Ever craned your neck at a city skyline and wondered what the view looks like from the clouds? From neon-lit desert palaces to twisting steel spires in monsoon-kissed jungles, these sky-high wonders don’t just tower—they invite you to look down (and maybe gasp a little). Strap in, friends: we’re about to take the express elevator to some seriously stunning heights.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai — 2,717 ft
The tallest building on Earth, the Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s centerpiece. Visitors can head to At the Top at 1,496 ft, climb higher to At the Top SKY at 1,821 ft, or relax in the lounge at 1,919 ft. On clear nights, its LED light show can be seen nearly 59 miles away, with views stretching across Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Road, and even the desert dunes. Fun Fact: its Y-shaped design mirrors the desert Hymenocallis flower.
Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur — 2,227 ft
Built on the site of Malaysia’s Independence Stadium, Merdeka 118 pays homage to the country’s history while showcasing modern design. Its observation decks between 1,673–1,864 ft look out across the Petronas Towers, KL Tower, and the city’s greenery. Covered in 114,000 triangular panels inspired by traditional textiles, it’s also one of the most sustainable skyscrapers in the world.
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai — 2,073 ft
Shanghai Tower twists 120° as it rises, a design that helps cut through the wind. Visitors can take in sweeping city views from the “Top of Shanghai” deck at 1,791 ft or head higher to the SKY 632 gallery. Below, the Bund’s historic promenade, barges on the Huangpu River, and Pudong’s skyline stretch toward the East China Sea. The tower also features the world’s tallest hotel lobby and some of the fastest elevators anywhere, climbing at 67 ft per second.
Abraj Al‑Bait Clock Tower, Mecca — 1,972 ft
This massive clock tower overlooks the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba. Each of its clock faces is 141 ft wide, dwarfing Big Ben, and a green laser beam marks prayer times across 19 miles of sky. At 119–120 floors up, visitors have one of the most awe-inspiring views of Islam’s holiest city.
Ping An Finance Centre, Shenzhen — 1,965 ft
Rising like a steel arrow, the Ping An tower offers 360° views from its Free Sky 116 deck at 1,776 ft. On clear days, you can see all the way to Hong Kong’s hills. Elevators travel at 33 ft per second, reaching the top in less than a minute. Its sleek, stainless-steel design also reflects the sun like a giant sundial.
Lotte World Tower, Seoul — 1,821 ft
Seoul Sky sits near the top of Lotte World Tower, with glass floors and open terraces at 1,568 ft above the city. Double-decker elevators carry visitors up to 1,627 ft in just one minute. From here, you can spot the Han River, N Seoul Tower, and Olympic Park, while the tower’s design pays tribute to Korean pottery and calligraphy.
One World Trade Center, New York City — 1,776 ft
At the One World Observatory, located on levels 100–102, visitors get 360° views of New York City: the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and even the Jersey Shore 50 miles away. Its height—1,776 ft—is a nod to U.S. independence. The elevator ride includes a 47-second time-lapse of New York’s 500-year history.
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, Guangzhou — 1,739 ft
Known for the fastest elevators in the world, this tower takes guests to its sky lobby on the 116th floor at 1,624 ft in seconds. From there, you can see the Pearl River, the Canton Tower, and the Zhujiang New Town. The building is also home to the Rosewood Guangzhou, the highest five-star hotel on Earth.
Taipei 101, Taipei — 1,667 ft
Visitors to Taipei 101 can enjoy views from the indoor deck on the 89th floor, the outdoor deck on the 91st, or the “Secret Garden in the Clouds” at the 101st floor (1,253 ft). The tower also features a 660-ton damper that stabilizes the building during typhoons and earthquakes, and elevators that rocket upward at 3,315 ft per minute.
Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City — 1,513 ft
Landmark 81 resembles a bamboo stalk, symbolizing strength and growth. Guests can cross a glass-bottom bridge, test VR “skydiving,” or relax at Miwaku Café at 1,214 ft. From its decks, you’ll spot the Saigon River, the Bitexco Tower, and even the Mekong Delta on a clear day.
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur — 1,483 ft
These twin towers are Malaysia’s most famous landmark. The Skybridge on levels 41–42 gives views of the city below, while the Observation Deck on floor 86 offers an even higher perspective. Their eight-pointed star design reflects Islamic geometry, and the towers have appeared in films like Entrapment and Independence Day.
