Sky-High Luxury: Inside The World's Highest Penthouses
From New York's Billionaires' Row to the glittering heights of Dubai's skyline, we journey through the highest penthouses on earth—spaces that don't just rise above the city, but above convention itself. More than mere residences at altitude, they testaments to human ambition and architectural artistry.
Rising above Manhattan's vibrant NoMad district, the SkyHouse at 172 Madison Avenue crowns a 33-story luxury tower soaring 450 feet (137 meters). This three-story penthouse spans over 5,500 square feet of interior space, complemented by 3,000 square feet of private terraces. A 23-foot-high living room ceiling, a glass-walled private elevator, and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and Jacuzzi define urban sophistication on one of the world's most iconic avenues. Completed in 2017, the building offers residents a 67-foot saltwater lap pool, spa facilities, a fitness center, and a pet spa. Building Height: 450 ft (137 m) Floors: 33 Penthouse Level: 32–33 Completed: 2017
Perched atop Monaco's tallest residential tower, the Sky Penthouse at Tour Odéon redefines Mediterranean luxury. Spanning the top 5 floors of the 560-foot (170-meter), 49-story skyscraper, this 38,000-square-foot, five-level residence features five bedrooms, three staff quarters, and five kitchens. Its pièce de résistance is a rooftop terrace with a circular infinity pool and waterslide, offering panoramic views of the azure Mediterranean. The penthouse's opulent interiors, private elevator, and prime location in Monte Carlo's Golden Square cement its status as one of the world's most coveted addresses. With an estimated value of $335 million (in 2021), this luxury penthouse is one of the most expensive homes in the world. Building Height: 560 ft (170 m) Floors: 49 Penthouse Level: 45–49 Completed: 2015
Soaring 802 feet (244.5 meters) above San Francisco, the Grand Penthouse at 181 Fremont occupies the entire top floor of the Bay Area's tallest mixed-use tower. This 6,941-square-foot residence features four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a grand salon, a home gym, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Salesforce Tower. A private elevator grants access to exclusive amenities, including a fitness center and residents' lounge. Read More Forever 21 plans nearly 200 store closures in second bankruptcy Building Height: 802 ft (244.5 m) Floors: 56, plus 5 basement floors Penthouse Level: 56 Completed: 2018
In Tribeca, one of New York's trendiest neighborhoods, the penthouse at 56 Leonard crowns a 57-story, 821-foot (250-meter) skyscraper designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Spanning approximately 8,000 square feet across floors 56 and 57, this residence features four bedrooms, expansive terraces, and 360-degree views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Its sculptural interiors, soaring ceilings, and private elevator embody artistic luxury, complemented by amenities like a 75-foot pool and theater. Building Height: 821 ft (250 m) Floors: 57 Penthouse Level: 56–57 Completed: 2017
Crowning the 951-foot (290-meter) Guoco Tower, Singapore's tallest building, the Wallich Residence triplex penthouse spans floors 62 to 64. This 21,108-square-foot vertical masterpiece offers five bedrooms, a private pool, cabana, and jacuzzi, with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing Marina Bay and the city skyline. Private elevators and amenities like a sky gym and concierge services ensure unrivaled exclusivity. Completed in 2017, this luxury penthouse blends modern elegance with unparalleled urban vistas in Southeast Asia's vibrant financial hub. Building Height: 951 ft (290 m) Floors: 64 Penthouse Level: 62–64 Completed: 2017
Known as Steinway Tower, 111 West 57th Street is the world's skinniest skyscraper, with a 24:1 height-to-width ratio, rising 1,428 feet (435 meters). Its four-story penthouse at over 1,000 feet high spans floors 80 to 83 of this 84-story tower and features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and 618 square feet of exterior terraces. The 11,480-square-foot Quadplex penthouse boasts horizon-spanning views of Manhattan and Central Park, private elevators, and bespoke interiors, making it a jewel of Billionaires' Row. Building Height: 1,428 ft (435 m) Floors: 84 Penthouse Level: 80–83 Completed: 2022
Located at 157 West 57th Street, the penthouse at One57 occupies floors 89 and 90 of a 1,005-foot (306-meter), 90-story tower. Spanning nearly 11,000 square feet, this six-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence offers Central Park as its front yard. Residents enjoy 20,000 square feet of amenities, including a library, an indoor movie theater, and access to the Park Hyatt New York below, cementing One57's status as a pioneer of Billionaires' Row luxury. Building Height: 1,004 ft (306 m) Floors: 90 Penthouse Level: 89–90 Completed: 2014
Soaring 1,394 feet (425 meters), Marina 101 stands as Dubai's second-tallest residential tower, housing exquisite duplex penthouses across floors 97 to 100 of its 101-story silhouette.
Each penthouse offers 6,500 sq ft of luxury living, with a private jacuzzi in every bedroom, and expansive terraces offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah (including Atlantis and Atlantis The Royal resorts), and the iconic Burj Al Arab. Despite construction delays since 2006 due to financial challenges, the tower is set for completion in 2025. The lower 33 floors, originally planned for a Hard Rock Hotel, remain undeveloped following an unsuccessful 2021 auction. Building Height: 1,394 ft (425 m) Floors: 101, plus 6 basement floors Penthouse Level: Multiple duplex penthouses, 97–100 Completed: 2025 (projected)
At 1,396 feet (426 meters), 432 Park Avenue, located between East 56th and 57th Streets, held the title of the Western Hemisphere's tallest residential building upon its 2015 completion until surpassed by Central Park Tower in 2019. Its 96th-floor penthouse, spanning 8,255 square feet, features six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and 360-degree views of New York City through 240 linear feet of glass. With over 30,000 square feet of amenities—including a private restaurant, 75-foot pool, and spa—this Billionaires' Row icon remains a paragon of modern luxury. Building Height: 1,397 ft (426 m) Floors: 96 Penthouse Level: 96 Completed: 2015
The Sky Palace at Burj Khalifa, perched on floors 107 and 108 of the world's tallest building (2,717 feet / 829.8 meters), sits nearly 1,300 feet above Downtown Dubai. Spanning 163 floors, the Burj Khalifa houses private residences, offices, Armani Hotel, and amenities like Japanese gardens, padel courts and three public observation decks. This 21,000-square-foot duplex penthouse offers sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah and even the distant mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. Listed at $51 million in early 2025 by Invest Dubai Real Estate, the unit is a raw shell, the unit is currently a raw shell. It features a private elevator and 12 parking spaces—but will require a multi-million dollar investment to transform it into a bespoke sky mansion. Building Height: 2,717 ft (828 m) Floors: 163 Penthouse Level: 107–108 Completed: 2010
Dubbed 'The One Above All Else,' the triplex penthouse at Central Park Tower soars 1,416 feet above New York City, a fittingly audacious name for the world's highest residential penthouse.
Showcased in Netflix's Owning Manhattan, the penthouse commands floors 129 to 131 of the 1,550-foot (472-meter), 131-story tower. Spanning a jaw-dropping 17,545 square feet, it flaunts seven bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, a 1,500-square-foot grand salon, a private ballroom, and a 1,433-square-foot terrace that frames Central Park and Manhattan's glittering skyline. With 27-foot ceilings, private high-speed elevators, and some of the best views of the entire city, this residence rules Billionaires' Row as the ultimate sky palace. Building Height: 1,550 ft (472 m) Floors: 131 Penthouse Level: 129–131 Completed: 2020
While Dubai's Burj Khalifa, piercing the sky at 2,717 feet (829.8 meters), claims the crown as the world's tallest building, New York's Central Park Tower steals the spotlight with the highest residential penthouse. Soaring at 1,416 feet above Manhattan, the triplex penthouse, aptly dubbed 'The One Above All Else,' reigns supreme on floors 129–131 of the 1,550-foot (472-meter) tower, outpacing the Burj Khalifa's Sky Palace at approximately 1,300 feet. Triplex Penthouse at Central Park Tower, New York City, USA Sky Palace at Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE Penthouse at 432 Park Avenue, New York City, USA Duplex Penthouses at Marina 101, Dubai, UAE Penthouse at One57, New York City, USA Quadplex 80 at 111 West 57th Street, New York City, USA Wallich Residence Penthouse, Singapore Penthouse at 56 Leonard, New York City, USA Grand Penthouse at 181 Fremont, San Francisco, USA Sky Penthouse at Tour Odéon, Monaco SkyHouse at 172 Madison Avenue, New York City, USA
Methodology: To crown the world's highest penthouses, we ranked them by elevation above ground. Where exact penthouse heights were unavailable, we calculated estimates based on floor levels relative to the building's pinnacle, presuming top-floor residences soar closest to the summit.
READ SOURCE businessmayor May 20, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
an hour ago
Delta SkyMiles members and employees can vote to choose the airline's summer 2026 destination
Delta Air Lines is letting its customers and employees decide where the airline will fly next summer. The airline announced its first-ever 'Route Race' contest Wednesday in which Delta's loyalty program and SkyMiles members, as well as Delta employees, get the opportunity to vote and choose a European destination the airline will add to its summer 2026 schedule. Beginning August 25th through August 29th, SkyMiles members and Delta employees can vote using the Fly Delta App for one of the three European destinations – Sardinia, Malta, and Ibiza – for next summer. Delta will announce the winning destination within 30 days after voting closes. 'SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does. The Route Race is a celebration of their influence, giving our community a voice in where they want to fly next and inviting them to help shape Delta's global network,' said Paul Baldoni, Delta's senior vice president of network planning. 'The destinations where Delta flies are more than just dots on a map – they're gateways to culture, connection and possibility, and this is a chance for our Members and employees to bring one of them closer." Describing the three destinations, Delta said Sardinia, Italy, is a slower-paced but adventurous option with natural beauty, history and food. Malta was described as the escape that blends centuries of history with sunny Mediterranean charm. Ibiza was pitched as the global capital of nightlife with its world-famous DJs, beach parties and laid-back beach bars. Delta currently flies to more than 300 destinations. This summer, the airline said it operated its largest-ever transatlantic schedule.
Eater
8 hours ago
- Eater
How I Tripled Restaurant Sales by Streamlining the Lunch Rush
A version of this post originally appeared on August 20, 2025, in Eater and Punch's newsletter Pre Shift, a biweekly newsletter for the industry pro that sources first-person accounts from the bar and restaurant world. This send is the final in a three-part series on high-volume restaurants, presented by Square — the technology company that makes commerce and financial services easy and accessible. Amba, according to Cambridge Street Hospitality Group chef and owner Will Gilson Where: Cambridge, Massachusetts The backstory: James Beard Award semifinalist Will Gilson launched Cambridge Street Hospitality Group in 2012 and now operates eight concepts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2024, he opened his most recent restaurant, Amba, at a local farmers market. In the first year of business, the Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual restaurant has almost tripled its daily sales. Gilson discusses how he got here. On staffing during peak hours I wish I could tell you that there's a perfect science behind it, but sometimes we just try to make sure that we're not overstacking ourselves. We have one person on the line to get everything open in the morning to cook breakfast. To prepare for our busiest hours, we add another person on the line at about 10:30 a.m. and another at noon. Between catering and in-house orders and stuff that's hitting the delivery services, we're doing up to 400 items. On encouraging online orders Now people are really used to ordering their food online ahead of time and picking it up, which [keeps] the queue of people [from getting too busy]. We don't have the infrastructure of Starbucks or Dunkin' as far as their online ordering goes, but everything from our website to our Square site prompts people to be able to do that. Most of [our customers] are placing their orders ahead of time. We also have two [self-service] kiosks that we have set up inside. On the kiosks, we have a sign that says, 'Don't want to wait in line, use this kiosk right here.' That's a way to direct people if there is a queue that is forming. Staffers working the line at Amba. Lisa Nichols On the efficiency of premade ingredients Coming from a chef background, I was thinking about making absolutely everything ourselves. What ended up helping us grow faster was identifying two of the items that we were going to be using the most—pita and hummus—and trying to see if we could find the best vendor that we could that could supply us with those. I'm sure I could make a better hummus than the one that we get, but it would take forever [between soaking, boiling, blending, and storing]—and it would require a system that is so complicated that maybe only a couple people could do it. We're paying a little bit of a premium to be able to have somebody else's product. Daily, we're probably saving five hours of labor. On strategically opening new locations I have been able to go from one restaurant to eight concepts in the past five years. I always [want to] make sure that we're walking into the right deal. A lot of the brands that get acquired by venture capital end up going into high-profile spaces with very high rent as a way for marketing. Owning this ourselves without that sort of investment means that those deals are less attractive to us. [We consider factors like] foot traffic and parking. If so much of your food is going out the door via delivery apps, then you need to make sure that you're in a space where people aren't having to park far away. You [also] want to avoid scooters and bicycles and Uber cars just clogging up the front of your business. Customers eating at the Cambridge location. Lisa Nichols We want to make sure that we don't grow too fast until we really understand the nuance of the demand [we're supplying]. We spent a lot of time trying to find a concept where we can hit the right price points; [at Amba,] there's nothing on the menu that costs over $20. We felt as though this was the type of concept that would fit into this neighborhood where there are a lot of offices and residences, and not a place that was known for sit-down dining. In all the years that we've been doing this, we've never opened up a concept that made the people so happy so quickly. I'm never confident that any restaurant will work, but you take a leap of faith. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mediterranean diet, meager budget. Can you dupe the world's healthiest meal plans?
When it comes to skin care or handbags, we all love a great dupe, aka those affordable alternatives that give us the luxe experience without breaking the bank. But what about diet dupes? While popular meal plans like the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet and Whole30 continue to dominate the wellness scene, not everyone can afford the hefty price tag that comes with filling your cart with wild-caught salmon, imported olive oil and organic specialty products. But eating healthy doesn't have to mean blowing an entire paycheck at a specialty grocery store. There are plenty of ways to recreate the benefits of these celebrated eating plans while watching your budget. By focusing on clever swaps, smart shopping and versatile, budget-friendly staples, you can enjoy all the perks of the Mediterranean, DASH and Whole30 diets while keeping your savings intact. Here's how to make it happen. The Mediterranean diet What is it? This diet isn't really a diet — it's more of a lifestyle inspired by the traditional eating habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, especially Greece, Italy and Spain. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (especially olive oil), legumes, nuts, fish and some dairy. It also allows for moderate wine consumption and encourages physical activity and communal dining. What it's known for The Mediterranean diet is lauded for its heart-health benefits, thanks to having omega-3-rich fish, nuts and olive oil on the menu. Studies have shown that following a Mediterranean-style diet may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lower cholesterol and even improve brain health. It's also considered a great way to maintain a balanced diet without strict calorie counting. Affordable swaps to stock in your pantry and fridge Want to follow a Mediterranean diet without feeling a serious pinch in your wallet? The key is focusing on versatile staples and looking for budget-friendly swaps. Fish: While fresh fish often headlines Mediterranean meal plans, canned tuna, salmon and sardines are excellent, cost-effective alternatives. They're rich in omega-3s and can easily be thrown into salads or pasta. Frozen fish can be a great option too. Olive oil: Look for olive oil during sales to save money, or purchase store brands, which often have similar quality to premium options but at a lower cost. Also, make sure the bottle is opaque since this protects the oil from light, which can degrade its quality. Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils and beans are nutrient-dense and incredibly affordable. Buy dried beans in bulk or opt for budget-friendly canned options. Just be sure to rinse your canned beans to remove as much salt as possible. Vegetables: When opting for fresh vegetables, stick with seasonal produce for more affordable choices. But don't assume you have to only eat fresh produce. Frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh ones, often picked and frozen at peak ripeness to lock in nutrients. They're also an excellent option for those on a budget, as they typically come at a more affordable price point. Consider stocking up on frozen asparagus, spinach and artichokes. Jarred vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts, are convenient and flavorful pantry staples, too. Whole grains: Store-brand brown rice, barley and quinoa are all wallet-friendly staples. Buy these in bulk for the most bang for your buck. Herbs and spices: Basil, oregano and parsley are key players here. Save money by purchasing dried versions, or even better, start a small herb garden at home. Wine (optional): If your budget allows, look for affordable reds for an occasional sip. Or skip the wine altogether, and say cheers with a glass of 100% pomegranate or grape juice for antioxidants. The DASH diet What is it? The DASH diet, which stands for 'dietary approaches to stop hypertension,' primarily aims to lower blood pressure. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy, while reducing sodium intake. It's less about fads and more about balance and moderation. What it's known for Much like the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet is heart-health-focused and is renowned for its ability to combat high blood pressure. It's also been linked to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and improving bone health, thanks to its higher intake of potassium and calcium. Affordable swaps to stock in your pantry and fridge Following the DASH Diet on a budget is doable with careful planning and some savvy swaps: Low-sodium alternatives: Look for low-sodium or no-sodium-added canned goods, such as beans and tomatoes. Create homemade spice blends to replace store-bought ones, which may contain hidden sodium, or go for salt-free seasonings instead. Fruits and vegetables: Opt for cheaper options like apples, bananas, carrots and cabbage. Frozen fruit is also great for stretching your dollar while reducing food waste. Lean proteins: Instead of pricier cuts of poultry or fish, go for chicken thighs, eggs or plant-based proteins like tofu. Canned beans and lentils are also excellent sources of protein. When choosing lean meat, look for sales or bulk packages, and consider freezing portions to maximize value and reduce waste. Low-fat dairy: Store-brand low-fat yogurt, milk and cheese are a perfect way to meet your calcium needs without spending too much. Dairy foods are a natural source of calcium, magnesium and potassium – three nutrients emphasized on the DASH diet. Whole grains: Oats and brown rice are typically versatile and inexpensive staples. Skip specialty grains like farro unless it fits into your budget. Snacks: Instead of buying expensive low-sodium snack packs, make your own! Air-popped popcorn and raw nuts bought in bulk are DASH-compliant and budget-friendly. Dried fruits are OK as long as they aren't made with added sugar, and you are being mindful of portion sizes. Whole30 What is it? Whole30 is a 30-day elimination diet designed to 'reset' your body and help identify food sensitivities. It avoids sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, alcohol, soy and processed foods, focusing instead on whole foods like meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. What it's known for The Whole30 diet is praised for its ability to kickstart healthier eating habits, boost energy and identify food intolerances. But it's important to point out that this isn't a long-term eating plan — instead, Whole30 is a structured approach to understanding how different foods impact your body. Affordable swaps to stock in your pantry and fridge Whole30 can feel expensive, but with a few tweaks, you can cut down on costs while sticking to the rules: Meat and protein: Grass-fed, organic everything is ideal… but not always realistic on a budget. Look for sales on chicken thighs, ground pork or canned tuna. Rotate in eggs, which give you a great bang for your buck. Frozen options, like frozen shrimp, can be a great addition too. Vegetables: Focus on affordable, nonstarchy vegetables like zucchini, carrots and broccoli. Frozen veggies are a great option as well. Fruits: Bananas, apples and other inexpensive fruits will keep you stocked up. Buy in-season to save even more. And don't underestimate the nutritional value of frozen veggies. While organic fruits are great to choose, you still get many key nutrients from conventionally grown options as well. Regardless of how your produce is grown, be sure to wash it well. Oils and fats: Coconut oil and olive oil are staples. Purchase store brands or keep an eye out for deals. Nuts and seeds: Instead of splurging on single-serve raw almonds or cashews, buy in bulk and limit portions. Sunflower seeds are a cheaper alternative for snacks or salad toppers. Herbs and spices: These play a big part in keeping Whole30 meals flavorful. You don't need fancy blends; dried basil, paprika and garlic powder will do just fine. Lauren Manaker is a dietitian and author.
