Dubai Tower Tops Social Media as Skyscrapers in New York, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Chicago, Seoul, Shanghai Emerge as Global Tourism Icons

Published on August 26, 2025

The observatory and panoramic observation decks of Dubai’s iconic skyscrapper, as a symbol of modern engineering, have captured travelers and Instagram users attention. The skyscrapper’s breathtaking architecture has claimed as the most mentioned skyscrapper on social media, as well as the most talked about one in the entire world in 2025. The captured imagination include millions of visitors and online attention. Alongside Dubai, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Chicago, Seoul, Shanghai, and New York have also gained global recognition. Combining innovative architecture with immersive experiences and visually stunning vantage points, these towers have become multi-dimensional landmarks and struggle cultural and tourism icons.

Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa has emerged as the most featured skyscraper on Instagram in 2025, according to a comprehensive study released ahead of Skyscraper Day on September 3. The 828-meter marvel leads the global ranking with over 8.7 million posts, marking a 38 percent increase in visibility since 2022 and firmly establishing its status as a cultural and tourism landmark.

The study analyzed the 100 tallest skyscrapers worldwide, measuring both total mentions and growth in online attention over the past three years. Findings confirm that towering structures remain more than architectural feats—they are significant drivers of tourism and cultural engagement, with their social media presence increasingly shaping travel trends.

Burj Khalifa Reigns Supreme

The Burj Khalifa’s unparalleled popularity reflects its dual appeal as an engineering masterpiece and a major tourist destination. Its series of observation platforms offer sweeping vistas of Dubai, the expansive desert landscape, and the shimmering waters of the Persian Gulf. These vantage points have proven highly photogenic, driving high engagement on social media platforms and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global travel hub.

Top Skyscrapers by Instagram Mentions

According to the study, several other skyscrapers also feature prominently, though none match the Burj Khalifa’s dominance.

• Empire State Building, New York: Over 4.5 million mentions, with a 7 percent growth since 2022, drawing visitors to its renowned 86th-floor observation deck.
• Taipei 101, Taipei: Over 913,000 mentions, a 12 percent increase, celebrated for its design inspired by bamboo stalks and high-speed elevators.
• One World Trade Center, New York: Approximately 833,000 mentions, up 5 percent, notable for its observation decks and immersive elevator experiences.
• Willis Tower, Chicago: Garnering approximately 590,000 Instagram mentions, up 5 percent since 2022, the tower draws crowds to its Skydeck and thrilling glass-bottomed balconies for panoramic city views.
• Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur: With close to 294,000 mentions and a 33 percent increase, these iconic twin towers captivate visitors through their striking architecture and rich cultural surroundings.

Rapidly Rising Stars

The report also highlights skyscrapers experiencing significant social media growth. One Vanderbilt in New York recorded a 189 percent increase in mentions, climbing to seventh place, with immersive observation experiences drawing attention. Similarly, 30 Hudson Yards, featuring the Edge observation deck with its glass floor section, saw an 80 percent surge in mentions, ranking eighth. Other notable additions include Lotte World Tower in Seoul and Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, both combining architectural innovation with engaging visitor experiences.

Social Media as a Tourism Driver

The research highlights how social media increasingly directs where travelers choose to go. Buildings with visually striking observation decks, innovative design, or unique photo opportunities continue to attract both on-site visitors and widespread online attention. The findings suggest that social media visibility now directly correlates with tourism demand, guiding travelers toward destinations that promise memorable and photogenic experiences.

Skyscrapers as Cultural Icons

By documenting global social media trends, the research emphasizes the cultural and economic significance of skyscrapers. These towering landmarks are not just feats of engineering—they are central to the identity of their cities, drawing millions of visitors while cultivating international recognition. As Skyscraper Day nears, the rankings showcase these towers as lasting icons of design brilliance, cultural significance, and worldwide travel allure.

As social media continues to shape perceptions of urban landscapes, the prominence of skyscrapers online reinforces their role as both must-visit destinations and global icons, bridging the worlds of architecture, culture, and travel.

The research outlines that skyscrapers are no longer just architectural wonders, but sociocultural and technological icons that influence and dictate world travel, and even the global flow of tourists. The Burj Khalifa, as well as other skyscrapers in Dubai, New York, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Chicago, Seoul, and Shanghai, stand as the most visited and digitally photographed places, attracting millions of visitors physically and virtually. These skyscrapers are tourism staples as their designs are beautiful and offer breathtaking views, enhancing their appeal for photos and shares. With innovative cities constructing more unique and taller buildings, the interrelationship between architecture and means of social networking and travel will deepen, thus establishing them as symbols for the ages and more of global urban stature, cultural relevance, and world fascination.