Standing majestically at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper that takes pride in being the tallest structure in the world. This mammoth of a landmark is not only an architectural wonder but is also brimming with unique activities, views, and experiences. A typical visit to Burj Khalifa takes around 2 hours, but if carefully planned you can ensure that every minute is spent wisely. Read on to equip yourself with valuable insights that will help you navigate this behemoth with ease!
Burj Khalifa Ticket Options
Top 10 Burj Khalifa Tips
#1. Visit the Burj Khalifa during sunset, it’s worth it!
To make the most out of your Burj Khalifa tour, visit the observation decks during sunset from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. The hues and the skyline view are simply unparalleled. Levels 124 through 125 allow for 360° views of Dubai, sprawled at the feet of the Burj Khalifa. At level 124, using high-powered telescopes, you can peep into the world below. At level 125, the observation deck is beautifully decorated with Arabic Mashrabiya details. You can also have an immersive experience in the observation deck, where you can feel and hear the glass crack under your foot as you experience Dubai from 456 meters in the air!
Burj Khalifa is so tall that you can watch the sunset twice if you quickly travel from the base to the top during sunset. The Sun sets two minutes later on top due to the spherical nature of Earth. Sorry Flat Earthers!
#2. Book your tickets in advance
Due to the high tourist demand for the Burj Khalifa and the long wait lines to get into the building, you should book your tickets in advance. Booking online is almost 4 times cheaper than booking at the entrance. This will allow you to set your own time and skip the waiting lines!
#3. Enter Burj Khalifa the right way
There is no direct entrance to Burj Khalifa, the entrance is through the Dubai Mall. Ensure you head towards the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall to find the entrance to the Burj Khalifa. The journey begins in the reception area, where you're shown a multimedia presentation on Dubai's history and the building of the Burj Khalifa before proceeding to the elevators.
#4. Know the prime and non-prime hours to visit Burj Khalifa
Sunset is the time when Burj Khalifa is the most crowded. Although it depends on the season, non-prime hours usually span morning to early afternoon. If you want to have a tranquil experience then I would recommend visiting in the early mornings.
#5. For a special experience of level 148, book an Introductory tour
If you want to experience Dubai in peak luxury, you should try out the Burj Khalifa SKY experience. While the general access Burj Khalifa observation decks go only to the 125th floor, the Burj Khalifa SKY observation decks go all the way to the 148th floor! Enjoy a traditional cup of coffee from the Burj Khalifa's Khalla, and some premium dates as you soak in the incredible views from 555 meters above the ground! The premium lounge also comes with your guest ambassador, who will guide you through the tour! If you want a private and calming experience, you should try this!
#6. Make sure you visit the Sky lobbies
There are Sky Lobbies on levels 43, 76, and 123 which have a unique Middle Eastern design with magnificent lounges and indoor swimming pools. You’ll also find spas on the 43rd ad 76th floor. If you have access, take a moment to relax and enjoy the exclusive amenities. The views from these lobbies are not as great as the observation decks but they offer a different kind of luxury and are less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience.
#7. If you’re a morning person, book the Sunrise + Breakfast tickets for a unique experience
If you are a morning person and want to experience a sunrise like never before, book the Sunrise + Breakfast tickets from the official website. The crowds are usually non-existent at this time of the day. In this package, you will also get a snack, a cookie, and a soft beverage of your choice at The Cafe. The Sunrise + Breakfast tickets time of admission is from 5 AM - 7:30 AM. The observation deck on the 124th floor gives an amazing view of Dubai waking up from its slumber and starting its day.
#8. Have a meal at the world’s highest restaurant AT.MOSPHERE
This restaurant sits 442 meters above the ground and overlooks downtown Dubai’s most iconic tourist attractions. Enjoy a beautiful dinner, lunch or brunch at AT.MOSPHERE. The entrance is from Armani hotel and the restaurant offers some of the best European cuisines made with top-quality ingredients. You'll be spoilt for choice with its menu selections like foie gras, oysters, and wagyu tenderloin. If you are planning to dine in the evening, ask them to reserve the fountain-facing seats for you!
#9. Watch the dancing fountains from the top
Another famous attraction in Dubai is the dancing fountain located at the Dubai Mall. Every thirty minutes, the dancing fountain puts on a light, music, and water display from 6 PM every day! The mesmerizing display looks even better from the observation decks in the Burj Khalifa! Book yourself a time slot to visit the observation decks post 6 PM and witness the gorgeous dancing fountains from a unique angle!
#10. Wear comfortable shoes, and be sure to dress appropriately, according to the Dubai Dress Code
Dubai lies on a desert belt; therefore, you can expect the days' temperature to rise to high degrees. And the whole of the Dubai mall and the Burj Khalifa covers over 2 million square feet of space. Therefore you should wear comfortable shoes.
Also, make sure to follow the Dubai Dress Code. It is recommended to dress modestly in pubic by covering your shoulders and knees. It is also discouraged to wear tight or revealing clothing for both men and women when out in public places.
#11. Get the latest information on ‘At The Top’ app curated specifically for the Burj Khalifa experience
This handy app provides real-time data about queue times for the elevators, weather conditions at the top, and any special events happening on the day of your visit. You can also use the app to learn more about the various points of interest you can see from the observation decks. It's available for both Android and iOS devices, and it's a great way to enhance your visit.
#12. Visit during the NYE for some of the best fireworks views and laser show
For a once in a lifetime experience, visit during the New Year's eve. There are fireworks that begin at 11.58 PM and the view is just spectacular in the backdrop of fountains from the Dubai Mall. This is followed by a laser show by Emaar Properties that adds an extra layer of awe to the already stunning visual feast.
#13. Plan your visit to other attractions around the Burj Khalifa
One of the best Burj Khalifa tips we can give you is to visit the other attractions near the Burj Khalifa! Have an open-air tea time at the Dubai Mall, or visit the underwater creatures in the Dubai Aquarium. You could also go for a stroll at Burj Plaza which is an island on a lake. Burj Khalifa is viewed the best from here and the it's rarely crowded. Finally finish off the day with a visit to the Dubai indoor ice skating rink!
#14. Baggage restriction at Burj Khalifa
Remember, for security reasons, you're not allowed to bring large bags or backpacks to the Burj Khalifa. Take small bags and necessary items. You can keep your luggage at the security baggage counter.
#15. Visit The Lounge on Floor 152+153+154
If you want to live life on the high rise, look no further than Burj Khalifa's 'The Lounge’. You can play in the clouds with an exclusive tour of the outdoor terrace! Enjoy the world from the skies as you munch on delicate canapes and delight in the wide selections of teas and coffees on offer! You can also sample The Lounge's selection of House beverages and sparkling wines!
#16. Stay the night at the Armani Hotel for a luxurious night
To experience the ultimate feat of luxury, stay in the Armani Hotels for a night! These designer hotels were made by the fashion giant Armani, and each suite is delicately crafted to complement the views and Burj Khalifa’s decadent aesthetic. With this hotel room, you can access the hotel spas, gyms, and saunas. Besides the amenities, you also get access to the world’s most coveted nightclub, the Armani Prive.
#17. Checkout the Gift Shop by At The Top
At The Top, you'll find an exclusive boutique where you can purchase souvenirs like trinkets, summer hats and other memorabilia to remember your visit. This gift shop offers a variety of keepsakes ranging from postcards and magnets to more luxurious items that embody the essence of the Burj Khalifa experience.
Tips to save money at Burj Khalifa
- It is almost always cheaper to buy tickets online than to buy them on-site. As a bonus, you can control your admit time and skip the long wait lines!
- Group your visits so that you can visit several attractions in one visit to downtown Dubai! Buy combo tickets for almost 20% cheaper!
- Skip the cafe lunches- the Burj Khalifa observation decks will have cafes and bars. Though you will be experiencing dining at one of the most exclusive observation decks in the world, the prices are also bound to be high.
- Ask to see if your hotel offers shuttles. In most cases, hotels will offer free or low-cost transportation to and from the hotel.
- Skip the 'premium' experiences like the 'At the top SKY' and rather experience dinner at the AT.MOSPHERE.
FAQs
The Burj Khalifa commissioned Giorgio Armani, the fashion powerhouse, to curate their first-ever hotel! The atelier made sure to inject class, elegance, and fashion in every step of creating their hotel. You, too, can now stay in one of their suites!
Contrary to popular belief, the ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa's observation decks are not the highest in the building. The ‘At the Top, Burj Kalifa SKY is the highest observation deck in the building.
Levels 19 to 108 of the Burj Khalifa are reserved for the lucky 900 residents who can afford this jet-set lifestyle. The apartments come in studio, one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations. Some people live in these apartments. They also enjoy a whole host of amenities like exclusive sky Lobbies, state-of-the-art gyms, and indoor/outdoor swimming pools!
In the lobby of the residences for the apartments, you can find the piece, World Voices, made by artist Jaume Plensa. The art replicates the tones of people used worldwide; the water falling on cymbals creates a gentle chorus.
The Burj Khalifa also has the world’s tallest art gallery. Here you will find art commissioned by 85 artists. All of their work is distinctly different yet imbibes Arabic cultural context.
Once you are done touring the Burj Khalifa, consider heading downtown to visit the plethora of attractions awaiting you! Some of them are as listed below.
The Dubai Mall
Souk Al Bahar
Address Downtown Dubai
Address Dubai Mall
Palace Downtown Dubai
WC - 1469
