Thanks to the “Respect for the Founder” law that probhibited any buildings from being built higher than the brim of Billy Penn’s hat atop City Hall until the 1980’s, Philadelphia has something of a diminutive skyline for one of the biggest cities in the nation.  But that tendancy to build lower to the ground has enabled people to get some great sightlines for photographs, sketches, sightseeing, or just simple quiet contemplation - views that would require climbing to the top of behemoths like the Empire State building to get in New York and other cities.  Here’s are some of the best spots to look down across the City of Brotherly Love from above.  Of course, there are many others, most notably from inside the Zoo Balloon at the Philly Zoo when it reaches its height of 400 feet in the air, and (guess what?) one of the many parking garages in and around old city - hey, there’s no cover and you have a roof to yourself six or seven stories high - but these are what I’d call the best of the best.

1. The Observation Deck at City Hall -  The obvious choice?  Perhaps.  But still enthralling.  The geographic center of William Penn’s city offers great panoramic views facing North, West, and South Philly, as well as out towards the Delaware, from right under Mr. Penn himself (the best view might actually be looking straight up in awe at the nearly 40 foot tall statue). Closed weekends, and on weekdays you need a reservation at the offices in the East courtyard tunnel at the base of the building, so the biggest drawback here is definitely the hassle.  Still, upon taking the elevator up through the clock tower, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.  Try getting reservations as early after 9:30 AM weekdays as possible; they book quickly, but are free.  With the Noon tour you get to go up afterward, but be warned:  while interesting, the tour takes 2 hours.

2.  Belmont Plateau -  “Back in Philly there’s a place called the Plateau” native Will Smith once professed about this West Philadelphia greenspace that’s home to many a barbeque in the Summertime.  Part of the draw no doubt is the picture-perfect view of the entire skyline from this high point in Fairmount Park, gorgeous anytime of year.  In addition to the old Inquirer building and Liberties one and two, the tallest buildings in the city, you should be able to pick out from here the statues atop the entrance gate to the 1876 Centential Exhibition held just down the hill, not to mention the brand new Cyra building, shimmering (on a clear day) in the sunshine.  Climb the hill towards the Belmont Mansion and turn to face most of the city.  Fire up the grill too if you feel like it.  Plenty here open to the public.

3.  The Benjamin Franklin Bridge -  No one way to tackle this one.  Driving over is nice if your a passenger; otherwise be careful and watch the road instead.  Try walking or riding over if you’re feeling ambitious.  The path is open until about six PM daily, with compelling views of the grittier sides of North Philly and Camden.  Know that the wind can get pretty fierce though some days, and riding up to the crest of that mile-long bridge is no easy feat.  Highly recommended is the Hi-speed Line trains, both as a vantage point and as a way to access the Aquarium, Entertainment Center, battleship, and ballfield on the Camden waterfront.  For a few bucks roundtrip, hop into the very front seat of the front car on the train and look out through a wraparound window at the mighty Delaware and the two cities on either side of it from atop one of the biggest bridges in the country.  A secret few know about, this one.

4.  Top Floor of the Kimmel Center -  Not everyone’s aware that atop the smaller concert hall within the new state-of-the-art Kimmel Center on South Broad Street, there’s a small patio with real trees planted indoors under the beautiful skylight.  Looking out through this skylight is a wonderful 360’s shot of the city in a comfortable temperature any time of year, with especially good looks at the Southern end of town, all the way to the stadium complex.  Best to go before, rather than after, your concert though.  The glare from the lights at night makes visablity nearly impossible after sundown.  Luckily the elevator to level four is open up to the public every day.  If its not Monday, take the free tour of the building at 1 PM while your at it, time permitting.  Its well worth the hour, meeting at the information desk six days a week.

5.  The Art Museum -  Climbing the scores of steps that seperate Eakins Oval and the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the beautiful Philadelphia Museum of Art may be the indisputable mark of a tourist, but turn around after an ascent and you might see why Stallone chose this location to film such a well-known scene.  This perspective of City Hall and the building surrounding is probably the best one in town at Sunset on a clear day, with great photo opportunities.  Of course, just around the South edge of the museum, you can look down from an old restored 19th century gazebo onto a recently cleaned up bank of the Schulkyll River and the just-restored historic waterworks, in all there Greek Revival glory, not to mention boathouse row just beyond it.