When people think of Dubai, the first image that comes to mind is the Burj Khalifa. Standing at 828 meters, this architectural wonder is not just the tallest building in the world, but also the crown jewel of Things To Do in Dubai. From breathtaking observation decks to luxury dining and evening light shows, the Burj Khalifa is more than a landmark—it’s a bucket-list experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore its location, history, how to visit, ticket prices, best time to go, indoor and outdoor activities, rooftop experiences, and the 5 best things to do inside Burj Khalifa Dubai.
Overview of Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa was officially opened in 2010 and instantly became the symbol of Dubai’s ambition and innovation. Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower features a design inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis.
Today, it is home to luxury residences, corporate offices, the Armani Hotel, fine-dining restaurants, and observation decks that attract millions of visitors every year.
When to Visit:
- Morning: See Dubai under the soft glow of the rising sun, with fewer crowds.
- Sunset: Capture postcard-worthy photos as the city transforms under golden skies.
- Night: Watch the city sparkle with millions of lights, creating a dazzling experience.
Travel Tip: Booking your tickets in advance online is highly recommended. Premium slots like sunset and evening often sell out weeks ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Location of Burj Khalifa
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Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Nearby Attractions: Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera.
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Transport Access: Dubai Metro (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station), taxis, and buses.
History of Burj Khalifa
|
Year |
Event |
|
2004 |
Construction of Burj Khalifa began. |
|
2007 |
Exterior cladding completed, tower became tallest structure. |
|
2008 |
Height reached 828 meters, world’s tallest building. |
|
2010 |
Officially inaugurated on January 4, named Burj Khalifa. |
|
2011+ |
Became Dubai’s top tourist attraction with millions of visitors annually. |
How to Visit Burj Khalifa – Entry Information
Visiting the Burj Khalifa is simple, but planning ahead is essential.
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Entry Point: Through the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall.
- Booking Your Burj Khalifa Tickets: The best way to book is directly through the official Burj Khalifa website. Tickets are easy to purchase online, the process is smooth, and you can choose your preferred time slot with confidence. I have personally used the official site for booking, and it was quick and reliable.
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Security: Bags are scanned at entry; professional cameras/tripods not allowed.
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Guided Tours: Available for VIP experiences.
Burj Khalifa Tickets & Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| At The Top (124 & 125 floors) | From AED 169 (~$46) |
| At The Top SKY (148 floor) | From AED 399 (~$109) |
| Sunrise + Breakfast Package | From AED 129 (~$35) |
| Atmosphere Lounge (122 floor dining) | From AED 350 (~$95) per person |
Booking tickets online often gives you discounts compared to buying at the counter.
Best Transport to Reach Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, directly connected to Dubai Mall. Whether you are traveling from Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, or Dubai International Airport, reaching the world’s tallest building is straightforward. Below is a detailed guide on the best ways to get there.
From Palm Jumeirah
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Taxi / Uber / Careem: The quickest and most convenient way, around 25–30 minutes. Fare ranges from AED 70–90 depending on traffic.
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Public Transport: Take the Palm Monorail to connect with the Dubai Metro Red Line at DAMAC Properties Station, then ride to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Total travel time is around 45–55 minutes.
From Dubai Marina
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Dubai Metro: Board the Red Line from DMCC Station. The direct ride to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station takes 30–35 minutes. Cost: AED 6–8.
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Taxi / Uber / Careem: A direct ride takes about 20–25 minutes. Fare is usually AED 45–65.
From Dubai International Airport (DXB)
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Dubai Metro: From Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 Metro Station, take the Red Line directly to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Journey takes 25–30 minutes. Cost: AED 8–10.
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Taxi: Taxis are available at all terminals. A ride to Burj Khalifa takes around 20–25 minutes and costs between AED 60–80.
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Uber / Careem: Slightly more expensive than taxis but convenient if you prefer app-based booking and cashless payment.
From Downtown Dubai
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Walking: If you are staying in Downtown hotels like Address Downtown, Armani Hotel, or Palace Downtown, you can walk directly to Burj Khalifa through pedestrian-friendly boulevards.
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Taxi: Short rides of under 10 minutes from most Downtown areas.
Driving Your Own Car
If you are driving yourself, simply follow Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and take the exit toward Downtown Dubai. The Burj Khalifa is well signposted. Visitors can use Dubai Mall parking, which has thousands of free parking spaces. From the mall parking, clear signs guide you to the Burj Khalifa entrance.
Whether you prefer the convenience of Careem or Uber, the affordability of the Dubai Metro, or driving your own car, reaching the Burj Khalifa is straightforward. Each option is reliable and well-connected to Downtown Dubai. For a smooth experience, you can easily book your ride through trusted apps or follow clear signs if driving yourself.
A reliable tutorial showing how to use ride-hailing apps in Dubai, perfect for travelers seeking a smooth and stress-free experience.
Transport Comparison Table
| Transport Option | Avg. Travel Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Metro | 25–40 mins | AED 6–10 | Budget-friendly, solo travelers |
| Taxi (RTA) | 15–30 mins | AED 45–90 | Fast and direct, families or groups |
| Uber / Careem | 15–30 mins | AED 50–100 | Comfort and app-based booking |
| Bus (to Dubai Mall) | 40–60 mins | AED 5–7 | Cheapest but slower |
| Walking (Downtown only) | 5–15 mins | Free | If staying nearby |
| Driving Your Own Car | 15–30 mins | Parking Free | Flexible and convenient for residents |
Best Time to Visit Burj Khalifa
| Time of Day | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Morning (10 AM – 12 PM) | Less crowded, clear skyline views. |
| Afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM) | Bright cityscapes, photography friendly. |
| Sunset (5:30 PM – 7 PM) | Most popular, golden hour views + evening lights. |
| Night (7 PM – 11 PM) | Stunning illuminated Dubai skyline. |
Indoor Activities at Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is not just about views—it has indoor attractions and experiences worth exploring:
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Observation Decks: At The Top (124th & 125th floors) and At The Top SKY (148th floor).
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Atmosphere Restaurant: Fine dining on the 122nd floor.
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Burj Khalifa Lounge (152–154 floors): High-tea and cocktails above the clouds.
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Exhibition Area: Multimedia displays showing Dubai’s transformation.
Outdoor & Rooftop Experiences
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Burj Park: A landscaped area with greenery and lake views, perfect for photography.
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Dubai Fountain Show: At the base of Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest choreographed fountain.
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Sky Views: From the top, see Dubai’s desert, Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Gulf, and city skyline.
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Burj Khalifa Light Show: Evening LED laser displays across the tower.
5 Best Things to Do in Burj Khalifa Dubai
1. Visit At The Top Observation Decks
The highlight of Burj Khalifa is its world-famous observation decks, where visitors can see Dubai from extraordinary heights.
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At The Top (124th and 125th floors): Panoramic glass walls give uninterrupted views of the city, desert, and Arabian Gulf. The 125th floor has cultural displays and interactive experiences that make the visit educational as well as visual.
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At The Top SKY (148th floor): This premium deck holds the record as the highest observation deck in the world at 555 meters. It includes a VIP lounge, refreshments, and guided tours, offering a quieter and more exclusive experience.
Sunset is the most popular visiting time, but morning visits are less crowded and allow clear skyline views.
2. Dine in the Sky at Atmosphere
Atmosphere, located on the 122nd floor, is one of the highest restaurants in the world.
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The dining experience includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner menus, featuring modern European cuisine and international dishes.
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The Atmosphere Lounge provides a relaxed setting with light snacks, desserts, and cocktails, making it ideal for casual yet memorable experiences.
Tables by the window are in high demand and usually require advance booking with a minimum spend.
3. Watch the Dubai Fountain and Light Show
At the base of Burj Khalifa lies the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system.
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The fountain show features water jets reaching up to 150 meters, synchronized with Arabic and international music. Performances take place every 30 minutes in the evening.
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The Burj Khalifa Light Show transforms the tower into a canvas of colors and patterns with LED and laser technology. Shows are held on special occasions and at scheduled times in the evenings.
Combining a visit to the observation deck with the fountain and light show gives you the complete Burj Khalifa experience.
4. Relax at the Burj Khalifa Lounge
Spread across the 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors, the Burj Khalifa Lounge is designed for a luxury sky-high experience.
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Guests can enjoy high tea with premium teas, coffees, and desserts while overlooking the city.
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Evening packages include cocktails and champagne served with live music and stunning night views.
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Sunrise breakfasts and sundowner packages are also available for those who want a unique time-specific experience.
The lounge is less crowded than the observation decks, making it a quieter and more elegant way to enjoy Burj Khalifa.
5. Capture Photos at Burj Park
Burj Park, located on an island along Burj Lake, is one of the best outdoor spots to admire the Burj Khalifa from below.
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It offers unobstructed views for photography, especially at night when the tower is illuminated.
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The park includes walking paths, green lawns, and open spaces that are family-friendly and suitable for relaxing.
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It is also a prime location to view the Dubai Fountain performances with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop.
For photography, late afternoon until evening is the best time, as you can capture the tower in daylight, during sunset, and at night.
FAQs about Burj Khalifa
How tall is the Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, reaching a height of 828 meters (2,716.5 feet). It has 163 floors above ground and two basement levels. The observation decks are located on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors, offering some of the highest viewing platforms ever built.
Where is the entrance to Burj Khalifa?
The entrance for visitors is not through the main tower lobby. Instead, it is accessed from the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. After purchasing or scanning your ticket, you walk through an interactive exhibition before taking one of the fastest elevators in the world up to the observation decks.
What is the best time to visit Burj Khalifa?
The best time depends on what kind of experience you want. Morning visits are quieter and less crowded, making it ideal for photography. Afternoon visits offer bright, clear city views. Sunset is the most popular, as you get both daylight and nighttime views in a single visit, though tickets sell out quickly. Night visits provide spectacular views of Dubai’s illuminated skyline and the Dubai Fountain show below.
Can I buy Burj Khalifa tickets at the counter?
Yes, tickets are available at the counter, but they are usually more expensive and often sold out for peak times such as sunset. For the best prices and guaranteed entry, it is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance through the official website or trusted travel platforms.
Is Burj Khalifa worth visiting at night?
Yes, visiting at night is one of the best experiences. The city lights create a magical view, and you can watch the Dubai Fountain shows from above. The atmosphere feels completely different compared to the daytime, making it an excellent choice for couples, photographers, and anyone who wants to see Dubai at its most glamorous.
How long does a visit to Burj Khalifa take?
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours at the Burj Khalifa. This includes the elevator ride, time spent at the observation deck, taking photos, and enjoying the views. If you are dining at Atmosphere or visiting the lounge, your stay may extend to 2–3 hours.
What is included in the Burj Khalifa ticket?
A standard ticket usually includes access to the observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors, along with interactive exhibits about Dubai’s history and architecture. Premium tickets give you access to the 148th floor (At The Top SKY), which includes a luxury lounge, refreshments, and a more exclusive experience.
Can children visit Burj Khalifa?
Yes, Burj Khalifa is family-friendly and welcomes children. Kids under the age of four usually enter for free, while discounted tickets are available for children between 4 and 12 years old. The observation decks are safe and accessible for families.
Is there a dress code for visiting Burj Khalifa?
There is no strict dress code for the observation decks, but modest clothing is recommended as a general rule in Dubai. If you are dining at Atmosphere or visiting the lounge, smart casual attire is expected.