UOB Plaza, Singapore

They say that one of the primary reasons to visit Singapore's Financial District is to experience the sensation of being a small speck amidst towering skyscrapers. For a bird's-eye view of this man-made canyon, the ideal destination is the OUB Centre. This complex houses the Overseas Union Bank and is situated to the west of the United Overseas Bank Plaza. It boasts an extraordinary rooftop bar, known as 1-Altitude, which claims the title of the world's highest alfresco bar.

Adjacent to the OUB Centre is the striking metallic triangle of UOB Plaza One and the slightly older UOB Plaza Two, connected by a 45-meter podium supported by four columns. From this vantage point, you can also admire the rich brown walls of 6 Battery Road, the robust Singapore Land Tower, and the somewhat Art Deco-inspired Chevron House.

The area along the river nearby has been thoughtfully developed and offers picturesque river views and a pleasant walking environment, surrounded by numerous pubs and restaurants. Like in many cities, public opinion on high-rise architecture is divided, but Singapore has managed to avoid some of the more visually intrusive modern architectural designs seen in other urban centers.

The UOB itself is known for its support of local art and proudly displays its collection at their art gallery. Fans of surrealist master Salvador Dali should make a point not to miss the sculpture titled "Homage to Newton," a typically eccentric work that may seem somewhat out of place in a city not particularly known for its affinity for the surreal.