When you’re not riding any of the three incredible rides (Insanity, X-Scream, and the Big Shot) sitting at the top of the Stratosphere, be sure to stop by the observation deck and enjoy the views off the Stratosphere Tower. The tallest free-standing observation tower in the US, the Stratosphere reaches heights of 1,149 feet and offers absolutely breathtaking views of Las Vegas.

To visit the outdoor observation deck, visitors must ride up 109 floors in an elevator traveling 1800 feet per minute, or three floors per second. The deck, which sits 869 feet high, offers an unparalleled 360 degree view of the Las Vegas Strip, the surrounding valley, and its mountains. Visitors can see helicopters at eye level and peer down at the invisible people and tiny cars on the streets below. Visitors can also get a great view of the various Stratosphere rides, which all look particularly crazy from the observation deck. And at night, the deck provides an incomparable view of all the lights on the Strip. It’s also a great spot for romance, whether you’re capping off a date night or popping the question. You can even have your ceremony right on the observation deck.

The tower also includes a restaurant, The Top of the World, which rotates 360 degrees in an hour and 15 minutes, providing diners a stunning and ever-changing view throughout their meal.  Helmed by Executive Chef Mario Andreoni, The Top of the World features exquisite gourmet dining in a serene and romantic atmosphere. The second floor of the restaurant contains a lounge with live music and intimate alcoves for sipping on cocktails with friends in relative privacy.

In addition to the outdoor observation deck, there is also an indoor deck (a good alternative for rainy days), and a gift shop. Both decks feature quarter-operated telescopes for spotting your favorite Las Vegas landmarks, although the view off the Stratosphere Tower is so amazing, we daresay you won’t need them.