Alright, let’s get into it. Visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa is a breathtaking experience. Its staggering height offers unrivaled views of Dubai, but with weather and crowds playing a big role, timing is key. The goal here is to optimize your experience, avoiding any visibility issues and minimizing wait times. We're here to help you pinpoint when to schedule your trip to this world wonder for an unforgettable journey to the top. Hang tight as we reveal the secrets for the best visit imaginable!
Burj Khalifa opening hours
- The Burj Khalifa is open 24/7, but the visiting hours for its observation decks vary depending on the level you wish to visit.
- At the Top observatory which is on 124th floor is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to midnight, and 8 am to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The last admission is at 11 pm.
- At the Top sky observatory which is further up on 148th floor is open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm.
- At.mosphere, the world's highest restaurant located on the 122nd floor, is open daily from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
- The Lounge Observatory, a premium experience located on levels 152-154, is open from 9 am to midnight.
Best time to visit Burj Khalifa: Day or night?
If you're aiming for that golden hour glow, 4 pm to 6 pm is prime time. However, it's also peak time for crowds, since everyone has the same idea to catch those sunset hues. For a more relaxed visit, consider the early morning or early afternoon slots which are typically non-prime hours. They're not only pleasant but also less crowded. Not many people would agree but the night-time panorama from the Burj Khalifa is quite underrated. Post-7 pm, as the hustle bustle wanes, you'll find a quieter setting to take in the sparkling cityscape.
Best time of the year to visit Burj Khalifa
Indeed, December and January not only offer more temperate weather but also dazzle visitors with grand celebrations and fireworks, particularly New Year's Eve. These months are a magnet for tourists, so while the views and festivities are at their peak, so are the crowds. To balance the thrill of events with the comfort of your visit, make sure you book your tickets in advance.
Recommended tickets to Burj Khalifa
What to expect on your Burj Khalifa visit
The Burj Khalifa is a must do if you love the urban panorama of an uber-modern city. Reaching At The Top (124th and 125th floors) and At The Top Sky (124th, 125th and 148th floors) is a relatively swift affair as the elevators taking you there are amongst the fastest in the world. Once you’ve reached the observation decks, you can soak in 360-degrees views of the city, the desert and the Persian Gulf. The observatory has a floor-to-ceiling glass-walled perimeter and even an open-air terrace with digitally powered telescopes that provide real-time views of the city.
The record-breaking ride starts at the ground floor itself as you board one of the fastest elevators in the world. Traveling at over 10m/s, the Burj Khalifa elevators also hold the record for the longest continuous distance traveled by an elevator in the world. If you’re visiting At The Top, then you’ll be standing at the third-highest observation deck in the world. However, should you decide to visit At The Top Sky on the 148th floor, then be prepared to take in views of Dubai from the highest-observation deck in the world; dwarfing the second-placed Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China
Everything about the building is opulence redefined. From housing the elitist Burj Club to the ultra-luxury Armani hotel, here is your chance to live the opulent life for a day! You may not be a Burj Khalifa resident, however, a trip to the upscale fine dining restaurant At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor or a stay at the famed Armani Hotel or a meal at the Armani Lounge will engulf you in the sort of luxury that only Dubai can provide.
The Dubai Fountain is set on the Burj Khalifa Lake and is the world’s largest choreographed musical fountain show. From At The Top, you will get a stunning aerial view of the entire show and a sight of the dancing fountains from this perch is beautiful to behold. You may want to match your visit timings with the Dubai fountain show timings. Evening shows are from 18:00-23:00 hours from Sunday-Wednesday, and from 18:00-23:30 hours from Thursday-Saturday. Afternoon shows are on all days except Friday, at 13:00 hours and 13:30 hours. On Fridays there are two shows at 13:30 hours and 14:00 hours.
