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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beach clubs dubai
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Things to do in Dubai in Summer

Summer is most people's favorite time of year. The sun is out, the sky's no longer grey, and it's the time of year when vacations often turn from dreams into reality. So, where do you choose to go on your summer vacation? Dubai - one of the hottest cities on the planet. Fair play, we respect the commitment to summertime. So, you'll be wanting to know about the best things to do in Dubai in summer, won't you? Right this way, please. The doctor is ready to see you. Dr. ...Fun. Dr. Summer Fun, MD. Including: Cool off at Dubai's excellent waterparks Check out the relaxing beach club scene Chill out on the slopes Kick back on the beach Take to the seas and tour the sunny surroundings Make a splash When it comes to summertime, water is a human's best friend. We drink it to hydrate us, we spray it on our faces to cool down, and we like to submerge ourselves in it when the temperature rises. But why settle for swimming when you can cannon down a water slide and make a real splash? Dubai waterpark scene is popping off, with a number of the wonders dotted about the city. Arguably the best is Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. You'll find a good mix of kid-friendly entertainment and stuff for the grown-ups and opportunities to relax between the action. Make sure you check out the Leap of Faith, which drops you nine stories into a transparent tube surrounded by deadly sharks; Aquaconda, which is a snakey slide that will leave your head spinning; and Aquaventure Beach, which lets you relax and dry off after a hectic splash. If you're willing to travel, take a boat over to the beautiful Yas Island and check out Yas Waterworld. Featuring over 40 unique rides and appealing to all ages, it's the perfect remedy to the summer heat. Our recommendations are Bandit Bomber, a suspended rollercoaster that cannons around the track and splashes you with water; Liwa Loop, another plummeting ride that drops you into winding tubes; and Cinesplash, a thrilling 5D cinema experience that will leave you mouth agape and your legs thoroughly soaked! If you've got the little ones with you, why not treat them to a waterpark built just for them? That would be LEGOLAND® Water Park, where the wonderful world of colorful building blocks comes to life. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. The Joker Soaker will pit you against LEGO® Batman's arch nemesis, as you splash around his playground. At LEGO® Slide Racers, you'll board your mat and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. And, at Splash Out, you'll plummet down into the water in a kid-friendly way this time. Go clubbing, Dubai style We're not talking about busting some moves at the discotheque here; we're talking about beach clubs. These hubs of rest and relaxation can be the perfect answer to a long, hot day in Dubai. So it's no wonder that you'll find plenty of them lining the coast. Providing great views, great food, and good vibes, they're one of the best things to do in Dubai in summer. We recommend Twiggy by La Cantine. Its Central European splendor is exemplified by its all-white decor. Think white loungers draped in white sheets, and you're halfway there. But alongside the ambiance and a delightful menu of Mediterranean bites, its biggest selling point is unarguably the near-330ft infinity pool. Or, if the discotheque sounded like music to your ears, then you'll have your head turned by Surf Club. There, you can join the dancing masses on the dancefloor while DJs spin bouncy cuts, or simply sit back, admire the atmosphere, and feast on some delicious seafood. Whichever way you like your beach clubs, Surf Club's got you covered. Ski for your life When things get too hot outside, it could leave you wishing you'd gone somewhere cold instead. Rather than hiding inside, you could be hitting the slopes. Well, turn that frown upside down, you warm devil, because Ski Dubai is here to bring the chills and thrills where you'd least suspect them. How can snowy hills exist in Dubai, which is categorically hotter than the sun? Well, thanks to the largest indoor ski center on planet Earth, that's how! With plenty of slopes to conquer, lifts to scale, and even adorable penguins to see, it's about as close as you can get to an authentic mountaintop experience in the middle of the desert. Oh, and they provide you with all the equipment and teach newbies too, if you need the guidance. Easily one of the best things to do in Dubai on a hot summer day. Son of a beach, I'm in And finally, after all our recommendations for avoiding the heat, let's end with one that embraces the furnace. After all, it may have been the white dunes and pristine beaches that brought you here in the first place. So buckle up because it's beach time, baby. Let's talk about some of Dubai's finest sand factories. One of the biggest and arguably best beaches in Dubai, and well worth adding to your travel itinerary, is the Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. It's also open 24 hours, though swimming is not permitted after the sun goes down due to the risks involved. Our other recommendation goes to Umm Suqeim Beach, which has a bigger focus on water sports and activities. You'll find more than a few surfers riding the waves here, and while they're hardly magnificent, they're about as good as you'll get in the Persian Gulf. It's a 24-hour beach too, but this time you can swim until midnight thanks to Smart Power lights that flood the beach. And that's our list of the best things to do in Dubai in summer! If you're in the market for some more unforgettable activities, look no further than Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
Aerial shot of the Palm Jumeirah Dubai
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When is the best time to visit Dubai?

When is the best time to visit Dubai? And when should you not visit Dubai? Which are the best months for those with half an eye on budget, and what are the factors you should be looking out for when planning your trip to this Middle Eastern playground? If you’re asking any of these questions, you’re just a couple of minutes from learning the answers to them. You’re very welcome! Weather in Dubai The biggest factor worth considering when planning your Dubai vacation is the emirate’s weather. If you’re looking for a climate that can be relied upon to deliver, Dubai is the destination for you. The desert environment means monthly average temperatures in Dubai don’t drop below a very pleasant 24°C. But winter sports lovers shouldn’t despair, it’s still possible to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai. The lowest temperatures, of 24-28°C, are found between December and March, with January the coolest month. However, lower temperatures bring cloud and some rain – 16 mm in December and 28 mm in February. So if you’re heading to Dubai for the beaches, you might want to pick another time of year. Overall, the best time to visit Dubai for weather is the months of April and October/November. Although temperatures rise to the low thirties Celsius, clear skies show off the state at its very best and make for the perfect time of year to take in the views from the top of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. May through August sees temperatures rocket. They quickly hit 38-40°C, emptying beaches and filling the air-conditioned malls. The desert outside of the city is an absolute no-no at this time of year and streets are all but deserted during the hottest parts of the day. What’s the best time to visit Dubai for events? Generally speaking, events are few and far between during the summer months, as no one seeks to do anything much very fast and even residents struggle with the heat. It is one of the best times to visit Dubai for shopping though, with Dubai Summer Surprises extending across July, August and September to lure shoppers to its multitude of stores with the promise of great discounts, live performances and raffles with top prizes including gold bars and luxury cars. Don’t forget that The Dubai Mall is also home to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. By comparison, the first months of the year are packed with events. It all kicks off with the New Year fireworks, which radiate out from the Burj Khalifa as well as erupting in the skies above Palm Jumeirah and Festival City Mall among many other locations in the city. They give way to the rather more sedate Desert Classic, bringing the world’s top golfers to the emirate in search of tournament glory. February welcomes the likes of Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty to the hardcourts of the Dubai Tennis Championship, with music aficionados also well catered for with the Dubai Jazz Festival. As much a society event as a horse race, the rich and famous are sure to make time in their diary for the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, alongside World Art Dubai, the region’s largest contemporary art fair. There’s another chance to enjoy spectacular fireworks, as well as military flypasts and temporary cultural villages to remind everyone of their heritage on December 2, the National Day of the United Arab Emirates of which Dubai forms a part. Best time to visit for budget travelers The cheapest months to visit Dubai when it comes to flight and accommodation rates can be found during the city’s low season. This corresponds exactly with the summer, lasting from May through September. Unless a 4x4 quad bike ride in the desert is an absolute must, it’s worth considering these months if money is at the forefront of your mind. Alternatively, think about heading to Dubai in March or September instead. Temperatures are more amenable for exploring the ancient souks but high season prices aren’t yet kicking in. With schools in session right around the world, crowds are also minimal, making a trip to MOTIONGATE or Ferrari World all the more enjoyable. Visiting Dubai during Ramadan The holy month of fasting, Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al Fitr: families often buy their children gifts or new clothes and there are plentiful sweet treats to be had - keep an eye out for gars, a crumble sweetened with dates and cardamom, porridge-like harees and syrup-soaked lugaimat. This three-day no holds barred festival sees Dubai at its busiest. While it can definitely be an enriching cultural experience to visit at this time, be aware that it will mean some changes to your typical sightseeing. It is forbidden to eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in public, with many cafés and restaurants outside of hotels remaining shut during the day. Fines can be issued if you are found to be disrespecting these rules. In addition, some religious sites may shut their doors to non-Muslim visitors and taxis can be difficult to find in the early evenings, when drivers usually break their fast. Similarly smaller attractions may have shorter opening hours, whilst many stores choose to stay closed during the day and instead open for much of the night. Just a few things to consider if you're contemplating a trip during this period. Visiting Dubai with Go City Try it for yourself and we think you’ll soon agree that the best time to visit Dubai is the time you visit with Go City. We provide visitors to the world’s top destinations with discounted admission on a whole range of popular attractions. There’s no need to change your vacation plans or ditch your dream things to do. So whether it’s thrill seeking in Dubai’s amusement parks, absorbing the region’s culture at a culinary experience or taking a tour by traditional dhow or modern kayak, substantial savings can be made.
Ian Packham
dubai food
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Best Restaurants in Dubai

Sometimes, going on vacation can be daunting - especially when it comes to food. Local cuisine can make or break a holiday, so it's good to know your options. Thankfully, Dubai has a large number of amazing restaurants that cater to every cuisine imaginable, so you'll never feel like you're missing out. These are our picks for the very best restaurants you absolutely must visit in Dubai! Including: Coya BB Social Dining Long Teng 21 Grams Bagatelle and more! Coya If you're looking for some delightful bites influenced by Latin American cuisine, go check out Goya. This Peruvian restaurant, which also borrows generously from Spanish and far Eastern cuisine, is well known around Dubai as one of the best in town. Visitors can expect great food and great service, all wrapped up in a lively atmosphere that peaks in the evening. Just bear in mind that all that good comes at a cost, so make sure you're flush and check their menu prices before striding in all confident. If you've got the dough, and the menu's for you, Coya is easily one of the best restaurants in Dubai. BB Social Dining BB Social Dining feels like a joint teleported in from New York, thanks to its narrow-yet-tall three-floor structure. Step inside, glide up the staircase to your table, and sit down for some amazing fusion of Eastern and Middle-Eastern cuisine. You'll find crispy sprouts sitting right by truffle egg and kung fu wings on the menu, and you can pair all these weird yet wonderful combinations with a selection of delightful drinks, should you be parched. Long Teng Hidden in plain sight among the Business Bay office towers, you'll find this wonderfully aquatic Chinese restaurant. Step inside Long Teng, and you'll feel like you've journeyed beneath the waves, thanks to its large aquarium of sea-living legends. Approach the aquarium, pick your dish, and then sit down to your delicious treat. The menu is packed full of authentic Chinese dishes, so if seafood isn't your jam, or picking your meal seems a little morbid, you can select one of the already deceased options and enjoy that instead. They have vegetarian options too, if you want to give the murder a miss. 21 Grams Balkan cuisine doesn't get a lot of love across the globe, which is a shame. A fusion of many different cuisines from nearby, its mix of meats, seafood, and baked delights doesn't get its due. But that's not the case in Dubai, thanks to 21 Grams. Enter the generous dining area and chow down on some delightful family recipes like zucchini fritters, wagyu beef stuffed patties, and a daily rotation of fresh fish. Grand. Bagatelle Look for late-night French delights? Look no further than Bagatelle, which many consider one of Dubai's best evening hangouts. Though you can book earlier, head there when the sun goes down to make the most of your Bagatelle experience. With a menu teeming with authentic French cuisine, including uniquely French oddities like snails and frogs legs, as well as a burgeoning drinks menu and live music throughout the night, it could easily be your one-stop shop for a perfect night out. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Dubai if you're looking for a lively time. Masti If you're in the market for a little Indian, head to Masti, which does the best South Asian dishes anywhere in Dubai. With meals designed by award-winning chef Prashant Chipkar, expect nothing but the best Indian cuisine, with small plates sure to tickle your spicy side. But this isn't your traditional affair, with each Indian mainstay given a very modern twist. Just when you thought you knew what to expect from a curry, Masti offers a delicious rug pull that will have you questioning reality itself. Or, well, maybe not reality. But your expectations of an Indian menu? Sure. Even the decor is delightful, thanks to the blue upholstery and giant hanging light bulbs. Dine like royalty while feeling like royalty. That's the name of the game at Masti. Armani/Ristorante For Italian cuisine lovers, look no further than the classy, upmarket vibes on offer at Armani/Ristorante. Don't let the minimalist decor fool you - the menu is far from basic. With wonderful Dubai twists on classic Italian dishes, and each selection paired with a recommended wine, you'll have your pick from the likes of braised lamb ravioli, foie gras, blue lobster, and many more. If your bank account can handle it, we'd recommend the Tajima wagyu strip loin with black truffle mashed potato. Divine. Al Beiruti Al Beiruti caters to all your Middle-Eastern culinary desires, so if you want some authentic local food, you know where to go. Thanks to the all-day menu featuring breakfasts, mezze, grilled meats, and even a kids menu, you can enjoy Al Beiruti's delights from sun up to sun down. And, with the kitchen visible from your table, you can see the master chefs in action as they wrangle up your tasty treats. Expect plenty of hummus, shawarma, sausages, and Middle-Eastern takes on burgers, to name but a few. Bubbalicious And finally, no list of the best restaurants in Dubai would be complete without a shout-out to everyone's favorite between-meal; brunch. Does Dubai do brunch? Too right it does. So why not check out the city's best brunch spot at Bubbalicious? Located in the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, you'll find this delightful all-you-can-eat brunch fest. And their offerings are startling, to say the least. Lobster, curry, steak, Asian dishes, roasted meats, and much more fill the aisles, and you can have as much as you want. Not a bad way to start your day, ay? Those are our picks for the best restaurants in Dubai! With all that fuel in you, you'll be ready for all the amazing experiences Dubai has to offer. Looking for ideas? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley

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