The 10 tallest buildings in the USA

The United States is the land of superlatives - also in terms of their spectacular skyscrapers! But where is the tallest building in the USA located exactly? It's no surprise that our top 10 are shared between only two big US cities.

#1. One World Trade Center

The One World Trade Center in New York City is - measured by the height of its base structure - the tallest building in the USA! If you were to include the roofs and antennas of other skyscrapers, however, the historically significant building at Ground Zero would only be third.

The elevator takes you to the top floor in about a minute, where you can dine, shop, and attend or host events. From the One World Observatory observation deck, you have a breathtaking view of the city.

Rank 1 is on wobbly feet, as construction is being planned in many places around the city and happening at a staggering pace. Let's see when the next high-tech skyscraper will conquer America as the tallest building!

#2. Central Park Tower

Central Park Tower (also known as Nordstrom Tower) rises into the sky on 57th Street. Construction on the extravagant structure has just been completed.

With its special design, the residential building captures the light of the golden hour and channels it up to the highest private outdoor terrace in New York City. Whoever lives here must have a lot of money.

If its roof and antenna were measured, the new tower would even be the tallest building. However, New York and Chicago only hold their skyscraper competition in terms of the basic structures up to the top floor.

#3. Willis Tower

If you happen to be in Chicago, treat yourself to the magnificent skyline view from the observation deck of Willis Tower! The highest building in Chicago is located in the so-called Chicago Loop on South Wacker Drive, at the corner of Adams Street.

On a good day, you can see three other US states besides Illinois from up here: Indiana to the South, Michigan to the East, and Wisconsin to the West. Do you have a head for heights? Then gaze into the abyss from the glass ledge and watch the hustle and bustle on the streets of Chicago.

On the way up, you'll learn many exciting facts about the building in an interactive show. For example, the tower used to be called "Sears Tower" and is still often called that today.

#4. 111 West 57th Street

The fourth-tallest building in the USA is located on 57th Street, just like the Central Park Tower. The skyscraper with the bulky name "111 West 57 St" is also called "Steinway Tower" and has just been completed.

Fun Fact: With a width-to-height ratio of 1:24, the unusually shaped Art Déco-style structure is the thinnest building in the world! The north side of the skyscraper is also much taller than the south side, which gives the "Steinway Tower" a somewhat windswept appearance.

#5. One Vanderbilt

At the corner of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue stands the 427-meter-high One Vanderbilt. From a distance, the gigantic tower with its corners and steps looks more like a rocket launching base, but from the inside, it is a true sensation: on the Summit observation deck, you float above the city at a dizzying height, completely surrounded by glass.

Most of the building is dedicated to office space. The lobby houses a bank branch and the entrance to Grand Central Terminal, and on the second floor, you'll find the Le Pavillon restaurant.

#6. 432 Park Avenue

The skyscraper at 432 Park Avenue in New York City rises into the sky like a gigantic matchstick. The residential building on what is known as "Billionaires' Row" in Midtown Manhattan is located at the intersection of 57th Street and offers a fantastic view of Central Park.

432 Park Avenue has ten elevators that travel between 85 floors. Reducing the wind load on the angular skyscraper was an architectural masterstroke: several double stories were added that serve only as windbreakers and glow surreally at night.

#7.Trump International Hotel and Tower

Also known as the North Tower of Hudson Yards, Trump Tower in Chicago is a commercial and residential skyscraper with a hotel, restaurant, and spa owned by the Trump Organization LCC.

Named after former US President Donald Trump, the skyscraper at 401 North Wabash Avenue on the Chicago River is among the tallest residential buildings in the world. Its stepped facade with some attractive curves is a real feast for the eyes and fits perfectly into the modern Chicago cityscape.

#8. 30 Hudson Yards

Also known as Hudson Yards North Tower, the glass and limestone structure at the corner of 33rd Street and 11th Avenue in New York City is considered the ultimate lifestyle building. With its spires and corners, the angled construction reminds of quartz crystals growing out of the Manhattan soil.

Inside the complex, you'll find apartments, fitness clubs, exclusive restaurants, and a hotel. On a corner just below the top of the 387 m tower, you'll also find the gigantic "Edge" observation deck.

30 Hudson Yards has an underground connection to the nearby subway station and is also a real piece of art from the inside. One of the many tenants is the WarnerMedia entertainment group.

#9. Empire State Building

The 381 m high Empire State Building already lost its rank as the tallest building in the USA in the 1970s but is still the most famous skyscraper in America. As a landmark of the USA, the historic building is still visited by about four million tourists a year. You can enjoy the breathtaking view over New York City both by day and by night from one of the three observation decks. On the second and 80th floor, you will find great exhibitions about the history of the building. Special tours and events are also available here. From sunrise tours with fresh coffee to Valentine's Day marriage proposals, there's something for everyone.

#10. Bank of America Tower

The Bank of America Tower in New York City is also called "1 Bryant Park" and is primarily an office building. As a visitor, however, you can drive to the top of the tower and enjoy the sweeping view of the city.

The 55-story skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan is located at 1111 Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) between 42nd and 43rd Streets, diagonally opposite Bryant Park, and has 200,000 m2 of office space.

The base of the Bank of America Tower houses the Stephen Sondheim Theatre as well as several stores and an atrium for lounging. .

Are you not that much into buildings? No problem: there is a USA top 10 list for every taste! Check out our 10 best places to live in America or the 10 best colleges in the United States!

Where is the world's tallest building?

The current tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai at 828 meters. This impressive structure is not only the tallest skyscraper in the world but also the one with the most floors.

The building has 163 usable floors, including offices, a fitness and wellness area, and luxury residences, including the exclusive Armani Residences Dubai.

The highest publicly accessible platform is located on the 148th floor at a height of 555.70 meters. With 57 elevators and 8 escalators, the Burj Khalifa is also impressive in terms of vertical transportation.