At 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai has been the world’s tallest building since it opened in 2010. Most visitors come for the “At the Top” observation decks, the views over the city, desert and Gulf, and the Dubai Fountain shows at its base.
This guide covers the tower’s history, the observation deck options, opening times, how to get there and what else to see nearby.
Plan your visit to Burj Khalifa
- Tickets: from about AED 190 (off-peak, Levels 124/125)
- Hours: daily, morning to late evening
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
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History of Burj Khalifa
Construction began in January 2004 and the exterior was completed in 2009. Developed by Emaar Properties and designed by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower opened on 4 January 2010. It was renamed at the opening in honour of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then President of the UAE.
The tower holds offices, residences and the Armani Hotel Dubai, and its New Year’s Eve fireworks and LED light shows on the facade are broadcast around the world.
Attractions at Burj Khalifa
- At the Top (Levels 124 and 125): the main observation decks, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace on Level 124.
- At the Top SKY (Level 148): a higher, more exclusive deck with a lounge, refreshments and a guided experience; SKY tickets also include Levels 124 and 125.
- At.mosphere: a restaurant and lounge on Level 122 (book separately).
- The Dubai Fountain: the choreographed fountain on Burj Lake at the foot of the tower.
Things to Do at Burj Khalifa
- Go up at sunset: the most popular (and most expensive) time slot; book ahead.
- Visit early in the day: off-peak tickets are cheaper and queues shorter.
- Watch the fountain from above: evening shows can be seen from the decks.
- Photograph the tower: Burj Park and the Fountain promenade give the classic full-height shot.
Burj Khalifa – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
The observation decks are open daily, generally from the morning until late evening, with the last entry about an hour before closing. Hours change by season and during Ramadan, so check the official Burj Khalifa website before you go.
- Tickets: buy online for a timed slot. Off-peak Level 124/125 tickets start from roughly AED 190; sunset slots and SKY (Level 148) cost noticeably more.
- Entrance: the At the Top entrance is on the Lower Ground floor of The Dubai Mall.
- Security: bags are screened, so travel light.
Tickets and tours for Burj Khalifa
- At the Top (Levels 124 & 125) or SKY (Level 148): on Klook
- Burj Khalifa tickets and combos: on Tiqets
Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
How Long to Spend at Burj Khalifa
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for Levels 124 and 125 including the lift queue, or around 2 hours with SKY. Add time for the fountain and the mall.
How to Get There
- Metro: take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station, then follow the covered walkway to the mall (about 10 to 15 minutes on foot).
- Bus: several RTA bus routes stop at The Dubai Mall.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: ask for The Dubai Mall; traffic can be heavy in the evening.
Arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB)? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Burj Khalifa
- At.mosphere: fine dining and afternoon tea on Level 122 of the tower.
- The Dubai Mall: food courts and many sit-down restaurants, several with terraces facing the fountain.
- Souk Al Bahar: Arabian-style souk across the lake with restaurants overlooking the tower.
Other Attractions Nearby Burj Khalifa
- Dubai Fountain: free evening shows on Burj Lake.
- The Dubai Mall: shopping, the Dubai Aquarium and an ice rink.
- Dubai Opera: performance venue a short walk away.
- Burj Park: green space by the lake with tower views.
- Museum of the Future: a short taxi or metro ride away.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Dubai: Downtown Dubai puts you within walking distance of the tower and fountain.
- Get a UAE eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
The Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s signature sight: book a timed At the Top slot, go early for lower prices or at sunset for the best light, and allow an hour or two for the visit.
Pair it with the free Dubai Fountain shows and an evening at The Dubai Mall, both at the foot of the tower.
