Reach dizzying heights

As motorsport fans the world over rev up for the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur in little over a week, we were inspired by the spectacular backdrop of the Petronas Towers to track down some of the tallest and most spectacular spots from which to look down on the world. A great view of any city is worth the flight price alone. Whether you’re looking for a classic view, a hair-raising experience or a certificate for reaching the highest point in the world, Cheapflights suggests skyscrapers and vantage points to suit all tastes.

Visit New York, Kuala Lumpur, Arizona, Shanghai or Dubai and look down on bustling cities, or a vast open space, from only £315 per person.

The classic New York observation deck

The Empire State Building is a classic location when it comes to observation decks. This is New York’s must-see attraction – which held the award as the world’s tallest building for over 40 years. The viewing platform has been visited by over 110 million people and offers 360-degree views over the city’s sparkling lights. Over the years it has played host to memorable cinematic moments, including famous scenes from “An Affair to Remember”, “Annie Hall”, “King Kong” and ”Manhattan”. Despite younger (and taller) challengers, the Empire State continues to be a magical setting for visitors from across the globe. Visitors can experience the Hollywood movie feeling from £16 per person.

Cheapflights is offering return flights from London Heathrow to New York from £389 per person. This offer is valid for travel until 30 April 2013.

Visit a double skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur

If the Malaysian Grand Prix fires up your appetite for high-octane thrills, why not head to Kuala Lumpur and take a trip up the Petronas Twin Towers – the platform for Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking BASE jump in 1999 –named the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 – 2004? On top of each tower is a pinnacle standing 73.5 metres tall which took 19 weeks to construct. The towers feature a double decker skybridge connecting the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors – the highest two story bridge in the world and backdrop for the 1999 film, “Entrapment”. Visitors can brave the dizzying heights from just £8 per person.

Cheapflights is offering return flights from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur from £519 per person. This offer is valid for travel until 31 August 2013.

Enjoy a view out of the city in Arizona

Head to the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona, a glass walkway above a three-quarters of a mile drop. The horseshoe-shaped observation deck extends 70ft beyond land. Owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe, the structure cost £18 million to construct. Future plans for the Grand Canyon Skywalk complex include a movie theatre and a high-end restaurant called The Skywalk Café – where visitors will be able to dine outdoors at the canyon’s rim. The deck attracts 200,000 visitors each year. Visitors can marvel at the drop as they walk on glass from £28 per person.

Cheapflights is offering return flights from London Heathrow to Arizona from £542 per person. This offer is valid for travel until 20 June 2013.

Shanghai - The world’s highest tower

Visit Shanghai World Financial Centre to experience the tallest observation centre in the world. The skyscraper is located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China – and offers views from 474 metres above ground level. The view is so outstanding, visitors will need to visit at both dawn and dusk. Priced from £10 per person the World Financial Centre offers the highest vantage point for your money of our five contenders.

Cheapflights is offering return flights from London Heathrow to Shanghai from £483 per person. This offer is valid for travel until 20 June 2013.

Head downtown in Dubai for an unforgettable view

Shanghai might hold the record for the world’s highest observation deck, but the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest building. This skyscraper is the centrepiece of Downtown Dubai. Surrounded by shopping centres, hotels and entertainment complexes, a trip to the Burj Khalifa is a whole day out. The vantage level is on floor 124 and is known as ‘At the Top’. Soar ten metres per second up the world’s tallest building from £20 per person – but, at that speed, maybe save lunch for when you’re back on the ground.

Cheapflights is offering return flights from London Heathrow to Dubai from £315 per person. This offer is valid for travel until 20 June 2013.

For further information, or to book any of these offers, visit Cheapflights.co.uk.