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Willis Tower

Still commonly called the Sears Tower, insurance company Willis Group Holdings bought the naming rights to the Chicago landmark in 2009. The tower became the world’s tallest building upon its completion in 1974, taking the top honor from the World Trade Center in New York City (which was briefly the tallest from its completion in 1971, when it took over from 40-year title holder Empire State Building). The then-Sears Tower held onto the title for over 20 years until the aforementioned scuffle with Petronas Towers in 1998. Mainly an office building, the tower is undergoing a renovation, scheduled to be completed in 2020, to create retail and dining space, among other new amenities. Visitors can go up to the Skydeck at the top of the 1,451-foot, 108-floor icon for $25. One of the 12 most popular observation decks with terrifying views, it features a completely glass balcony called the Ledge.