The 10 Most Impressive Skyscrapers in the World

When skyscrapers were first built in Chicago and New York in the 19th century, no one could have imagined how this new trend would forever transform the urban profile of numerous cities around the globe. In fact, their success is such that many have become must-visit places, especially if they have observation decks at the top.

September 3 marks World Skyscraper Day, and to commemorate this date, we explore the world's most Instagrammed skyscrapers with the help of Musement. For the study, the 100 tallest skyscrapers on the planet were taken into account, and the number of mentions on Instagram of the two most popular hashtags for each building was analyzed. The result is a list of 10 true architectural icons:

With over 6 million mentions on Instagram, the Burj Khalifa leads the rankings. Additionally, at 828 meters tall, it still holds the record for the tallest building in the world.

After learning about the curious details of its construction through a multimedia presentation, visitors can take high-speed elevators to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors, or to the 148th floor, to marvel at unparalleled views of the desert and the Persian Gulf from 555 meters high.

To wrap up the visit on a high note, nothing beats enjoying tea or a cocktail at the lounge located between the 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors.

This symbol of the Big Apple was the first building in the United States to exceed 100 floors, and it was also the tallest skyscraper in the world from 1931 to 1972. Built in a record time of 410 days, the Empire State Building attracts over 4 million visitors each year. It is currently open 365 days a year, and the 360-degree views of the city from the two observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors are truly a delight, both day and night.

Its figure, in the capital of Taiwan, resembles a large bamboo stalk, a symbol of eternal strength in Eastern culture. This innovative building has the world's largest wind damper and earthquake system, consisting of a 660-ton steel ball.

In addition to its elegant design and cutting-edge technology, Taipei 101 is famous for its observation platforms, both indoors and outdoors, located on the 88th, 89th, and 91st floors. For those who want an even more memorable experience, the skyscraper has a Taiwanese cuisine restaurant on the 86th floor, the perfect place to enjoy the night views in a glamorous setting.

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Its height of 547 meters is a nod to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck located between the 100th and 102nd floors in the elevators in just 47 seconds. Once there, in addition to enjoying the wonderful views, the interactive exhibits allow for a deeper understanding of the history of the building and the city that hosts it.

Situated in the heart of Chicago, upon its completion in 1973, the Willis Tower held the title of the tallest building in the world for 25 years. Its enormous success on social media is largely due to the Skydeck, the observation deck on the 103rd floor, which attracts over 1.7 million visitors each year.

As if that weren't enough, in 2009, The Ledge was inaugurated, a glass balcony that offers a unique perspective of the Windy City from over 400 meters high. On a clear day, it is possible to see up to four different states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

The famous twin towers are one of the most recognizable symbols of Kuala Lumpur. The architect of the project, César Pelli, combined traditional motifs of Islamic art with the most innovative technology in his design. At 170 meters high, both towers are connected by the 58.4-meter-long Skybridge.

The crown jewel is undoubtedly the observation deck on the 86th floor, from which one can admire the city skyline at 370 meters high, as well as learn in detail about the history of the twin towers through the exhibitions and digital screens available.

The capital of South Korea hosts this skyscraper that has received Gold LEED certification for being one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings. Its modern aesthetics are inspired by Korean porcelain and calligraphy. Inside, it houses residential units, offices, a seven-star hotel, and an aquarium, among many other facilities.

One of the most popular attractions of the Lotte World Tower is the observation deck, which at 478 meters is currently the highest glass-floored observatory in the world.

At 632 meters high, this building located in the Pudong district is the tallest in China. Its glass façade has a twisted design that progressively rotates as it rises and is thriving on social media. Another one of its strong points is definitely the observation deck, located on the 118th floor, which offers unique 360-degree views. Additionally, taking the elevator to the observation deck in one of the fastest elevators in the world is an experience in itself.

The popularity of this building located at 30 Hudson Yards, west of Midtown Manhattan, is largely due to the Edge, the incredible observation deck inaugurated in March 2020. It is the highest outdoor terrace in the Western Hemisphere, suspended at 335 meters high. From here, visitors can admire some of the most iconic attractions of the Big Apple, including Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. The bravest will love seeing the city below them by walking on the glass-floored portion of the deck.

Although it opened just 2 years ago, One Vanderbilt has already earned a well-deserved spot in the top 10. At 427 meters tall, it is one of the new skyscrapers in the changing New York skyline, and the observatory located between the 91st and 93rd floors has become one of the city's most popular attractions. In addition to the dreamlike views, the combination of art and technology explains its success.

Those who do not suffer from vertigo can experience a unique adventure in one of the transparent glass cubes situated 325 meters above Madison Avenue, enjoying an exciting immersive adventure designed by Kenzo Digital.