THINGS TO KNOW WHEN VISITING BURJ KHALIFA
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world – making it one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is now standing at 828 meters high and has become one main attractions in Dubai.
At night it gets wonderfully illuminated (LED shows at certain times, not in the summer), and it doesn’t really matter if you visit in the daytime or the evening – this place is a must-see place.
In this post, you can find out more about Burj Khalifa: Some facts, information about visiting the building, and if it is worth it. You will find out about the Top of Burj Khalifa’s ticket prices, opening hours, and more important information.
Visiting Burj Khalifa had been on my bucket list for quite a while visit to the top of Burj Khalifa in Dubai. I missed it on my first trip, but I made sure to visit on my second visit. And on my fourth trip – and my seventh trip. Yes, I have visited a couple of times, so I share my tips and experiences about my Burj Khalifa with you.
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS – THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU). MORE ABOUT IT HERE.
BURJ KHALIFA TRAVEL TIPS
Here are some facts and background information.
What is Burj Khalifa?
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It stands at 828 meters in Dubai Downtown. It was formally opened in 2010.
Burj Khalifa is home to offices, some luxury apartments, the luxury Armani Hotel, and a fine dining restaurant at 442 meters. And then, there are the two observation decks that can be visited.
Records of Burj Khalifa
Its unique shape makes Burj Khalifa distinctive, but of course, its height, standing tall at 828 meters with 160 stories, is the most important feature. It doesn’t really matter where you stay in Dubai (or even in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah). The building is almost visible from any place.
It actually holds several records (among others)
- The tallest building in the world (828 meters)
- The tallest free-standing structure in the world
- The highest number of levels in the world (160 levels)
- The highest occupied floor in the world
- The highest outdoor observation deck in the world (level 148 at 555 meters)
- The elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
- The tallest service elevator in the world (cruising at 10m/s)
As you can see, there are several records Burj Khalifa holds.
Location of Burj Khalifa
It is located in Dubai Downtown on 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, next to the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain. Well, apparently, it is impossible to miss Burj Khalifa but finding the “entrance” takes some time.
From the airport to the tower, it takes about 20 minutes to drive – without traffic (15km). It takes about the same getting from the highest tower in the world to the most expensive hotel in the world -Burj al-Arab (16km).
You have to get the ticket from Dubai Mall at the ticket store. It is on the LG floor, and there are signs with “At the top of Burj Khalifa“ everywhere. There seems to be no direct way to get into Burj Khalifa for us normal people, and we all have to go there to get up.
Getting Tickets for Burj Khalifa
If you want to book tickets, you need to think about the level of access and your visit time.
Tickets for Level 124 & 145 or Level 148?
Let´s start with the level of access. There are two ticket options available. You can buy tickets for Levels 124 and 125 or for Level 148 (that ticket also includes tickets for Levels 124 and 125)
- Level 148 is at 555 meters
- Level 125 at 456 meters
All levels offer stunning views. But there are some differences which you should know about. It makes a huge difference regarding prices and services (there is a fast lane for level 148). As far as I have heard, it does not necessarily offer a much better view, though.
LEVEL 148: Advantages: If you book your ticket for level 148 you can also visit levels 124 and level 125 + you have access to the Sky Lounge (and get served dates and coffee). Also, you can skip the lines.
However, prices are much higher. Though I have visited three times so far, I have only bought tickets for levels 124+125.
If you know about prices, it will maybe help to decide which tickets to buy. Check out tickets:
While I had twice a regular ticket for level 124+125, I also booked a ticket once that included dinner at Burj Club.
Also, there are a few more tickets available. When I visited the Burj Khalifa for the second time, I bought tickets that included a dinner at the Burj Club. That was totally worth the money. Check out prices for a nice lunch/dinner with a view, including tickets for Burj Khalifa.
Best Time to Visit Burj Khalifa
Once you have decided whether you are happy with levels 124 & 125 or with level 148, you have to decide on the time of your visit.
- Sunrise Tickets – only available on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 – 7:30 am. You don’t have to leave the Burj at 7:30. You can stay as long as you like. It is just important to arrive by 7:30 am
- Basic Tickets – from 8:30 am to 3 pm. You can stay longer but need to buy your tickets for that time and arrive in that time span from 6:30 to midnight.
- Sunset Tickets – after 3.30 pm (to 6:30 pm) tickets get more expensive – than the tickets for the sunset.
Tip: I can’t guarantee it, but I saw families with little kids who were allowed to skip the lines (which is totally understandable). If you are lucky and don’t buy the more expensive ticket for level 148, you still might get a fast-track entry if you are with little ones.
How to Get Tickets for Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is very popular – tickets can be sold out quickly during busy times. So, buying online tickets in advance is a must between November and April.
If you want to visit in November-March, I recommend booking your tickets a few days earlier (if not weeks in advance). If you visit in the shoulder season, booking tickets a few days in advance should be fine.
I have visited Burj Khalifa three times so far – and I booked via GetYourGuide. Check out prices and availabilities here.
If you have your online ticket, you will still have to go to the main entrance of Burj Khalifa in Dubai Mall.
I came here three times, and to be honest, no one checked the exact time on my ticket. Mostly, because it is so busy, it is difficult to be here totally on time. So, while you decide on the time, don’t worry if you will be a bit late because you stand in line for too long. However, I still recommend being in Dubai Mall at least 30 minutes early. Some people might check, and it takes time to get to the entrance.
Burj Khalifa With Kids
On my third trip, I was accompanied by my two nephews (10 months and 5 years at that time). The younger one did not really enjoy it. The older nephew appreciated the view and had a blast.
I think Burj Khalifa is not very child-friendly – especially if you visit with toddlers, it might be stressful. We were not allowed to take the stroller. So, my little nephew had to be carried around most of the time! This made a trip to Burj Khalifa less fun. Would I visit with strollers/babies again? No, I would only visit Burj Khalifa with kids who can walk.
Kids under the age of 4 don’t have to pay any entry (for no level). Kids between 4-12 years pay less. However, there is only a reduction for levels 124 and 125 (no reduction in prices for level 148).
Getting to Levels 124 + 125 of Burj Khalifa
Whether you buy your tickets online or at the ticket center: The ticket center will be the starting point of your trip to Burj Khalifa. And here is where standing in lines starts. You might have to stand in line for quite a while. If you do not have a VIP ticket (level 148), you need to be patient. While the views aren’t supposed to be better, using the fast track is probably worth it.
This procedure took me between 30-60 minutes, but the views were worth it.
The first views were nice, but the first impression was not overwhelming. I was looking for THAT one particular view: The view of the Water Fountain and Dubai Mall. This spot was one of the most crowded – apparently, I was not the only one who wanted to enjoy this particular view.
The view is stunning, and as the Water Fountain Show was going on, it was heavily crowded. People were delighted to see the spectacle from the top of Burj Khalifa.
Once the show stopped and the crowd cleared up (funny how quickly that happened), I waited for another half hour to witness the show again. Watching the water show from above was just nice. However, it isn’t easy to get good pictures through a window, but I tried my best.
Level 124 + Level 125
- You will have great views of Burj Khalifa from levels 124+125
- Indoor and outdoor vantage points
- Souvenir shops
- New: step on an inspired glass floor with a twist. Feel the glass crack underneath your feet as you explore the heights on level 125
LEVEL 148
I have not been on level 148, but the views are apparently the same as from levels 124 + 125. However, you can have access to Sky Lounge, where non-alcoholic drinks and coffee is included (plus minor snacks)
Dubai Fountain From the Top of Burj Khalifa
Watching the Dubai Fountain Show from above is amazing. So here are the showtimes (if you like to book your tickets accordingly).
- Saturday to Thursday: 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM
- Friday afternoon shows 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM
- Evening Shows 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM every 30 minutes
Times can change, so please double-check if you want to see the fountain show from Burj Khalifa.
Conclusion: Is At The Top of Burj Khalifa Worth it?
Is it worth it to get to the top of Burj Khalifa? I am happy I have visited Burj Khalifa several times. Once by myself, once with my friend, and then with my nephews. Except for the long wait, it was a great experience to get up there. However, if you are willing to pay a lot extra, level 148 might be a good choice. You can buy the “skip the line” ticket here with some extra VIP services.
If you are okay with waiting in line and not getting treated like a VIP, level 124+125 is a great opportunity to see Dubai from the top of Burj Khalifa.
READ MORE:
PIN ME FOR LATER – A DAY TRIP TO BURJ KHALIFA
