85 Sky Tower - Kaohsiung Skyline / 09.03.2024
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85 Sky Tower

4.1
·13k reviews·, Taiwan

Kaohsiung's iconic 85 Sky Tower offers breathtaking city and harbor views from its 74th-floor observation deck.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset hours

Magical city lights emerge

CrowdMedium
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85 Sky Tower - Kaohsiung Skyline / 09.03.2024

85 Sky Tower

Best Time

Sunset hours

Magical city lights emerge

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kaohsiung's iconic 85 Sky Tower offers breathtaking city and harbor views from its 74th-floor observation deck. TikTokReddit

4.1
(13k reviews)

"Impressive views over the city, well worth the visit for a good overview."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Clean Windows for Photos

Windows can be dirty, impacting photo clarity. Manage expectations or try to find cleaner spots.

🚊 Easy Light Rail Access

The tower is a short walk from the light rail, connecting you to Pier 2 and other sights.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

74th Floor Observation Deck

Ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of Kaohsiung, the harbor, and beyond.

TikTokReddit
Unique Architectural Design

Unique Architectural Design

Exterior

Admire the distinctive 'prong' design inspired by the first character of Kaohsiung's name.

InstagramReddit
Sunset & Nighttime Spectacle

Sunset & Nighttime Spectacle

Observation Deck

Witness the city transform as day turns to night, offering a dazzling display of lights.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

To capture stunning cityscapes, aim for sunset or evening hours when the city lights twinkle. Be aware that window cleanliness can impact photo quality, so manage expectations for perfect shots. TikTokInstagram

Navigating Kaohsiung's Tallest

85 Sky Tower is conveniently located near the light rail, making it easy to access from other Kaohsiung attractions like Pier 2. Reddit Consider staying at the hotel for incredible room views. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunset hours
Why
Magical city lights emerge
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Sparkling city views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

值得收藏 高雄的城市風景線🏙️ Kaohsiung Cityscape #kaohsiung #kaohsiungcity #taiwan #taiwantourism #taiwantravel #kaohsiungtravel #dronephotography #photography #city #高雄 #高雄景點 #輕軌 #85大樓 #高雄輕軌 #高流 #高雄音樂流行中心 #城市 #台灣 #空拍攝影 #高雄旅遊
@zeric_huang
3.3K likes • 109.5K views

🎯 Clean Windows for Photos

Windows can be dirty, impacting photo clarity. Manage expectations or try to find cleaner spots. Reddit

🚊 Easy Light Rail Access

The tower is a short walk from the light rail, connecting you to Pier 2 and other sights. Reddit

The earthquake experience when I’m inside Kaohsiung’s tallest building at level 19 (85大樓) #earthquake #taiwan
@xiaojiehung
3.2K likes • 289.6K views
85 Sky Tower Kaohsiung 🫶 Jalan" ne tiap bulan gur ubek" di kota Kaohsiung Taiwan tp gak ada bosannya 😄😄🤭 #Reels #Monetisasi #fbpro @sorotan
amria_renaldy
2 likes • 131 views

🏨 Consider a Hotel Stay

Rooms offer incredible harbor or city views, making for a memorable experience. Reddit

☕ Cafe with a View

Enjoy beverages and local beer at the cafe while taking in the cityscape. Reddit

Designed by the same architectural firm that designed Taipei 101, 85 Sky Tower (高雄85大樓) is an 85-story skyscraper in Kaohsiung (高雄), Taiwan. The building is 347.5 m (1,140 ft) high, and an antenna increases the pinnacle height to 378 m (1,240 ft). Constructed from 1994-1997, it’s the tallest building in Kaohsiung, and the 2nd tallest in Taiwan after the Taipei 101. The design was inspired by ...
niredonahue
51 likes • 3.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Clean Windows for Photos

Windows can be dirty, impacting photo clarity. Manage expectations or try to find cleaner spots. Reddit

🚊 Easy Light Rail Access

The tower is a short walk from the light rail, connecting you to Pier 2 and other sights. Reddit

🏨 Consider a Hotel Stay

Rooms offer incredible harbor or city views, making for a memorable experience. Reddit

☕ Cafe with a View

Enjoy beverages and local beer at the cafe while taking in the cityscape. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(13k reviews)

Reviews Summary

85 Sky Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kaohsiung, especially stunning at sunset and night. While the unique architecture is a highlight, some visitors note that the observation windows could be cleaner for optimal photography. The tower also provides hotel accommodations and on-site amenities like a cafe and bar, making it a multifaceted attraction. InstagramReddit+1

"One of the coolest building in Taiwan. Go on sunset boat cruise for better views from water. And just steps away from 85 Sky Tower is Don Burrito best Mexican we’ve had in Taiwan."

Brian Thomas

"This is an 85 level sky tower with a viewing deck on the 74th Floor. It is also a hotel and has a few shops, a bar and a restaurant. We stayed here and the room had an amazing view of the harbour (or city if you choose that option). Our room was on level 55. The room was spacious with a big marble bathroom all the necessary amenities. We made use of the gym and pool as well. You need a cap to use the pool

Staff weren’t overly friendly, at check in they were efficient and ‘routine’. The staff helping to get cabs were the best.

We appreciate our late check out of 1pm.

The area is a short walk to the light rail which gets you to pier 2 easily. Walking distance to a station as well."

Sarah charles (Thewhereto)

"Impressive views over the city. For an observation deck, it would have been nice to have outside space. Windows bit dirty for taking proper photos. We'll worth the visit though when visiting the town as it gives you a good overview of the city."

Pavel Ollitervo-Murphy

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Unique architecture
Convenient location

What People Dislike

Dirty observation windows

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

85 Sky Tower is easily accessible via Kaohsiung's light rail system, with a station conveniently located nearby. It's also within walking distance of other public transport options, making it simple to reach from various parts of the city. Reddit

Yes, the tower is a short walk from the light rail, which provides easy access to popular spots like Pier 2 Art Center. Reddit

Yes, taxis are readily available, and staff at the tower can assist with hailing one. Reddit

The light rail is a highly recommended and efficient way to explore Kaohsiung, with 85 Sky Tower being a central point on its network. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's common for large buildings in Taiwan to have underground parking facilities. It's advisable to check with the building management or hotel directly for the most accurate information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the observation deck is approximately 250 NTD per person, which includes access via a fast elevator. Reddit

The observation deck is typically open during daytime and evening hours, with specific times often extending into the night to allow for sunset and city light views. It's best to check the official website or inquire locally for the most current hours. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for the observation deck, and tickets can be purchased on-site. However, during peak seasons or holidays, it might be a good idea to check if online booking is available. Reddit

Yes, there is a bar and a cafe on-site, offering refreshments and food with city views. Reddit+1

Absolutely! The observation deck is open to the public, and you can purchase tickets to ascend and enjoy the panoramic views. Reddit+1

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

Besides the observation deck, the building houses a hotel, shops, a cafe, and a bar. Some visitors have also utilized the gym and pool if staying at the hotel. Reddit

Many visitors note that the observation windows can be quite dirty, which may affect the clarity of photos. It's advisable to be patient and look for the cleanest sections. Reddit

You'll get impressive views over Kaohsiung City, the Love River, and the Kaohsiung Harbour. The night view is particularly recommended. Reddit

While the views are stunning, the dirty windows can be a challenge for photographers. However, the unique architecture and cityscapes, especially at sunset and night, offer great photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagramReddit

The observation deck is accessed by a fast elevator that travels at speeds of up to 600 meters per minute. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe that serves food and beverages, including local Kaohsiung beer. Reddit Some reviews also mention a restaurant. Reddit

The cafe offers hot and cold beverages, food, and local Kaohsiung beer, providing a pleasant spot to relax while enjoying the views. Reddit

Yes, there is a bar located within the building, offering a place to enjoy a drink with a view. Reddit

Just steps away from 85 Sky Tower, you can find Don Burrito, which is highly recommended for Mexican food. Reddit

If you are staying at the hotel, breakfast is likely available. For visitors to the observation deck, the cafe offers refreshments and food throughout the day. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset and nighttime offer the most dramatic views with the city lights. Drone photography can also capture the tower's unique structure from afar. TikTokInstagram

The observation deck provides panoramic city views, but dirty windows can be a challenge. The unique architecture of the building itself is also a great subject. InstagramReddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive cityscapes. If shooting at night, a tripod can help with low-light conditions, though it may be difficult to use on a crowded observation deck. TikTok

Yes, if you stay in a room with a city or harbor view, you'll have excellent opportunities for photography directly from your window. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or commercial use might require special permits. It's always best to check with building management if you have specific plans. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting 85 Sky Tower can be an exciting experience for families. The high-speed elevator ride to the observation deck is often a thrill for children. Reddit The panoramic views offer a great opportunity to point out different parts of the city and talk about geography. While the windows might be a bit dirty, the sheer scale of the view is usually captivating enough for younger visitors. Reddit

Consider visiting during the day for clearer visibility of the city's features, or in the early evening to see the transition to night lights. The cafe on the observation deck offers a place for a quick snack or drink, which can be helpful for keeping kids happy. Reddit The tower's proximity to the light rail also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly attractions like Cijin Island or Pier 2 Art Center. InstagramReddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, 85 Sky Tower presents a unique challenge and reward. The architectural design itself is a compelling subject, especially when viewed from different angles around the city. Instagram+1 The observation deck offers vast urban and harbor panoramas, ideal for capturing cityscapes. TikTokReddit The best times for photography are undoubtedly sunset and after dark, when the city lights create a magical glow. InstagramReddit

Be prepared for potentially dirty windows on the observation deck, which may require some patience to find clear spots or post-processing to enhance your shots. Reddit Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views. If you're staying at the hotel, rooms with city or harbor views offer excellent, unobstructed photography opportunities directly from your window. Reddit Drone photography, if permitted and feasible, can also yield stunning aerial shots of the tower and its surroundings. TikTok

✈️ Day-Trippers

If you're on a day trip to Kaohsiung, 85 Sky Tower is a must-visit for a quick yet impactful experience of the city's scale. Its central location and easy access via the light rail make it a convenient stop. Reddit Allocate about 1-2 hours to ascend, enjoy the views, and perhaps grab a quick coffee or drink at the cafe. Reddit

Aim to visit around sunset to maximize your visual experience, seeing the city transition from day to night. InstagramReddit Combine your visit with a stroll along the Love River or a trip to Pier 2 Art Center, both easily reachable by the light rail. Reddit This ensures you get a great overview of Kaohsiung without taking up too much of your limited travel time.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel of 85 Sky Tower

The 85 Sky Tower in Kaohsiung is not just another skyscraper; it's an architectural statement. Designed by C.Y. Lee, the same firm behind Taipei 101, its distinctive 'prong' design features two 39-floor sections that merge into a single central tower topped with a spire. This unique structure reaches a height of 347.5 meters (1,140 ft), with the antenna extending it to 378 meters (1,240 ft). Instagram The design cleverly incorporates a large space below the central tower, inspired by the first character of Kaohsiung's name, adding a layer of cultural significance to its modern form. Reddit

The building's construction, spanning from 1994 to 1997, made it the tallest building in Kaohsiung and the second tallest in Taiwan at the time of its completion. Its presence has significantly shaped the Kaohsiung skyline, making it an iconic landmark. Instagram Visitors often comment on its striking appearance from various angles, especially during sunset. Instagram The tower also serves multiple purposes, housing a hotel, shops, and the popular observation deck, making it a multifaceted destination within the city. Reddit

Experiencing the Views from the Top

The primary draw for many visitors to 85 Sky Tower is the observation deck on the 74th floor. This vantage point offers unparalleled panoramic views of Kaohsiung City, the bustling Kaohsiung Harbour, and the winding Love River. Reddit The ascent is made swift and smooth by a high-speed elevator, capable of reaching speeds of up to 600 meters per minute, adding a touch of modern thrill to the experience. Reddit

Travelers often recommend visiting during sunset or in the evening to witness the city transform into a dazzling spectacle of lights. TikTokInstagramReddit While the views are consistently praised, some visitors note that the windows can be dirty, which might hinder perfect photography. Reddit Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall experience of seeing the city spread out below is considered well worth the visit, providing a comprehensive overview of Kaohsiung's urban landscape. Reddit

Beyond the View: Amenities and Stay

85 Sky Tower offers more than just a sky-high perspective. For those seeking an extended experience, the building features a hotel where rooms on higher floors provide spectacular harbor or city views, turning a simple stay into a visual feast. Reddit Guests can also take advantage of amenities like the gym and pool, though a cap is required for pool use. Reddit

For a more casual visit, the tower includes shops, a cafe, and a bar. The cafe is a popular spot to relax with a drink or a snack while enjoying the cityscape, and it even serves local Kaohsiung beer. Reddit The presence of these facilities means visitors can easily spend a few hours exploring the tower, enjoying refreshments, and soaking in the atmosphere without needing to leave the building. Reddit+1

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