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Surprising Aussie city named in list of world's most beautiful skylines

1 of 17Attribution: Getty
By Jemima SkelleyJuly 02, 2024 - 9:26pm

Some cities are instantly recognisable when you see a photo of their skylines.

But what makes a skyline truly beautiful?

Architectural Digest has rounded up the world's most beautiful skylines - and not just one but TWO Aussie locations made the list.

And honestly, it's a surprising choice.

Read through to see which cities were crowned on the list. 

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  • Architecture
15. Milwaukee, USA
2 of 17Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto

15. Milwaukee, USA

It might be a smaller-sized city in the US, but Milwaukee's skyline packs a punch, at least according to AD.

The publication notes its proximity to Lake Michigan as a huge plus for the city.

14. Seattle, USA
3 of 17Attribution: Getty

14. Seattle, USA

Another US city to make the list, Seattle is a place where the mountains meet the ocean.

It's home to the iconic Space Needle building, which is no doubt recognisable to anyone who's watched Grey's Anatomy.

13. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4 of 17Attribution: Getty

13. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The capital of Malaysia is home to the Petronas Twin Towers - the tallest twin towers in the world.

Drawing inspiration from Islamic architecture, the mirrored buildings are one of 241 skyscrapers in the city, including the world's second-tallest building.

12. Panama City, Panama
5 of 17Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto

12. Panama City, Panama

People think about the islands and beaches of Panama, and forget that it's home to a bustling capital city.

AD shouted out F&F Tower, which appears to twist as it climbs higher into the clouds.

11. Tianjin, China
6 of 17Attribution: Getty

11. Tianjin, China

Tianjin is one of China's 17 megacities, with a population over 10 million.

It's most recognisable due to the Tianjin Eye, a Ferris wheel that straddles the city's river. 

10. Bangkok, Thailand
8 of 17Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto

10. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is an interesting mix of ancient temples and modern, gravity-defying skyscrapers.

One of the most striking is MahaNakhon, which looks like it's made of pixels and disappearing before your eyes.

9. Singapore
9 of 17Attribution: Getty

9. Singapore

Surrounded by water, the skyline of Singapore is a stunning blend of urbanism and nature.

Marina Bay Sands is perhaps the city's most recognisable building, along with the iconic Gardens by the Bay.

8. Shanghai, China
10 of 17Attribution: Getty

8. Shanghai, China

This Chinese city has what AD calls "one of the most recognizable skylines in the world", thanks to its skyline made up of spheres, cubes, and prisms.

It's also home to Shanghai Tower, which has the fastest elevators in the world.

7. Sydney, Australia
11 of 17Attribution: Getty

7. Sydney, Australia

Most of Sydney's charm comes from its harbour, and the iconic bridge and Opera House.

While residents may consider Sydney to be the most beautiful city in Australia, it was topped by an underrated city to the west...

6. Perth, Australia
12 of 17Attribution: Getty

6. Perth, Australia

Perth has been named the sixth best skyline in the world, which might come as a surprise to Aussies.

Set where the Swan River meets the ocean, AD says that Perth's "undulating bridges add a dynamic quality to the cityscape."

5. Tokyo, Japan
13 of 17Attribution: Getty

5. Tokyo, Japan

The vibrant skyline of Tokyo is made only more beautiful by the imposing figure of Mt Fuji looming in the background.

The city is dominated by The Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, two supertall constructions used for telecommunications and observation decks.

4. Dubai, UAE
14 of 17Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto

4. Dubai, UAE

A relatively new city, Dubai is home to some of the world's most innovative and futuristic buildings.

Of course, this includes the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world.

3. Chicago, USA
15 of 17Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto

3. Chicago, USA

The third most populated city in the US, Chicago is built on the edge of a lake, with a river flowing through downtown.

It's home to many famous sky scrapers, which sit next to historic, hundred-year-old buildings.

2. Hong Kong
16 of 17Attribution: Getty

2. Hong Kong

Though it often lands top of the list for the world's best skylines, AD has rated it as number two.

"Featuring densely packed high rises contrasted with Victoria Peak, the view is particularly special at night when the city lights bounce off of the harbour water," the publication wrote.

1. Manhattan, USA
17 of 17Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto

1. Manhattan, USA

The city that never sleeps, NYC has topped the list.

Manhattan's skyline is beyond iconic, recognisable thanks to the many TV shows and movies which are set in the city.

Standouts include Art Deco classics like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, and the new modern World Trade Center.

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