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

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical city lights emerge
85 Sky Tower
Best Time
Magical city lights emerge
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kaohsiung's iconic 85 Sky Tower offers breathtaking city and harbor views from its 74th-floor observation deck.
"Impressive views over the city, well worth the visit for a good overview."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
74th Floor Observation Deck
Ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of Kaohsiung, the harbor, and beyond.
Unique Architectural Design
Exterior
Admire the distinctive 'prong' design inspired by the first character of Kaohsiung's name.
Sunset & Nighttime Spectacle
Observation Deck
Witness the city transform as day turns to night, offering a dazzling display of lights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating Kaohsiung's Tallest
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🏨 Consider a Hotel Stay
Rooms offer incredible harbor or city views, making for a memorable experience.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy beverages and local beer at the cafe while taking in the cityscape.
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.
🚊 Easy Light Rail Access
The tower is a short walk from the light rail, connecting you to Pier 2 and other sights.
🏨 Consider a Hotel Stay
Rooms offer incredible harbor or city views, making for a memorable experience.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy beverages and local beer at the cafe while taking in the cityscape.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, the tower is a short walk from the light rail, which provides easy access to popular spots like Pier 2 Art Center.
Yes, taxis are readily available, and staff at the tower can assist with hailing one.
The light rail is a highly recommended and efficient way to explore Kaohsiung, with 85 Sky Tower being a central point on its network.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, there is a bar and a cafe on-site, offering refreshments and food with city views.
Absolutely! The observation deck is open to the public, and you can purchase tickets to ascend and enjoy the panoramic views.
🎫 🏙️ 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.
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.
You'll get impressive views over Kaohsiung City, the Love River, and the Kaohsiung Harbour. The night view is particularly recommended.
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.
The observation deck is accessed by a fast elevator that travels at speeds of up to 600 meters per minute.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe that serves food and beverages, including local Kaohsiung beer.
Some reviews also mention a restaurant.The cafe offers hot and cold beverages, food, and local Kaohsiung beer, providing a pleasant spot to relax while enjoying the views.
Yes, there is a bar located within the building, offering a place to enjoy a drink with a view.
Just steps away from 85 Sky Tower, you can find Don Burrito, which is highly recommended for Mexican food.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Yes, if you stay in a room with a city or harbor view, you'll have excellent opportunities for photography directly from your window.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. 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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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. 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. Drone photography, if permitted and feasible, can also yield stunning aerial shots of the tower and its surroundings.
✈️ Day-Trippers
Aim to visit around sunset to maximize your visual experience, seeing the city transition from day to night. 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. 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 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. Visitors often comment on its striking appearance from various angles, especially during sunset. The tower also serves multiple purposes, housing a hotel, shops, and the popular observation deck, making it a multifaceted destination within the city.
Experiencing the Views from the Top
Travelers often recommend visiting during sunset or in the evening to witness the city transform into a dazzling spectacle of lights. While the views are consistently praised, some visitors note that the windows can be dirty, which might hinder perfect photography. 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.
Beyond the View: Amenities and Stay
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. 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.
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