Skyscrapers Worth Visiting in the World
Skyscrapers are more than just towering structures: they are symbols of innovation, architectural brilliance, and cultural significance. Around the world, some skyscrapers offer remarkable engineering and exceptional experiences. From the soaring Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the historic Empire State Building in New York, these iconic buildings attract millions of visitors each year.
Whether admiring their design or enjoying panoramic cityscapes, visiting these skyscrapers is a must for travelers and architecture enthusiasts. Let’s discover the most wonderful skyscrapers around the world:
Top 10 Skyscrapers
1. Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE)
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters. Located in Downtown Dubai, it is a masterpiece of neo-futuristic architecture. Designed by Adrian Smith and built by Samsung C&T, the structure features 163 floors and includes luxury residences, offices, and the Armani Hotel. The tower’s Y-shaped design enhances stability against strong winds. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the At The Top SKY observation deck at 555 meters.
• Fun fact: The Burj Khalifa is so tall that its top floors experience time differently! Due to its height, people on the upper floors see the sunset later than those on the ground. If you are fasting during Ramadan, you must wait longer to break your fast if you are on a higher floor.
• Best reason to visit: Unmatched views, world-class luxury, and the thrill of standing atop the tallest building on Earth.
2. Empire State Building (New York, USA)
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, standing at 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) tall. Completed in 1931, it was the world’s tallest building until 1971. Located in Midtown Manhattan, it features 102 floors and showcases stunning Art Deco architecture. The building offers breathtaking views from its 86th and 102nd-floor observation decks, attracting millions of visitors annually. It is also famous for its color-changing lights, which illuminate the New York skyline to celebrate various events and holidays.
• Fun fact: The Empire State Building was constructed in just 410 days during the Great Depression! an impressive feat of engineering and efficiency. At its peak, around 3,400 workers were involved in its construction, including Mohawk ironworkers, known for their fearlessness at great heights. This iconic skyscraper has remained a symbol of resilience and ambition in New York City’s skyline.
• Best reason to visit: Iconic skyline views, rich history, and timeless charm in the heart of NYC.
3. One World Trade Center (New York, USA)
One World Trade Center, also known as One WTC or the Freedom Tower, is the tallest building in the United States, standing at 1,776 feet (541.3 meters). Located in Lower Manhattan, it was built as part of the reconstruction of the World Trade Center complex after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower features a modern glass facade and a symbolic height representing the year of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. It houses offices, an observation deck, and a transportation hub, making it a significant landmark in New York City.
• Fun fact: One World Trade Center’s elevators are among the fastest in the world. They travel at 23 miles per hour, allowing visitors to reach the 102nd floor in just 60 seconds. During the ride, the elevator screens display a time-lapse animation showing the transformation of New York City’s skyline from the 1500s to the present day, a fascinating visual experience!
• Best reason to visit: Stunning views, deep history, and a powerful tribute to resilience.
4. Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world, standing at 451.9 meters (1,483 feet). Completed in 1998, they were the tallest buildings globally until 2004. Designed by César Pelli, the towers feature 88 floors and a postmodern Islamic architectural style. A sky bridge connects the two towers at the 41st and 42nd floors, offering stunning views of Kuala Lumpur. The towers house offices, a shopping mall, and an observation deck on the 86th floor.
• Fun fact: The Petronas Twin Towers were built by two different construction companies: one for each tower! To meet the tight deadline set by the Malaysian government, one tower was constructed by a Japanese company, while the other was built by a South Korean company. This unique approach ensured the towers were completed efficiently and on time.
• Best reason to visit: Striking architecture, breathtaking views, and a symbol of Malaysia’s modern spirit.
5. Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo, Japan)
The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan, standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet). Completed in 2012, it serves as a broadcasting tower and a major tourist attraction in Sumida, Tokyo. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, its neo-futuristic architecture blends modern innovation with traditional Japanese aesthetics. The tower features two observation decks at 350 meters and 450 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo. It also has a glass-covered skywalk and earthquake-resistant technology, ensuring safety and stability.
• Fun fact: The Tokyo Skytree was named through a public voting process! In 2008, six potential names were proposed, including Tokyo Edo Tower and Mirai Tower (meaning “Future Tower”). Ultimately, Tokyo Skytree won with 30% of the votes, as people loved its hopeful and uplifting imagery.
• Best reason to visit: Dazzling views, cutting-edge design, and a stunning symbol of Tokyo’s skyline.
6. The Shard (London, UK)
The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, standing at 309.6 meters (1,016 feet). Designed by Renzo Piano, it was completed in 2012 and officially opened in 2013. Located in Southwark, London, its glass-clad pyramidal structure gives it a striking, futuristic appearance. The tower features 95 floors, with 72 habitable levels, and includes offices, restaurants, a luxury hotel, and exclusive residences. The View from The Shard, its observation deck at 244 meters, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of London.
• Fun fact: The Shard was inspired by a painting. Architect Renzo Piano designed the building after seeing a historic painting of London by Canaletto, which depicted church spires rising above the city. He wanted The Shard to resemble a glass spire, blending into the sky while reflecting the changing colors of London’s skyline. This artistic inspiration makes The Shard a truly unique architectural masterpiece.
• Best reason to visit: Sky-high views, sleek design, and an unforgettable experience above the city.
7. CN Tower (Toronto, Canada)
The CN Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Toronto, Canada, standing at 553.3 meters (1,815 feet). Completed in 1976, it held the record as the world’s tallest free-standing structure for 32 years until surpassed by the Burj Khalifa. Designed by John Andrews and WZMH Architects, the tower was originally built to improve telecommunications in the city. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction, featuring multiple observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and the thrilling EdgeWalk, where visitors can walk along the tower’s exterior at 356 meters above ground. The CN Tower remains an engineering marvel and a symbol of Canadian innovation.
• Fun fact: The CN Tower is struck by lightning about 75 times per year! To protect the structure, it has long copper strips running down its sides, directing the electrical charge safely into the ground. This makes it one of the safest places to be during a thunderstorm, despite being one of the tallest structures in the Western Hemisphere!
• Best reason to visit: Iconic views, thrilling experiences, and a defining feature of Toronto’s skyline.
8. Shanghai Tower (Shanghai, China)
The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China, standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Completed in 2015, it is the third-tallest skyscraper in the world. Designed by Gensler, the tower features 128 floors and a twisting, energy-efficient design that reduces wind resistance. It houses offices, hotels, retail spaces, and observation decks. The tower is also LEED Platinum certified, making it one of the most sustainable tall buildings globally.
• Fun fact: The Shanghai Tower has the world’s highest observation deck. Located on the 121st floor at 561.3 meters (1,841.5 feet), it offers breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline and the Huangpu River. Additionally, the tower’s twisting design reduces wind resistance by 24%, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient skyscrapers ever built.
• Best reason to visit: Sky-high views and cutting-edge design. For an unforgettable experience, aim to visit just before sunset.
9. Merdeka 118 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
The Merdeka 118 is the second tallest building in the world, standing at 679 meters (2,227 feet). Completed in 2023, it surpasses the Petronas Twin Towers as the tallest skyscraper in Malaysia. Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, it features 118 floors and a neo-futuristic architectural style. The tower houses offices, residences, a hotel, and an observation deck. Its diamond-shaped facade symbolizes Malaysia’s cultural diversity, making it a striking landmark in Kuala Lumpur.
• Fun fact: Merdeka 118 has gone through several name changes before its final title. Initially, it was called KL118, then PNB 118, and later Menara Warisan Merdeka before settling on Merdeka 118. The name pays tribute to Malaysia’s Independence Day and the historic Merdeka Park, which once occupied the land where the skyscraper now stands.
• Best reason to visit: Towering heights, breathtaking views, and a tribute to Malaysia’s independence.
10. Oriental Pearl Tower (Shanghai, China)
The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks, standing at 468 meters (1,535 feet) tall. Completed in 1994, it was the tallest structure in China until 2007. Designed by Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Co. Ltd., the tower features futuristic architecture with multiple spheres connected by columns. It houses fifteen observation decks, a revolving restaurant, a museum, and even a small hotel. Located in Lujiazui, it offers breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and the historic Bund.
• Fun fact: The Tower was designed to resemble falling pearls on a jade plate. Its unique structure features 11 spheres, with the two largest ones representing pearls. This design was inspired by a Tang Dynasty poem, which describes pearls dropping onto a jade plate, creating a visually stunning and symbolic architectural masterpiece.
• Best reason to visit: Futuristic design and breathtaking views. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit.
