The Santa Justa Lift or Carmo Lift is an elevator that opened in 1899, connecting the lower streets of Baixa to Carmo Square. Because Lisbon has so many hills, an elevator like this one is very practical in reaching new heights.

Travel, CityYafen LiangSeptember 8, 2021travel, city, europe, santa justa lift, lisbon, lisboa, portugal, elevador de carmo, bairro alto, viewpoint, view, views, birdseye, birdseye view, carmo lift, baixa, carmo squareComment

Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Lisbon, Portugal

A low-key and free terraced spot with amazing views of the Tagus River and the red rooftops of Lisbon. It’s nestled along the 28 tram and proves a beautiful respite from hill-climbing and exploring. This vantage point provides sweeping views of Lisbon from the Alfama neighborhood and is rather popular with visitors.

Travel, CityYafen LiangSeptember 6, 2021travel, city, lisbon, lisboa, miradouro de santa luzia, views, view, birdseye, birdseye view, tagus river, tagus, river, roof, europeComment

View from Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It’s not often that one raves about the views from a hotel but with the lobby at 40 stories from ground level, the Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin offers fantastic views of the city, almost rivaling the Petronas Tower. Emphasis on almost.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 15, 2021travel, city, malaysia, kuala lumpur, kl, hotel, element, breakfast, views, view, birdseye, birdseye view, petronas tower, petronas, tower, westinComment

Bird's Eye View in Bern, Switzerland

This view is obtained from the bell tower in the Cathedral of Bern. There are comprehensive 360 degree views, featuring the city scape of Bern, the Aare River, the Bernese Alps, and more. Visitors won’t be disappointed with the panoramic landscape.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 23, 2020travel, city, bern, switzerland, birdseye view, birdseye, view, views, aare river, alps, cathedral, cathedral of bernComment

The Cathedral of Bern in Bern, Switzerland

The Cathedral of Bern, the largest and arguably the most important late gothic building in Switzerland, boasts many architectural wonders and details for the eyes to unravel. As with most old churches, it offers amazing views from the top. Just 312 steps brings you to the top where you can see the Bernese Alps in the distance and the cityscape.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 22, 2020travel, city, bern, switzerland, cathedral, cathedral of bern, belltower, view, views, birdseye, birdseye viewComment

Museggmauer in Lucerne, Switzerland

This old city wall with nine towers was build in the 13th century to protect the town. As the town grew, the wall also grew to about 800 meters and with more towers. It’s one of the best preserved defensive walls in Switzerland. Some of the towers are open and provide amazing views of the town and the lake. Others are still functioning, mostly as guild headquarters.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangNovember 28, 2019travel, nature, switzerland, museggmauer, lucerne, wall, tower, towers, views, birdseye, birdseye view, belltower, alpsComment

Street Views in Naples, Italy

Naples is without a doubt, a gritty city. From a bird’s eye view, the wide roads and colorful buildings look well kept, rolling down from the hill towards the water. A beautiful view of Mount Vesuvius echoes in the distance. One might mistake it for a southern Italian paradise. Unlike the picturesque Capri, Amalfi Coast, or even Sorrento, Naples is a rough around the edges, lived in city. The locals may speak little to no English. You’ll bend your ear to make sense of the few words you may have studied before landing here. This place isn’t catered to tourists. Nor should it be.

Travel, CityYafen LiangJuly 21, 2019travel, city, naples, italy, street views, birdseye view, birdseye, coastComment

Street Views in Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii was an ancient roman city, best known as the city buried under ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. While the ruins are well preserved and sees many visitors annually, the modern city of Pompeii on the periphery of the ruins is a bustling place, catering to tourists. Shops and restaurants line the street main street and if you are patient enough, you may spot the locals about their business.

City, TravelYafen LiangJuly 4, 2019city, travel, pompeii, italy, birdseye, birdseye viewComment

Turó de les Tres Creus in Barcelona, Spain

From the Turó de les Tres Creus, which is located in Park Güell, you can see a magnificent 360 degree view of Barcelona, stretching from the mountains to the sea. The structure itself is made of stacked stones and three crosses. It's a bit of a trek from Park Güell, but not impossible to walk up the paved pathways.

City, TravelYafen LiangJune 30, 2018city, barcelona, turo de les tres creus, spain, three crosses, views, birdseye view, birdseye, view, cityscape, park guell, park, hikeComment