Which Building Holds the Title of the World's Tallest?

The Empire State Building and the Sears Tower in America once held the title of the world's tallest structures. However, they have since been surpassed by even more colossal constructions. Advances in engineering and construction techniques over the past few decades have enabled buildings to soar to unprecedented heights at an astonishing rate.

This does not lessen the significance of those pioneering skyscrapers. The first of its kind was built in Chicago in 1885. Known as The Home Insurance Building, it utilized a groundbreaking steel frame and originally stood 10 stories high (with two additional floors added in 1890). This iconic structure was demolished in 1931 and replaced by an even taller building.

Though no longer standing, The Home Insurance Building and similar early skyscrapers provided architects and engineers with invaluable lessons on safeguarding tall structures against wind, lightning, and other elements, as well as advancements in elevators, plumbing, and electrical systems. Modern tallest buildings in the world owe their success to these pioneering designs. Below are the top seven, listed in reverse order:

7. One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center was constructed following the tragic collapse of the World Trade Center "Twin Towers" during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Completed in 2014, it is now the tallest building in North America, reaching 1,776 feet (541.3 meters), including its 408-foot spire. The inclusion of the spire in the building's height sparked some debate. The structure features 3 million square feet (278,709 square meters) of office space, a 55-foot (17-meter) high lobby with reinforced concrete walls for enhanced security, and various shops and restaurants. The World Trade Center complex, which includes seven buildings, also houses the national memorial honoring the victims of 9/11.

6. Lotte World Tower

This towering structure stands out as one of the most entertaining on our list, featuring an indoor theme park, multiple theaters, an outdoor park, and a Korean folk museum. Standing at 123 floors, Lotte World Tower in Seoul's Songpa District is South Korea's tallest building, reaching 1,819 feet (554 meters). Approximately 13 million visitors visit annually to enjoy its world-class shopping, dining, and breathtaking views. The building's design also captivates many, with its 42,000 glass windows, many curved for artistic appeal. It was completed in 2017.

5. Ping An Finance Centre

This architectural marvel in Shenzhen, China, stands at 1,965 feet (599 meters) and features 115 aboveground floors. Its exterior combines glass, stone, and stainless steel, creating a stunning visual. Completed in 2017, the Ping An Finance Centre is Shenzhen's tallest building and houses a conference center, a large retail space, and approximately 100 office floors. As the headquarters for Ping An Insurance Company, it is aptly named. Unlike many skyscrapers, it does not include residential areas.

4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel

This structure dwarfs Big Ben, standing at an impressive 1,972 feet (601 meters). Completed in 2012, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, features 120 stories of commercial and residential space spread across seven towers, all resting above a magnificent retail complex. Its clock tower, the tallest globally, boasts over 2 million LED lights on its face. The five-star hotel, managed by Fairmont Hotels, includes a prayer room accommodating over 10,000 worshippers, an Islamic museum, a lunar observation center, and separate fitness facilities for men and women. Located near Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam, the building cost over $15 billion, making it the most expensive in the world.

3. Shanghai Tower

China's tallest skyscraper, ranking third globally, stands at 128 aboveground stories (2,073 feet or 632 meters). Owned by the Shanghai city government, it features the world's fastest elevators, reaching speeds of 49 miles per hour (74 kph). The building's innovative design consists of nine cylindrical structures stacked vertically, as described by the British Institution of Civil Engineers. Among its luxurious amenities is a Four Seasons hotel with an 84th-floor swimming pool, one of the highest in the world. The Shanghai Tower is surrounded by two other impressive skyscrapers in the financial district, making it part of an iconic skyline.

2. Merdeka 118

This recently completed structure in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has surpassed the Shanghai Tower to become the world's second tallest building. Standing at 2,227 feet (678.7 meters) with 118 stories, Merdeka 118 is set to open in late 2022. It will house office spaces, retail areas, residential units, and a hotel, along with Southeast Asia's largest observation deck, "The View at 118." Notably, it is Malaysia's first tower to achieve a triple-platinum international sustainability certification.

1. Burj Khalifa

Since its opening in 2010, the Burj Khalifa has remained the tallest building in the world, standing at an astonishing 2,716 feet, 6 inches (828 meters). This vertical city in downtown Dubai is more than twice the height of the Empire State Building. It holds several records, including the highest restaurant from ground level, the tallest elevator, and the most floors in a building. With over 160 floors, it houses a hotel, offices, restaurants, fitness facilities, residences, and a mosque. Its observation deck is a major tourist attraction. The construction of Burj Khalifa reportedly cost $1.5 billion.