Top 10: Tallest Buildings in the World 2024

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 man’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 – 829.8 metres (2,722 ft)

Standing at an unfathomable height of 829.8 metres (2,722 ft, 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 95 kilometres (60 miles) 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 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 – 828 metres (2,717 ft)

The latest entry to this list, the architectural marvel of Merdeka 118 was completed in 2022. Measuring a staggering 828 metres (2,717 ft) 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 you’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!

3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai – 632 metres (2,073 ft)

The third tallest building in the world is the Shanghai Tower, with a height of 632 metres (2,073 ft). 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 – 601 metres (1,972 feet)

Standing at 601 metres (1,972 feet) 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 – 599 metres (1,965 ft)

The Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen is the 5th tallest building in the world, measuring in at 599 metres (1,965 ft) 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 36 kilometres per hour (22 mph).

6. Goldin Finance 117, Tianjin – 597 metres (1,957 ft)

Goldin Finance 117 in Tianjin, China, measuring 595 metres (1,952 ft) 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 – 556 metres (1,823 ft)

At 556 metres (1,823 ft), 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 478 metres (1568 ft) 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 – 546 metres (1,776 ft)

Next up on our list is the One World Trade Center. Standing 546 metres (1,776 ft) 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. Alternatievely, 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 – 530 metres (1,740 ft)

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 in at 530 metres (1,740 ft).

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 recognised by its rounded curves, air vents, and rounded top.

Its counterpart, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Center is one of a two-skyscraper complex which overlooks the Pearl River in Guangzhou. Its 116 total floors can be navigated with its elevators which can travel at speeds of up to 20 meters per second (44 mph), the fastest in the world.

10. China Zun (CITC Tower), Beijing – 527 metres (1,731 ft)

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 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 supertall skyscraper resembles.

The Future Tallest Building: Jeddah Tower

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 1,000 metres (3,280 ft)—around 180 metres (591 ft) 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 2028/2029.

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