Celebrating World Architecture Day - Our Favourite Buildings Around the Globe

To honour this year’s World Architecture Day, we’ve compiled some of the world’s top architectural masterpieces.

Every year, World Architecture Day is celebrated on the first Monday of October. Initiated by the International Union of Architects (UIA), the day highlights the importance of architecture and celebrates its creativity, sustainability, and innovation, reminding us that architecture isn’t just about buildings - it’s about culture, community, and human imagination.

There’s something magical about architecture. It can make us feel awe, wonder, or even tranquility. Every building has a story, from the materials chosen to the cultural context it reflects. Architecture allows us to experience space in new ways, and imagine possibilities that go beyond conventional thinking.

Here are some of our favourite architectural wonders that are truly awe-inspiring…

Empire State Building, NYC

The Empire State Building isn’t just a skyscraper - it’s the ultimate New York City icon. Soaring 1454 feet into the sky, this Art Deco masterpiece has captivated visitors since 1931 with its timeless beauty and record-breaking design.

Created in just 13 months during the Great Depression, the Empire State Building is as much a story of human determination as it is of architectural genius. Inside, you’ll find intricate Art Deco details, and from its world-famous 86th and 102nd-floor observatories, the views are unmatched, stretching across New York and beyond.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building on Earth, stretching a jaw-dropping 828 meters into the Dubai sky. Sleek, shimmering, and futuristic, its design narrows gracefully as it soars upward, almost like it’s reaching for the stars. From the sky-high observation decks, you’ll see Dubai like never before. desert, ocean, and city glittering below. It’s the ultimate top of the world experience.

In the evening, the Burj Khalifa transforms into one of the most dazzling spectacles in Dubai. As the sun sets and the sky deepens into twilight, the world’s tallest tower becomes a canvas for light shows that can be seen from miles away.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

The Sagrada Familia looks like something out of a dream, and it’s still being built more than a century after Antoni Gaudí began it. The twisting spires, nature-inspired shapes, and kaleidoscope-stained glass windows make this iconic building feel alive. Step inside, and you’ll be bathed in colour and wonder. This is a living piece of art that continues to evolve before your eyes.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is romance carved in white marble. Built as a symbol of love, it’s breathtakingly perfect with its symmetrical gardens, delicate carvings, and a glowing dome that changes colour with the light. At sunrise or sunset, it looks almost unreal, like it’s floating in the mist. One visit, and you’ll understand why it’s one of the most photographed places on Earth.

Petra, Jordan

Carved into rose-red cliffs, the ancient city of Petra looks like it belongs in an adventure movie (and it starred in one - Indiana Jones!) Walking through the narrow Siq and suddenly seeing the breathtaking Treasury is a moment you’ll never forget. With temples, tombs, and caves carved into stone, Petra is a lost world you can actually explore.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Step into the Colosseum, and you can almost hear the roar of 50,000 ancient Romans. Nearly 2,000 years old, this grand amphitheatre once hosted gladiator battles and even naval shows. Today, it’s a symbol of Rome’s epic past: massive, iconic, and still standing proud in the heart of the Eternal City.

Lotus Temple, Delhi, India

Shaped like a giant blooming flower, the Lotus Temple is a place of peace in the middle of bustling Delhi. Its marble ‘petals’ stretch open to the sky, welcoming people of all faiths. Inside, the silence feels almost magical – it's a true oasis of calm and beauty.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Straight out of a fairy tale, Neuschwanstein Castle rises high in the Bavarian Alps with towers, turrets, and dreamy views. Built by King Ludwig II aka the Fairy Tale King, it’s so enchanting that it inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Snowy winter or green summer, it’s one of the most magical castles in the world.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

The Marina Bay Sands resembles three skyscrapers holding up a giant surfboard in the sky. And that ‘surfboard’ is actually a rooftop SkyPark with the world’s most famous infinity pool. From the top, Singapore sparkles beneath you, and the futuristic design makes the whole skyline unforgettable.

Cubic Houses, Rotterdam, Netherlands

In Rotterdam, houses don’t just sit - they tilt. The Cubic Houses are tilted 45 degrees, creating a quirky, playful neighbourhood that feels like walking through a giant sculpture park. They’re bold, fun, and unforgettable, and are proof that even everyday homes can be works of art.

Therme Vals, Switzerland

Hidden in the Swiss mountains, Therme Vals is a spa that feels carved from the earth itself. Built from local stone, its minimalist design blends flawlessly into the landscape. Soak in warm pools while gazing at snowy peaks. This is pure architectural serenity.

Absolute World Towers, Mississauga, Canada

Nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe Towers for their curves, these twisting skyscrapers prove tall buildings don’t have to be boxy. They twist gracefully as they rise, giving the skyline a bold new personality.

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Shimmering and futuristic, the King Abdulaziz Center looks like smooth stones stacked by nature, but it’s all cutting-edge design. Inside, it’s a hub of learning, art, and culture, and is a truly inspiring space where ideas and creativity come alive.

Have you seen any of these architectural marvels for yourself? Are any on your bucket list? 

Whether you’re a fan of ancient ruins or contemporary masterpieces, architecture inspires, educates, and connects us across cultures and generations, and tells incredible stories in expressions of unique creativity, problem solving, and human ambition.