10 Iconic Skyscrapers around the World

Posted on: Sep 8, 2022 | | Written by:

10 Iconic Skyscrapers around the World

Skyscrapers around the world are popular for a myriad of reasons. They not only provide a very economical solution of offering more rented space for the total land but add to the city’s prowess and status. Skyscrapers became popular only in the 19th century, and since then, most cities around the world have been building taller and taller buildings. If you are planning to globetrot for skyscrapers, you must carry a travel insurance along with you.

Skyscrapers are a common sight in today’s world, and all the major cities of the world have them. While the earlier generations had towers and temples to show a city’s prowess, skyscrapers are their modern-day replacements. Though they are a common sight, some spectacular ones across the globe must be on your visit list.

Here is a list of the top 10 iconic skyscrapers around the world that you can visit while you are in those cities.

1. Empire State Building:

The Empire State Building was the tallest in the world. The building remained the tallest in the world for 40 years and was overtaken by WTC in 1972. The renowned building has been featured in a lot of movies, including the most famous King Kong.

Empire State Building’s opening coincided with the Great Depression, and as a result of this, much of its rented space remained unused. It was only in 1950 that the skyscraper became profitable.

2. Sears Tower:

The sears tower is one of the more renowned skyscrapers in Chicago. It is a 108-story building that stands 442 meters tall. On its completion in the year 1973, the building was the tallest in the world, taller than the WTC in New York. The skyscraper has an observation deck on its 103rd floor, which is a major tourist attraction in the city.

Once there, you can experience how the building sways on windy days. On a clear day, one can even see things as far as Lake Michigan or the plans of Illinois. It takes exactly 60 seconds to go to the top of the tower on either of its elevators. The tower was renamed on 16th July 2009 Willis Tower.

3. Burj Al Arab:

The Burj Al Arab stands at 321 meters and has the distinction of being the second tallest building that is used exclusively as a hotel. The Rose Tower in Dubai stands at 333 meters, and the Ryugyong Hotel in North Korea stands at 330 meters, which is yet to be finished. The building has a restaurant at 200 meters, offering breathtaking views of Dubai. The Burj Al Arab is built on an artificial island, and a private bridge connects it with the mainland. The design of the building resembles a boat’s sail.

4. Gherkin:

Gherkin is the other name for 30 St Mark Axe. It is a skyscraper in the financial district of London and it was completed in the year 2003. The skyscraper is 180 meters tall and has 40 floors. The construction of Gherkin marks the beginning of several high-rise buildings in London.

The unorthodox design of the building and its layout is the reason behind the building getting the name Gherkin. The skyscraper uses several energy-saving methods that help it consume only half of the power that a similar building would otherwise consume. Swiss Re, which is a global reinsurance company, is the primary occupant of the building.

5. Bank of China:

The 305-meter tall building of the Bank of China is one of the most distinguishable buildings in Hong Kong. Between 1989 and 1992, the skyscraper was the tallest in Hong Kong and Asia. The design of the building resembles bamboo shoots, which is a sign of prosperity and growth. The building has an observation deck on its 43rd floor for the public.

6. Taipei 101:

Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world till 2007, when it was overtaken by Burj in Dubai. The skyscraper stands at 508 meters, and the innovative design of the building helps it stand tall amidst earthquakes and typhoons. Both of which are common for the region. The name of the building gives away the total number of floors in the building at 101. And it has eight different segments of eight floors, which in Chinese culture is usually associated with abundance and good fortune.

7. Burj:

Burj in Dubai is currently the tallest building in the world, and it keeps growing every day. At the end of the year, the building will stand at 818 meters. 37 floors from the ground will be occupied by the Armani hotel, and between floors 45 to 108, the building will have over 700 private apartments. Corporate offices will mostly occupy the remaining floors, with a lobby on the 123rd floor and an observation deck on the 124th floor.

8. Chrysler Building:

It is an Art Deco building in New York and was the tallest building for a brief while before the Empire State Building took over. The skyscraper is 319 meters and was built at a frantic pace. The building kept adding four floors every week, and despite that, there were no accidents or deaths during the period. The Art Deco architecture of the building is considered to be one of the finest buildings in the city.

9. Shanghai World Financial Center

The Shanghai world financial centre is in Pudong, Shanghai and is used for a multitude of purposes. The skyscraper has shopping malls, offices, conference rooms, hotels and observation decks. The building stands at 492 meters and has become the tallest building in China as well as Hong Kong. The hole on the top of the building is one of its most distinctive features. The building earlier had a circle, which received a lot of protest due to its resemblance with the Japanese flag. Many feel that the current trapezoidal shape makes it look like a bottle opener.

10. Petronas Twin Towers:

The Petronas Twin Towers of Kuala Lumpur remained the tallest buildings in the world until 2004, when it was surpassed by Taipei 101. If one were to consider the twin towers, the building is still the tallest in the world. Petronas Twin Towers stand on 88 floors and are mostly made up of steel, glass, and reinforced concrete. One of the most iconic features of the building is a connecting bridge on the 41st and 42nd floors. The connecting bridge is not bolted to the main building but is designed in a way to prevent any breakage during heavy winds. The bridge can also help during evacuation if there is an emergency.

Conclusion

Should you travel to any of the cities mentioned above? You can take a look at these engineering marvels. However, it is recommended to buy international travel insurance before you visit any country. You can buy travel insurance online, and it can protect you from a lot of things. Starting from delayed flights to loss of baggage to medical issues, the policy offers a lot of coverage.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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