Stargazing · WORLDWIDE
A working observatory is a different proposition from a portable scope on a hillside. These 15 cover Greenwich, Teide, Mount John and the rest, with entry prices, which ones run after dark and which are daytime tours of the domes.
Review of the Royal Observatory Greenwich ticket, including the Prime Meridian, historic astronomy rooms, London views, access tips, and value.
“The signs from Cutty Sark Station are confusing and made use a little late, apart from that the visit was very enjoyable, staff very knowledgable and approachable. Thank you.”
Hike Griffith Park to Mount Hollywood, spot the Hollywood Sign, and reach Griffith Observatory with a local guide.
“I struggled on the way up but am so glad I kept going. Our guide, Michael, was very patient and had plenty of cold water on hand for us. He told us a bunch of interesting stories about Griffith Park, Observatory and the Hollywood sign. He also gave us a bunch of good recommendations for several places in and around Hollywood. Would highly recommend this tour.”
Review of Tenerife’s Mount Teide Observatory tour, with solar telescopes, astrophysics, practical tips, price advice, and honest drawbacks.
“Absolutely excellent, we had a wonderful time and learned so much about the observatory on site and the science of astrophysics. The guide was really enthusiastic and clearly passionate about the subject, and was able to answer lots of questions from the group. We really enjoyed being able to see the sun's corona and sun spots through the tescopes that were set up and learning more about the different scopes that were on site.”
Review of LA’s 90-minute Hollywood night tour, with Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, guides, costs, and practical tips.
“The weather was a bit chilly. It would be a good idea to have some blankets. Other than that everything was perfect.”
Visit Greenwich’s Royal Observatory, stand on the Prime Meridian, see historic clocks, enjoy London views, and explore nearby free museums.
“too far to walk for anyone over 50, not remotely handicap accessible, no real guide, not well laid out, poor use of your time, everything here can be seen better and easier on the internet.”
Griffith Observatory Insider Tour review covering guides, exhibits, Hollywood Sign views, parking, planetarium value, and who should book.
“Estevan was great. He made the experience fun for the whole family. Kids were very engaged and the adults were getting some higher level information. The observatory was really cool as well but having a guide seemed to be critically important. Give yourself time for parking.”
Explore Griffith Observatory with an insider guide, city views, a 40-minute planetarium show, and practical tips for a $52 visit.
“We had a great tour - our guide was very knowledgable and able to answer all my son's questions and also provide us with fun facts about the observatory and its history.”
Review of the Griffith Observatory guided hike, with Hollywood history, film sites, city views, practical tips, and honest advice on value.
“I was too exhausted to make the entire hike, but our tour guide. Katie was absolutely wonderful, and gave me some wonderful insight into Griffith Park, and also the observatory, which I was very grateful for. !!! so I would recommend it, but only for the sturdy hikers…”
Review of Seattle’s Sky View Observatory, with 902-foot views, Space Needle photos, ticket tips, pricing, and honest advice before you book.
“Horrible, it isn't clear on directions or locations. It's located in downtown seattle not the space needle! Even though it clearly shows the space needle. Tickets are non refundable. Very disapointed. Waste of time and money.”
Review of LA’s six-hour private Getty and Griffith tour, with Hollywood sights, expert guides, transport, timing, price value, and practical tips.
“Very friendly tour guide, gave lots of info about the different spots. Bus was nice but a bit noisy. Without mic, guide was sometimes hard to understand. But in general a very good recommendable tour.”
Review of Mount John Observatory Stargazing in Tekapo, with telescope views, dark-sky tips, pricing, weather advice, and practical details.
“This was an amazing experience!! Highly recommend. Got to look up at the sky with our bare eyes and also with some powerful telescopes. It was so cool and very accessible to people who don’t know much about stars. I believe our guides were named Kieran, Alice, and Olive - they were wonderful.”
Review of Tenerife’s Mount Teide Observatory tour, with sunset, telescopes, star-gazing, practical tips, costs, clothing, and who should book.
“Easy pick up with very skilled driver. Drive went up west coast so we could see Las Gigantes cliffs. The evening started with a short walk through the park up to the observatory. An astrophysicist guide explained the design features and workings of all the telescopes. We had an opportunity to look inside a telescope. Then a talk and visuals in the visitors centre. After that it was sunset. Very spectacular. Then a ride back to the cable car base for dinner and a half hour show in the planetarium. After that plenty of time looking at stars and moon through 4 large telescopes. Drive back. A full 8 hours…”
Review of a private Hollywood Sign hike to Griffith Observatory, with Los Angeles views, film history, guide tips, price advice, and FAQs.
“Matt our guide was amazing. Full of facts about the city which kept us all engaged the whole time. Thanks Matt.”
Review of the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign hike in Los Angeles, with route details, fitness tips, guide quality, price, and practical advice.
“Paul was amazing! So knowledgeable and made it fun. Learning about all the history of the city and the views were amazing. Book this tour!”
Review of London’s Royal Observatory planetarium show, with live astronomy, space visuals, practical tips, access details, and value advice.
“Excellent presenter before the informative and visually impressive presentation”
Pick a desert, a summit or a dome.
