Top 5 locations for stargazing
Astrotourism is becoming more popular every year. People are willing to travel thousands of kilometers to admire the stars. But which places on Earth are considered the best for this? Let's find out now!
Ain Dubai (250 m)
Ain Dubai, a 250-meter Ferris wheel, is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It is located on the artificial island of Bluewaters. This majestic wheel makes a full turn in 38 minutes and can accommodate 1,750 people. Visitors can enjoy unforgettable panoramic views, including the Dubai skyline. The wheel features 48 air-conditioned and secure 30-square-meter capsules with a capacity of up to 40 people, divided into three categories: observation, social, and private. The capsules can be used day and night to enjoy the sunset view. The social capsules, in addition to the panoramic view, have access to the VIP lounge and bar in its center. These capsules are only for those over the age of 21. Private capsules are available for birthdays, weddings, and business meetings.
High Roller (168 m)
Opened in 2014, the High Roller Ferris wheel was the tallest attraction in the world for a long time. It is located on the Linq Promenade of the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise. In 2021, Ain Dubai surpassed the American giant. The High Roller has 28 spherical, air-conditioned glass capsules with a capacity of up to 40 people. The High Roller Ferris wheel works 24/7 but is sometimes rented for all kinds of events such as corporate parties, weddings, and other events. Notably, a full turn of the wheel takes 30 minutes. Night tickets are more expensive than day tickets because you can enjoy an unforgettable view of glimmering Las Vegas at night.
Singapore Flyer (165 m)
The Singapore Flyer was opened in 2008 on the shores of Marina Bay. The giant 165-meter Ferris wheel attracts many tourists and locals who want to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, one can observe the neighboring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia from the top of the wheel. Each of Singapore Flyer's 28 capsules, which are the size of a minibus, can accommodate 28 passengers. The wheel takes a turn in 30 minutes, during which you can embrace the magnificent bird's-eye view of Singapore. Even though it is no longer the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, everyone can still enjoy fascinating views from its comfortable and air-conditioned capsules.
Star of Nanchang (160 m)
Located in China, the Nanchang Star is also among the world’s tallest Ferris wheels. It is slightly lower than its Singapore rival, reaching a height of 160 meters. Opened in 2006, each of its 60 air-conditioned capsules can accommodate up to 8 people. The Ferris wheel is equipped with beautiful lighting, which impresses visitors with fantastic illumination in the evening. The Star of Nanchang is open 24/7 and can accommodate 380 people per hour. Notably, it is located in the city of the same name. The capsules of the Star of Nanchang are reliable and safe. The wheel takes 27 minutes to complete a full turn. Each capsule is equipped with a powerful AC system. Visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the city, beautiful scenery, and sunset panorama.
Bailang River Bridge Ferris wheel (145 m)
Located on the 540-meter-long bridge over the Bailang River in the Chinese city of Weifang, this unique centreless non-rotating Ferris wheel was opened in 2017. The attraction is equipped with 36 carriages. Each carriage has Wi-Fi and TV and can accommodate 10 people. Thanks to onboard Internet access, tourists can post their photos on social networks. The structure of the wheel is static and its carriages rotate in a circle. This unique Ferris wheel completes a full turn in 28 minutes.
London Eye (135 m)
The London Eye, a 135-meter-tall Ferris wheel, is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Great Britain, located on the banks of the Thames. The highest attraction in Europe was built in 2000 and was originally called the Millennium Wheel. Each of its 32 capsules can hold up to 25 people and it takes about 30 minutes to make a full turn. Rising to the height of a 45-story building, visitors can observe the fascinating views of London and the surrounding area. Until 2008, the London Eye was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world but then gave way to the Singapore Flyer. Currently, the London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions. It offers transparent oval capsules, equipped with air conditioning. Notably, the number of cabins (32) symbolizes the number of suburbs in London. Running 7 days a week, the rotation speed of the London Eye is less than 1 km per hour. The slow speed is necessary to allow visitors to comfortably get in and out of the capsules.
Astrotourism is becoming more popular every year. People are willing to travel thousands of kilometers to admire the stars. But which places on Earth are considered the best for this? Let's find out now!