The city that never sleeps, the Big Apple, the city so nice they named it twice—New York City has been given different names to compensate for its greatness. As NYC is one of the most expensive cities in the USA, it’s not surprising that you’ll find all manner of luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment options. New York is a dream come true destination for all, with beautiful monuments such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, shopping streets, rooftop bars, and restaurants.
However, what really makes NYC stand out is the presence of a variety of towering buildings. Standing majestically, these structures have transformed New York's city skyline into a work of art.
Have you ever wondered which are the tallest buildings in New York? Let’s find out!
One World Trade Center
Known the world over, the One World Trade Center is the main building of the reconstructed World Trade Center complex. The structure is located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, and goes by other names such as One World Trade, One WTC, and (formerly) Freedom Tower.
One World Trade Center is the tallest structure both in the USA and the Western Hemisphere, and it is the seventh tallest structure in the world. The supertall structure bears the same name as the North Tower of the original World Trade Center, which was destroyed during one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in 2001. Notable for its twin towers, each of which had 110 stories and formed a distinctive feature of the New York skyline. The roof of One World Trade Center was 1,368 feet (417 meters) tall, and the roof of Two World Trade Center was 1,362 feet (415 meters) tall. The towers, designed by Minoru Yamasaki and officially opened in 1972, were the world's tallest buildings until 1973 when they were surpassed by the Sears (now Willis) Tower in Chicago.
Bank of America Tower
As of 2021, the Bank of America Tower is the eighth tallest building in New York City and the tenth tallest building in the United States, standing at 1,200 feet (370 m). When it first opened, the Bank of America Tower was certified as a LEED Platinum green building by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
One Vanderbilt
If you want a great view of the Empire State Building, head on over to the One Vanderbilt. The observation deck on the One Vanderbilt offers breathtaking views, particularly during sunset! One Vanderbilt is a 93-story supertall skyscraper located on the corner of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue in New York City's Midtown Manhattan neighborhood. This stunning building with chic exteriors is designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox. It was proposed by developer SL Green Realty in the early 2010s as part of a planned Midtown East rezoning. One Vanderbilt is the fourth tallest building in New York, eclipsed only by the One World Trade Center, Central Park Tower, and 111 West 57th Street.
Central Park Tower
Central Park Tower is the tallest apartment building in the Western Hemisphere, with unrivaled views in all directions. This building was designed by Adrian Smith, who is also credited with designing the tallest building in the world: the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. A peek through its windows and you can see the breathtaking view of Central Park, and the birds soaring through the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains. It is one of the world’s tallest residential skyscrapers with its 131 stories and has a height of 1,550 feet tall.
432 Park Avenue
One of New York’s most expensive residential skyscrapers and part of Billionaire’s Row, 432 Park Avenue carries one of the largest price tags in NYC for its units. You’d better have a pretty healthy bank account if you want to live at this address since the median price for a unit sells for tens of millions. Located at 57th Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, it overlooks the busy streets of Central Park. It has 85 stories above ground, including a mezzanine and 84 numbered stories. The exterior of the tower is a poured-in-place concrete lattice made of white Portland cement. The tower is divided into 12-story blocks that are separated by open double-story mechanical spaces that allow wind gusts to pass through for a natural effect.
Chrysler Building
Located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood on the East Side of Manhattan, New York City, the Chrysler Building is one of the most well-known structures in New York City, and it portrays a remarkable presence in Manhattan's skyline. It is frequently cited as a classic American example of Art Deco architecture and is widely regarded as the greatest building in New York City by many architects. Up to this day, the building is used as an office building. It is a famous tourist spot and is open for tourists, however, tourists are only allowed to the lobby.
30 Hudson Yards
Also known as the ‘North Tower’, 30 Hudson Yards is the sixth tallest building in New York City. It is located near Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea, and the Penn Station area. This tall and stunning building offers amazing views of Manhattan and New Jersey. Yes, it’s that tall!
Empire State Building
Your visit to New York is nothing if you will not make it your top priority to enter the infamous Empire State Building. Voted as ‘America’s most favorite architecture’ in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects, Empire State Building is the most famous office building in New York City and a historical landmark. It is a 102 stories Art Deco located in Midtown Manhattan. Its name was derived from 'Empire State, one of the many great nicknames of the state of New York. The building has a roof height of 1,250 feet (380 m) and stands a total of 1,454 feet (443.2 m) tall, including its antenna. The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building until the World Trade Center was built in 1970; following the World Trade Center's collapse in 2001, the Empire State Building was once again the city's tallest skyscraper until 2012. As of 2020, it is the seventh-tallest structure in New York City.
One57
A 75-story, 1,005-foot (306-meter) supertall skyscraper located at 157 West 57th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Manhattan's Midtown neighborhood, One57 was the first luxury tower-condominium along a stretch of 57th Street called Billionaires' Row. The structure has a curved roof and several waterfall-like setbacks on the side facing 57th Street.
111 West 57th Street
With its 84 stories, 111 West 57th Street is one of the many condominiums that are famous for housing Hollywood actors such as Jennifer Lopez. Also known as Steinway Tower, this building is known to be the skinniest building in all of Manhattan. The 1,428-foot tower is 24 times as tall as it is wide and has only one residence on each floor.
