World's Top Architecture Cities

Find out what cities made our list for the world's best destinations with the most amazing architecture.

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Dubai

Standing 2,723-feet tall, the Burj Khalifa is just one reason why Dubai is a popular spot for modern architecture. The Khalifa Tower was the vision of the Chicago architecture firm that also designed the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). Other examples of amazing architecture include the Burj Al Arab and The World -- an artificial archipelago made to resemble a world map.

Berlin

See the illuminated Reichstag at night -- home to the German parliament. This vision of beauty is just one reason to visit artsy Berlin. We also suggest you see other cool architecture structures, including Potsdamer Platz’s Sony Center, Altes Museum and Das Rotes Rathaus.

Chicago

The Cloud Gate (pictured) and Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower) are a few architecture sites heavily populated by tourists. The Windy City was also home to the architect great Frank Lloyd Wright. Take a tour of his home and studio to see his architectural laboratory, where he generated amazing ideas and experimented with numerous design concepts.

New York City

Freedom Tower -- the tallest building in New York City -- is the most recent example of the city’s amazing architecture. And who could forget the Big Apple’s other treasures, including The Highline, Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Time Square and the Chrysler Building.

Beijing, China

Architects started building the Great Wall of China during the 7th century BC to protect the Chinese Empire. Today, millions of tourists travel to see this marvelous wonder and other architectural delights steeped in ancient Chinese history, including the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Rome

Although the Romans adopted aspects of ancient Greek architecture, Rome, Italy, still made our list of top architecture cities. The city has awesome architecture witnessed by the beauty of the Colosseum (pictured). It was built in 72 AD and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Tourists can also see other ancient Roman architecture in Aqueducts, the Pantheon, Temple of Vesta, the Vatican and Baths of Caracalla.

Shanghai

Shanghai is known for its modern architecture. The Jin Mao Tower (pictured) and Shanghai World Financial Centre are 2 of Asia’s tallest buildings. The Shanghai Grand Theater, architect Arata Isozaki’s Himalayas Centre and Paul Andreu-designed Oriental Art Centre are all reasons why this city made our list. And the work continues, the 121-storey Shanghai Tower is expected to be completed by 2014, earning its new title as the tallest building in Asia.

Athens

Visit the world-renowned ruins in Athens, Greece. Travel back in time and marvel at the work of numerous Athenian sculptors and architects. The Temple of Athena (pictured), Parthenon and Temple of Poseidon are a few reasons why this is an inspiring haven for any aspiring architect.

Barcelona

Architect Antoni Gaudi’s work can be spotted throughout Barcelona, Spain. His multi-colored tile-style is ever present at Park Guell (pictured) and Casa Batllo. Gaudi also designed La Sagrada Familia, but died before his work was completed. Sculptors have continued working on the basilica, which is also a popular tourist attraction. Work is scheduled to be completed by 2026.

Paris

Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral -- a fine example of French Gothic architecture -- is a well-known tourist attraction. The city also has other hot sites with interesting architecture, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Pyramid, La Grande Arche de la Defense, Centre Georges Pompidou, the Arch de Triomphe and the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Be dazzled by the stunning architecture in the City of Light.

Brasilia

Travel to Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. The city has not gone untouched by creative minds and artists. Take a look at the inside of the unique interior of the Cathedral of Brasilia. Oscar Niemeyer designed the basilica in 1970. Check out the Palacio da Alvarado, the Cultural Complex of the Republic and Three Powers Square for more artistic architecture.

Instanbul

You probably wouldn’t know it, but Instanbul, Turkey, is also a great architecture city. The Hagia Sophia, Column of Constantine and Sultan Ahmed Mosque (pictured) are wondrous sites to behold. The mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its blue-tiled walls inside.

Cairo

Journey to Cairo, Egypt, to explore the Great Pyramid of Giza (on the right), the oldest and largest of the three pyramids. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World — the only one that remains intact. It’s amazing to think how huge bedrock stones where moved into place to create the Pyramid. But it’s no mystery why this city made our list. The Cairo Tower, City Stars Cairo, International Stadium, Cairo Opera House, Yocubian Building and Sultan Hassan Mosque are all great examples of distinct architecture native to this vibrant city.

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World's Top Architecture Cities

Related To:

Shop This Look

Dubai

Berlin

Chicago

New York City

Beijing, China

Rome

Shanghai

Athens

Barcelona

Paris

Brasilia

Instanbul

Cairo