Top 10 Tallest Buildings in the World With Breathtaking Views

Top 10 Tallest Buildings in the World

From ancient pyramids to today’s tall buildings made of glass and steel, people have always wanted to build high. Modern skyscrapers are amazing examples of smart design, strong engineering, and national pride.

These huge buildings change the way cities look and show a country’s wealth and advanced technology. Here is the list of top 10 tallest building in the world:

10. CITIC Tower

Highlights:

• Shaped like an ancient Chinese 'zun' vessel.

• Structural benefits in seismic zones.

• Headquarters of CITIC Group.

• Observation deck on the 126th floor.

Use: Office (HQ for CITIC Group)

Design Inspiration: Ancient Chinese zun vessel

Other Facts: Wider at top/bottom for wind and quake resistance; observation deck on 126th floor.

9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre

Highlights:

• Elegant curved megacolumn design.

• Exoskeleton supports wind and earthquakes.

• Energy-efficient glass facade.

Use: Office, hotel, serviced apartments

Design Feature: 8 curved megacolumns for stability

Other Facts: Energy-efficient glass and structural resilience to wind/earthquakes.

8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

Highlights:

• Terracotta exterior for solar control.

• Rosewood Hotel and fast elevators (69 mph).

• Offices and luxury residences.

Use: Office, hotel, residential

Elevator Speed: Up to 69 km/h by Hitachi

Other Facts: Rosewood Hotel inside; terracotta cladding helps with solar control.

7. One World Trade Center

Highlights:

• Symbolic height representing U.S. independence.

• Octagonal structure with heavy safety features.

• Observation deck and high-security design.

Use: Office, observation, broadcast

Observation Deck: One World Observatory on floors 100-102

Other Facts: Symbolic height representing 1776—the year of U.S. independence.

6. Lotte World Tower

Highlights:

• Glass-bottom observation deck (Seoul Sky).

• World's highest swimming pool & art gallery.

• Cultural inspiration from Korean ceramics.

Use: Hotel, office, retail, residential

Observation Deck: Seoul Sky at 500 m with glass floor

Other Facts: World's highest art gallery and swimming pool.

5. Ping An Finance Center

Highlights:

• Tapered steel façade withstands harsh weather.

• Headquarters of Ping An Insurance.

• Observation deck and shopping mall.

Use: Office, hotel, retail

Construction Material: Stainless steel and glass

Other Facts: Originally planned with spire to surpass Shanghai Tower but was reduced due to aviation restrictions.

4. Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower

Highlights:

• Largest clock face in the world.

• Supports pilgrims with prayer rooms and hotels.

• Part of a major religious site development.

Use: Hotel, residential, commercial, religious

Clock Size: 43m diameter—largest clock face in the world

Other Facts: Includes prayer rooms, shopping mall, museum; visible from 25 km away.

3. Shanghai Tower

Highlights:

• Twisting double-glass façade reduces wind loads.

• Nine vertical zones with sky gardens.

• Energy-efficient and sustainable design.

Use: Office, hotel, retail

Construction Material: Glass and steel

Observation Deck: World's highest at 562 m

Other Facts: Features wind turbines, rainwater collection, and a double-layered glass façade for energy efficiency.

2. Merdeka 118

Highlights:

• Set to be 2nd tallest globally
• Inspired by Malaysian culture
• Offices, observation decks, hotels

Use: Hotel, commercial, residential

Other Facts: Inspired by Malaysian independence; set to become 2nd tallest globally.

1. Burj Khalifa

Highlights:

• The world's tallest building.

• Inspired by the Hymenocallis flower.

• The highest outdoor observation deck & swimming pool.

• Mixed-use: offices, apartments, hotel.

Construction Material: Reinforced concrete and steel.

Observation Deck: "At the Top" on 124th & 148th floors.

Other Facts: Holds world records for tallest structure, highest occupied floor, and longest elevator travel distance.