The next time you find yourself in big European cities, stop for a moment, look around and then notice how few skyscrapers there are, even in the biggest of cities. You may simply take it for granted that they would be there, because that’s what big cities do, isn’t it? It’s a matter of pride and, to a degree, boasting or chest-beating to build the biggest, the tallest, the most expensive, isn’t it? That’s certainly the modus operandi for many other places on earth. Look at New York City, or Dubai. But why is Europe so shy? As it happens, there are many sensible reasons why, and might offer some ideas for other cities to pause and reflect.
Despite being one of the most developed, densely populated and economically prosperous continents, Europe has surprisingly few skyscrapers, particularly when compared to Asia and North America. Of the 218 skyscrapers constructed on the continent to date, 66% of them are located in just five cities – London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow and Istanbul.
Watch the video below, courtesy of TheB1M.com
For the record, as of this writing, the Lakta Centre in St. Petersburg Russia has the tallest skyscraper in Europe. The Lakhta Center is an 87-storey skyscraper built in the northwestern neighbourhood of Lakhta in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Standing 462 metres tall, it is the tallest building in Russia, the tallest building in Europe, and the sixteenth-tallest building in the world.
Click here for articles about other places – in this case, Dubai – with amazing buildings. If you still want the thrill of being surrounded by immense towers, Dubai is the place. Click here for ideas.
Boasting the title of the tallest hotel in the world, the 4 star Gevora hotel is located on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road in the Trade Center Area of the city and is ideal for guests looking for an easy and convenient commute to Dubai’s main business districts and leisure attractions. Free WiFI is available throughout the hotel. Click here to book.
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