There is something awe-inspiring about standing at the foot of a skyscraper, craning your neck upward as steel and glass soar into the clouds. Skyscrapers are more than just tall buildings—they are symbols of ambition, progress, and architectural brilliance.
Around the world, cities showcase these vertical marvels as defining elements of their skylines. If you’re a traveler, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who admires human ingenuity, here are some of the world’s best skyscrapers you must see.
The World’s Best Skyscrapers You Must See
1. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
No list of the world’s greatest skyscrapers would be complete without mentioning the Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building on Earth.
Towering at an astounding 828 meters (2,717 feet), it dominates Dubai’s skyline like no other. Opened in 2010, the Burj is not only a feat of engineering but also a cultural landmark.
Visitors can take high-speed elevators to observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors, where sweeping views of the desert and the Arabian Gulf await.
At night, the building dazzles with LED light shows, making it a spectacle from every angle.
2. Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China
Standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet), the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world.
Its spiraling design is both futuristic and environmentally conscious, reducing wind loads and conserving energy. Inside, it houses offices, luxury hotels, and one of the highest observation decks globally.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai’s vibrant cityscape, with the nearby Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center creating a stunning architectural cluster.
3. One World Trade Center – New York City, USA
Known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is more than just a skyscraper—it’s a symbol of resilience. Rising 541 meters (1,776 feet) high, its height honors the year of American independence.
Completed in 2014, it stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The design combines strength with elegance, featuring a glass façade that reflects the New York skyline beautifully.
The One World Observatory offers breathtaking views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and beyond.
4. Petronas Towers – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Once the tallest buildings in the world, the Petronas Towers remain a global icon of Malaysia.
The twin towers, standing 452 meters (1,483 feet) tall, are linked by a skybridge that provides visitors with unique views of Kuala Lumpur.
Their design blends modern technology with Islamic-inspired motifs, reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage.
By day, the towers shine with stainless steel and glass; by night, they glow dramatically, serving as the centerpiece of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
5. Taipei 101 – Taipei, Taiwan
The Taipei 101 is a skyscraper that marries traditional symbolism with cutting-edge engineering. At 508 meters (1,667 feet), it held the title of the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010.
Shaped like a bamboo stalk, Taipei 101 represents growth and resilience. Beyond its design, it is notable for withstanding typhoons and earthquakes, thanks to its massive tuned mass damper—a giant pendulum inside that stabilizes the structure.
Visitors can head to the 89th-floor observatory for a bird’s-eye view of the bustling city below.
6. The Shard – London, United Kingdom
Piercing London’s sky at 310 meters (1,016 feet), The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building. Its sleek, glass-clad design resembles a shard of glass, giving it both its name and its striking presence in London’s skyline.
The Shard houses offices, restaurants, a luxury hotel, and “The View from The Shard,” an observation platform with unparalleled sights of the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and beyond. For many, it represents modern London at its finest.
7. Marina Bay Sands – Singapore
While not the tallest skyscraper on this list, Marina Bay Sands is arguably one of the most recognizable. Its three towers are topped by a sky park that looks like a massive ship balanced above the skyline.
The infinity pool on the roof has become an icon of luxury travel, offering jaw-dropping views of Singapore’s cityscape. With a casino, shopping mall, theater, and museum on site, it’s more than a skyscraper—it’s a world-class entertainment destination.
8. Lakhta Center – St. Petersburg, Russia
The Lakhta Center stands as the tallest building in Europe at 462 meters (1,516 feet). Completed in 2019, its twisting glass form rises gracefully over St. Petersburg.
Beyond its striking architecture, the Lakhta Center is highly sustainable, featuring innovative technologies to conserve energy and reduce environmental impact.
Its observation deck provides a unique view of the Gulf of Finland and the historic city below.
Final Thoughts
Skyscrapers are not just engineering triumphs—they stand as masterpieces of design, cultural landmarks, and testaments to human ambition.
From Dubai’s cutting-edge Burj Khalifa to New York’s resilient One World Trade Center, each tower reflects stories of progress, creativity, and innovation.
For those who admire architecture or enjoy global travel, visiting these structures offers experiences you won’t soon forget.
Even at the foundation of such marvels lies a simple truth: builders buy steel in Salt Lake City and around the world, turning raw materials into iconic skylines.
Together, these soaring landmarks prove that when humanity reaches upward, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
