7 Best Skyscrapers in the World with Amazing Views

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It’s hard to miss some of the best skyscrapers in the world.

They are a great addition to any city break, whether you admire their elevation from the street or rise up to their viewing platforms.

Plus, they are iconic structures and architectural marvels!

Be sure to add these 7 amazing skyscrapers in the article below to your bucket list.

CONTENTS – In this article, you’ll find some travel inspiration to the best skyscrapers in the world, including:

7 Best Skyscrapers Buildings to Visit
What Are Skyscrapers?
1. Empire State Building, New York, USA
2. Shanghai tower, Shanghai, China
3. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4. The Shard, London, UK
5. Lotte World Tower, Seoul, South Korea
6. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
7. OUE Skyspace in Los Angeles
Final Thoughts on Best Skyscrapers In The World
Next Steps

7 Best Skyscrapers Buildings to Visit Around The World

Modern architecture has changed the appearance of many commercial properties. Now, we see more and more tall buildings around the town. The same is the case with even some underdeveloped areas.

High-rise buildings or skyscrapers not just look great but also help the contractors get the most out of a piece of land. By building “up,” they can maximize the real estate.

But for our interests, they are great places to visit when you travel.

This article shares 7 incredible skyscrapers you must see once in your life.

So, let us get into it!

What Are Skyscrapers?

Skyscrapers are tall buildings with many floors designed to be much taller than the surrounding buildings.

You will most often find them in densely populated urban areas where space is limited. That’s where the demand for office, residential, or commercial space is high, too.

Skyscrapers are typically constructed with a steel or reinforced concrete frame, and they feature many amenities, such as elevators, air conditioning, and state-of-the-art security systems. You might even find a glass skyscraper pool in many such buildings.

The term “skyscraper” originally referred to buildings that were at least ten stories tall.

Today, the term is generally used to describe any building that is significantly taller than its surrounding structures.

Building a skyscraper is a complex and challenging undertaking that requires careful planning, design, engineering, and construction.

That’s all the more reason to see these magnificent feats of architecture for yourself.

1. The Empire State Building [New York, USA]

The Empire State Building is perhaps the most recognizable skyscraper in New York City.

You’ll find it located on Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets.

It has a roof height of 1,250 feet (381 meters), and with its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 1,454 feet (443 meters) tall. Its name is derived from the nickname for New York State, “The Empire State”.

This building has 103 stories, and was the tallest building in the world from its completion in 1931. That is, until the completion of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970 surpassed it.

Now, the Empire State Building is the fifth-tallest skyscraper in the United States, and the 34th-tallest in the world. It is also the sixth-tallest freestanding structure in the Americas.

No visit to The Big Apple would be complete without having taken a tour of The Empire State Building and looking out from the viewing platform.

It’s an American cultural icon!

2. Shanghai Tower [Shanghai, China]

Completed in 2015, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. Standing at 2,073 feet (632 meters), the tower has 121 stories.

You’ll find it in the Lujiazui Financial District of Shanghai.

The Shanghai Tower was designed by Gensler, an international architecture, design, and planning firm.

The unique design of the tower features a double-skin façade that helps to regulate the building’s temperature and reduce wind loads.

The tower also has a “vertically-curved” shape that makes it more resistant to earthquakes.

Today, the Shanghai Tower is home to a variety of businesses, including offices, retail space, hotels, and restaurants.

The tower also features a museum, an observation deck, and a sky lobby, making this a must-see tourist attraction.

Article: Top Shanghai Tips | Follow These 7 Important Tips for First-Time Travelers

3. Petronas Twin Towers [Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia]

The Petronas Twin Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Thes two buildings are a landmark of the city, and have become an icon of Malaysia’s architecture.

The towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004, and remain the tallest twin towers in the world.

They were originally constructed to house the headquarters of the petroleum company, Petronas (hence, the name).

Now, they are also home to the Petronis Philharmonic Orchestra.

What’s even more fascinating is the towers are connected by a sky bridge!

It’s easy to understand why the Petronas Twin Towers towers are a popular tourist destination. Plus, the views of the city from the top are amazing!

Related:

4: The Shard [London, UK]

The Shard is a skyscraper in London, England.

At 1,017 feet (310 meters), it is the tallest building in the United Kingdom. It’s also the fifth-tallest building in Europe and the 96th-tallest building in the world.

It is also the second-tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom, after the Concrete Tower at the Emley Moor Transmitting Station.

The Shard’s construction began in March 2009 and practical completion wasn’t achieved in November 2012.

This skyscraper was developed by Sellar Property Group on behalf of LBQ Ltd and is jointly owned by Sellar Property Group and the State of Qatar.

Visit The Shard for panoramic views from the highest viewpoint in London. It’s home to offices, the best restaurants, and hotels, and upscale apartments.

5: Lotte World Tower [Seoul, South Korea]

lotte world tower seoul | Enjoy Travel Life — Lotte World Tower

The Lotte World Tower is a 123-story, 1,821-foot (555 meter) super=tall skyscraper located in Seoul, South Korea.

It opened to the public on April 3, 2017 and is currently the tallest building in the country. It’s also the 5th tallest building in the world.

The tower features a mixed-use program that includes office space, residential units, a hotel, an observation deck, and a shopping mall.

The Lotte World Tower was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, an American architectural firm.

The construction of the building began in 2011 and was completed in 2016. The total cost of the project was estimated to be around $2.5 billion!

The Lotte World Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Seoul and has become a symbol of the city’s skyline. Definitely visit when you have the opportunity.

Related:

6: Burj Khalifa [Dubai, UAE]

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE, is the tallest skyscraper in the world.

Standing at 2,717 feet (828 meters), the Burj Khalifa is an architectural marvel that has set new standards in the construction industry.

Completed in 2010, the Burj Khalifa has 163 floors and is home to a plethora of corporate offices, luxury apartments, and high-end hotels.

This building also features the world’s highest observation deck, which offers stunning views of Dubai.

If you’re planning on visiting the Burj Khalifa, there are a few things you should know.

First, the ticket prices can be a bit pricey, but they’re worth it for the experience.

Second, the line to get to the top can be very long, so it’s best to book your ticket in advance.

And finally, the dress code is fairly strict, so make sure to pack appropriately.

If you’re ever in Dubai, be sure to check out the Burj Khalifa. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

7. OUE Skyspace [Los Angeles, California]

You’ll find the OUE Skyspace Los Angeles high within the U.S. Bank Tower at 633 W 5th Street, Los Angeles.

On the 69th and 70th floor of this amazing skyscraper, two observation decks offer incredible panoramic views of Los Angeles as far as the eye can see.

It also features a Skyslide, an interactive Media level, and a rooftop bar with light fare.

In 2013 when the property was purchased by a Singapore-based hotel company, it was the tallest skyscraper in the West at 1,018 feet. Today, The Wilshire Grand Tower claims this title at 1,100 feet.

Unfortunately, in 2022, this unobstructed, panoramic view from California’s tallest open-air observation deck was permanently closed.

But if you’re well connected, perhaps you can still get inside access. If not, you can see what this experience was like for me, here.

Final Thoughts on Best Skyscrapers In The World

From the best skyscrapers in the world to state-of-the-art technology, skyscrapers are more than just buildings — they are testaments to human innovation and ingenuity.

With the world’s population increasingly concentrated in urban areas, the need for skyscrapers and their space-saving benefits will only continue to grow.

Building these structures is no easy feat, but with the right planning and execution, the end result can be truly breathtaking.

And if you travel at all, these skyscrapers are a great addition to your bucket list.

Next Steps

For more about some exceptional structures in the world, read the articles below, next: