Top 3 Reasons to Visit the Tallest Skyscrapers in the World

Key Takeaways

• The world’s tallest skyscrapers highlight engineering innovation, historical significance and cultural richness, making them engaging destinations for travelers interested in architecture and iconic city experiences.
• Many of these structures are located in major global cities—such as New York City, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur—offering additional museums, dining and cultural attractions to explore.
• A travel protection plan may help with certain covered events that affect your trip, such as delays or cancellations, if all conditions of your plan are met.

The tallest skyscrapers in the world are marvels to behold and tend to be built in cities teeming with culture and tourist attractions, making them great destinations for travel. 

September 3 is National Skyscraper Day—a day to celebrate the tallest skyscrapers, the architects who designed them, and the people who built them. It's reported that architectural forefather Louis H. Sullivan's birthday (Sept. 3, 1856) is the reason why it's celebrated on that day. Although National Skyscraper Day has come and gone, you can still celebrate by admiring the tallest buildings in your hometown.

In case you were wondering, here's a list of the top 10 tallest skyscrapers in the United States. New York City and Chicago are home to these buildings:

1. One World Trade Center, New York City (1,776 feet)
2. Central Park Tower, New York City (1,550 feet)
3. Willis Tower, Chicago (1,451 feet)
4. 111 West 57^th Street, New York City (1,428 feet)
5. One Vanderbilt, New York City (1,401 feet)
6. 432 Park Avenue, New York City (1,396 feet)
7. Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago (1,389 feet)
8. 270 Park Avenue, New York City (1,388 feet)
9. 30 Hudson Yards, New York City (1,270 feet)
10. Empire State Building, New York City (1,250 feet)

If you're interested in learning where you can find the tallest skyscrapers in the world, here's a list. Although there is some discrepancy about how to measure these buildings (include the antenna or flagpoles), Dubai's Burj Khalifa building remains the tallest and One World Trade Center ranks within the top tier globally based on architectural height.

Top 10 Tallest Buildings Worldwide

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2,717 feet)*
2. Merdeka 118, Malaysia (2,227 feet)
3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China (2,073 feet)
4. Mecca Royal Clock Tower, Mecca, Saudi Arabia (1972)
5. Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen, China (1,965 feet)
6. Lotte World Tower, Seoul, South Korea (1,820 feet)
7. One World Trade Center, New York, New York City (1,776 feet)
8. Guangzhou Finance Tower, Guangzhou, China (1740)
9. CITIC Tower, Beijing, China (1,731 feet)
10. Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan (1,667 feet)

*We are not currently covering travelers visiting the middle east

If you think that these manmade marvels make great travel destinations, then you aren't alone. According to National News 17 million people visited the top of tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa building. 

Top Three Reasons to Visit The Tallest Skyscrapers

1. Rule benders. 

The architectural race to see which country can build the tallest skyscraper still charges on and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Each time a new skyscraper tops the list, it's pushing the limits for how tall a building can be built. There are many reasons why the record is tough to beat. Money and the elevator system seem to be two of the toughest challenges. This gives yet another reason to marvel at these architectural feats.

2. Location. Location. Location. 

The tallest skyscrapers in the world are built in some of the most interesting cities with much more to see and do. For example, if you're visiting One World Trade Center in New York City, you'll have the opportunity to take in all the sites the city offers. Central Park and Broadway shows are just a few.

3. Art and history. 

Just to name a few U.S. examples, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for more than 40 years, making it historically significant. It's also a premier example of Art Deco architectural design, which was popular in 1931 when it was built. One World Trade Center is said to be one of the greenest and safest skyscrapers ever built.

If you're planning a trip to New York City or any of the destinations on this list, then prepare to be amazed by these tall structures and all that they offer. Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, you might want to help protect your vacation investment and consider purchasing a travel protection plan as well.