You may be tempted to think you’re seeing a mirage as some of the most modern architecture in the world emerges out of the desert before you and although it has one of the youngest skylines in the world it is also one of the most unique.
Although it doesn’t have the densest skyline in the world but it holds several other records including the tallest twin buildings with the Petronas Towers.
Unlike other European cities, Frankfurt manages to combine its old school, low rise European architecture with a modern, high rise downtown district .
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As the capital of the Republic of China (commonly referred to as Taiwan) the world’s second tallest building, Taipai 101, rises from the city’s streets.
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From a distance, Boston’s skyline is often overlooked due to the fact that it doesn’t have any really tall skyscrapers. Up close though, it’s easy to see why one of America’s oldest cities would be on this list.
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Without a doubt the most prominent skyline in Central America, Panama City is dotted with modern high rise condos and hotels along its waterfront.
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With the iconic Eiffel Tower rising out of the background Paris has one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.
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Although it doesn’t have many high rises, between Parliament, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral London has its fair share of distinct features dotting its low profile skyline.
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On the border of east and west, Jakarta is a land of contrasts with western style skyscrapers and high rises scattered throughout a city that is dominated by traditional Indonesian culture.
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Set against a backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge spanning the San Fransisco Bay, San Fran has some of the best nature/city views in North America.
This rapidly growing city is very similar to Jakarta in that it has a scattered skyline that reflects its chaotic and expanding nature.
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In the case of Rio de Janeiro it’s not so much the buildings that give it an incredible skyline as much as it is the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue overlooking the city with Sugar Loaf Mountain in the background.
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Largely due to hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing underwent a lot of renovation, which included some impressive changes to its skyline.
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Home to the world famous Sydney Opera House, this city has one of the world’s most famous skylines.
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No Vancouver? But you include Boston….
Google Vancouver skyline and tell me that it shouldn’t be included in this list, if not placed in the top 10!
Definately Chicago!
A real mixed bag, here. I agree with Hong Kong in first place — it’s fantastic, with geography to match the world’s largest concentration of skyscrapers, and strange coherence to the jumble. Toyko has lots of things, but a beautiful skyline, not a chance. Same with London, Beijing, and Frankfurt. Shenzhen is an incoherent jumble, Shanghai should be way ahead, since the Huangpu River gives it an old-fashioned elegance across from the gaudy modern profusion. Seoul? I don’t think so. Seattle, Vancouver, and San Francisco, from the right angles, can be gorgeous. Rio, of course. Taipei is one tall building standing far above the rest — interesting, and the right time of day from the right spot, pretty impressive.
From the right angles — maybe Miami? Xiamen? Honolulu?
Lol really? Vancouver? Lol a skyline full of overpriced condos. Yeah how beautiful. A lot of these pictures don’t do these skylines any justice. Toronto, Chicago and New York should be the top 3. Not necessarily in that order.
istanbul is famous with its skyline and it is 1 of the 5 cities that attracts most number of tourists. tourists visit istanbul for its hystorical skyline with domes and minarets. but it is not in the list.
I must admit that is a mighty impressive photo of the Dubai skyline, but it is no where near as beautiful as the Seattle skyline. Which I.M.O. ranks #1
Shanghai’s best shots are towards the Pudong side where you have the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Miao Tower and the Shanghai Financial Center, not Puxi district looking out from some train tracks.
Vancouver is def missing…
Houston?! What a s##thole. Put the pipe down . . .
Agreed…
I’m a Seattlite. I think our skyline is great. I think Vancouver’s is the best in the world.
I lived in Vancouver and the cluster of buildings so close to the mountains definitely merits top 25 if not top 10…
I don’t know that I would go as far as to say Vancouver for number 1 because you can’t beat Chicago, New York, or Hong Kong, but close.
Are you kidding me. There’s no comparison, Seattle has the most beautiful skyline.
Said Don of Seattle.
How about a real photo of Hong Kong..how cheap…
Sorry. With the exception of Seattle, these skylines are not beautiful at all.
Being from Seattle, I am a little biased, of course.
But I think a few of these are nothing to write home about, honestly. I think if a city has natural beauty, as well as the skyscrapers and all that, it is extra special. The ones with only buildings are absolutely not appealing to me at all. If people can preserve nature along with the inevitable rise of man-made structures, THAT is what I find beautiful.
LOL I checked out 5 lists in a row and Hong Kong always comes out on #1…
Mumbai and Sao Paulo has some of the best skylines in the world
Is this a joke? Where’s Vancouver?
Must be. They included Houston and Boston lol!
Per #15, San Francisco, the picture includes the Bay Bridge to Oakland and NOT the Golden Gate Bridge connecting SF to Marin County….
nice list though!
Thats a freakin’ blooper if I ever saw one!
this is sad, i can’t believe the skyline of Makati or Ortigas (Metro Manila) is not included among the list. Yes, I am from the Philippines.
Accutly i think this chart is a bit outdated cause according to all the charts Kuala Lumpur is the 8th most beautiful cities in the world and Singapore was the 6th !
I think Manhattan skyline is better than Hong Kong. They have empire state and thats enough. Chicago is over rated. Their downtown is truly amazing, but their skyline not that much. Finally, I think Dubai skyline should be rated more than 25.
Q: Is this your opinion or baised on studies?
Thank you.
Neal
your listing is completely bias, how can Bangkok and Jakarta skyline be ranked above Kuala Lumpur?
It’s just his opinion. Chill out