When it comes to being world-class, the United States will surely take a spot in the top ten one way or another. The country exemplifies modern living and is home to a number of world-class cities: cities that push the boundaries of just about any aspect of human advancement. The United States is known for its rich culture, heritage, and historical places. From its awe-inspiring cities to endless winding roads, home to amazing road trips, the United States is a country where everyone wants a piece of the pie. Even its accommodations are wide-ranging, from fishing lodges to unique hotels. The sight of downtown skylines and architectural marvels will surely pique your interest, urging you to explore some of the most iconic buildings that the country has to offer. For architectural buffs, here are some of the best famous buildings in the United States, that will leave you enthralled.
1. Chrysler Building
Easily one of the top 10 architectural marvels of the United States is the Chrysler Building. This art-deco masterpiece is easily recognizable in New York’s massive skyline due to its shiny peak. If you want to see it up close, the building lobby is open to the public, ticket-free. Previously featuring an observation deck and private social clubs, today’s Chrysler Building is off-limits to visitors, except for the lobby, and there are no inside tours available. But despite these restrictions, the art-deco details and its ornate mural ceilings within the lobby are a sight to behold.
Chrysler Building
Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, United States
Website: Chrysler Building
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
2. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Another world-renowned architectural marvel on our list is Walt Disney Concert Hall. This amazing piece of construction is designed to be explored. From its unique stairs and walkways that offer sweeping views of the area to the stainless steel that makes up the overall construction, this building will surely pique your admiration. Guided tours are also conducted where you can delve much deeper into the secrets of the place. You can also witness the symphonic performances of Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and visiting artists and orchestras from around the world. If you are an architectural buff and a music lover, visiting Walt Disney Concert Hall might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Website: Walt Disney Concert Hall
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Mon: 4pm - 6pm
Price: Free for groups up to 14 people
3. United States Capitol
The United States Capitol is one of the most famous landmarks in Washington, DC. Built upon the concept of 19th-century neoclassical architecture, this prominent landmark will surely get your attention. Explore the countless historical artifacts from the Library of Congress and National Archives at the United States Capitol. Then, spice up your visit by checking out some educational tours and films inside the theater. What makes this place special, however, is that you can watch session proceedings of the Senate and Congress. Exciting, right? After all, this is the home of the meeting chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives.
United States Capitol
Address: First St SE, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Website: United States Capitol
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Space Needle
The Space Needle might be that one special emerald within the Emerald City. Quite a unique structure within Seattle, Space Needle is more than a sore thumb within the city skyline, but rather a famous tourist landmark. Start exploring this 184-meter-tall spire from the ground and get some creative photos around the vicinity. Then climb up to the lower level and check out the Loupe—a rotating glass floor where you can watch Seattle Center with a dose of vertigo. Continue to the upper levels where you can have panoramic views of the city, Olympic Mountains, Lake Union, and Puget Sound. Then, have a bite in a sky-high setting at its casual dining options. You can also have a nice drink at Atmos Wine Bar to cap your day.
Space Needle
Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Website: Space Needle
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 9am - 9pm
Price: 35 USD
5. Fallingwater (from USD 387.0)
Previously a private residence for a once prominent family of Pittsburgh, today’s Fallingwater is a public museum in the USA surrounded by vast swathes of natural land known as the Bear Run Nature Reserve. It is considered to be the best example of organic architecture: the union of art and nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a detailed guided tour of the place. During this, you can immerse yourself in the soothing ambiance of the place and revel in the apparent co-existence of nature and man-made landmarks. Visit this place as a means to change the way you see the world.
FALLINGWATER - America's UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece!
Duration: 6 hours
6. North Michigan Avenue
With the numerous dazzling skyscrapers of the Chicago skyline, 875 North Michigan Avenue stands among one of the best architectural marvels of Chicago. Its tapered design, striking X-shaped bracing, and iconic spires make it stand out from the pack. It stands a proud 321 meters (1053 feet), consisting of 100 floors intended for office and commercial spaces. This 321-meter (1053-foot) building is made special by the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, where visitors can revel in the panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Night views from this deck are jaw-dropping. There is also a moving platform called TILT, located on the 94th floor, perfect for thrill-seekers. Lastly, the renowned restaurant, Signature Room on the 95th, offers upscale American cuisine and a fine-dining experience amidst the sky-high setting and glittering Chicago skyline.
875 North Michigan Avenue
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Website: 875 North Michigan Avenue
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 22 USD for 360 Chicago Observation Deck
7. Trinity Church
Trinity Church, in Lower Manhattan, New York, is an Episcopal parish dating back to the 17th century. The church is known for its wide-ranging reach in missionary, outreach, and fellowship activities worldwide. Aside from it being a holy place, it also attracts tourists due to its beautiful Gothic architecture. The church’s cemetery also holds the resting place of one of the founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. Plus, the original land gifted by Queen Anne in 1705, is still the same where Trinity Church stands. Due to its rich history, a small museum is built that presents exhibits of the church’s history and its connection to the city itself, which is open to the public.
Trinity Church
Address: 75 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, United States
Website: Trinity Church
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Fisher Building
One of Detroit’s architectural gems, Fisher Building is another art-deco building built in 1928. During that time, it was dubbed as the Eiffel Tower of Detroit. Nowadays, this historic building hosts free guided tours inside. The tours offer trivia and information about Fisher Building’s history and offer great insights into what Detroit was like during the day. It will also take you to the beautifully painted ceiling frescos of the 3rd floor, and to the upper levels for a fantastic view of Detroit City. After this, you can visit Fisher Theater to watch a Broadway performance. The place is dubbed as “Broadway in Detroit” because many Broadway stars have performed here.
Fisher Building
Address: 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Website: Fisher Building
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free tours, 60 USD ticket for Fisher Theater
9. Transamerica Pyramid
Transamerica Pyramid is one of the tallest buildings in San Francisco, California, at 260 meters (853 feet). The building is easily the most noticeable landmark of the place due to its unique stature, having been the sole winged-pyramid structure of the skyline. This 48-story architectural wonder is capped with a decorative aluminum spire that is considered the crown jewel of the Transamerica Pyramid, literally and figuratively. Due to security reasons, however, the building is not open to the public except for the visitor center. The visitor center features a live camera feed from the views outside the 48th-floor. These cameras can be controlled by guests where you can observe the panoramic views of San Francisco.
Transamerica Pyramid
Address: 600 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Website: Transamerica Pyramid
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
10. Empire State Building (from USD 70.56)
One of the most iconic buildings in New York City, or perhaps the whole of the United States, is the Empire State Building. Explore this dazzling skyscraper and channel your inner athlete as you climb 102 floors; it’s suitable only for intrepid explorers. You can always take the special elevator instead. This special elevator is transparent, which allows you to see outside during the ascent. Witness the gradually manifesting panoramic view of New York City with each passing floor. Then head to the open-air observatory twice, once during daytime for unending views under the sun and again at night for the glittering New York skyline.
NYC: Empire State Building Morning & Night Entry Ticket
Duration: 45 minutes
Admire the United States' architectural marvels
From the glittering skylines, towering skyscrapers, to striking theaters and museums, the United States is home to countless architectural marvels of the world. Coupled with the majestic natural wonders of the country, the resulting scene is a perfect postcard-worthy snapshot frozen in time. Visit the buildings outlined above and experience a fair share of American architectural masterpieces. While you’re in the country, be sure to check out the most beautiful places and other things America is famous for!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to