Stunning City Skylines Worldwide: Top Photo Picks

Dave and I have seen a lot of the best city skylines in the world through our travels.

We’ve actually been to all the skylines of the world listed in this post. We don’t have to use stock photos like other city skyline articles on the web because we have our own pictures of cities from our travels. City skylines are one of Dave’s favorite things to photograph, and these are the best views we’ve seen around the world.

The Best City Skylines That We’ve Seen

We can attest that the cities below have the most unique and interesting skylines in the world. Having visited 110 countries, we have seen them all with our own eyes.

1. Hong Kong – China

Hong Kong is definitely our favorite skyline on earth. As a cosmopolitan city, there are skyscrapers everywhere, and high-rises can be viewed from several angles. Each night, Hong Kong puts on a light display, showcasing its stunning skyline.

The top of the Peak Tram offers our favorite view of Hong Kong, closely followed by the skyline from Kowloon.

2. Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Dubai is filled with skyscrapers and remarkably tall buildings. Interestingly, Dubai’s skyline is widely spread out across different pockets, creating an iconic representation of luxury and innovation. From downtown’s business district to the beach area housing the Burj Al Arab, each view reveals the magnificence of the city.

Home to some of the tallest buildings globally, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s skyline is a sight to behold. Be sure to ascend to the top of the Burj Khalifa for an extraordinary perspective of this grand city.

3. Shanghai – China

Shanghai boasts an out-of-this-world skyline. The skyscrapers in Pudong were designed to create an impressive visual and are a hallmark of Shanghai’s magnificent profile. Each visit to either Hong Kong or Shanghai brings forth an overwhelming sense of admiration.

The Shanghai Tower, with its remarkable design, stands as a central piece of the city’s awe-inspiring skyline, highlighting Shanghai’s reputation as a brilliant metropolis.

The best place to capture the essence of Shanghai is from the Bund, a historic district showcasing stunning colonial architecture and providing breathtaking views of the modern skyline.

4. New York City, USA

New York, affectionately known as The Big Apple, is an electrifying city. Many argue it has one of the best skylines globally, given its diverse views and numerous vantage points. The skyline morphs before your eyes, offering dynamic scenery at every turn.

Major viewpoints include DUMBO under the Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Rock, One World Trade Centre, and the Empire State Building. Exploring these spots reveals some of the best views of the NYC skyline.

5. Tokyo – Japan

Tokyo, the third largest city in the world by area, provides a vast array of skyline views. Due to its size, several high-rise clusters can be found throughout the city. The iconic Tokyo Tower offers a fantastic perspective, with nearby parks enhancing the view.

Every district of Tokyo showcases incredible architecture, making it one of the most dynamic places on the planet.

6. Paris – France

Paris is the city of Love, known for its charm and romance. Viewing Paris from above reveals the sprawling urban center, with the Eiffel Tower prominently standing out. Our favorite places for panoramic views include the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur, and Montparnasse Tower.

7. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

The skyline of Rio de Janeiro is particularly stunning, framed by the lush mountains that border its beautiful beaches. The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue oversees the city, providing panoramic views that captivate visitors.

Majestic perspectives can be captured from Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, or even from helicopter tours over Rio.

8. Florence – Italy

While Florence may not have skyscrapers, its remarkable historic buildings, particularly the Duomo, create a stunning skyline. Viewing Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo presents breathtaking scenery and a unique appreciation of the city’s architectural wonders.

9. Toronto – Canada

Toronto, a city often featured in “world’s best skyline” lists, offers spectacular views, especially from the Toronto Island ferry. The CN Tower stands tall, and a visit to its observation deck provides an expansive view of the city.

With a mix of modern and historic architecture, Toronto’s skyline offers a continuous evolution of urban design.

10. Panama City – Panama

Panama City surprises with its modern skyline filled with skyscrapers and waterfront views. This vibrant city showcases an appealing blend of urban life and rich culture, with the Panama Canal adding to its unique charm.

Captivating perspectives are available from the heights of the W Hotel and the Hard Rock Panama Hotel.

11. Istanbul – Turkey

Istanbul blends history with modernity, with the Blue Mosque proudly situated over the old city. This city spans two continents, marking a historical and cultural bridge between East and West. The Galata Tower provides a beautiful viewpoint to admire this cosmopolitan skyline.

12. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest features a stunning skyline, particularly along its riverbanks. The Chain Bridge connects the two towns of Buda and Pest, offering picturesque views of the Parliament building. Key views can be enjoyed from Gellert Hill and the historic Buddha Castle.

13. Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane presents a captivating skyline, highlighted by its iconic bridge, reminiscent of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Its urban design is impressive, offering beautiful landscapes that showcase the city’s architectural finesse.

14. Sydney – Australia

Sydney’s harborfront, dominated by the Sydney Opera House, is one of the most recognizable skylines around the globe. The city is notable for its tallest buildings and the structural marvels of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering unique perspectives from all angles.

15. Cape Town – South Africa

During our visit to Cape Town, we were awed by the natural beauty surrounding the skyline, including the magnificent Table Mountain. The modern waterfront combines seamlessly with the historical architecture, creating an unforgettable visual experience.

16. Astana – Kazakhstan

Astana stands as a modern urban hub amidst a vast landscape. Its massive cityscape includes indoor malls and amusement parks, blending contemporary design with the natural surroundings of Kazakhstan.

17. Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is primarily defined by the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers globally. The adjacent KL Tower, standing taller, offers further opportunities for stunning city views.

18. Singapore

Known for its modernity, Singapore features a skyline enhanced by the stunning Marina Bay Sands and picturesque Supertree Groves. This vibrant city is characterized by luxury, unique architecture, and a captivating waterfront.

19. Vancouver – Canada

Vancouver has rapidly evolved, with its waterfront transforming into a lively residential area, featuring restaurants and walkways. Stanley Park offers one of the best views of the Vancouver skyline, particularly capturing the beautiful reflections from English Bay.

20. Suzhou – China

Suzhou captivates visitors with its stunning skyline, reminiscent of Hong Kong, featuring vibrant evening light shows. The best views can be enjoyed from high-rise hotels, showcasing how cities in China come alive at night.

21. San Francisco

San Francisco is filled with iconic sites, with the Golden Gate Bridge as a standout feature. The city’s skyline presents a mixture of historical and modern architectural marvels, catering to photography enthusiasts.

22. Santorini – Greece

Santorini, while lacking skyscrapers, presents a unique skyline characterized by its famous blue domes and stunning cliffside views. The whitewashed structures harmoniously cling to the hillsides, offering breathtaking panoramas of the sea.

23. London – England

London’s iconic skyline is marked by the London Eye and the Tower Bridge, creating picturesque waterfront views. The balance of historical significance and modern architecture makes it one of the most appealing city skylines worldwide.

24. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is renowned for its impressive skyline, boasting notable structures like the Willis Tower. Although we have mainly driven through Chicago, it is a city rich in architectural beauty and vibrant culture, warranting a more in-depth exploration in the future.