Top 10: Tallest Buildings in the World (2025)

Nowadays, when visiting any modern city, it’s likely that visiting the tallest skyscraper will be part of your itinerary. Generally constructed in financial districts, these epic structures soar unfathomably high into the sky above us and are a testament to human civilization’s desire for innovation and progress. What’s more, these structures also often offer unique and exciting tourist experiences. Today at Civitatis, we’re counting down the top 10 tallest buildings in the world—don’t look down!

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai – 2,722 feet (829.8 meters)

Standing at an unfathomable height of 2,722 feet (829.8 meters) (just over half a mile) and with 163 floors, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest skyscraper on our planet. The legendary building is also the owner of several other world records, including the tallest structure ever built, the building with the most floors, and the highest restaurant. Incredibly, the Burj Khalifa is visible from up to 60 miles (95 kilometers) away and forms a vital part of the city’s iconic skyline.

If you choose to visit the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find that there are two different observation decks that each offer fantastic views of the city. Visit the 124th/125th floor of the Burj Khalifa, or, alternatively, go to the 148th floor of the building, which also includes a visit to the 124th and 125th floors! We recommend visiting each of the floors to enjoy various perspectives of the city.

2. Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur – 2,717 feet (828 meters)

The latest entry to this list, the architectural marvel of Merdeka 118, was completed in 2022. Measuring a staggering 2,717 feet (828 meters) in height, this is the tallest building in Asia, and the second tallest in the world.

With 118 floors, including 5 below ground, tourists can access levels 115 and 116, where they’ll find an observation deck called ‘The View at 118‘. After flying up over 100 floors in less than a minute, you’ll be met with truly staggering views!

If you’re visiting the city, check out this Kuala Lumpur + Batu Caves tour, which includes stops at some of the most iconic pieces of architecture in the city as well as Malaysia’s largest Hindu temple, known as Batu Caves.

3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai – 2,073 feet (632 meters)

The third-tallest building in the world is the Shanghai Tower, with a height of 2,073 feet (632 meters). This building is located in the financial district of Pudong. The tower is especially of note for its sustainability and has been referred to as the most sustainable supertall skyscraper—home to 270 wind turbines and a rain harvesting system.

Shanghai Tower has quickly become an iconic part of the city’s skyline since the building was completed in 2014. You can learn more about this skyscraper and other of the city’s most iconic pieces of modern architecture as part of this private modern Shanghai guided tour—a must for architecture enthusiasts.

4. Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, Mecca – 1,972 feet (601 meters)

Standing at 1,972 feet (601 meters) in height is the iconic Abraj Al Bait Tower. This huge construction is part of a complete set of seven skyscraper hotels in Mecca known as the Clock Towers. The building complex is just a short walk from Islam’s most sacred site—the Great Mosque of Mecca.

In addition, the clock tower houses the Clock Tower Museum on the four upper floors. You can visit an observation deck and enjoy superb views of Mecca from the 120th floor.

5. Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen – 1,965 feet (599 meters)

The Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen is the 5th tallest building in the world, measuring in at 1,965 ft (599 meters) in height. The Ping An Finance Center includes office spaces, a hotel, retail areas, and an observation deck offering breathtaking views of Shenzhen and beyond.

To get to the top, you’ll only have to take one of its 80 elevators that travel at a speed of 22 miles per hour (36 kph).

6. Goldin Finance 117, Tianjin – 1,957 feet (597 meters)

Goldin Finance 117 in Tianjin, China, measuring 1,957 feet (597 meters) in height, is the only skyscraper in this area of the city. As of December 2023, the building remains unfinished and unoccupied—China State Construction Engineering Coroporation (responsible for the building’s construction) has removed all on-site workers, and there are currently no plans for construction to continue. Goldin Finance 117 has the Guinness World Record for being the world’s tallest unoccupied building.

7. Lotte World Tower, Seoul – 1,823 feet (556 meters)

At 1,823 feet (556 meters), the Lotte World Tower stands tall in Seoul’s already impressive skyline and is ranked the 8th-tallest skyscraper in the world. One of the main attractions of this tower is the Seoul Sky, the world’s tallest glass-floored observatory and a Guinness World Record holder!

Standing 1568 feet (478 meters) high, Seoul Sky offers incredible views of the South Korean capital. Grab yourself a ticket for the Seoul Sky Observatory—the perfect opportunity to learn more about the history of this imposing tower.

8. One World Trade Center, New York – 1,776 feet (546 meters)

Next up on our list is the One World Trade Center. Standing 1,776 feet (546 meters) in height and housing 110 floors, this is the tallest skyscraper in the USA and the western hemisphere. Called the Freedom Tower during the planning process, this structure is a rebuilding of the original World Trade Center, which was destroyed during the tragic events of 9/11.

Grab a ticket to the One World Observatory, to breathtaking views of the New York skyline. From this viewpoint, you’ll experience 360 panoramic views of Manhattan and New York. Also available inside are three different panoramic restaurants, offering a wonderful range of culinary delights. Alternatively, see all of the city’s skyscrapers from the sky on this New York helicopter tour!

8. & 9. Tianjin CTF Finance Center & Guangzhou CTF Finance Center – 1,740 feet (530 meters)

The first two entries on our list are actually tied! Both located in China, the CTF Finance Center in Tianjin and the CTF Finance Center in Guangzhou both measure 1,740 feet (530 meters).

The CTF Finance Center, like the Goldin Finance 117, is located in the city of Tianjin. Used as the city’s trade and finance center, this building is recognized by its rounded curves, air vents, and rounded top.

Its counterpart, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Center is one element of a two-skyscraper complex that overlooks the Pearl River in Guangzhou. Its 116 total floors can be navigated with its elevators, which can travel at speeds of up to 44 miles per hour (70 kilometers per hour), the fastest elevators in the world.

10. China Zun (CITC Tower), Beijing – 1,731 feet (527 meters)

The tenth and final item on our list is the CITC Tower in Beijing, often referred to as the China Zun. This giant building is located in Beijing’s Central Business District and is the tallest in the entire city. The ‘Zun’ in the building’s name comes from the traditional Chinese wine vessel of the same name, which this super-tall skyscraper resembles.

The Tallest Buildings in the World By Continent

So those are the top 10 tallest buildings in the world, but what about elsewhere in the world?

The Tallest Building in Europe – Lakhta Center, St. Petersburg – 1,516 feet (462 meters)

The tallest building in Europe, and the sixteenth tallest building in the world, the Lakhta Centre is located in St. Petersburg, Russia. Serving as the HQ of Gazprom, Russia’s energy giant. It features 90 total floors within a beautiful twisted design, topped by a bright LED crown that lights up this elegant structure at nighttime.

The tallest freestanding structure in Europe is in Moscow, in the Ostankino Tower. However, given that the tower is not occupiable, it does not fit our criteria.

The Tallest Building in Africa – Iconic Tower, NAC – 1,292 feet (393.8 meters)

The tallest building in Africa, the Iconic Tower, is located in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt. Serving as a mixed-use skyscraper, the Iconic Tower predominantly features office floors, but also has some residential, hotel, and commercial spaces.

The Tallest Building in Oceania – Q1, Gold Coast – 1,060 feet (323 meters)

The Q1 Tower, located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is the tallest building in Oceania. Originally constructed as a residential and tourist complex, this 78-story skyscraper also features an observation deck offering panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. Its design is said to be inspired by the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch.

The Tallest Building in South America – Gran Torre, Santiago – 980 feet (300 meters)

The Gran Torre Santiago, part of the Costanera Center complex in Santiago, Chile, is the tallest building in South America. With 62 floors, the Gran Torre is located in Santiago’s financial district and dominates Santiago’s skyline, providing incredible views of the Andes Mountains.

With its grand opening in 2014 (following a construction delay due to the global financial crisis in 2008), this glass-clad tower features various technical innovations. Made from recycled steel, the Gran Torre uses water from the San Carlos Canal to cool the building, and also features a sophisticated earthquake protection system.

The Tallest Building in Antarctica – Vostok Station – 57 feet (17.5 meters)

A skyscraper by Antarctica’s standards, the Vostok Station is the tallest permanent structure on the continent, measuring in at a vertigo-inducing 57 feet (17.5 meters)… The station serves as a research facility, supporting scientific studies in extreme polar conditions, including climate and ice-core research.

The Future Tallest Building – Jeddah Tower – 3,280 feet (1,000 feet)

While the Burj Khalifa is now the reigning tallest building in the world, it is likely that the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia will soon take its throne, with speculations that the structure will exceed 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)—around 591 feet (180 meters) taller than the Burj Khalifa. Although construction began in 2013, there were some early difficulties with the project. Work has since resumed, and Jeddah Tower is estimated to be completed in 2028.

There you have it. Those are the top 10 tallest buildings in the world today. It’s exciting to think about where human engineering and ingenuity will take us in the future, and how high future skyscrapers will go! If you decide to vi