It's not just the skyscrapers that make a city's skyline post-card worthy, there has to be a sense of mystery and history to truly stand out. This is evident in Washington, D.C's iconic monuments, Smithsonian complex, and the mighty White House that make this skyline one to remember. how many games in mlb season

These are the best cities in America for a spectacular skyline!
1. New York City

In the eyes of many, New York City’s skyline is arguably the most iconic in America. Its buildings soar upward, clustered in two Manhattan neighborhoods—midtown and downtown—and are framed by lower-rise buildings in the “valley.” From the iconic Empire State Building to newer towers like One World Trade Center and the ICA building, NYC’s skyline has quality, quantity, history, modernity, and just about everything you’d want to see in a great city.

While it’s a bit easier to take in the Big Apple’s renowned skyline when walking its streets, some of the best views can be found atop tall buildings or out on the water. A ride aboard the Staten Island Ferry, for example, is a great way to feel the wind in your hair as you watch Manhattan shrink into the distance and witness the city’s famous skyline come to life right before your eyes.

If you’re looking for a high-octane view of the city, you can’t go wrong with the 102nd floor observation decks of One World Trade Center, which recently became the tallest building in the city. The indoor observation decks allow visitors to experience the skyline without that pesky wind that makes it nearly impossible to capture a perfectly Insta-worthy picture, and they’re also equipped with LED screens that highlight some of the most notable aspects of the skyline. Unlike the Edge, which offers breathtaking views of the city but can also make your stomach churn with the fear factor, One World Trade Center is an entirely safe and accessible place to enjoy a unique perspective of NYC’s skyline. Plus, its central location allows for a quick trip to other famous attractions, such as Hudson Yards and the new Vessel.
2. San Francisco

As the home of the Empire State Building, New York City is an instant-recognizable vantage point. You’ve likely seen its skyscrapers in countless movies and TV shows, from Manhattan to Gossip Girl. The iconic New York skyline is the most recognizable in America, and it offers numerous options for soaking up the views, from rooftop restaurants to the 102nd floor of One World Trade Center.

Unlike some of the other cities on this list, San Francisco doesn’t have an overabundance of high-rises—which makes it easier to find great vistas. The city’s hills and bay offer different perspectives on a skyline that includes modern structures like the Salesforce Tower and 181 Fremont as well as historic architectural giants such as the domed City Hall building and Grace Cathedral. The Golden Gate Bridge looms large from a number of vantage points, including the Presidio and the city’s hilly neighborhoods.

The Windy City is another of the best city skylines in the country, thanks to its unique set of buildings and its lakeshore location. It has fewer skyscrapers than some of the other top contenders on this list, but Chicago’s eye-catching architecture is distinctive. You can take a sightseeing boat tour of the city to see the skyline from the water, or head up to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower—formerly the Sears Tower—to check out the view with a few added bells and whistles, like glass ledges.

Pittsburgh is another American city with an amazing skyline. It’s one of the only city skylines to feature three rivers in its heart, including the Allegheny and Monongahela. You can soak up the views from downtown’s Point State Park, or you can take advantage of one of the city’s many riverfront attractions, like a visit to the Carnegie Science Center or the crown-topped One PPG Place and Fifth Avenue Place.
3. Las Vegas

The neon-lit skyline of the Vegas Strip is one of the most striking and unique in the nation. It features hotels, casinos, and high-rises of all shapes and sizes that are decorated with glitzy landmarks like pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, a golden lion, and more. The result is a one-of-a-kind urban landscape that can be seen on postcards and posters at truck stops and novelty shops across America.

Vegas is also known for its gambling, fine dining, and entertainment shows. There's something for everyone in Sin City, which is why it is often called the "Marriage Capital of the World." While the Las Vegas skyline may not be as beautiful or as diverse as some of the other cities on this list, it still offers a wide variety of attractions that will make any tourist or local happy.

Chicago's skyline is another one that stands out thanks to its variety of unique and interesting buildings. The city is home to the iconic Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower) and the John Hancock and Willis Tower observation decks. A trip to the Windy City is a must for anyone interested in learning about the city's history and architecture.

Charleston's skyline is one of the oldest on this list and is also one of the most beautiful. The city features a mix of pre-Civil War era historic buildings and structures, carefully laid out parks and gardens, and modern skyscrapers and buildings. This makes it a truly unique and pretty city to see, which can be enjoyed on a carriage ride around the historic district or a stroll along the waterfront. The city is also home to a number of public art installations and unique landmarks that give it a distinct look from other cities on this list.
4. St. Louis

This Midwest city offers a skyline that’s both traditional and modern. It boasts a variety of tall buildings, including the iconic Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower) and John Hancock Center. However, Chicago also features some smaller, less-obtrusive structures that contribute to the skyline’s overall beauty.

It may not have many high-rises, but it’s a good thing that Seattle prioritizes quality over quantity when it comes to its skyline. The city’s downtown is a mix of architectural styles, from post-modern to art deco and Italian renaissance, that’s capped by the unique Space Needle. And thanks to the glass-covered “Skyscraper District,” Seattle’s skyline is stunning at night, when its towers are illuminated.

Another American city that prioritizes quality over quantity, Denver’s skyline features a handful of taller structures, but it doesn’t overwhelm the cityscape with them. The Denver skyline is a collection of diverse, architecturally distinctive buildings that make for a beautiful vista — especially when the sun is shining through them.

The capital of the United States might not have a skyline that’s as impressive as those of some other cities, but it does have a sense of history and elegance that’s unmatched. Whether you’re watching the Washington Monument tower above other buildings or seeing the White House lit up at night, there’s something about this skyline that’s unforgettable.
5. Seattle

As a city that sits on the edge of two bodies of water, Seattle has one of the most diverse backdrops in America. With the dominate Space Needle thrusting skyward, Mount Rainier appearing to float in the distance, and endless rows of apartment, office, and condo buildings all standing out among the green trees and rolling hills, this cityscape is nothing short of breath-taking.

Seattle's neat and tidy skyline of regulated building heights and unique geometric shapes makes it stand out from other cities that cram as many high-rises into their skylines as possible. Add in the space-age National Landmarks, the eerily futuristic obelisk of the Transamerica Pyramid, and the historic Seattle Municipal Tower all nestled into a backdrop of blue ocean and green mountains and this is one skyline that can compete with any other.

While this young Texas city may not be as old as the older buildings found in other cities on this list, Dallas has a beautiful skyline that still deserves to be seen. The Bank of America Plaza is the tallest structure in Dallas, but that's just one of the many great landmarks this city has to offer.

While New York is definitely the crowning jewel of any American city, there are many amazing skylines in America. All of them have something special to offer, and it's up to you to decide which ones are the best for yourself. Check out all of these cities and more in Cities: Skylines, available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PS5! Download it now to start creating your perfect city. It's free to play, but some extra game content is available for purchase.