The Top Tallest Buildings in the World: See Which Ones Impress the Most

The Burj Khalifa

The most elevated building in the world is named The Burj Khalifa. At a height of 2,717 feet (the equivalent of a 1,000-story building), it also has what is currently considered to be one of the longest stairs on Earth—200 floors worth—to climb to get from one end to another. It took eight years to build and construction costs topped $1.5 billion US dollars.

The base of The Burj Khalifa is covered by a large manmade lake so that only its triangular peak will jut out above Dubai's warm and salty waters... which are home to some pretty big sharks!

Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest building, and it will stay that way for at least a decade. The broadcasting tower is 634 meters tall and reaches 2,080 feet into the sky.

But if you want to visit inside one of these top ten tallest buildings in the world, you’ll have to stand in line for more than half an hour because only 1,000 people are allowed inside per day! While there are plenty of vantage points from which to take pictures and buy souvenirs, it might be worth your while to skip standing around on stairs for hours and go straight to number two on our list.

Shanghai Tower

At over 600 meters tall, Shanghai Tower is currently (as of 2018) the tallest building in China and the second tallest building in the world. The towering skyscraper was designed by Gensler, a global architecture and design firm headquartered in San Francisco.

Located near a few other supertall skyscrapers, it has garnered comparisons to a vertical city—this vertical city even comes with its own green space. i was Just kidding! But seriously, how cool would that be? Urban vertical gardens are already popping up around cities; why not go all out? This tower has nearly double-decker elevators and a sky lobby that separates its two halves.

Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower Mecca

After years of construction, Saudi Arabia has finally opened its newest and highest skyscraper.

The structure—also known as The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower Mecca—stands at a massive 1,972 feet tall and is even taller than Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. It’s part of a sprawling complex that includes a five-star hotel, luxury condominiums, offices, and more that’s located just outside of Mecca (where no skyscrapers are allowed).

Developers claim it will not only be one of the most modern buildings in Saudi Arabia but also offer stunning views for visitors to Mecca.

Shanghai World Financial Center

The Shanghai World Financial Center building is located in Shanghai, China. This structure is 1,614 feet high, which ranks it #1 on our list of tallest buildings around the world. The two towers that make up most of it are 118 stories tall; each has a sky lobby on its 49th floor (which sounds downright cozy after you consider that there are 101 floors total).

Unsurprisingly, rents and sale prices for apartments here are off-the-charts expensive. Still, if you want to see what earning millions (or billions) a year looks like from up close, even though you probably don’t have millions or billions yourself yet—this could be your chance!

International Commerce Centre

The International Commerce Centre is a 118-story skyscraper located in West Kowloon, Hong Kong. At 1,588 feet tall, it's currently one of Asia's tallest buildings. The building itself is mostly commercial but includes office space and residential units.

The building opened to residents in 2011 and has received multiple awards since its completion. It also features retail and dining areas including an observatory on its 100th floor, which provides a 360-degree view of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbor, and beyond.

Taipei 101

For many, Taiwan’s Taipei 101 was their first introduction to Asia’s skyscraper obsession. The ultra-modern landmark has a unique and attention-grabbing architectural design and sits just behind Burj Khalifa for size. At 1,670 feet tall, it is nearly half of a mile high, making it one of the most significant habitable buildings on Earth.

In fact, with its spire added on top Taipei 101 is actually even taller than Burj Khalifa—clocking in at 1,708 feet from base to tip!

One World Trade Center New York City

One World Trade Center (formerly known as Freedom Tower) is a mixed-use skyscraper under construction at the 16-acre site of New York's former World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.

It will be located on a large superblock bounded by Vesey, Fulton, Washington, and Church Streets. Construction on One WTC started after ceremonial groundbreaking took place on April 27, 2006; it was expected to top out by November 2010 and be fully open for business after five years, but cost overruns have caused delays. The building is now scheduled to open in early 2014.

Petronas Towers 1 and 2 Kuala Lumpur

The twin towers of Petronas are among Kuala Lumpur’s most famous sights. The taller of the two stands at 1,483 feet, making it one of three buildings on our list to reach over a mile high.

At night, these iconic towers are lit up with stunning LED displays that make them look like they're on fire. (That's no accident -- they're called Petronas after all.) If you’re going to check out only one skyscraper while you’re in Malaysia, make it these two!