Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting

When you're in the UAE, you simply must see the Burj Khalifa. Step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck and you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean.

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
Burj Khalifa guide

At 2,716 and a half feet tall, the Burj Khalifa holds many world records. It is the tallest free-standing structure, it has the most floors, the highest occupied floor, and the highest outdoor observation deck. It's got the elevator with the longest travel distance, the tallest art gallery, and more.

As the tallest building, the Burj Khalifa offers the best views of the Dubai skyline and beyond from its observation deck. Walk around it and soak up the views from the At the Top experience's floor-to-ceiling windows.

How do I get At the Top - Burj Khalifa discount tickets?

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We've got you covered. At the Top - Burj Khalifa admission is included on all Go City® Dubai passes.

Please note: SKY access is not included on the Go City® Dubai passes. You can upgrade your Burj Khalifa admission to include SKY access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes the outdoor terrace on floor 148 and a guided tour when you arrive at the At the Top - Burj Khalifa ticket counter.

Tips for Visiting At the Top - Burj Khalifa
 

  • For the best photos: the best views and lighting for photos are right before sunset. Stay for the sunset and you'll get both daytime and evening views of the Dubai skyline. Or, if you want to get a surreal photo of the city in the clouds, from above the clouds, try to visit during a foggy morning.
     
  • Bring your camera and a selfie stick. As the highest observation deck in the world, the Burj Khalifa has plenty of photo opportunities.
     
  • Use the on-site telescopes to help identify the Burj Khalifa's surrounding buildings and points of interest.

When is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa?

To avoid the crowds, visit the Burj Khalifa on a weekday, preferably as early as you can.

What is there to do at the Burj Khalifa?

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  • Ride the 'travelator,' a 65-meter-long elevator ride that travels at 10 meters per second up to the observation floors. On the ride, you'll watch an informative multimedia display about the city's important historical moments, including how the Burj Khalifa serves as an icon of the Middle East.
     
  • After you look around the 124th floor, climb the spiral staircase to the 125th floor where you'll be 456 meters above ground. Roam around the spacious deck – it's tastefully decorated in Arabic mashrabiya.
     
  • Explore the 'Dubai - A Falcon's Eye View' exhibit on the 125th-floor observation deck. It puts all of Dubai's major landmarks in perspective compared to the Burj Khalifa.
     
  • Look through the deck's advanced telescopes featuring full HD cameras and high zoom. They are located on both the 124th and 125th floors and are an interactive way to see the lights and identify and learn about the landmarks.
     
  • Have any questions? Don't hesitate to ask the Guest Ambassadors your questions - they provide context and fun trivia.
     
  • Watch The Dubai Fountain show and enjoy the aerial view from At the Top. You can hear the fountain performance soundtrack from At the Top for a fully immersive experience.
     
  • Check out the lobby of The Residence at Burj Khalifa. A sculpture named 'World Voices,' designed by Jaume Plensa, features 196 cymbal instruments that sound when water drops from the ceiling. The sounds they create are meant to sound like the voices of people around the world.
     
  • Giorgio Armani designed the lobby of the Armani Hotel Dubai. Be sure to check it out to experience the luxury of the Burj Khalifa.

Observation Decks

Burj Khalifa

At the Top - Burj Khalifa tickets feature two different experiences:
 

  • At the Top - Burj Khalifa: access to levels 124 and 125 which are the main observation decks. They are included as an attraction choice on Go Dubai sightseeing passes!
     
  • At the Top - Burj Khalifa| SKY: access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes access to the outdoor terrace on the 148th floor and a guided tour. If you prefer, upgrade your ticket to include SKY access when you get to the ticket counter upon arrival.

Burj Khalifa facts

Burj Khalifa facts

 

  • Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, the 4th of the Mission Impossible series, featured the Burj Khalifa. You can see Tom Cruise scaling the side of the building.
     
  • The Burj Khalifa is the world's first Armani Hotel with luxury accents and designs, like fabrics and furniture. All were designed by Giorgio Armani.
     
  • It's one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
     
  • The construction of the Burj Khalifa, from excavation to its televised unveiling, took 6 years to complete.
     
  • If you weighed the total amount of concrete used in the building's construction, it was approximately equal to the weight of 100,000 elephants.
     
  • The tower features a Condensate Collection System that collects condensation from the tower's air-conditioning systems and irrigates the building's gardens.
     
  • When you visit you'll get to ride in the world's fastest double-decker elevators that take you to the observation deck.
     
  • The structure of the Burj Khalifa features a design that embodies the structure of the Hymenocallis, or, Spider Lily flower.

What attractions are near the Burj Khalifa?

The Burj Khalifa is considered the anchor of the Downtown Dubai community. It's close to lots of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, including some of our top picks: 

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo - Researcher Experience: visit one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, home to over 140 species of aquatic animals, to learn about and get up close to thousands of sea animals, including sharks, rays, crocodiles, and more. 

The Green Planet: this fully immersive vertical tropical forest features four levels of varying ecosystems, complete with plant and animal life, like butterflies, frogs, tropical birds, insects, and more. 

Hub Zero: this entertainment hub is a virtual gamer's dream come true. It features multiple levels of highly immersive and interactive games, thrill rides, and more. You're not just playing the games, you're in them. Here, you'll be able to put all of your skills to the test at the various stations within Hub Zero.

Where is there to eat near the Burj Khalifa?

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If you want to grab a bite to eat before or after you visit the observation decks, here are our recommendations: 

Rainforest Cafe - Dubai Mall: more than a restaurant, Rainforest Cafe - Dubai Mall, is a tropical adventure. Use your Go City® Dubai pass to get your choice of a meal and enjoy the entertaining atmosphere that surrounds you. 

Eataly Dubai Mall: Experience the culinary best of Italy without leaving the Middle East. Poke around the various stations and go on a flavor-filled adventure through Italy. 

Markette: It has a French-inspired menu and an upscale ambiance. Markette is one of the top-rated places to eat within the Dubai Mall. 

Arabian Culinary Experience at Al Hallab: Head here for an 'as authentic as it gets' Arabian culinary experience. Enjoy outdoor terrace views of Burj Khalifa, the Fountains, and Dubai Opera.

Need to know details

Hours: Open daily starting at 8:30am and closes at 11pm. 

Getting your tickets: When you arrive at Burj Khalifa, you'll receive a timed ticket for admission to the Burj Khalifa. Based on availability, it might be at a later time in the day or at a later date. 

Address: At the Top, Burj Khalifa / Level: Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall Parking: Cinema Parking (Green), P1 Dubai.

Check out our itinerary inspiration including the best attractions in Dubai.

If you decide to visit Dubai during Ramadan be sure to check out our helpful guide.

Save up to 50% on Dubai attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Dubai attractions from At the Top - Burj Khalifa to Dhow Dinner Cruise Dubai Creek.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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