Table of contents
- 1. Burj Khalifa
- 2. Shanghai Tower
- 3. Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower
- 4. Ping An Finance Center
- 5. Lotte World Tower
- 6. World Trade Center
- 7. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
- 8. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
- 9. CITIC Tower
- 10. TAIPEI 101
- 11. Shanghai World Financial Center
- 12. International Commerce Centre (ICC)
- 13. Zifeng Tower
- 14. Petronas Towers
- 15. Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
- 16. Kingdom Centre
- 17. Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Tower
- 18. Bank of China Tower
- 19. Empire State Building
- 20. Eiffel Tower
Here are the tallest buildings in the world. Most of these buildings serve as tourist attraction and represent the heart of most countries where it is located.
1. Burj Khalifa
Burj khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Height: 828 meters (2,722 feet)
Completed: 2010
Burj Khalifa is not only the world’s tallest building but also a marvel of modern engineering and architecture. It has 163 floors and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai. The structure features a Y-shaped design, and it’s an iconic symbol of Dubai’s rapid development.
2. Shanghai Tower
This is the second tallest building in the world. It is located in Shanghai, China.
Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
It was completed in 2015
It stands as the tallest building in China and the second tallest globally. It’s renowned for its twisting, spiral design. The tower is a mixed-use building with offices, hotels, retail spaces, and observation decks.
3. Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower
This is the third tallest building in the world. It is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Height: 601 meters (1,972 feet)
Completed: 2012
Part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, the Clock Tower is a prominent feature in the religious city of Mecca. Its main function is to house the world’s largest clock face, and it also offers accommodation, shopping, and prayer rooms.
4. Ping An Finance Center
It is the 4th tallest building in the world. It is located in Shenzhen, China
Height: 599 meters (1,965 feet)
Completed: 2017
The Ping An Finance Center is a skyscraper in Shenzhen’s central business district. It is known for its distinctive facade and is primarily used for office space. The observation deck on the 116th floor offers stunning city views.
5. Lotte World Tower
Lotte World Tower is the 5th tallest building in the world. It is located in Seoul, South Korea
Height: 555 meters (1,821 feet)
Completed: 2017
The Lotte World Tower is an iconic structure in Seoul. In addition to office and hotel space, it features an observation deck, a luxury shopping mall, and a high-end restaurant on the top floors.
6. World Trade Center
World Trade Center, also known as Freedom Tower, is a symbol of resilience and rebirth following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It’s the centerpiece of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex and features a unique, prismatic design. It houses offices, an observation deck, and a memorial.
Location: New York City, USA
Height: 541 meters (1,776 feet)
Completed: 2013
7. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is a stunning skyscraper in the city’s central business district. It’s a mixed-use building with hotel rooms, office space, and a shopping mall. Its design incorporates energy-efficient features.
Location: Guangzhou, China
Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
Completed: 2016
8. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
Location: Tianjin, China
Height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
Completed: 2019
The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is a relatively recent addition to China’s skyscraper scene. Like its Guangzhou counterpart, it combines a hotel, office space, and retail, and it’s part of Tianjin’s modern urban development.
9. CITIC Tower
Location: Beijing, China
Height: 528 meters (1,732 feet)
Completed: 2018
The CITIC Tower is a prominent skyscraper in Beijing’s central business district. It’s a striking structure with an angular design and houses a luxury hotel, offices, and high-end dining establishments.
10. TAIPEI 101
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Height: 508 meters (1,667 feet)
Completed: 2004
TAIPEI 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, was the world’s tallest building when it opened. It features a distinct pagoda-like design and serves as an office building with observation decks, a shopping mall, and a multi-story atrium.
11. Shanghai World Financial Center
Location: Shanghai, China
Height: 492 meters (1,614 feet)
Completed: 2008
The Shanghai World Financial Center is an iconic skyscraper with a distinctive bottle-opener shape. It’s known for its observation deck, which offers stunning views of the city, including the nearby Jin Mao Tower and the Huangpu River.
12. International Commerce Centre (ICC)
Location: Hong Kong, China
Height: 484 meters (1,588 feet)
Completed: 2010
The ICC is a major landmark in Hong Kong and is part of the Union Square development. It houses a Ritz-Carlton hotel, offices, and high-end retail spaces, making it a central hub for business and luxury in the city.
13. Zifeng Tower
Location: Nanjing, China
Height: 450 meters (1,476 feet)
Completed: 2010
Zifeng Tower is a striking structure in Nanjing’s city center. It’s home to offices, a shopping mall, and the InterContinental Nanjing hotel. The tower’s design is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture.
14. Petronas Towers
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Height: 452 meters (1,483 feet)
Completed: 1998
The Petronas Towers held the title of the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. They remain an iconic symbol of Kuala Lumpur and house offices, a shopping mall, and a concert hall. The double-decked sky bridge between the towers is a notable feature.
15. Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
Location: Chicago, USA
Height: 442 meters (1,450 feet)
Completed: 1974
The Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower, was once the world’s tallest building. It’s a landmark in Chicago’s skyline and includes office spaces, the famous Skydeck, and a glass-floored balcony for thrilling views of the city.
These buildings are architectural masterpieces that serve various functions, from providing office space and hotels to offering observation decks and retail opportunities. They are not only impressive in terms of height but also play significant roles in the cities they inhabit.
16. Kingdom Centre
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Height: 302 meters (992 feet)
Completed: 2002
The Kingdom Centre is a striking skyscraper with a distinctive inverted parabolic arch at its pinnacle. It includes a shopping mall, apartments, and the Kingdom Centre Tower, which features a three-story sky bridge with an observation deck offering panoramic views of Riyadh.
17. Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Tower
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Height: 381 meters (1,251 feet)
Completed: 2014
This tower is part of the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi complex. It’s an elegant, sleek skyscraper with residential apartments, office spaces, and a luxury hotel.
18. Bank of China Tower
Location: Hong Kong, China
Height: 367 meters (1,205 feet)
Completed: 1990
The Bank of China Tower is a distinctive, angular skyscraper that has become an iconic part of Hong Kong’s skyline. It’s primarily an office building but is renowned for its unique architectural design.
19. Empire State Building
Location: New York City, USA
Height: 443 meters (1,454 feet)
Completed: 1931
The Empire State Building is a historic skyscraper in New York City. While it’s no longer one of the tallest in the world, it remains an enduring symbol of the city and is visited for its observation deck, art deco design, and cultural significance.
20. Eiffel Tower
Location: Paris, France
Height: 324 meters (1,063 feet)
Completed: 1889
While not a traditional skyscraper, the Eiffel Tower is a global landmark and was the tallest man-made structure in the world when completed. It’s a wrought-iron lattice tower and one of the most recognized symbols of France.
These structures vary in age, architectural style, and function, but each has made a significant impact on its respective city and the world’s architectural history. Whether offering breathtaking views or adding to a city’s skyline, they contribute to the beauty and identity of their locations.