Ferris wheels offer a unique view of the world. These marvelous structures carry passengers far above for a breathtaking view of down below. The heights might seem intimidating for some, but there's a Ferris wheel for every traveler, from the most adventurous to those who prefer a bit more caution. To experience the world like never before, consider a tour of the best Ferris wheels on earth.
Found in the heart of England, the London Eye is truly a masterpiece. An iconic part of London, this Ferris wheel offers heart-stopping views stretching from beautiful Buckingham Palace to exciting Canary Wharf. The London Eye has spacious gondolas housing up to 25 people, so you won’t feel crowded as you ride. The panoramic views are fantastic and combined with the 30-minute rotations, nothing is holding you back from seeing everything you want. Nearby, you’ll have access to world-class restaurants and incredible shopping.
The oldest Ferris wheel in the world, dating back to 1897, is found in Vienna, Austria. This wonder of construction is set in an idyllic environment with plenty of dining options to embrace yourself in Austrian cuisine. If you’d rather eat aboard the wheel, you can absolutely do so; there are full meals available while riding. On Wiener Riesenrad—in English referred to as the "Vienna Giant Wheel"—you’ll have spectacular views of dramatic nature stretching all the way from the Alps to picturesque Vienna.
“A city from the future” is a common way of describing Singapore, and the same goes for its extraordinary Ferris wheel, Singapore Flyer. It closely resembles a luxury hotel with its capsules mirroring grand suites and butler service. Singapore’s skyline is stunning, with modern buildings stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s ideally enjoyed from inside the Ferris wheel. Not far away, you’ll find both award-winning luxury dining and humble Singaporean street food.
It’s no surprise that America is home to the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. The High Roller Ferris wheel in Vegas clocks in at a staggering 550 feet. This alone secures its title of being one of the best in the world, but there are other features to enjoy. Located in the heart of Las Vegas, it offers eye-catching views of the sparkling city. Nearby, you can eat at some of the world’s best restaurants, gamble in world-class casinos, or delight in any of the other million exciting things the city offers its visitors.
In hectic Tokyo, you’ll find the largest Ferris wheel in the world with a diameter of 200 feet. It dashes through the city's open center, making the experience one-of-a-kind. Through its glass-walled pods, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Tokyo while listening to the fitted touch screens featuring Japanese music. It's located in a theme park called Tokyo Dome, which offers plenty of thrilling rides for everyone.
After nearly a decade of construction, retooling, and reworking, this modern marvel is one of the largest observation wheels in the world. Found in the Docklands just outside Melbourne’s city center, the Melbourne Star Ferris wheel offers fantastic views of Melbourne’s impressive skyline and cityscape. Heavily influenced by the Ferris wheels of the 19th century, Melbourne Star is, to say the least, unique. The Docklands is one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas with many other fabulous attractions and enticing restaurants.
To fully take in the magnitude of dramatic Niagara Falls, you’ll need a higher vantage point. The Niagara SkyWheel is there to do the job. Located on the Canadian side of the Falls, this Ferris wheel is 175 feet tall, offering quick 12- to 15- minute rides to help you better appreciate one of the true wonders of nature.
Opened in the spring of 2015, the Orlando Eye is among the world’s newest Ferris wheels. This sleek structure is a whopping 400 feet high and features thirty gondolas made to resemble the ski lift design. As a plus, the capsules are air-conditioned to help you escape the searing summer heat. Orlando Eye is the Eiffel tower of Orlando’s I-Drive 360, a newly built area with top tourist attractions such as SeaWorld and Disney World.
Found in the scenic Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, this old-school Ferris wheel rises high above the earth. Although it’s a classic in most ways, it’s still one of the highest wheels in Europe. The Eurowheel is partly famous for its 50,000 light bulbs that sparkle beautifully in the night. Close, you’ll find picturesque Ravenna, a beautiful town where you can stroll around late Roman architecture and enjoy tasty Italian cuisine.
Again, the Japanese strike us with yet another exciting Ferris wheel. This one is located in the Yokohama amusement park and stands nearly 400 feet high. It features 60 small gondolas, each carrying up to eight passengers. They're the perfect size for the whole family. Cosmo Clock 21 has outstanding views of Yokohama Bay, and if the weather allows, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji.