Standing at the top of a skyscraper offers a view that few other travel experiences can match. Cars look tiny, city streets stretch into the distance and clouds can appear close enough to touch. However, not every tall building allows tourists to visit its highest floors. Some towers have public observation decks, while others only provide access through hotels, restaurants or business areas. Here are 10 of the world’s tallest buildings in 2026, along with details about their visitor access.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world. It rises 828 meters above Dubai and dominates the city’s skyline. Visitors can choose observation experiences on Levels 124, 125 and 148. The building also has a lounge on Levels 152 to 154. From the top, travelers can see Downtown Dubai, the surrounding desert and the Persian Gulf on a clear day.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Ticket price: Approximately $40 to more than $100, depending on the observation level and time slot
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai
Shanghai Tower stands out because of its twisting design. The shape helps the building handle strong winds and reduces pressure on the structure. The Top of Shanghai Observatory sits on the 118th floor, around 546 meters above the ground. Visitors can enjoy wide views of Pudong, the Huangpu River and the Bund. The tower also has high-speed elevators that reach the observation deck in less than a minute.
- Best time to visit: September to November
- Ticket price: Approximately $25 to $45
One World Trade Center, New York City
One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Its height of 1,776 feet represents the year of American independence. The One World Observatory occupies Floors 100 to 102. Visitors can enjoy views of Manhattan, New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and nearby boroughs. The experience also includes digital displays, restaurants and interactive exhibits.
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to October
- Ticket price: Approximately $40 to $80
Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur
Merdeka 118 is the second-tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. Its glass design reflects Malaysia’s history and independence. The tower plans to offer a visitor experience called The View at 118. Travelers should confirm its opening status and ticket availability before visiting.
- Best time to visit: May to July
- Ticket price: Check the official website for the latest visitor access and pricing
Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Saudi Arabia
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower stands beside Masjid al-Haram. Its giant clock face makes it one of the most recognizable towers in the world. Visitors can explore the Clock Tower Museum, which includes displays about astronomy, timekeeping and the universe. Viewing areas also offer panoramic views over Makkah. Only Muslims can enter Makkah. Travelers should also check permit requirements during the Hajj season.
- Best time to visit: Outside peak pilgrimage periods
- Ticket price: Check the latest museum ticket prices and visitor rules before planning your visit
Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai
Shanghai World Financial Center is easy to recognize because of the large opening near its top, which gives the tower its “bottle opener” nickname. Its observation deck includes a glass-floor walkway almost 500 meters above the city, offering exciting views of Shanghai’s Pudong skyline.
- Best time to visit: September to November. You can also visit Shanghai Tower nearby on the same day
- Ticket price: Check the official website for current observation-deck access, hours and prices
Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen
Ping An Finance Center rises above Shenzhen’s busy financial district. The building represents the city’s rapid growth as a technology and business hub. The Free Sky observation deck sits on the 116th floor. It offers views of Shenzhen and the surrounding urban area. Visitors can also explore exhibits about the city, architecture and technology.
- Best time to visit: October to December
- Ticket price: Approximately $25 to $50
Lotte World Tower, Seoul
Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea. Its smooth, curved design has become a major part of Seoul’s modern skyline. The Seoul Sky observation deck offers 360-degree views from around 500 meters above the city. It also includes glass-floor sections for visitors who enjoy a thrill. Some packages may include the Sky Bridge experience, which takes visitors outside near the top of the tower.
- Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
- Ticket price: Approximately $27 to $35
Taipei 101, Taipei
Taipei 101 once held the title of the world’s tallest building. Travelers still admire its unique design, which takes inspiration from traditional Asian pagodas. Visitors can also see the building’s huge tuned mass damper, which helps keep the tower stable during strong winds and earthquakes.
- Best time to visit: October to December, when the weather is pleasant and the risk of typhoons is lower
- Ticket price: Around $20 to $23
CITIC Tower, Beijing
CITIC Tower is also known as China Zun. Its shape takes inspiration from a traditional Chinese ceremonial vessel that becomes narrow in the middle and wider at the top and bottom. The tower anchors Beijing’s central business district and remains the tallest building in the city. It does not have a clearly confirmed public observation deck for regular tourists. Visitors can still admire and photograph it from nearby streets and public spaces.
- Best time to visit: September to November
- Ticket price: Public access is limited, so check the latest visitor rules before planning your trip
Tips for Planning a Skyscraper Tour
- Book observation-deck tickets through official websites whenever possible.
- Check the weather and visibility before visiting.
- Compare daytime, sunset and nighttime ticket options.
- Confirm public access before booking flights or hotels.
- Review security rules, dress codes and entry restrictions.
The world’s tallest buildings offer more than record-breaking heights. They combine architecture, engineering, city views and memorable travel experiences. Before planning a skyscraper tour, check observation-deck access, weather conditions, ticket availability and local entry rules. Burj Khalifa remains the top choice, but Shanghai, New York and Kuala Lumpur also offer unforgettable skyline views.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest building in the world in 2026?
Burj Khalifa in Dubai remains the world’s tallest building at 828 meters.
Can tourists visit all 10 buildings listed here?
No. Some buildings have public observation decks, while others offer limited access through hotels, restaurants or business areas.
Is Jeddah Tower open?
No. Jeddah Tower remains under construction and is not currently open as a visitor attraction.
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