Whether you’re an avid photographer, an amorous couple on a date, or just appreciative of a good birds-eye view, you’re never in a short supply of some fantastic views in Seoul so here’s where to go!

For outdoor lovers you’re in for a treat as there are quite a few scenic mountains in, and around, the capital city. Bukhansan, Inwangsan, and Bugaksan are all quite famed for their majestic views of Seoul. Trails along the old Seoul City Wall are great for views usually with less crowds than the mountains. If you have a car, the Bugak Skyway is especially famed for its scenic drives while a stop at the beautiful Palgakjeong, an octagonal traditional Korean pavilion, is a must. Nearby hilly areas such as Buamdong and Pyeongchangdong holds many scenic cafes and restaurants and the Bukchon Hanok Village is already known for its many attractive view spots and photo zones.

You can also opt for a free guided tour by volunteers trained by Seoul city on the Seoul City Walking Tour. These tours are operated by Seoul city on various different courses by guides who can speak a variety of languages. Best of all, these walking tours are free!

For a relatively new park with a view, head out to Haneul Park in Sangamdong. Literally meaning “Sky Park” you’ll need to do a bit of stairs climbing but at the top you’ll be rewarded with some great views of the city. Try and go in the fall when you can catch the reed festival at the top. In northeast Seoul, the peaceful Dream Forest offers a tranquil place to relax and visitors should not miss the Dream Forest Observatory which provides great views of the surrounding mountains such as Dobongsan, Suraksan, and Bukhansan.

Namsan’s N Seoul Tower is already a top attraction but did you know it also houses an upscale restaurant? The N Grill located in the tower is not only a fine dining restaurant but the restaurant actually slowly rotates making it a top choice for romantic occasions. Top Cloud in Jongno Tower is another fine dining restaurant known for its view of downtown Seoul while those looking for a one-stop location for fine dining with a view should head to Yeouido to the 63 Building which houses a Japanese, Chinese, French, and Western style restaurants in its upper floors.

Most all of Seoul’s top luxury hotels have at least one or two excellent restaurant and/or bar known for their views including the Conrad, the Four Seasons, the Grand Hyatt, InterContinental Seoul, JW Marriott Dongdaemun, the Plaza, the Sheraton W Seoul Walkerhill, and more. Many rooftop bars of recent business and boutique hotels have also caught the attention of younger crowds including Hotel Cappuccino and Lotte L7 Myeongdong Hotel.

Seoul is also fortunate to have the Han River bisecting the city and providing some great riverside views. Fradia, the ON River Station, and the Floating Islands of Some Sevit are all venues just on the river that are especially popular in evenings. Did you also know that some of the bridges on the Han River hold cafes? Each bridge café offers a different atmosphere so search the Han River homepage for more information about these exclusive cafes. You can also board the popular Hangang Ferry Cruise or, if you want an even more private setting, you can charter private yachts or boats from venues such as the 700 Yacht Club and the Seoul Marina.

Seoul’s various museums are fantastic on their own but few know that many of them hold rooftop access with spectacular views. The National Museum of Contemporary History has a rooftop with views of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheongwadae, and the surrounding neighborhood that shouldn’t be missed. Same goes for the views of Changdeokgung Palace from the Arario Museum in Space which are exquisite. The views from the rooftop garden of Buk Seoul Museum of Art new Hagye Station, while perhaps not as exciting, is still a popular spot for picture takers.