: Ten of the best things in Australia you can still climb
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