Burj Khalifa has become synonymous with the city of Dubai. Opened in 2010, Burj Khalifa really does not need any introduction. Standing at a height of 828 meters, this is the tallest building in the world, currently. Towering over all the skyscrapers of Dubai, Burj Khalifa can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It is one of the first things that you would see when your flight descends into Dubai. Home to luxurious hotels, residential apartments, fine dining restaurants and corporate offices, the Burj Khalifa also has a couple of observation decks and lounges that tourists can visit. Here is the ultimate guide that would help you if you are planning to visit the Burj Khalifa. Before that, you need to book your Dubai visa and explore the world’s tallest building.
Facts about Burj Khalifa
Apart from being the tallest building on earth, the Burj Khalifa is the owner of several other world records, which are as follows:
- Burj Khalifa has 162 floors, the highest number of stories/floors in the world
- It has the highest observation deck at a height of 555 meters
- The Burj Khalifa has more than 50 lifts/elevators and they are the fastest elevators on earth, travelling at a speed of 10 meters per second. It also has the tallest service elevator on the planet.
- It took 5 years, 12,000 workers, 22 million man-hours, 55000 tons of steel rebar, and 110000 tons of concrete to complete the work of the building.
- The Burj Khalifa is a modern structure with certain Islamic features/characteristics. It resembles the Hymenocallis flower.
Burj Khalifa Attractions
Viewing the Burj Khalifa from its base is in itself an incredible experience. However, you do not have to limit your experience to this. You can stay at the Hotel Armani, one of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai. However, staying at Hotel Armani may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Here we talk about all the options you have when visiting Burj Khalifa.
Observation Decks:
The easiest and the most inexpensive way of seeing the interiors of Burj Khalifa is visiting its observation decks. There are three observation decks here: 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. Known as At the Top, the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors stand at a height of 452 meters and give you a 360o view of the entire city. At the 124th floor, you would find several high-powered telescopes through which you can observe the important landmarks of the city closely. Here you would also be able to step out on to the outdoor observation terrace. On the 125th floor, you would get the chance to walk on a glass floor, 456 meters above the ground.
The observation deck on the 148th floor is called At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY and is located 555 meters above the ground. It is a luxurious version of the observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors. Here, you would not only get to see an incredible bird’s eye view of the city but would also be able to enjoy some refreshments. You would also be a part of a personalized tour with a Guest Ambassador as your tour guide. The SKY observational tour lasts for 30 minutes, after which you can visit the 124th and 125th floors, where you can spend as much time as you want.
Lounge:
The Lounge at Burj Khalifa is located on levels 152, 153, and 154. Located 585 meters above the ground, the Lounge is where you can enjoy the incredible view of the city while enjoying some drinks and refreshments. If you are visiting the Lounge during day time, you get to savor delicious tea and coffee along with the freshly baked desserts and cakes. You also get to visit the outdoor terrace, which is a bit scary and exhilarating at the same time. On the other hand, you can also opt for a bubbly sundowner, where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly or your favorite beverage along with gourmet canapés while you watch the sunset and the city glows with colorful lights.
Restaurants:
If visiting the observational decks or the lounge is not enough for you, there are several restaurants inside Burj Khalifa where you can have a great time. One of the most unique restaurants you would find here is At.Mosphere. Located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, it is the highest restaurant in the world. Apart from the ambience and the delicious food, At.Mosphere also offers you a great view of the city. Apart from this, there are Armani Deli, Armani Lounge, The Café, Rooftop, etc., inside the Burj Khalifa. Although they are on the lower floors of the building and may not give you an amazing view of the city, the food and ambience of these restaurants are good and worth a visit as well.
How to Reach Burj Khalifa?
As Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai, it is quite easy to reach the place. Burj Khalifa is located right next to the Dubai Mall. In fact, the entrance for those who want to visit the observation decks is through the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. To reach Burj Khalifa, you can take the red line on the metro and get down at the Burj Khalifa Metro Station. From there, you can either take a bus to the next stop or walk to the Dubai Mall entrance. You can also drive down or take a cab to reach the place for your Burj Khalifa tour. Only if you are staying at Hotel Armani, dining at one of the restaurants, or are a guest of one of the residents of building can you use the main entrance of a building to enter Burj Khalifa.
When to Visit Burj Khalifa?
If you are visiting one of the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa, you can visit the place anytime between 10 AM and 10 PM from Sunday to Wednesday, from 10 AM to midnight on Thursday, and from 5:30 AM to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The prime visiting hours are between 4 PM to 6:30 PM, as you get to see a marvelous sunset during this hour. An evening view of Dubai Fountains – the world’s top scintillating dancing fountain spectacle – is breath-taking from the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. Early mornings are also great if you want to catch a glorious sunrise during the weekend (please check the weather to ensure that it is not foggy in the morning). If you want to avoid crowds and save some money, the morning slots and evenings (after sunset) would be a great time.
Tips for Visiting Burj Khalifa
- It is always best to book your Burj Khalifa tickets online in advance to save time as well as money. Moreover, you may not get your desired tickets if you book directly from the counter.
- The entire experience takes around 2-3 hours, so plan your schedule accordingly. Dubai downtown is a great place to spend an entire day exploring Burj Khalifa in the morning or evening, then spending the rest of the day at Dubai Mall. A combination of a seasonal attraction like Dubai Miracle Garden or a wildlife tour like Dubai Safari Park would be an excellent choice before exploring the illuminated views of Burj Khalifa. Check out Dubai Safari Park guide to know more about this attraction.
- Even if you have pre-booked your tickets, you may encounter some waiting in queues for security clearance and near the elevators as well.
- Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the time provided on your tickets.
How to Book Burj Khalifa Tickets Online
An easy and fast approach to guarantee your visit to the tallest structure in the world is to purchase tickets for the Burj Khalifa online. The official Burj Khalifa website sells tickets directly, as well as through approved travel websites and tour companies. You can select from a variety of time slots and ticket kinds when making your reservation online, such as At the Top at levels 124 and 125 or the upscale At the Top SKY experience at level 148. It is strongly advised to make reservations in advance, particularly during busy times when walk-in tickets could be more costly or unavailable. You will receive an e-ticket via email after making a reservation. Printouts of the ticket are not required. When you visit the attraction, you can present the e-ticket on your smartphone.
Burj Khalifa Ticket Prices and Packages
Ticket prices for the Burj Khalifa vary depending on the level of access and time of visit.
1) General Admission Ticket – Levels 124 and 125 – From AED 179
2) VIP Ticket – Levels 124, 125, and 148 – From AED 399
3) Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa Combo Ticket – Levels 124 or 125 – From AED 263
4) Helicopter Tour of Dubai – From AED 708
5) Sky Views Dubai – Starts at AED 95
6) Burj Khalifa together with Cafe Treat – Starts at some AED 184
7) Burj Khalifa together with Roof Top Meal – Starts at AED 317
8) Burj Khalifa Sky Tickets – Starts at AED 399
9) Sky Views Edge Walk – Starts at AED 499
10) Dubai Fountain Show together with Lake Ride – Starts at AED 20
Top Things to Do at the Burj Khalifa
1) Admire the Dancing Dubai Fountains
From the viewing deck, take in a live fountain performance of the Dubai Fountain. Watching the fountain is a sight to behold, sprinkling over 20,000 gallons of water into the air.
2) Enjoy the Stunning Views
There is more to a trip to the Burj Khalifa than providing breathtaking views. You can use powerful telescopes to get a closer look at the city at levels 124 and 125, and you can take an exciting stroll on the outdoor observation deck.
3) Unwind at the Lounge
A more private guided tour and a sumptuous lounge with refreshments are available on Level 148. At 585 meters above the ground, you may relax in the highest lounge in the world. A delectable assortment of the finest teas and coffees is also available for you to enjoy. The Lounge offers live music every day and welcomes musicians and international performers.
4) Dine at the At.Mosphere
At.Mosphere Restaurant, located on Level 122 at a height of 442 meters, is another place to eat. This restaurant is among the tallest in the world. You can savor mouthwatering modern European fare in the chic and modern restaurant atmosphere. While you relish your favorite treats, the melodic sound of the resident saxophonist will keep you entertained.
5) Relax at the Armani Hotel Spa
The Armani Hotel Spa is one of the greatest places to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind when visiting the Burj Khalifa. Its elegant and modern ambiance is intended to soothe your senses and help you feel refreshed. For a day of pure enjoyment and relaxation, the 12,000-square-foot spa provides sequential thermal bathing, personal fitness, and flawless service. Enjoy the steam rooms, saunas, and ice waterfalls, or relax in the relaxation pool with a stunning view of the city.
6) Work Out at the Burj Club
Enjoy a sweaty exercise at the Burj Club if you’re a fitness aficionado. To work on your complete body, you can do a combination of yoga and pilates. The club offers top-notch equipment, expert supervision, and stunning fountain views to support exercise workouts. The location has loungers with views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Burj Khalifa Timings and Entry Guidelines
Burj Khalifa is open throughout the year. The timings differ based on which level you visit.
At The Top:
Monday to Friday – Prime hours – 4 pm to 7 pm, Non Prime hours – 7 am to 3.30 pm, 8 pm to 12 am. The final entry is at 11 pm.
Saturday and Sunday – Prime hours – 4 pm to 7 pm, Non Prime hours – 7 am to 3:30 pm, 8 pm to 12 am. The final entry is at 11 pm.
At The Top SKY:
Prime hours – 12 pm to 8 pm, Non Prime hours – 9 am to 11 am, and 9 pm until closing. The final entry is at 10 pm.
It is recommended that guests arrive at least fifteen minutes before to the time slot they have reserved. Large bags are prohibited and may be subject to security inspection. At the entrance, e-tickets and mobile QR codes are allowed, and visitors must have a valid photo ID. Additionally, it is advised that you check for seasonal variations in working hours or maintenance schedules before your visit.
Nearby Attractions Around the Burj Khalifa
1) The Dubai Mall: The Dubai Mall, one of the biggest retail centers in the world, is only a short stroll from the Burj Khalifa. It has more than 1200 stores, upscale boutiques, and a large selection of cafes and restaurants. The mall is a family-friendly destination with attractions like KidZania, VR Park, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and an indoor ice rink. You can go to the Play DXB in Dubai Mall too. Burj Drop, a heart-pounding virtual fall from the Burj Khalifa, is one of over thirty exhilarating attractions that offer you new thrills.
2) The Dubai Fountain: The Dubai Fountain, the tallest performing fountain in the world, is situated at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. This is a must-see site, with daily performances accompanied by lights and music. Evening performances are free to witness from the promenade or by paying to ride the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk or Lake Ride, and they happen every 30 minutes from 6 to 11 pm.
3) Souk Al Bahar: A bridge over the Burj Lake connects Souk Al Bahar to The Dubai Mall. It is a traditionally designed Arabian marketplace. Souk Al Bahar has a wide range of stores, cafes, and eateries. Many of which are perfect for a romantic dinner and provide stunning views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.
4) Dubai Opera: The Dubai Opera is a breathtaking architectural wonder that is only a short stroll from the Burj Khalifa. It accommodates a range of performances, including ballet, opera, theater, and concerts. The venue offers a rich cultural experience because of its dynamic architecture, which enables it to change from a traditional theater to a concert hall or banquet hall.
5) Burj Park: The Burj Park, located near the Burj Lake, is a beautiful green area perfect for lounging, having a picnic, or snapping pictures with the Burj Khalifa in the backdrop. The park is ideal for strolls in the evening after seeing the tower. It frequently holds events, art exhibits, and food truck festivals. You may take photos of yourself next to the Wings of Mexico sculpture, which wonderfully frames the Burj Khalifa.
6) Sky Views Dubai: Situated near the Burj Khalifa at the Address Sky View hotel, Sky Views Dubai features exhilarating attractions like the Glass Slide, Edge Walk, and a panoramic Sky Observatory. It is ideal for thrill-seekers who wish to experience Downtown Dubai from a fresh and fascinating angle.
Dress Code and Visitor Etiquette at the Burj Khalifa
A dress code is neither required nor strictly enforced when visiting the Burj Khalifa. On the other hand, you should dress comfortably. Along the way, you will come across many photo-worthy moments. Therefore, it would be wise to dress to impress and appear your best in the pictures you would take. As this iconic structure is in the United Arab Emirates, you must wear modest and respectful attire. Visitors should refrain from wearing clothes that are too revealing.
Wearing smart-casual clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to go to the Burj Khalifa Lounge or dine at At.mosphere. Comfortable walking shoes are essential if you intend to visit nearby attractions. Being a well-known tourist location, guests are encouraged to act civilly, abstain from loud noises, and abide by photography regulations if indicated. Littering, chewing gum, and smoking are all strictly prohibited within the premises
Conclusion
Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly an architectural marvel and something that you should see when you visit Dubai. So, pick one of the attractions that Burj Khalifa has to offer and have an amazing time inside a building that has broken all world records.
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