Most beautiful/interesting building in the world

Submitted by Swatcat on November 23, 2025

This is similar to the Ugliest building thread.

I think the CST train station building in Mumbai, the Birds Nest in Beijing, and the Burj Dubai Hotel ( because I have a thing for sailboats) could be contenders! I haven’t personally seen the Birds Nest building.

And WHO thinks arches are beautiful? They have zero utilitarian value, and just define space.. basically!

29 Comments

Level 82

Nov 23, 2025

What is a building?

Level 41

Nov 23, 2025

A building is a relatively permanent enclosed structure with a roof and walls, designed for shelter or a wide variety of activities, such as living, entertaining, or manufacturing. The definition can vary by context, but generally includes structures that can be entered and provide protection for people, animals, or property.

Level 73

Nov 23, 2025

So is a shoe a building?

Edit: It's a reference

Level 41

Nov 23, 2025

do you live, entertain, manufacture, or shelter in a shoe?

Level 81

Nov 24, 2025

There used to be an old lady that lived in a shoe, she had a lot of kids I believe :)

Level 51

Nov 23, 2025

Taj mahal probably

Level 78

Nov 23, 2025

I thought it was just a pretty tomb. Until I saw it. It did literally take my breath away!

Level 78

Nov 26, 2025

Also.. another jewel that’s often overlooked, in the same city- India’s largest fort- Agra Fort. It’s epic!!

Level ∞

Nov 23, 2025

The Chrysler Building is amazing.

Basically every cathedral in Europe that's been maintained.

Level 51

Nov 23, 2025

My favourite cathedrath is probably St Basil's

Level 78

Nov 23, 2025

Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s in London, are beautiful and well maintained. They reminded me of some in India, which are very similar. I guess those are from the days of British rule, so..

Level 60

Nov 24, 2025

Of what I've seen in person? Well, I'm personally biased towards more "cool" looking buildings, thus I will say St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Bath Cathedral, and the Siena Duomo.

Level 53

Nov 23, 2025

As Wizzandy said, I’ve also always been a sucker for St. Basil’s Cathedral (which many misidentify as the Kremlin). Dubai’s Museum of the Future is pretty unique too

Level 56

Nov 23, 2025

Everything is ugly in its own unique way

Level 53

Nov 23, 2025

As far as architecture goes, Istanbul overall has some of the most beautiful and historic buildings imho

Level 78

Nov 23, 2025

I agree.

Level 81

Nov 23, 2025

I nominate the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Such a beautiful building that nobody really talks about.

The Nemours Estate, the South Carolina State House, and the Old Parkland are also contenders.

Level 81

Nov 23, 2025

Also, it seems kind of antithetical to end a post about beautiful buildings by complaining that arches "have zero utilitarian value."

Level 78

Nov 23, 2025

:). I know, right?

Level 27

Nov 23, 2025

Might just be a me thing but Willis Tower takes the cake

Level 26

Nov 23, 2025

I've never seen it in person, but I love Marina Bay Sands.

Level 79

Nov 23, 2025

Not a building technically but I love the Canton tower in Guangzhou

Level 77

Nov 23, 2025

Not sure I really have a favorite, and beauty is obviously subjective, but I do know if I had a favorite that the San Francisco City Hall would be up there.

Level 63

Nov 23, 2025

not my fave, but Pink Mosque Iran

Level ∞

Nov 23, 2025

Wow! So beautiful.

Level 63

Nov 23, 2025

I love arches, what are we on abt??

Level 78

Nov 23, 2025

Venting.