The 25 Most Beautiful Skylines in the World

 

Skyline: an English expression, very recurrent, relating to large cities. It mainly concerns metropolises and refers to what we would call the “horizon line”. Each city has something that characterizes it and that is its skyline highlights, which make it recognizable.

But what are the most beautiful skylines in the world?

Here are the top 25!

25. Frankfurt, Germany

Ironically also called Mainhattan (Main is a river in German) for its significant financial importance, Frankfurt is a beautiful city full of skyscrapers.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• Kaiserdom Tower, the city cathedral
• from a height of 200 m climbing the Main Tower
• by renting a pedal boat to “navigate” on the river Main

24. Toronto, Canada

The most populous Canadian city, as well as the state’s financial engine, Toronto is one of the most complex multicultural metropolises. It is an interesting city, divided into an upper and an underground part equipped with whatever you need.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• First Canadian Place – 72 floors and headquarters of the Bank of Montreal
• from the Sheraton Center Hotel
• from the Canadian National Tower

23. Philadelphia, USA

One of the best-known cities, which is also immortalized in the famous film with Tom Hanks. The city where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America were drawn up.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from City Hall, the building that houses the town hall offices
• from the One Liberty Observation Deck
• from the R2L Restaurant and Lounge, a sophisticated restaurant with stunning views

22. Bangkok, Thailand

The beautiful Asian metropolis, the capital and largest city of Thailand, holds the record for being the busiest urban center in the world. Apart from this, it’s also a very popular destination for international tourism.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the 85 floors of Baiyoke Tower II
• from the Sky Bar on the 64th floor
• sipping an aperitif at the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar at 59°

21. Istanbul, Turkey

This beautiful city, historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is a stunning megalopolis on the Bosphorus Strait. It’s the only city in the world spreading on two continents: Europe and Asia.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the Galata Tower
• from Leb-i Derya, especially in the evening with all the city lights on
• from the hill of Camlica

20. Singapore, Republic of Singapore

The 4th largest financial center in the world has a skyline of undoubted charm and a population that is among the most cosmopolitan in the world.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• the Ferris wheel
• the Altitude Gallery&Bar
• the Marina Bay Sands Skypark

19. Paris, France

The most romantic city in Europe, as well as the most visited one in the world, holds an elegant charm loved by great artists and intellectuals. The Eiffel Tower stands austere in its skyline and it is impossible not to recognize it.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the hill of Montmartre
• from the Parc de Belville
• from Printemps Department Stores
• climbing the Eiffel Tower

18. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A skyline dominated by interesting skyscrapers towering over the Persian Gulf. A peculiar city, practically “new”, and full of spectacular artificial structures.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world
• taking the Dubai Ferry to see the skyline of the city in another way. Great for taking great pictures
• from the Zeta restaurant

17. Turin, Italy

Turin is a beautiful city, but also one of the major cultural, scientific, and industrial centers in Italy. It is a city full of mysteries and legends, which are very important for Italian history. It houses the most important Egyptian museum in the world after the one in Cairo.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• an elevator will take you to the Mole Antonelliana
• from Monte dei Cappuccini on the town hill
• from the Basilica of Superga

16. London, Uk

A city that definitely needs no introduction. One of the most popular and typical destinations in everything that composes it. It’s the largest city in Europe, the cradle of new trends, and one of the most influential on a world scale.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the London Eye, the capital’s Ferris wheel
• from the One New Change Shopping Center, a four-story shopping mall at the top of which opens up a splendid public terrace
• from The Shard, the tallest skyscraper in Europe

15. Chicago, USA

It’s the largest metropolis in the US hinterland and among the 10 most influential in the world. It’s one of the largest exhibition-fair centers on the planet and is dominated by many skyscrapers.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the famous Skydeck with its cubic glass windows
• from the skyscraper Hotel 71
• from the Hard Rock Hotel

14. Barcelona, ​​Spain

The captivating Spanish city is very beautiful and with an interesting skyline due to the old and new buildings composing it and the sea splashing it. It hosts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and famous works by Gaudì. A lively city, a perfect mix of culture and entertainment.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• the Montjuïc Castle, 173 meters above sea level, offers a series of evocative landscapes
• The Tibidabo is the hill that marks the northern boundary of the city: the view from there is breathtaking and it has all of Barcelona at your feet and the sea on the horizon
• on the Collserola Tower, a panorama that stretches for 70 km over Barcelona and its metropolitan area awaits you
  from the famous Parc Guell, where its delightful and fairytale buildings insinuate themselves into the vision of the metropolitan skyline

13. Hong Kong, China

The busy Asian city, a former British colony and now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is famous for its skyline and harbor. This bustling commercial city can be admired from many points from above.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the Terrazza del Sevva, an elegant bar frequented by bankers and young professionals
• from the Mandarin Oriental, one of the most famous and beautiful historic hotels in the entire Asian continent
• on the 25th floor of the California Tower where you will find the Cé La Vi, a sparkling cocktail bar.

12. San Francisco, USA

A skyline everyone recognizes due to its bay and the famous Golden Gate. Destination to many tourists, it’s also famous for its cool summer fog, steep hills, architecture, and trams. A culturally rich and very interesting city.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from Twin Peaks, preferably at sunset
• at Mission Dolores Park
• on the Coit Tower

11. Vienna, Austria

A well-kept mix of ancient and modern set between the river flow and the surrounding greenery. An impressive skyline, with its Ferris wheel and architectural masterpieces. A very important city for music and home of Sachertorte.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the Cathedral of Santo Stefano, in the heart of the historic center
• from the Ferris wheel to the Prater
• in the park of the Schönbrunn Palace on a hill, there is the Gloriette pavilion: from there you will admire an excellent view of the city
• from the Danube Tower
• in the middle of the city is the House of the Sea: from its viewing platform, you can sweep over the entire Vienna

10. Milan, Italy

The busiest city in Italy has a respectable skyline. The most important financial center in the country, rich in art, history, and culture, has a profile recognizable by its famous Cathedral, the huge Sforzesco Castle, and several skyscrapers.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• the terrace of the Duomo: an observation point of great artistic value
• Palazzo Lombardia offers you a beautiful view, especially on a clear day
• the terrace of the Rinascente, in the center, will leave you speechless with an excellent view of the Milanese Cathedral.

9. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a city with a decadent and very special charm. A land forged by sailors and splendid architecture with Arabian reflections. A place with an incredible historical-cultural heritage and an absolutely characteristic atmosphere.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• at the Casa Do Leao (Lion’s House) restaurant, you can dine while enjoying a breathtaking view
• Miradouro viewpoint of Graça (Grace)
• Miradouro viewpoint in Portas do Sol (Doors of the Sun)
• Miradouro viewpoint of Santa Luzia (Saint Lucia)
• Miradouro viewpoint of Santo Estevão (Saint Stephen)

8 . Florence, Italy

The city of art par excellence! Very important for Italian history and culture, world-famous for being the cradle of the Renaissance. A city the whole world envies for its incredible works of art, scenic beauty, and splendid historic center. It’s no coincidence that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations for world tourism.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from Giotto’s bell tower
• from the Arnolfo Tower to Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace)
• from the Brunelleschi dome of the Florentine cathedral

7. Bilbao, Spain

A city with a very special charm. The innovative works of this city will amaze you. Its Basque old town creates a strange harmony with the interesting and new works that have been installed and built in recent times in the city. Bilbao is also a fundamental destination for religious and spiritual tourism. In fact, it’s one of the stages of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Undoubtedly, a city that will strike you with its peculiar atmosphere.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the Artxanda Funicular
• from the Zubizuri Bridge in Calatrava
• from the La Salve Bridge with its perfect view of the Guggenheim Museum

6. Como, Italy

The famous city loved by the most famous Hollywood stars has an enchanting skyline, which is also because of the homonymous lake. It is an important tourist center in northern Italy and the industrial center of silk production for a very long time. Como is a beautiful city to be discovered and enjoyed especially on foot. You will not be disappointed.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the top of the funicular that leads to Brunate
• walking along the lake you will reach Villa Olmo and from there, turning back you can take beautiful photos of the city profile
• you will have a different glimpse doing the same path on the other side

5 Prague, Czech Republic

Beautiful Prague is a city full of legends and mysteries but also of splendid architectural and artistic works. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, Prague is a notable cultural center.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• the Town Hall Tower, from where you will have an exceptional overview
• the Powder Tower with a spiral staircase of 186 steps will take you to the panoramic terrace
• the Charles Bridge Tower will give you a breathtaking view of the bridge itself, the Old Town, and Prague Castle
• the TV Tower offers an exceptional 360-degree view of the city thanks to the windows on the panoramic floor
• the 299 steps of the Petrin Lookout Tower, twin of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, will give you a great view

4. Rome, Italy

What to say about Rome? There are too many events, a lot of art and culture, and an infinite history enclosed in its streets. It is no coincidence that it is called “the eternal city”. Present in the world for more than 2000 years, its existence has been intertwined with that of popes, sovereigns, conquerors, and, in more recent times, tourists. It’s one of the most visited cities in the world also due to the Vatican which attracts millions of believers every year. A city loved by artists, writers, and directors… and, it’s easy to see why.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• from the Janiculum
• from the Orange Garden
• from the Pincio
• if you really want to “overdo it”, go up to the dome of San Pietro (Saint Peter). You just can’t get any closer to heaven!

3. Athens, Greece

Athens has something that no other city has: the Parthenon and its Akropolis! And, that’s not all! It’s also the homeland of democracy, one of the most brilliant and important philosophical-political intuitions in human history. It is the birthplace of numerous ancient philosophers and, therefore, rich in history, culture, and charm. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and owes its name to its protector, the Goddess Athena.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• the A for Athens hotel has a rooftop bar with one of the best views
• the Lycabettus hill, especially at night, is truly impressive
• on the slopes of the Lycabettus hill, there is a restaurant that offers you excellent Greek cuisine and a view of an unforgettable sunset.

2. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

What to say? It’s a metropolis with skyscrapers framed by a lush landscape and splashed by a spectacular sea. The capital of the US state of Hawaii is famous not only for its splendid natural location but also for the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, its military port, during the Second World War. Regardless of its infamous past events, it’s a metropolis on an island in the middle of the ocean of incomparable beauty. There is nothing more to add.

Best places to admire the skyline:

• walk up to the edge of the Diamond Head crater to admire a postcard view
• dine at the Top of Waikiki while enjoying the spectacle of the sunset
• Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is a respectable panoramic balcony that will also show you a different part of the island

1. New York City, USA

And, in the first place, we find none other than New York, the supreme queen of the skylines! The Big Apple is the most populous city in the United States and had a skyline that everyone recognizes. Its distinctive and unique elements are the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the famous skyscrapers of Manhattan. A city that never sleeps, a world financial hub, immortalized in thousands of movies, and a stop on numerous trips of countless tourists.

Best places to admire the most beautiful skyline in the world:

• from the Empire State Building
• from the new World Trade Center which has 104 floors.
• from Rockefeller Center