London landmark that’s ‘hell on Earth’ named one of world’s top buildings

From the London Eye to Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, there are so many incredible landmarks to see during a trip to the capital.

But if you only have time to go and see a few, a new study has revealed which two you must visit.

According to a ranking of the world’s 10 most important buildings and infrastructures, it’s Battersea Power Station and The Shard that come out on top in London.

The same list, created by Tomorrow Building World Congress, places the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in the number one spot, closely followed by DXB Airport, also in Dubai.

Battersea Power Station came in 7th place in the top 10, with the research looking at its history supplying London with electricity from the 1930s until it was decommissioned in the 80s. 

The building sat empty for three decades before a regeneration product began in 2012 to transform it into a residential and commercial district, and it re-opened in 2022 with a shopping centre inside. 

‘The iconic building preserves many of its original elements, and visitors can even access one of its chimneys for panoramic views of the city. This infrastructure garners nearly 700,000 Google searches and achieves a score of 2.71 in the ranking,’ the research states.

The Shard came in ninth place on the list, famed for transforming London’s skyline and being the tallest building in the UK, standing at 309 meters. 

It has multiple uses, containing residential apartments, a hotel, office space, as well as various restaurants and bars. There’s also a viewing platform for tourists to look out over the city. 

Tomorrow Building World Congress said it was particularly notable as ‘in its first year, it welcomed one million tourists and garnered 900,000 mentions on Instagram.’

To compile the rankings, the team analysed notable new infrastructures and buildings around the world over the last 50 years. They specifically focused on those which had garnered the most Google searches and Instagram mentions.

The full list doesn’t just feature skyscrapers though, it’s also made up of efficient transportation systems, repurposed obsolete infrastructures, and even the creation of entirely new cities.

Also featured are the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the NAC (New Administrative Capital) in Egypt.

What do people really think of Battersea Power Station and the Shard?

As with everything in life, these iconic buildings are a bit like Marmite in that people either love or hate them, but overall both the power station and Shard have very high scores on Tripadvisor and Google. 

With a 4.6/5 rating on Google, many people have praised Battersea Power Station as an ‘exceptional’ shopping destination, with one reviewer writing: ‘Such a beautiful way to use an old building.’

A top five star review by Robert Birkholz highlights what people love about the building and why it’s likely made the list.

It reads: ‘Battersea Power Station is an exceptional shopping destination that offers something for everyone, including a wide variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. Located within one of London’s most iconic landmarks—a historic coal-fired power station—it seamlessly blends history with modernity.

‘During late November, the site becomes even more enchanting with beautiful festive decorations. Outside, visitors can enjoy a charming Winter Wonderland featuring an ice rink and numerous other seasonal activities.

‘What truly sets this destination apart is its thoughtful preservation of history. Scattered throughout the venue are fascinating exhibits and details highlighting the power station’s legacy as a powerhouse that once supplied electricity to a fifth of London.

‘Battersea Power Station strikes the perfect balance between being a cultural landmark and a vibrant shopping hub. It’s a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique shopping and leisure experience.’