The well-known catchphrase “Size doesn’t matter” applies to many things, but not to buildings. Since ancient times, man has been trying to reach the sky, inventing various devices and inventions. Today, the upper floors of the tallest buildings in the world (skyscrapers) “float in the clouds.” We invite you to take a tour of the 10 tallest skyscrapers in the world, which amaze with their grandeur:
10. Kingkey 100, Shenzhen, China
Photo 10. Kingkey 100 442 meters (1,449 feet) tall, 100 floors.Kingkey 100 is a super-tall building in Shenzhen province in China. The skyscraper received this name for the number of floors - exactly 100 (68 floors are office premises, 22 floors are the St. Regis Hotel, a shopping center, and on the top 4 floors there are restaurants and a “sky garden”). The height of the building is 442 meters, the skyscraper was built in 2011 and ranks 10th in the world (1st place in Shenzhen and 4th place in China).
9. Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois
Photo 9. Willis Tower is the tallest building in the USA. Willis Tower is the tallest building in the United States; until 2009 it was called the Sears Tower. The skyscraper was built in 1973 and for 25 years it was the largest building in the world. Willis Tower is approximately 443.3 meters high (110 floors and 104 elevators). The tower is visited by approximately 1 million people a year and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago.
8. Nanjing Greenland Financial Center, Nanjing, China
Photo 8. The Zifeng high-rise building, also known as the Nanjing Greenland Financial Center, is the 3rd tallest skyscraper in China. Nanjing Greenland Financial Center is the business center of Nanjing in China. Construction of the skyscraper was completed in 2009. The building ranks 3rd in China among super-tall buildings and 8th in the world. The height of the building is 450 meters, 89 floors. The financial center houses office space, shopping centers, restaurants and hotels. On the 72nd floor there is an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.
7. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photo 7. The Petronas Twin Towers have the largest concrete foundation in the world. Petronas Towers are located in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The structure is also called the Petronas Twin Towers. The project was completed in 1998 by two different construction companies to create competition. The construction cost the customer, the Petronas oil company, $800 million. The height of the Petronas Tower is 451.9 meters (88 floors). The building, covering an area of 213,750 m² (equivalent to 48 football fields), houses offices, exhibition halls, and a gallery. On the 86th floor there are observation platforms for tourists; the towers are connected by a covered passage in the form of a bridge, which ensures fire safety.
6. International Commerce Center, Hong Kong, China
Photo 6. The tallest building in Hong Kong - International Commerce Center The International Commerce Center is located in Hong Kong, China. The skyscraper was built in 2010 and is the tallest building in Hong Kong. The height of the building is 484 meters (118 floors). On the upper floors is the five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel, which is the tallest hotel in the world. The commercial center also houses office space, shopping centers, banks and restaurants. On the 100th floor there is an observation deck for tourists and travelers.
5. Shanghai World Financial Center, China
Photo 5. Skyscraper in Shanghai - The Shanghai World Financial Center was recognized as the best skyscraper in the world in 2008. Shanghai World Financial Center is located in Shanghai, China. Construction of the skyscraper was completed in 2008. The height of the building is 492 meters (101 floors). The building houses conference rooms, shops, restaurants, offices and a hotel. There are observation platforms on the upper floors.
4. Taipei 101, Taiwan
Photo 4. Taipei 101 is the tallest building built in the 21st century. Taipei 101 is located in the capital of China - Taipei. The building was built in 2004, height – 509.2 meters (101 floors). There are offices on the upper floors, and shopping centers on the lower floors. Observation platforms are located on the 89th, 91st and 101st floors.
3. 1 World Trade Center, New York, USA
Photo 3. 1 World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. One World Trade Center or Freedom Tower is located in New York City in lower Manhattan. This is the central building of the new World Trade Center, located on the site of the previous complex destroyed on September 11, 2001. Construction of the Freedom Tower was completed on May 10, 2013. The height of the skyscraper is 541 meters (104 floors + 5 underground). The building houses offices, shops, restaurants, and observation decks.
2. Abraj al-Bayt, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Photo 2. Abraj al-Beit - the largest structure in the world by mass Abraj Al-Bait Towers is a complex of high-rise buildings located in Mecca. This is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia with the largest clock in the world. Construction of the tallest tower, the Clock Royal Tower, was completed in 2012 and reaches a height of 601 meters (120 floors). At the top of the tower there is a clock with a diameter of 43 meters, four dials of which are installed in 4 cardinal directions. The giant clock is visible from anywhere in the city.
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
Photo 1. Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world is located in Dubai. Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The project was created as a city within a city: its own lawns, boulevards, parks and was commissioned in 2010. The total cost of the construction was approximately $1.5 billion. The height of the building is 828 meters, 57 elevators are installed. Inside the complex there are offices and shopping centers, apartments, and the hotel was designed by Giorgio Armani. At the top of the building there is an observation deck and an observatory.
Skyscrapers have been frequently built around the world lately. If previously there were mainly places for offices, shops and entertainment venues, now people live in the largest buildings. All high-rise buildings are resistant to various disasters.
The tallest skyscrapers in the world include:
| Name of the high-rise building | Location(city, state) | Height including spire (m) |
| Burj Khalifa | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 828 |
| Shanghai Tower | Shanghai, China | 632 |
| Albraj Al Bayt Hotel | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | 601 |
| World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) | New York, USA | 541 |
| Willis Tower | Chicago, USA | 527 |
| Taipei 101 | Taipei, Taiwan | 509,2 |
| Shanghai, China | 492 | |
| Hong Kong, China | 484 | |
| Petronas Towers | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 451,9 |
| Zifeng Tower | Nanjing, China | 450 |
Most of the high-rise buildings belong to China, namely Hong Kong. But other countries are not lagging behind and are announcing the construction of new high-rise buildings every year.
The largest skyscraper in the world belongs to the UAE.
Burj Khalifa
Currently, it is the tallest building in the world (828 m), which also has the longest spire (180 m). Khalifa Tower stands in Dubai. The construction of the building lasted almost 6 years. And so that during this time no one began to build a building higher than the Burj Khalifa, designers and developers did not report the exact height.
Burj Khalifa in the UAE is the largest skyscraper in the world.
The skyscraper has 163 floors. To go up, you need to make a couple of elevator transfers. Only the elevator for service purposes runs from the lower level to the upper level. In the high-rise there are not only apartments, but also premises for offices, restaurants, apartments and entertainment facilities.
Khalifa Tower has the highest observation area, operating at an altitude of 452 m (124th floor). There is a musical fountain near the skyscraper.
Shanghai Tower
Construction work on the premises was completed in 2015. The exterior of the Shanghai Tower is a slightly twisted spiral. The 632-meter building consists of 125 floors, which contain premises for boutiques, a hotel and other entertainment centers.
Shanghai Tower is a whole city that has everything necessary for human life and recreation. A distinctive feature of the skyscraper are fast elevators that can rise at a speed of 18 m/sec. from 1st to 125th floor in 1 min. In clear weather, a beautiful view is available from the observation area operating at level 118 (546 m).
Albraj Al Bayt Hotel
The Albraj al-Bayt hotel belongs to Saudi Arabia and has a height of 601 m. The 120-storey building was erected in 8 years. It serves as a hotel for people who make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
The skyscraper occupies a leading position among tall hotels in the world. It has underground parking, a helicopter landing area and rooms. There is a large clock 400 m away. There are 4 dials on 4 sides of the hotel, which are visible from anywhere in the city. There is no analogue to them in size.
A spire goes up from the clock, on which lies a crescent moon. The spire houses many powerful loudspeakers. This allows all residents and visitors of Mecca to listen to prayers.
World Trade Center
The Trade Center (Freedom Tower) appeared on the site of the twin towers that collapsed due to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. 2 granite foundations were erected near the skyscraper. On 108 levels, 5 of which are underground, office space and representative offices of many companies are available. The skyscraper has a 124-meter spire.
A panoramic platform was built from the 100th to 102nd floor, which allows you to enjoy the beauties of Manhattan and New York in clear weather. The height of 541 m is equal to 1776 feet. And this is the year the US Declaration of Independence was adopted.
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower is the oldest building in the top 10. It was built in Chicago in 1974 and for almost 25 years it was the leader in the world among high-rise buildings. The total height of the building is 527 m.
The building has 108 floors, which are dedicated to office space. On the 103rd floor (412 m) there is an observation area from which the surrounding areas of the city are perfectly visible. Willis Tower is home to many television and radio broadcast transmitters. You can see this skyscraper in some films.
Taipei 101
The Taiwanese high-rise building has 101 floors and 5 levels underground. It reaches a height of 509.2 m. Between the 87th and 91st floors there is a pendulum ball that weighs 660 tons. It will allow the building to withstand during a strong earthquake or hurricane.
The opening of the business center took place on the night of December 31 to January 1, 2004. At one time, Taipei became the first skyscraper that was higher than 500 m. Timed races along the stairs are often held in the tower. Taipei has 2 sites for exploring the city. One is located inside the building on the 89th floor, the second is outside on the 91st level. The number 101 is not only the number of floors, but also the postal code of the business center.
Shanghai World Financial Center
The Shanghai Financial Center opened its doors in 2008. It reaches a height of 492 m. At the top there is a trapezoidal window that reduces air resistance. In its appearance it resembles a needle with an eye.
On the 101st floor, shops and restaurants, office space and a hotel are available to visitors. There is a 3-level underground parking. The panoramic platform is available at a distance of 474 m from the ground. You can also enjoy views of the city from the restaurant, which is located on the 91st floor.
Every 12 levels there is a protective floor where you can hide in the event of a fire. The walls there are strong and fireproof.
International Commerce Center
A 484-meter business center was built in Hong Kong. During the design, a height of 574 m was indicated. However, the authorities rejected this project. In Hong Kong, it is prohibited to build buildings higher than the mountains (499 m).
On 118 levels there are premises for offices and trade, a hotel and many other entertainments. There is a swimming pool on the final floor. Visitors are more attracted to the view from the window than swimming. At an altitude of 393 m there is an observation area from which Hong Kong is clearly visible.
Petronas Towers
Malaysian Petronas Towers belongs to Kuala Lumpur. The height of the towers is 451.9 m. The 88-story buildings are the leaders in height among twin towers in the world. Another difference of this skyscraper is the large depth of the foundation, which is 100 m.
Skyscrapers are designed to resemble ears of corn. The observation deck operates at level 86. The bridge between the buildings was made on the 41st-42nd floor. Petronas Towers can be seen in several films, including “Apocalypse Code” and “Trap”. The buildings can be visited by tourists at certain times. It's better to purchase tickets in advance.
Zifeng Tower
The Chinese Zifeng Business Center operates in Nanjing. It occupies a height of 450 m. On 89 levels there are premises for office and retail, and there is a conservatory. The observation deck is located on the 72nd floor (287 m).
It offers excellent views of nature and waterways of Nanjing.
Skyscrapers under construction
The largest skyscraper in the world among buildings under construction will be built in Saudi Arabia.
Royal Tower (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
The Royal Tower or Burj Jeddah is being built near Jeddah. This will be the central location of the new area. The planned commissioning date for the high-rise is 2020. The length of the building should be 1007 m, which will allow it to become a leader in the world and the first to cross the 1 km mark.
The tower will have 167 levels. They are built for office premises, hotels and entertainment venues. The main highlight of the skyscraper will be an open 30-meter terrace, which is planned on the 150th floor.
Residential complex “World one” (Mumbai, India)
The World One skyscraper will be the tallest complex among residential buildings when completed. The construction of the building is planned to be completed this year. The height of the complex will reach 442 m, which is 16 m more than a residential complex in New York.
Entertainment facilities and apartments will be located on 117 floors. Villas with private pools are also available. The skyscraper will have a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. There is a special place for cricket lovers to play. Designers and developers plan to obtain a certificate that will confirm the economical energy consumption of the skyscraper.
Zhongnan Center (Suzhou, China)
The center is being built in an industrial park in Suzhou. The project specifies a height of 729 m, which will make the skyscraper a leader among high-rise buildings in China. The preliminary completion date for the business center is 2020.
The 137 floors will house office and hotel space, retail and entertainment outlets.
Azerbaijan Tower (Baku, Azerbaijan)
The Azerbaijan Tower is being built on Khazar Island. This is an artificial island in the Caspian Sea, 25 km from Baku. An entire district with developed infrastructure will stand on it. Construction of the skyscraper began in 2015, and was planned to be completed this year. But the final commissioning date has been postponed indefinitely.
The height of the building being constructed is 1050 m. The tower will have 189 floors.
Dubai City Tower (Dubai, UAE)
Another tall skyscraper in the Emirates. If the project is fully implemented, the height of the building will be 2490 m. And it will become the undoubted leader among tall buildings for a long time. The skyscraper will have 400 floors, which will house all the necessary communications and premises. The building will include residential complexes with gardens.
The main idea is that 6 separate tall buildings will be intertwined at the top into one skyscraper. They will connect every 100 levels. A 400 m high spire will be installed at the top of the building. Instead of an elevator, it is planned to run vertical high-speed trains. Dubai City Tower can undoubtedly be called a building of the future.
Unfinished skyscrapers
Skyscrapers in some regions remained unfinished for various reasons, although they could have become the largest in the world. The completion of construction of most of them was influenced by the economic crisis of 2009.
Doha Convention Center Tower (Doha, Qatar)
The tower in Doha, according to the project, was supposed to reach 551 m. Construction began, but after some time in 2010, work was suspended. It was determined that the high-rise interfered with landing and taking off planes at the airport.
Construction is planned to be restored after the new airport is built, which will be located 3 km from the existing one.
According to the initial design, the skyscraper resembles an obelisk, which will narrow towards the top. Offices and shops, as well as shopping and entertainment establishments, are available on the lower levels. The upper level will be used for five-star hotels and luxury housing. It is planned to open a club at the very top. It will be in a glass cylinder.
Nakheel Tower (Dubai, UAE)
The Nakhil Tower was going to be built in Dubai. It was a composition of 4 towers. The external design of the skyscraper resembled a rocket. The total height of the building would reach 1400 m.
The tower was planned to have 228 levels, which were going to be used for hotels, trade and entertainment. Due to economic difficulties, the project was frozen.
Tower "Russia" (Moscow, Russia)
The Moscow Rossiya Tower was supposed to become a record holder for height not only in Russia, but throughout Europe. According to the project, the length of the building reached 612 m. It was planned to have 118 floors.
At the initial stage, a capsule was laid. Ground work has begun. But due to economic difficulties, construction was stopped. At the moment, the site is given over to other projects.
Burj Al Alam (Dubai, UAE)
The Burj Al Alam skyscraper began to be built back in 2006. The economic crisis of 2009 made adjustments to the construction of the building and the deadlines were shifted. But in 2013, a decision was made to completely freeze the project.
The 108-level tower has a height of 510 m. According to the plan, it had premises for office, hotel and entertainment organizations. The final levels were to house an exotic garden.
Tallest residential building
The largest residential skyscraper in the world is located on one of the main streets of Manhattan in New York. The height of the building reaches 426 m, which is 13 m higher than the previous leader, the Princess Tower in Dubai.
Construction of the residential building “432 Park Avenue” began in 2013 and this grandiose project was completed in almost 2 years. The shape of the house is square, like the nearby complexes. The skyscraper has 88 floors, on which 104 apartments of different layouts and sizes are located. Among them there are 10 penthouses, each of which occupies a separate floor. The first 3 tiers are underground.
The residential area in the complex begins at an altitude of about 100 m. Before this there are office space and services (fitness, restaurant, spa, parking). Golf lovers are provided with a play area. The main highlight of “432 Park Avenue” was the swimming pool. Its length is 23 m. While swimming in the pool, you can enjoy beautiful views of Manhattan.
There are more and more skyscrapers in the world. Many countries compete with each other and strive to build the biggest one that will go down in history. Therefore, with each skyscraper built, the height increases.
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Video about the largest skyscrapers in the world
Top 10 largest buildings in the world:
Human nature cannot be changed; people have always tried to surpass their own achievements and set new records in absolutely any area of their activity.
So in architecture, in an attempt to conquer the limits of height, people erect the tallest buildings in the world. With the development of technology, the invention of modern composite materials and the creation of fundamentally new building designs, only in the last 25 years has it become possible to construct the tallest buildings on the planet, the sight of which is simply breathtaking!
In this rating we will tell you about the 15 tallest buildings in the world that are definitely worth seeing.
15. International financial center - Hong Kong. Height 415 meters
Construction of the Hong Kong International Financial Center was completed in 2003. The building is completely commercial, there are no hotels or residential apartments, but only offices of various companies.
The 88-story skyscraper is the sixth tallest building in China and is one of the few buildings to have double-deck elevators.
14. Jin Mao Tower - China, Shanghai. Height 421 meters
The official opening ceremony of the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai took place in 1999, at a construction cost of more than $550 million. Most of the building's premises are office, there are also shopping centers, restaurants, nightclubs and an observation deck, which offers a gorgeous view of Shanghai.
More than 30 floors of the building are rented by the largest hotel, the Grand Hyatt, and the prices here are quite affordable and affordable for tourists with average incomes; a room can be rented for $200 per night.
13. Trump International Hotel and Tower - Chicago, USA. Height 423 meters
Trump Tower was built in 2009 and cost the owner $847 million. The building has 92 floors, of which boutiques and various shops occupy the 3rd to 12th floors, a luxurious spa salon is located on the 14th floor, and the elite Sixteen restaurant is located on the 16th floor. The hotel occupies the 17th to 21st floors, with penthouses and private residential apartments above.
12. Guangzhou International Financial Center - China, Guangzhou. Height – 437 meters
This tallest skyscraper was built in 2010 and has 103 floors, and is the western part of the Guangzhou Twin Towers complex. Construction of the eastern skyscraper should be completed in 2016.
The cost of constructing the building was $280 million; most of the building is occupied by office space, up to the 70th floor. From the 70th to the 98th floor is occupied by the five-star Four Seasons Hotel, and on the top floors there are cafes, restaurants and an observation deck. There is a helipad on the 103rd floor.
11. KK 100 – Shenzhen, China. Height 442 meters.
The KK 100 skyscraper, also known as Kingki 100, was erected in 2011 and is located in the city of Shenzhen. This multifunctional building was built in the modernist style and most of the premises are for office purposes.
The 23rd floor of this one of the tallest buildings in the world is occupied by a six-star premium business hotel “St. Regis Hotel, there are also several chic restaurants, a beautiful garden and the first IMAX cinema built in Asia.
10. Willis Tower - Chicago, USA. Height 443 meters
The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, rises 443 meters in height and is the only building in this ranking built before 1998. Construction of the skyscraper began in 1970 and was fully completed in 1973. The cost of the project was more than $150 million at the prices of that time.
After completion of construction, Willis Tower firmly occupied the status of the tallest building in the world for as long as 25 years. At the moment, in the list of tallest buildings, the skyscraper is on the 10th line of the list.
9. Zifeng Tower - Nanjing, China. Height 450 meters
Construction of the 89-story skyscraper began in 2005 and was completed in 2009. This building is multifunctional, there are office spaces, restaurants, cafes and a hotel. There is an observation deck on the top floor. There are also 54 freight lifts and passenger elevators built in Zifeng Tower.
8. Petronas Towers - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Height 451.9 meters
From 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers were considered the tallest buildings in the world. The construction of the towers was financed by the Petronas oil company, and the project amounted to more than $800 million. Nowadays, building premises are rented by many large corporations - Reuters agency, Microsoft corporation, Aveva company and others. It also houses high-end shopping establishments, an art gallery, an aquarium and a science center.
The design of the building itself is unique; there are no other skyscrapers in the world built using the Petronas Towers technology. Most high-rise buildings are built from steel and glass, but in Malaysia the cost of high-quality steel was very high and engineers had to look for another way to solve the problem.
As a result, high-tech and elastic concrete was developed, from which the towers were built. Experts carefully monitored the quality of the material and one day, during routine measurements, they discovered the slightest error in the quality of concrete. The builders had to completely dismantle one floor of the building and build it anew.
7. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong. Height 484 meters
This 118-story skyscraper rises 484 meters. After 8 years of construction, the building was completed in 2010 and is now the tallest building in Hong Kong and the fourth tallest building in China.
The upper floors of the skyscraper are occupied by the five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel, located at an altitude of 425 meters, making it the tallest hotel on the planet. The building also features the world's highest swimming pool, located on the 118th floor.
6. Shanghai World Financial Center. Height 492 meters
Built for $1.2 billion, the Shanghai World Financial Center is a multi-functional skyscraper that houses office space, a museum, a hotel, and a multi-story parking lot. Construction of the center was completed in 2008, and at that time the building was considered the second tallest structure in the world.
The skyscraper has been tested for seismic resistance and is able to withstand tremors of up to 7 points on the Richter scale. The building also houses the highest observation deck in the world, located at an altitude of 472 meters above the ground.
5. Taipei 101 – Taipei, Taiwan. Height 509.2 meters
The official operation of the Taipei 101 skyscraper began on December 31, 2003, and this building is the most stable and resistant to natural disasters structure ever created by man. The tower is able to withstand wind gusts of up to 60 m/s (216 km/h) and the strongest earthquakes that occur in this region once every 2,500 years.
The skyscraper has 101 ground floors and five floors underground. On the first four floors there are various retail outlets, on the 5th and 6th floors there is a prestigious fitness center, from 7 to 84 various office premises are occupied, 85-86 are rented by restaurants and cafes.
The building holds several records: the fastest elevator in the world, capable of transporting visitors from the fifth floor to the 89th floor to the observation deck in just 39 seconds (elevator speed 16.83 m/s), the world's largest countdown board, which turns on for the New Year and the world's tallest sundial.
4. World Trade Center - New York, USA. Height 541 meters
The construction of the World Trade Center, or as it is also called the Freedom Tower, was fully completed in 2013. The building stands on the site of the World Trade Center.
This 104-story skyscraper is the tallest structure in the United States and the fourth tallest building in the world. The construction cost was a whopping $3.9 billion.
3. Royal Clock Tower Hotel - Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Height 601 meters
The grandiose structure “Royal Clock Tower” is part of the Abraj Al-Bayt complex of buildings built in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Construction of the complex lasted for 8 years and was fully completed in 2012. During construction, two major fires occurred, in which, fortunately, no one was injured.
The Royal Clock Tower can be seen from a distance of 20 km, and its clock is considered the tallest in the world.
2. Shanghai Tower - Shanghai, China. Height 632 meters
This skyscraper is the tallest in Asia and ranks second on the list of tallest buildings in the world. Construction of the Shanghai Tower began in 2008 and was fully completed in 2015. The cost of the skyscraper was more than 4.2 billion dollars.
1. Burj Khalifa - Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Height 828 meters
The tallest building in the world is the monumental Burj Khalifa skyscraper, rising to a height of 828 meters. Construction of the building began in 2004 and was fully completed in 2010. Burj Khalifa has 163 floors, most of which are occupied by office space, hotels and restaurants, several floors are reserved for residential apartments, the cost of which is simply incredible - from $40,000 per sq. m. meter!
The cost of the project cost the developer, Emaar, $1.5 billion, which paid off literally in the first year after the building was officially put into operation. The observation deck at Burj Khalifa is especially popular, and to get to it, tickets must be purchased in advance, several days before the visit.
Kingdom Tower
In the hot sands of the Arabian desert, construction began on the largest and grandest structure in the history of mankind. We did not include this building in our rating, since a lot of time will pass before its construction is completed. This is the future Kingdom Tower, which will rise to a height of 1007 meters, and will be 200 meters higher than the Burj Khalifa.
From the highest floor of the building it will be possible to view the area at a distance of 140 km. The construction of the tower will be very difficult; due to the enormous height of the skyscraper, building materials will be delivered to the highest floors of the structure by helicopters. The initial cost of the facility will be $20 billion
The first skyscraper was built in the USA in 1885. Since then, the planet has been gripped by gigantomania - every year buildings are getting taller, and more and more people want to look at the world from a bird's eye view.
Today we will tell you how to get to the observation decks of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and what you can do there.
Burj Khalifa. Dubai, UAE
The Burj Khalifa is a record building for the number of titles: the largest number of floors, the highest restaurant, the highest elevator, but most importantly, it is the tallest building in the history of mankind. The height of the skyscraper reaches 828 meters!
The observation deck of the skyscraper is called “At the top”. Of course, it is not located at the very top of the Burj Khalifa, but from a height of 555 meters the view is no less impressive: visitors will see the artificial archipelago “The World”, the Palm Islands, Bastakiya and the Persian Gulf. In the closed part of the observation deck you can hide from the scorching sun, buy souvenirs made of pure gold, and even travel back in time - special telescopes will show what Dubai looked like 20 years ago!
The ascent to the observation deck lasts only one minute, accompanied by a light show and intense music. As one visitor writes, “the Burj Khalifa elevator ride is an attraction in itself. You can feel like a hero from a Hollywood action movie!”
By the way, about cinema. Fans of Mission: Impossible should definitely visit the mini-exhibition of the film, which is located a couple of floors below the observation deck. Several scenes from the penultimate part were filmed in the Burj Khalifa.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased on the ground floor of the Burj Khalifa. Without advance reservation they will cost about $100. You can book tickets online. This will allow you to avoid queues and save money - the price when purchasing on the site will be only $32.
How to get there
By metro – Burj Khalifa station, or by buses No. 27, 29.
Shanghai Tower. Shanghai, China
The Shanghai Tower became famous all over the world even before its opening - in 2014, roofers from Russia climbed to the top of the skyscraper and posted a video of their ascent on the Internet.
You can appreciate the desperation of the guys from the observation deck of the Tower, which is located at an altitude of 561 meters. This is the highest observation deck in the world, it even beat the “At the top” of the Burj Khalifa! According to visitors, “from such a height it seems that not only the whole of Shanghai, but the whole world is at your feet.” The transparent floor and glass walls with a slope add a sharpness to the sensations.
Climbing to such a height will not be difficult - the Shanghai Tower has 106 elevators moving at a speed of 16 meters per second. During the ascent, visitors are shown a video about the construction of a skyscraper, but it is difficult to make out what they are talking about - the speed hurts their ears.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets are sold at the box office on the ground floor of Shanghai Tower. You can buy them immediately before your visit. Cost: $27.
How to get there
Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai, China
For its unusual shape, the Shanghai World Financial Center received the title of best skyscraper of 2008. Local residents simply call it “Opener”. The souvenir shops even sell real bottle openers in the shape of a skyscraper.
However, thrill-seekers are attracted not by the interesting shape of the building, but by its observation deck. Before the opening of “At the top” in Burj Khalifa, the observation deck of the Shanghai World Financial Center was the highest on the planet - 472 meters above ground level. Thrill-seekers will appreciate the glass roof of the site and balconies with transparent floors.
If the heights make your head spin, you can take a break and watch an interactive film about the construction of the Opener or get acquainted with the history of Shanghai with the help of special media presentations.
Where can I buy a ticket
Tickets can be purchased at the box office on the ground floor of the skyscraper. You just need to follow the arrows that say “observation”. Another way is to book them on the official website. The ticket price will be $27. On your birthday, upon presentation of your passport, admission is free.
How to get there
Take the Green Subway Line and get off at Lujiazui Station.
World Trade Center. New York, USA
The World Trade Center was originally called the Freedom Tower and was built in memory of the infamous Twin Towers. Next to the skyscraper is a memorial to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attack. It is made in the form of two fountains made of black stone.
The ascent to the observation deck begins with an interactive video about the construction of New York - visitors will see how the first wooden houses grew in place of a dense forest, how one-story buildings were replaced by skyscrapers. The video will not have time to get boring - the elevator rises to a height of 390 meters in just one minute.
On the observation deck, visitors will find a typical attraction for this kind of place – a glass floor. True, here it is just a computer simulator. But the view of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan and Governor's Island is real. You can even take a photo against their background (in fact, against a wall, but experts will add what is needed). An interactive screen is installed on the site. Guests are invited to choose a New York landmark of interest and listen to a short lecture about it.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets to the observation deck can be purchased at the entrance. You will have to stand in two lines: at the checkout and at the entrance. Tickets cost $32. You can avoid the queue by purchasing a VIP ticket. It costs more - 56 dollars. You can also purchase tickets online.
How to get there
By metro line E. Station – World Trade Center.
Taipei 101. Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan can hardly be called a good place for building skyscrapers: earthquakes often occur here due to tectonic faults in the crust. However, Taipei 101 is considered one of the safest buildings in the world - during construction they used an external frame to protect against earthquakes and a damper - a huge hanging ball that prevents the skyscraper from swaying during strong hurricanes. The building is equipped with the fastest elevators in the world - the lifting speed reaches 18 meters per second. It's no surprise that Taipei 101 is listed as a Wonder of the World.
The skyscraper has two circular observation platforms - external and internal. There are information displays in the indoor area, exhibitions are held there, and souvenirs can be purchased. The external site is located at an altitude of 392 meters. Visitors can use audio guides to explore local landmarks and learn about the city's history.
Every year on New Year's Eve, fireworks are launched here - in 2005 they lasted only 30 seconds, in 2011 the duration increased to five minutes.
Where to buy tickets
You can get into the skyscraper for free, but you will have to pay to visit the observation deck. Ticket cost is about 15 dollars. To skip the line, you need to buy a Fast Ticket, but its price is higher - $30. You can purchase tickets at the ticket office in the building or online.
How to get there
You need to take the red metro line and go to Taipei 101 station.
Petronas Towers. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Petronas Towers are probably familiar to movie fans: in the film “The Entrapment,” the characters of Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones try to escape pursuit and move from one tower to another along a glass bridge. Anyone can feel like the heroes of a movie - the skyscraper bridge is open to visitors. In addition to visiting the bridge, tourists will visit the circular observation deck. A high-speed elevator will take you there in less than one minute, and during the ascent, a hologram in the form of a woman will tell you about the safety rules.
The observation deck is located at an altitude of 370 meters. From there you have a beautiful view of the entire city, and most importantly, of the neighboring twin tower. If you have binoculars, you can even look into the windows of offices and hotel rooms!
The Petronas Towers also have more “earthly” attractions - a six-level shopping center on the lower floors and a huge park with fountains and attractions right at the entrance.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets are sold at the box office on the first floors of the Towers, but their number is limited. You can book on the official website.
How to get there
Take the Kelana Jaya metro line to Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
Willis Tower. Chicago, USA
Compared to the Burj Khalifa or Shanghai Tower, the Willis Tower is dwarfed: its height is only 442 meters. Nevertheless, this is the most popular skyscraper among extreme sports enthusiasts. Those who like to tickle their nerves are attracted by the unusual observation deck, which is equipped with balconies with transparent walls and floors. “It’s like you’re hanging in the air!” – tourists share their impressions.
The observation deck is located at an altitude of 412 meters. In clear weather, you can not only admire the outskirts of Chicago, but also see other states of America - Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin - with the help of telescopes and special binoculars. And in windy weather, feel the vibrations of the building!
Another popular place among visitors is the toilets at a height of 102 meters, which are nicknamed the “highest” toilets on the planet.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets are sold on the ground floor of the skyscraper and cost $22. You can skip the line with a FastPass. Its price will be $49. You can book tickets online.
How to get there
By subway - Quincy/Well station, or by buses No. 1, 7, 28, 37, 126, 134, 135, 136, 151 and 156.
Empire State Building. New York, USA
Among all the high-rise buildings, the Empire State Building stands apart. The skyscraper is older than its peers - construction was completed back in 1931 - and once held the title of the tallest building in the world. Now the Empire State Building has lost the palm - with a height of 443 meters, it occupies only 22nd place in the ranking of the tallest buildings in the world, but this does not bother tourists. Over the entire history of its existence, the skyscraper has been visited by 110 million people.
In addition to the traditional observation deck at an altitude of 373 meters, which offers stunning views of Manhattan, the Empire State Building has a circular observation deck with a 360-degree view. It is located 17 floors below, but is even more popular.
Once your emotions from the heights and views of the city have calmed down, you can visit an exhibition dedicated to the history of the skyscraper, or, for an additional fee, take a virtual flight over Manhattan on the Skyride attraction.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets for the observation decks can be purchased at the Empire State Building on the 103rd and 86th floors or on the official website. Admission to both venues costs $52, and a VIP skip-the-line ticket costs $80. You can visit the circular observation deck for $32, or skip the line for $60.
How to get there
By metro, station – St/Herald Sq.
Shard. London, Great Britain
The championship in the construction of skyscrapers belongs to the USA and China, but the Old World also has something to be proud of. The Shard is the fourth tallest building in Europe.
“This is the most impressive way to experience London,” says one tourist in his review. Indeed, from a height of 243 meters, the entire city seems to be in the palm of your hand. Visitors will have a view of Wimbley Stadium, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and other places of pride for the British. And special telescopes will be transported to a time when the banks of the Thames were still inhabited by the Romans.
Photos from the observation deck can be immediately posted on social networks - there is Wi-Fi on the observation deck. And to make the visit even more enjoyable, guests will be offered a glass of champagne and souvenirs with Shard's image as a keepsake.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets are sold on the ground floor of the skyscraper at the entrance to the elevator. Cost: $41. When purchasing a ticket, the price will be lower – $33.
How to get there
By metro station – London Bridge, or by buses No. 43, 48, 141, 149, 152.
Federation Tower. Moscow, Russia
You can get closer to the sky not only far away. Federation Tower - the tallest skyscraper in Europe - is located in Russia. Its height reaches 374 meters.
Initially, the building was intended as an office center, but now it successfully hosts entertainment events. You can visit the observation deck accompanied by a guide or on your own. There are comfortable sofas on the site, and guests are offered coffee and champagne. And for an additional fee you can take a photo with the Tower in the background or buy souvenirs with its image as a keepsake.
Lovers can have a date at an altitude of 230 meters and enjoy the view of the evening city to the accompaniment of live music. “This will be the best romantic evening of your life!” – the organizers promise.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased immediately before visiting the site in the Tower or by appointment on the official website. The cost of tickets on weekdays is 700 rubles, on weekends – 500 rubles.
The list has been compiled more than once by a variety of publications in the Old World. Today we decided to follow their example, presenting to your attention a small selection of the most impressive and unusual buildings with a height of more than 100 meters.
DC Tower (Vienna, Austria)
Our list opens with the tallest building in Austria, the environmentally friendly skyscraper DC Tower 1, also known as Donau City Tower. This structure was built on the banks of the Danube in 2013 and immediately found its way onto all sorts of lists of the most impressive structures of our time. The thing is that this 250-meter building with a wavy facade is one of the few skyscrapers on the planet built in accordance with all the standards of “green” architecture. In particular, the building has water-saving showers, energy-efficient elevators, as well as many other interesting features that are inextricably linked with environmental issues. The tower’s “life support” comes from environmentally friendly energy. The author of such an impressive project is the French architect Dominique Perrault.
Currently, opposite DC Tower 1, construction is underway on a second similar tower - DC Tower 2. Construction of the overall complex is planned to be completed in 2015, but already now the Vienna business center Donau City can safely be called one of the most beautiful skyscrapers planets.
Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Petronas Towers is one of the oldest complexes on our list. The construction of these two amazing towers lasted from 1992 to 1998. At the same time, the two towers were built in parallel by two different construction companies, and the then leader of the country, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, took an active part in the design of the facility. It was at his behest that eight-pointed stars were incorporated into the silhouette of the buildings, which was supposed to make the Petronas Towers the most “Islamic” skyscrapers in the world.
However, this is not what brought the complex worldwide fame. After its construction, Petronas Towers were recognized as one of the most structurally complex structures on the planet, as well as one of the largest structures in Southeast Asia. The usable area of the buildings is equal to the area of 48 football fields, and the total territory of the complex exceeds 40 hectares. In addition, the foundation on which 450-meter buildings are supported reaches 100 meters in depth, which is an absolute record on the planet.
Currently, the Petronas Towers are one of the most recognizable symbols of Malaysia, as well as one the most beautiful skyscrapers Asia.
- Federation Tower (Moscow, Russia)
photo city.rf
A complex of two buildings in the center of Moscow rises above the ground by 242 (West) and 374 (East) meters, respectively. According to this indicator, the building ranks first in Europe, remaining not only one of the most beautiful skyscrapers in Russia, but also one of the tallest buildings in the Old World.
A total of 67 elevators are used to support the tower (10 more than in Burj Khalifa), each of which moves at a speed of 8 meters per second. And a special concrete frame, made of unique high-strength concrete grade B90, gives the complex increased stability, which, according to the authors of the project, should be enough for the building to withstand a direct hit from an aircraft.
photo gorproject.ru
Initially, the project also included a 506-meter spire, which was planned to house an observation deck. However, this idea was later abandoned. Currently, the Federation Tower is in the final stages of construction. One of the most beautiful skyscrapers Europe will be finally put into operation in 2016.
CAYAN Tower (Dubai, UAE)
One of the most unusual buildings in Dubai, and also the tallest “twisted” building on the planet rightfully takes its place on the list the most beautiful skyscrapers our vast Earth. The design of this 300-meter tower was carried out by the famous American bureau Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and, as conceived by the architects, was supposed to minimize the influence of wind on the stability of the tower.
However, the twisted body of the high-rise also has a pronounced aesthetic significance: from the base to the roof, the silhouette of the building is twisted exactly 90 degrees. This fact allowed the CAYAN tower, also known as the Infinity Tower, to become one of the regular participants in various lists of the most impressive buildings on our planet.
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Flame Towers (Baku, Azerbaijan)
The “Fire Towers” of Azerbaijan are located exactly in the center of our list. The three gigantic buildings, 190 meters high, amaze with their unusual concept and impressive lighting. In 2013, the authoritative portal skyscrapercity.com ranked Flame Towers first in the list of buildings on earth with the most impressive lighting. Subsequently, the Discovery Channel and the Science Channel presented their separate reports about this complex. However, such attention is quite understandable. In fact, the entire façade of the buildings is made up of high-precision LED screens, thanks to which in the evenings Flame Towers look like giant tongues of flame.
Due to the favorable location of the building, it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. At the moment, the “Fire Towers” are one of the main symbols of Baku and all of Azerbaijan, the name of which, by the way, is also translated from Persian as “Gathering Fire”.
CCTV Headquarters (Beijing, China)
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One of the most unusual buildings on our list. The China Central Television building was built in 2009 according to the design of Dutch and German architects Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren. The aesthetics of the 234-meter skyscraper have been repeatedly questioned. But the originality of the structure has always been noted by the leading architectural publications on the planet.
In 2010, the famous “Pants” were included in the TOP of the most unusual buildings in the Middle Kingdom. Several times CCTV Headquarters was also included in the list the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world.
Al Bahar (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
The headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Investment Council are two 145-meter towers located right in the middle of the Arabian deserts. The architecture of the towers is an amazing mixture of modern technology and the traditional “mashrabiya” style, characterized by an abundance of lattices with complex patterns. However, this fact is not the only interesting feature of these towers. The thing is that the golden “scales” of the buildings are not only a decorative element, but also a special ventilation system consisting of two thousand modules that open depending on the location of the sun. Thanks to them, even in 50-degree heat, a comfortable atmosphere is maintained in the building, and the energy consumption of the tower is reduced by 50 percent.
Burj al Arab (Dubai, UAE)
The next point is the UAE again. “Arab Tower” - Burj al Arab - opens the top three of our list the most beautiful skyscrapers on the planet. The 321-meter building, built on an artificial island, is rightfully considered one of the most elegant, aesthetic and recognizable buildings on our planet. In addition, the famous hotel is also a true embodiment of Arabian luxury. Helipads, an underwater restaurant simulating a submarine, a hall covered in gold leaf, panoramic elevators and golf courses located at dizzying heights - all this splendor has turned the Burj al Arab into a living symbol of Dubai life. Today, the image of a “seven-star” hotel appears on thousands of postcards, magnets and other souvenirs brought from Dubai.
A few years ago, the authorities of the emirate even presented a separate logo for the city, where the letter “D” in the word “Dubai” was made in the form of an “Arab Tower”.
Sheraton Huzhou Hotel (Huzhou, China)
Honorable silver on our list the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world goes to another representative of the Middle Kingdom - the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort. This building, reaching a height of 102 meters, is more than half the height of the CCTV building, however, despite this, its construction cost investors almost twice as much - 1.5 billion dollars! This fact is associated with the unusual bionic shape of the hotel, which, in fact, made this skyscraper famous throughout the world. However, such a “horseshoe-shaped” structure also has a purely practical function. This engineering solution adds greater resistance to earthquakes to the structure.
In addition to the unusual silhouette, a striking detail of the skyscraper is also its façade, which is decorated with 19,000 LED lights.
Absolute Towers (Mississauga, Canada)
Despite the fact that most of the most beautiful and impressive skyscrapers of our time are located in the PRC and the United Arab Emirates, the first place on our list today goes to the birthplace of high-rise buildings - North America. Canadian skyscrapers Absolute Towers today proudly top our list, as well as dozens of other “hit parades” of multi-story buildings.
It is very noteworthy that the author of this structure was the Chinese architects from the MAD studio, who developed the design of these amazing wave-shaped buildings. The "twisted" form of the building causes the building to visually rotate, and also helps to eliminate vertical barriers common in multi-story buildings. Both skyscrapers do not have a single repeating balcony or floor, which creates unique conditions for the residents of this residential complex.
Currently, two towers, 180 and 161 meters high, are the main symbol of the small town of Mississauga, located in the suburbs of Toronto. In 2012, the architectural complex was awarded the title of best high-rise building in America. Today we decided to put it in first place in our ranking of the most beautiful skyscrapers on the planet.
Good luck and goodbye!