13 incredible Ferris wheels you have to see to believe

The London Eye
London, United Kingdom

A visit to London nowadays just isn't complete without a scenic ride on The London Eye. Joining the London skyline in 2000 and originally called The Millennium Wheel, this 443-foot tall Ferris wheel is London's fourth highest structure, carrying up to 800 passengers in its 32 capsules (meant to represent London's 32 boroughs) on a 30-minute nice-and-easy ride with 360-degree views of the city—on a clear day, you can even see as far as Windsor Castle 25 miles away!

(Photo by Charlotte Leaper/Dreamstime.com)

Deno's Wonder Wheel
Brooklyn, New York

Located on the historic Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York, Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is home to classic carnival rides as well as one of the most terrifying Ferris wheel experiences you'll ever encounter. While you do have the option to board stationary cars and take in views of the Atlantic, the moving cars offer a much more memorable ride. Choose one of the red or blue swinging cars and hold on tight—as the 150-foot tall wheel turns, the cars sway back and forth until the point where they slide down diagonally back to earth, making your stomach drop and leaving you wondering if you'll actually slide right off the Ferris wheel onto the Boardwalk below.

(Photo by Juliane Jacobs/Dreamstime.com)

The Niagara Sky Wheel
Clifton Hill, Canada

What's the best way to catch a glimpse of majestic Niagara Falls? By Ferris wheel of course! Take a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel, located just across the Canadian border in Clifton Hill, for a rare look at the famous Falls from 175 feet above in a comfortable, climate-controlled gondola. American citizens will need a U.S. Passport or Passport Card to clear the border, but it's well worth it for an 8-12 minute ride on Canada's largest observation wheel.

(Photo by Pierdelune/Dreamstime.com)

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
Chicago, Illinois

One of Budget Travel's favorite American Boardwalks is also home to the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel at Pier Park. Become one with the Chicago skyline as you climb 150-feet in one of the ride's 40 gondolas, and take in views of Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), the John Hancock Center, and Lake Michigan—visit this attraction after dark for a chance to see the Chicago city lights really sparkle.

(Photo by Alexandre Fagundes De Fagundes/Dreamstime)

Skyview Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia

Located at the southern end of Centennial Park, SkyView Atlanta takes guests on a 15-minute joyride, making four full revolutions and offering views of downtown Atlanta from 20 stories up. Take a spin on one of 42 fully enclosed gondolas any time of year—the Ferris wheel is only closed two days of the year on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and in cases of inclement weather where high winds and lightning have been spotted in the area.

(Photo by Foreverbluebird/Dreamstime.com)

Texas Star
Dallas, Texas

The Texas Star Ferris Wheel first came on the scene in 1985—28 years later, it still reigns as the tallest Ferris wheel in North America at nearly 21 stories high. Equipped with 45 gondolas, the Texas Star completes 1.5 revolutions every minute and offers amazing views of the Lone Star State—you can even spot the Dallas skyline nearly 40 miles away! You'll have to plan ahead to experience this attraction as it's only available during the State Fair of Texas, this year from Sept. 27th thru Oct. 20th, and during the spring and summer months as part of Summer Adventures in Fair Park. Whenever you decide to go, know that Fair Park is easy to get to—just take the DART Rail Green Line to Fair Park Station near the entrance to the fairgrounds at Parry Avenue.

(Photo by Anthony Aneese Totah Jr/Dreamstime.com)

The Pacific Wheel
Santa Monica, California

Located just 25 minutes from Downtown L.A., Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier is home to the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world, the Pacific Wheel. Towering over the Santa Monica Pier at 130-feet, this powerful wheel makes a whopping 2.5 revolutions every minute and sports more than 160,000 LED lights, dazzling visitors with panoramic views of the beautiful California coast from above while, at night, providing a light show for everyone below.

(Photo by Rolf52/Dreamstime.com)

The Seattle Great Wheel
Seattle, Washington

Perhaps the youngest Ferris wheel on our list, The Seattle Great Wheel opened a little over a year ago on June 29th, 2012, making it the largest on the west coast at 175 feet tall. Extending roughly 40 feet past the end of Pier 57, the wheel carries more than 300 visitors in 42 enclosed gondolas, offering dramatic city views and a bird's-eye view of Elliott Bay and Waterfront Park. The best part: each ride consists of three full revolutions, giving you plenty of time to get the perfect photo from the top.

(Photo by Joyfuldesigns/Dreamstime.com)

The Wheel of Brisbane
Brisbane, Australia

Located in the Cultural Forecourt next to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in the midst of the city's entertainment district, The Wheel of Brisbane carries riders nearly 200 feet above the ground, offering beautiful 360-degree views of the Brisbane city skyline, the Parklands, and the South Bank in air-conditioned gondolas.

(Photo by Vinsphoto/Dreamstime.com)

The Brighton Wheel
Brighton, United Kingdom

The Brighton Wheel is located 90 minutes south of London along Great Britain's southern shore, and features a bird's-eye view of the Sussex coastline from the comfort of your air-conditioned, enclosed capsule nearly 165 feet above sea level. The best part: you'll get to stay onboard for as long as three full revolutions per ride, giving you ample time to absorb the beautiful sea views around you.

(Photo by Ronigs/Dreamstime.com)

Wiener Riesenrad
Vienna, Austria

Originally built in 1897 during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Emperor Franz Josef I, the Wiener Riesenard that stands today is the second version, re-built in 1945 after the first succumbed to a fire. Nowadays, the Giant Ferris wheel stands high above Vienna at nearly 213 feet tall, offering visitors spectacular views of the city below.

(Photo by William87/Dreamstime.com)

Singapore Flyer
Singapore

Rising high above the city at nearly 542 feet tall, the Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in the world as of right now—Dubai is currently working a new design for The Dubai Eye that would top even those heights. Take in gorgeous 360-degree views of Singapore and Marina Bay on this unforgettable ride.

(Photo by Tiberius Dinu/Dreamstime.com)

The Melbourne Star
Melbourne, Australia

Slated to re-open later this year, Australia's Melbourne Star will be one of only three giant observation wheels in the world—the other two being The London Eye and the Singapore Flyer. Guests can expect floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed gondolas that fit up to 20 people, and gorgeous uninhibited views of one of Australia's most vibrant cities.

(Photo courtesy of Valberg Lárusson/Flickr)