The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest structure ever built in the world. This tower is one of the absolute must-sees in Dubai. So, how do you go up the Burj Khalifa? Which floor should you visit at the Burj Khalifa: the 124th, 148th, or summit? Find all our tips and opinions, ticket prices, and the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa to make the most of your visit.
- Where is Burj Khalifa located in Dubai? ?
- What time should you visit the Burj Khalifa? ?
- How much time should you plan for the visit? ?
- Which ticket should you choose for the visit? ?
- Tips for visiting Burj Khalifa ?
- Best hotels in Dubai with a view of Burj Khalifa ?
- Must-dos near the tower ✨
1. Where is Burj Khalifa located in Dubai?
Downtown Dubai. The Burj Khalifa Tower is located in the Downtown Dubai district. This district is a new area of Dubai, which is what people expect to see when they come here. For example, this is where you can visit the Dubai Mall or even see the famous Dubai Fountain show at the foot of the tower.
Dubai neighborhoods. If you’re visiting Dubai, you should know that you can also visit other areas such as Dubai Marina, located by the sea, or Deira, in Old Dubai. Learn more about Dubai in our article: TOP 20 things to see and do in Dubai.
2. What time should you visit Burj Khalifa?
When you book tickets to visit the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai, you must select a visit time. The tickets are sold for entry every 30 minutes. Here is some crucial information to help you decide when to visit Burj Khalifa.
Busiest time. The busiest time is between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. It is when most people visit Burj Khalifa. Even with a skip-the-line ticket, there might still be a wait for the elevators in the tower during this time of the day. In the morning, when it opens, it is much quieter, and the ticket price is the lowest (for the first platform only).
Sunset. For many travelers, sunset is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Indeed, it is a lovely moment. The exact times of sunrise and sunset vary. Moreover, it is crucial to arrive at least 1 hour before sunset to have time to go up to Burj Khalifa and see the sun setting. That is why late afternoon is the peak time, and the ticket prices to visit Burj Khalifa are the most expensive (for the first platform only).
When it’s hot. If you’re going to Dubai when it’s scorching, you might visit Burj Khalifa during the hottest part of the day to enjoy the coolness inside the tower.
3. Which ticket should you choose for the visit?
There are several options for going up the Burj Khalifa Tower when visiting Dubai. The tickets for visiting Burj Khalifa are divided into 3 types:
- At the Top: tickets to the first platform, i.e., the 124th and 125th floors of Burj Khalifa
- At the Top Sky: tickets to the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa, including tea, coffee, and pastries + access to the first platform
- The Lounge: access to the summit of the tower
Which ticket should you choose? The cheapest ticket is At the Top, but it does not give access to the cafes in the tower. In our opinion, the best ticket is At the Top Sky: even though it’s more expensive, it allows you to go higher and take a break at the top of the tallest tower in the world with coffee, tea, and pastries included in the price. With an even more expensive ticket, The Lounge offers access to the top of the tower and its tea room and restaurant.
Good to know. Access for children under 3 years is free and without a ticket.
Pass. A visit to Burj Khalifa is included in the Dubai City Pass, with “At the Top” access. You can choose the All-Inclusive City Pass or the À La Carte City Pass.
To help you make a choice, here is more information about each of these levels.
3.1. At the Top: prices and tickets for the 124th and 125th floors of Burj Khalifa
The At the Top ticket to visit Burj Khalifa is the best solution if you want to spend the least and enjoy the view from the tower. The 124th and 125th floors correspond to the first platform of Burj Khalifa. It is a classic visit to Burj Khalifa. The drawback in our opinion is the limited seating available.
Price. For this platform, the rates vary depending on the time of day. The time when the ticket price is the highest is during sunset. Prices to go up to the 124th and 125th floors of Burj Khalifa range between 37 and 55 euros per person: see the At the Top rates according to the schedules and your dates.
Outdoor terrace. Besides the indoor platform, where you can see a panoramic view of Dubai and the Persian Gulf, there is also an outdoor platform. It’s awe-inspiring to be able to go outside at this height!
3.2. At the Top Sky: tickets to go up to the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa (+first platform)
Less crowded. Why go up to the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai? The main advantage of this floor is the seating areas where you can sit and enjoy the visit more peacefully. There are also fewer people here than on floors 124 and 125, especially during sunset.
Coffee, tea, pastries. This extra is included in the At the Top Sky rate, making the visit more enjoyable and romantic if you visit Burj Khalifa as a couple.
Outdoor access. With this ticket, you can also go to the 124th and 125th floors and enjoy the outdoor area. There is no outdoor area on the 148th floor.
3.3. The Lounge: prices and tickets to go to the top of Burj Khalifa
Tea lounge. The Lounge is not an observation platform but a tea lounge at the top of the Burj Khalifa Tower. Here, you are 575 meters above the ground. The Lounge is on the 152nd, 153rd, and 154th floors.
Price. Drinks and everything offered as an accompaniment are included in the rate.
4. How much time does it take to visit the Burj Khalifa Tower?
Plan for at least 2 hours to visit Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Once up on the tower, time flies by. You see breathtaking landscapes and marvel at this astonishing structure that lets you discover the whole city of Dubai, from its oldest neighborhoods to modern buildings, the desert, and the sea. A beautiful visit awaits you!
5. Tips for visiting Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Here are our main tips for visiting the Burj Khalifa tower during your trip to Dubai.
Avoid queuing. The best way to avoid the queuing is to visit the tower in the morning. Moreover, the rates for going up to the 124 and 125 floors are lower in the morning. Indeed, you will not see the sunset, but you can just as well see it elsewhere, for example, during a cruise or an evening in the desert (see photos of the visit to the Dubai desert) or even from the beach.
Romantic evening. If you are going to Dubai as a couple and want to mark your trip, one of the best solutions is to take tickets for the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa, at sunset. The rates for this floor do not change during the day. Therefore, it is best to go up the tower at sunset and enjoy this unique moment from the highest building in the world.
6. Best hotels in Dubai with a view of Burj Khalifa
Why not choose a hotel with a view of Burj Khalifa? It is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the new city of Dubai. Discover our selection of the best hotels to stay in Dubai with a view of the tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa!
Canal Central Hotel: located less than 4 km from Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai area, this hotel offers rooms with a magnificent view of the city and this immense tower! A continental buffet breakfast is served. There is also a swimming pool and a spa on site. Outstanding value for money.
The Oberoi Dubai: an excellent place to stay when visiting Dubai as a couple or with family. All rooms have a city view, but some incredible views of the Burj Khalifa.
Good to know. If you want to enjoy attractive rates in Dubai, the Deira district is among the best. Find out more about the districts of Dubai in our article: Where to stay in Dubai.
7. What to see and do in Downtown Dubai?
Now that we’ve covered how to visit the Burj Khalifa and how to enjoy that visit, here’s some information and tips for seeing other places near the tower.
Among the most visited places in Downtown Dubai are the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, and the Dubai Aquarium.
- Dubai Mall: The perfect place for shopping and cooling off.
- Dubai Fountain: every day at nightfall, you can admire the beautiful show of the Dubai Fountain with jets reaching 140 meters high! It is a must-do activity if you’re traveling to Dubai.
- Dubai Aquarium. The Dubai Aquarium is a very visited place in Dubai. It is often very crowded, and booking your tickets in advance is best to save time. Moreover, you can also opt for tickets that combine the visit to the Burj Khalifa with the visit to the Aquarium.
Itineraries for visiting Dubai in 3, 4, or 5 days can be found in our article: What to do in Dubai?
The tour of the Burj Khalifa is featured in all the guides about Dubai and in all the TOP things to do and see in Dubai. Indeed, this place is exceptional as it is still the tallest man-made structure in the world! Victim of its success, the tower is always crowded, especially during sunset hours. Thus, consider visiting the building in the morning to enjoy lower rates. Contrariwise, for a more romantic and peaceful visit, head up to the 148th floor of the tower.
