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If you’re ready to take on the World’s Tallest Buildings quiz, you’ll need to know the tallest ones. Here are the top 25 tallest buildings in the world.
1. Burj Khalifa – 828 m
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE, is the world’s tallest building at 828 meters. Completed in 2010, this iconic structure redefined architectural ambition with its unique design and record-breaking height. Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Burj Khalifa combines Islamic architectural elements with cutting-edge engineering. It features residential units, corporate suites, and the Armani Hotel, making it a multifunctional skyscraper. The observation decks, including “At The Top,” offer breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline. The Burj Khalifa also symbolizes the rapid development of Dubai into a global metropolis.
2. Merdeka 118 – 679 m
Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is the second-tallest building in the world, standing at 679 meters. Completed in 2023, it is a marvel of modern architecture and engineering. The tower is part of the Merdeka Heritage Area and offers a blend of retail, residential, and office spaces. Designed by Fender Katsalidis, its façade features a diamond-shaped pattern inspired by Malaysian art and culture. A highlight is the observation deck, which provides panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka 118 also incorporates sustainable practices, earning green building certifications.
3. Shanghai Tower – 632 m
Shanghai Tower, completed in 2015, stands at 632 meters and is the tallest building in China. Located in the Lujiazui area of Shanghai, it is renowned for its unique twisting design, which reduces wind load by 24%. Designed by Gensler, the building features nine cylindrical sections stacked atop each other, housing offices, hotels, and retail spaces. The tower is a symbol of sustainability, with a double-skin façade for insulation and advanced rainwater harvesting systems. Its high-speed elevators, which travel at 20.5 meters per second, are among the fastest in the world.
4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower – 601 m
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a centerpiece of the Abraj Al-Bait complex. Completed in 2012, the tower stands at 601 meters and is home to one of the largest clock faces in the world. Designed by the Saudi Binladin Group, it houses luxury hotels, prayer rooms, and an Islamic museum. The tower serves millions of pilgrims visiting the Kaaba annually and reflects the grandeur of Islamic architecture. The crescent at its peak is an iconic symbol of the Islamic world.
5. Ping An Finance Center – 599 m
Located in Shenzhen, China, the Ping An Finance Center is a 599-meter tall skyscraper completed in 2017. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, it features a sleek, minimalist design with a diamond-shaped façade. The building serves as the headquarters for Ping An Insurance and includes offices, a retail mall, and an observation deck. Its structural innovations ensure stability and energy efficiency, making it a marvel of modern engineering. The observation deck, known as Free Sky, offers stunning views of the Pearl River Delta.
6. Lotte World Tower – 554 m
The Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea, reaches 554 meters and is a landmark in the city’s skyline. Completed in 2016, the tower houses luxury apartments, retail spaces, a seven-star hotel, and an observation deck named Seoul Sky. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the tower’s sleek, tapered design complements traditional Korean art. It incorporates sustainable technologies, such as solar panels and water recycling systems, making it a green skyscraper. The view from the top spans the bustling metropolis and the nearby Han River.
7. One World Trade Center – 541 m
One World Trade Center in New York City, USA, is a symbol of resilience and renewal. Standing at 541 meters (1,776 feet), its height honors the year of American independence. Completed in 2014, it was designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The building features cutting-edge safety features, including a reinforced concrete core. It houses offices and the One World Observatory, offering views of Manhattan and beyond. Its shimmering glass façade reflects the ever-changing sky, making it an iconic part of NYC’s skyline.
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre – 530 m
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, completed in 2016, stands at 530 meters in Guangzhou, China. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the building is known for its efficient vertical transport system, which includes some of the world’s fastest elevators. It houses offices, a hotel, and luxury apartments, with its design emphasizing sustainability. The façade features a mix of glass and terracotta, making it both energy-efficient and visually appealing.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre – 530 m
Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, located in Tianjin, China, is tied with its Guangzhou counterpart at 530 meters. Completed in 2019, it was designed by SOM and features an elegant, curvilinear shape to reduce wind resistance. The building houses office spaces, serviced apartments, and a luxury hotel. Its design focuses on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, with advanced glass technologies and water recycling systems.
10. CITIC Tower – 528 m
The CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, is the tallest building in Beijing, standing at 528 meters. Completed in 2018, its design is inspired by the “zun,” an ancient Chinese ritual vessel, blending cultural symbolism with modern architecture. Designed by TFP Farrells, KPF, and BIAD, the building serves as the headquarters for CITIC Group and includes offices, retail spaces, and observation decks. Its curving silhouette ensures both aesthetic appeal and structural efficiency, with advanced earthquake resistance.
11. TAIPEI 101 – 508 m
TAIPEI 101, located in Taipei, Taiwan, was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. Standing at 508 meters, it remains an architectural marvel. Designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, its tiered design resembles a bamboo stalk, symbolizing growth and prosperity in Chinese culture. The building features one of the largest tuned mass dampers in the world, which minimizes swaying during typhoons and earthquakes. TAIPEI 101 houses offices, retail spaces, and an observatory, offering panoramic views of Taipei.
12. Shanghai World Financial Center – 492 m
The Shanghai World Financial Center, nicknamed the “bottle opener” due to its distinctive top design, stands at 492 meters. Completed in 2008, it was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. The building features offices, hotels, and observation decks. Its Sky Walk, located on the 100th floor, provides breathtaking views of the city through its glass floor. The building’s trapezoidal opening at the top minimizes wind pressure, showcasing its innovative engineering.
13. International Commerce Centre – 484 m
The International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Hong Kong stands at 484 meters. Completed in 2010, it is a hub of business and luxury. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, it features office spaces, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and an observation deck called Sky100. The building’s sleek, modern design integrates seamlessly into Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Sky100 provides 360-degree views of the city and Victoria Harbour, attracting both tourists and locals.
14. Wuhan Greenland Center – 475 m
The Wuhan Greenland Center, though yet to reach its originally planned height of 636 meters, is still a striking feature at 475 meters. Located in Wuhan, China, its aerodynamic design reduces wind resistance. The building is a mixed-use development, with offices, hotels, and serviced apartments. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, it incorporates green technologies such as energy-efficient façades and rainwater recycling systems.
15. Central Park Tower – 472 m
Central Park Tower in New York City, USA, is the tallest residential building in the world at 472 meters. Completed in 2020, it was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Located along Billionaire’s Row, the tower offers ultra-luxury condominiums and unparalleled views of Central Park. Its design combines modern aesthetics with advanced engineering, ensuring both elegance and stability. The building also includes retail spaces, including a flagship Nordstrom store.
16. Lakhta Center – 462 m
The Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is Europe’s tallest building, standing at 462 meters. Completed in 2019, it serves as the headquarters for Gazprom. Designed by Gorproject and RMJM, its twisting façade reduces wind loads and enhances stability. The building features offices, public spaces, and observation decks. Its sustainable design includes energy-saving technologies and a double-skin façade, earning it multiple green certifications.
17. Vincom Landmark 81 – 461 m
Vincom Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam, standing at 461 meters in Ho Chi Minh City. Completed in 2018, it was designed by Atkins. The building includes luxury apartments, a hotel, a shopping mall, and an observation deck. Its design draws inspiration from bamboo, symbolizing strength and unity. Landmark 81 is a symbol of Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and modernization.
18. The Exchange 106 – 454 m
The Exchange 106, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a striking skyscraper at 454 meters. Completed in 2019, it is part of the Tun Razak Exchange development, which aims to become a global financial hub. The building features Grade A office spaces and is renowned for its spacious, column-free design. Its glass façade and illuminated crown add a modern touch to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
19 & 20. Petronas Twin Towers – 452 m
The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stand at 452 meters and are iconic symbols of the city. Completed in 1998, they were designed by César Pelli and feature Islamic-inspired motifs. The Skybridge connecting the two towers is a popular tourist attraction. The towers house offices, a concert hall, and the Suria KLCC shopping mall. Their stainless steel and glass façade gleams in the sunlight, making them a visual marvel.
21. Changsha IFS Tower T1 – 452 m
Changsha IFS Tower T1 is a 452-meter-tall skyscraper located in Changsha, China. Completed in 2018, it is the tallest building in Hunan Province. Designed by Wong Tung & Partners, it features a modern architectural style with clean, sleek lines. The building includes a mix of commercial spaces, offices, luxury apartments, and a five-star hotel. The IFS complex also houses a large shopping mall and a rooftop garden, making it a vibrant destination for both business and leisure. Its location in the city center and its height make it a defining feature of Changsha’s skyline.
22. Zifeng Tower – 450 m
Zifeng Tower, located in Nanjing, China, stands at 450 meters. Completed in 2010, the building was designed by Adrian Smith of SOM. It is a mixed-use structure, incorporating offices, retail spaces, and a luxury hotel. The tower’s staggered, angular design reflects traditional Chinese architecture while emphasizing modern aesthetics. At its peak, visitors can find observation decks offering panoramic views of Nanjing and nearby landmarks, such as Xuanwu Lake. The building’s façade combines glass and steel, creating a shimmering presence on the city skyline.
23. Suzhou IFS – 450 m
Suzhou IFS, or International Finance Square, is a 450-meter-tall skyscraper located in Suzhou, China. Completed in 2019, it was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. The building is a symbol of Suzhou’s modernization and economic growth. It features office spaces, luxury apartments, and a five-star hotel. The sleek, minimalist design incorporates sustainable building technologies. Its prime location near Jinji Lake enhances its prominence as a landmark in the city. The tower’s observation deck provides breathtaking views of Suzhou’s rapidly developing skyline.
24. Wuhan Tower – 443 m
Wuhan Tower, also known as the Yuexiu Fortune Center, is a 443-meter skyscraper located in Wuhan, China. Completed in 2018, the building is part of a mixed-use development that includes offices, luxury apartments, and retail spaces. Designed with a modern aesthetic, its façade is composed of reflective glass, creating a striking visual impact. Wuhan Tower represents the city’s ambition to establish itself as a financial and commercial hub. The building’s location in the business district makes it a focal point for corporate activities in Wuhan.
25. Willis Tower – 442 m
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower is a 442-meter skyscraper located in Chicago, USA. Completed in 1974, it held the title of the world’s tallest building for 25 years. Designed by architect Bruce Graham of SOM, its bundled-tube structure revolutionized skyscraper engineering. The tower features a combination of office spaces, retail areas, and observation decks. The Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor, includes the famous glass ledge, offering visitors a thrilling view of the city below. Willis Tower remains an iconic symbol of Chicago’s architectural innovation.
