Although it may not be an everyday thought (especially if you don’t live in a city surrounded by skyscrapers), there’s had to have been at least one point in time when you’ve craned your neck to gaze up at a big, tall building and wondered to yourself, “What in the world is on the top of there?” From towering observation decks with 360° city views to ultra-swanky restaurants, these buildings don’t just scrape the sky—they’re home to some of the coolest unique experiences out there. Whether you’re a fan of lookouts, a fine-dining connoisseur, or simply love to be up high, the world’s tallest buildings might just have something to offer. Ahead, learn more about what in the world awaits above the clouds.
Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE)
Leave it to Dubai to have the world’s tallest building. At over 2,716.5 feet and more than 160 stories, Burj Khalifa is truly a sight to marvel at, and at the top, you’ll find more than just an astonishing view. The At the Top observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors have incredible panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, desert, and coastline. However, for an even more exclusive experience, the At the Top SKY deck on the 148th floor, is unparalleled. Here, you can step out onto the world’s highest observation deck and enjoy signature refreshments at the SKY lounge. If you’re looking for fine dining in the clouds, head to At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant on the 122nd floor, where you can have a fancy, gourmet meal while looking out over the city below.
Shanghai Tower (Shanghai, China)
At the top of Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world, you’ll find the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck on the 118th floor. After the world’s fastest elevator takes you 1,840 feet above the ground, you’ll get great views of the entire city and beyond. Aside from the deck, guests can visit SKY632, an art space at the highest altitude in the world, located on the 125th and 126th floors.
Lotte World Tower (Seoul, South Korea)
Head to the top of Seoul’s Lotte World Tower to discover the Seoul Sky observation deck. Perched on the 123rd floor at a staggering height of 1,820 feet, this observation deck features glass floors that look straight down. (Lotte secured the spot for “Highest Glass Observatory” in the Guinness Book of World Records.) Lotte World Tower also boasts an array of luxurious offerings at its peak, including 123F Lounge, an exclusive spot for premium drinks and fine dining. Down below, the tower is home to the opulent Signiel Seoul, a five-star hotel occupying floors 76 to 101.
One World Trade Center (New York City)
At the top of One World Trade Center, New York’s tallest building, you’ll find the One World Observatory on floors 100 to 102. Sitting 1,250 feet above Manhattan, this spot has the best views of New York City, including the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and the whole island. The bop to the top begins with an immersive elevator ride known as SkyPod, which climbs 102 stories in just 47 seconds while showing a time-lapse of New York’s skyline development over the centuries. For those who want to eat or drink, ONE Dine has delicious dishes and signature cocktails.
Taipei 101 (Taipei, Taiwan)
Formerly the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is a unique piece of architecture in Taiwan. On the 89th floor lies the Taipei 101 Observatory. With views of the cityscape, surrounding mountains, and the Taiwan Strait, there’s nothing quite like it. What’s cool about Taipei 101 is that it has a massive steel and copper pendulum on display that serves as the building’s wind damper (aka the Tuned Mass Damper or TMD), which stabilizes the tower against typhoons and earthquakes.
Willis Tower (Chicago)
At the top of Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, you’ll find the renowned Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor. Standing at 1,353 feet, the Skydeck has the most spectacular views of the Windy City. One of our favorite features of the Skydeck is The Ledge, a series of glass boxes that extend out from the building, letting visitors stand 1,353 feet above ground and look straight down at the streets below. At the lower levels of the Willis Tower, visitors can check out five levels of shopping and fun dining spots.
