Top 10 Tallest Buildings in the US

Last Updated on February 05, 2023 by Nikki Jain

There are plenty of big cities across the United States, and while most people simply aim to visit these cities, there is more to be done.

You will find at least one stunning skyscraper in most major cities featuring beautiful architecture and one or more observation decks.

These viewing platforms may be a bit expensive, but they are well worth it for the chance to view miles in every direction plus some excellent photo opportunities.

Here are your best choices for the tallest buildings in the US that offer amazing views.

Also Read: 10 Best Observation Decks in the USA

Tallest Buildings in America

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1: Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois

Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois

Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the US and the Skydeck Ledge at Willis Tower in Chicago is the best way to get a gorgeous view of the Chicago city.

Along the way to the Skydeck, you will notice interactive touchscreens and a short movie documenting Chicago's architectural history and advances.

When the weather is clear, you will actually be able to see parts of four different states, including Indiana to the south, Michigan to the east, and Wisconsin to the west.

There is even a clear glass ledge that you can walk out into and look down at the Chicago streets below.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,451'

Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606


2: Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago, Illinois

Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago, Illinois
Flickr/Bernt Rostad

First and foremost, Trump International Hotel and Tower is a hotel, but it also features a restaurant and spa. That means that whether you choose to spend the night, enjoy a fine meal at sixteen, or relax in the spa, you will get stunning views. The tower itself is 1,362 feet tall, giving you the ability to view the entire city.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,388'

Address: Chicago, IL 60611


3: One World Trade Center, New York City, New York

One World Trade Center, New York City, New York
Flickr/Andy Atzert

The One World Trade Center is also known as the New World Trade Center, and you can find it in New York City as part of the Lower Manhattan skyline.

It is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the US with a height of 1,776 ft, a number which was no coincidence, and features new architectural designs.

The observation deck opened in 2015 and is called the One World Observatory. There are three different levels to the observatory, which is 1,250 feet above street level.

The elevators can reach the top in around a minute, and you can also eat, shop, or host events at the top of the skyscraper.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,776'

Address: 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007

Visit Website

Also Read: The Tallest Buildings in New York City


4: Empire State Building, New York City, New York

Empire State Building, New York City, New York

Perhaps one of the most famous and biggest buildings in the US, the Empire State Building is in New York City and features two observation decks. The Main Deck is on the 86th floor, and the Top Deck is on the 102nd floor.

There are also two exhibits: the Dare to Dream Exhibit and Sustainability Exhibit along the way, and you can get an audio guide at the visitors' center.

Like the other skyscrapers, it is open early, and visiting right away in the morning is ideal if you want to beat the crowds. There is also a restaurant that you can enjoy.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,250'

Address: 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118

Visit Website


5: Bank of America Tower, New York City, New York

Bank of America Tower, New York City, New York
Flickr/John Wisniewski

This skyscraper in New York City has 58 floors above the ground and features an energy-efficient design. In fact, it has won awards for being green.

Although it is technically an office building, you can go to the top of the tower, giving you expansive views of the city.

The building has a roof height of 953.5 feet and an architectural height of 1,200 feet.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,200'

Address: Bank of America Tower, New York, NY 10036


6: Aon Center, Chicago, Illinois

Aon Center, Chicago, Illinois
Flickr/Ken Lund

The Aon Center in Chicago is a business building that features several major headquarters. If you are lucky enough to work in the building or know someone who does, you will be able to get access to the 83 floors above ground as well as the five below ground.

When looking at the Chicago skyline, you can see the Aon Center between Two Prudential Plaza and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Tower.

Built in 1973, this is among the tallest buildings in America that measure 1,136 feet high, meaning that it can provide unique views if you can get to the top.

The best way to enjoy the view is to visit one of the cafes inside.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,136'

Address: 200 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601


7: John Hancock Center, Chicago, Illinois

John Hancock Center, Chicago, Illinois
Flickr/Bert Kaufmann

For another Chicago skyscraper designed for visitors, head to the John Hancock Center. Here you will find 360 Chicago, the sky deck that is 1,000 feet high and offers views of the city (and further) in every direction.

This is one of America's tallest buildings with a cafe on the 94th floor so you can relax with a cup of coffee while enjoying the views.

There is even a unique feature, Tilt, which lets you tilt out over the streets of Chicago to enjoy uninterrupted views.

There is also interactive technology throughout to tell you what you are looking at as you enjoy the gorgeous views.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,128'

Accommodation: Where to stay in Chicago

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website


8: Chrysler Building, New York City, New York

Chrysler Building, New York City, New York
Flickr/Chris Parker

You won't find any building tours offered by the Chrysler Building in New York City, but you can enter the lobby anytime you want to enjoy Edward Trumbull's ceiling murals.

This 77 story skyscraper underwent construction between 1928 and 1930, but it is still one of the tallest skyscrapers, offering amazing views.

You will find tours that will take you to the building and teach you more about it, although you probably won't get access to the top floor.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,046'

Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174


9: New York Times Building, New York City, New York

New York Times Building, New York City, New York
Flickr/Geoff Livingston

The New York Times Building may technically be a skyscraper, but it is more commonly used as an event space due to its auditorium and other features.

You can request a tour of the building, but unless you have connections, it can be difficult to do so. The lobby, however, is free to enter and open to anyone.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,046'

Address: New York, NY 10018


10: Bank of America Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia

Bank of America Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia
Flickr/Connor.carey

Bank of America Plaza is one of the biggest skyscrapers in the United States. You can find this skyscraper between Downtown and Midtown Atlanta in the SoNo district.

The tower measures 1,040 feet and is the tallest building within the state. Inside, you can find offices spanning 55 stories.

There are also restaurants, cafes, and a health club with a spa.

Enjoying any of these amenities will give you access to at least some of the stunning city views of nearby Atlanta, including the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia State, and the Atlanta Falcons Stadium.

Height of this skyscraper: 1,040'

Accommodation: Where to stay in Atlanta

Address: 600 Peachtree St NE Suite 3730, Atlanta, GA 30308


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