In many major cities across the globe, skyscrapers play a large part in enticing architectural tourists. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a skyscraper must be freestanding and rise to a height of at least 492 feet (150 meters) to differentiate it from just a tall building. Looking up at these feats of design that compose skylines adds wonder to a traveler’s itinerary—one that likely also includes exploring meandering streets and discovering unexpected views. Though towers do impress, they are built for function, and some of the most famous are privatized offices or residences that can only be admired from street level while others have opened their atmospheric vistas to the public via observation decks, rooftops, or the newest sky high trend, sky gardens. Below are 14 skyscrapers to add to your architecture bucket list—and how to visit them.
