11 Best Things To Do in Dubai
January 6, 2025
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If there’s one thing you shouldn’t skip in Dubai, it’s the view from the Burj Khalifa. From the observation deck you’ll look out over Downtown Dubai, the coastline, and on clear days even the desert in the distance. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and Dubai’s ultimate skyline icon. Planning to visit? With these tips you’ll make the most of your time slot and avoid unnecessary waiting.
The Burj Khalifa: the tallest building in the world
At 828 metres tall, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Since its grand opening in 2010, you can enjoy a 360-degree view over Dubai from the observation decks. But you can also shop, have lunch or dinner in its restaurants, work here, and even live in the tower. Pretty incredible when you realise that not so long ago, this area was little more than endless stretches of desert.
With the ambition to turn Dubai into the icon of the United Arab Emirates, construction on the world’s tallest skyscraper began in 2004. The design of the Burj Khalifa was inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis and reportedly cost around €1.3 billion to build. Besides holding the title of “tallest building in the world”, the Burj Khalifa also claims two other remarkable records: the world’s highest mosque and the world’s highest restaurant.
A fun fact: on the busiest construction days, as many as 10,000 workers were on site!
The best time to visit the Burj Khalifa
The time slot you choose really makes a difference to your experience. Sunset is best for the most beautiful light, but it’s usually also the busiest and most expensive. Visiting during the day is often cheaper, although the heat can make the views a bit hazy. Later in the evening it’s often quieter, and you’ll see Dubai beautifully lit up.
Tip: Want to focus on the views and spend less time in line? Our tip is to go early in the morning or later in the evening.
Tickets: how much does it cost to visit the Burj Khalifa?
There are two main ticket types for visiting the Burj Khalifa. Which one suits you best mainly depends on your budget and which levels you want to access:
At The Top (level 124/125): This is the most popular option. On Level 124 you’ll step out onto the observation deck (with glass panels and small openings for taking photos). From there, you can take the stairs up to Level 125, where you’ll find a coffee corner, a few fun photo spots, and a souvenir shop.
At The Top SKY (level 124/125/148): This ticket is more expensive, but it also includes access to Level 148.
You can also upgrade your visit with extras, such as breakfast in the SKY Lounge. Ticket prices depend on the time slot you choose: sunrise and sunset slots are more expensive than visiting during the day.
Rates
Want to visit the Burj Khalifa on a specific day and time? Book your tickets in advance, especially around sunset, the most popular time slots sell out quickly.
→ Ticket: Entry ticket level 124 & 125 from €36 per person
→ Ticket: Admission ticket level 124, 125 ánd 148 SKY Level from €103 per person
Our experience: visiting the Burj Khalifa
About half an hour before our time slot, we arrived at the entrance desk for “At The Top – Burj Khalifa”. Because we had booked in advance, we were able to pick up our tickets almost right away and head in. We visited the world’s tallest building at around 5:00 PM in February, so we could be back downstairs in time for the first Dubai Fountain show.
After a security check, you follow a route past construction facts and videos. Then it’s time for the elevator: in about one minute, you’ll shoot up to Level 124. The ride is surprisingly fun, with dimming lights, Arabic music, and walls that change colour along the way.
Up top you’ll be standing outdoors at a height of 422 metres. The observation deck isn’t huge, but the views are so impressive that you’ll naturally keep looking around. It was a bit hazy for us because of the heat, but combined with the approaching sunset it actually made for some beautiful photos.
Even though it’s one of Dubai’s most visited attractions, it’s absolutely worth it, you really shouldn’t miss it.
How to get to the Burj Khalifa?
The easiest way to reach the Burj Khalifa is via the entrance in the Dubai Mall. Take the metro to the mall, then it’s about a 10-minute walk from the station to the entrance and along the way you’ll already catch your first glimpses of the tower.
Dubai’s metro has two lines (red and green). The red line connects many of the city’s main sights and is the most convenient option for many travellers exploring Dubai.
Hotels with a view of the Burj Khalifa
Because you can spot the Burj Khalifa from almost anywhere in Dubai, it’s fun to photograph it from different angles. But the best part? Waking up to a Burj Khalifa view or watching the tower light up at night from the pool.
Two downtown hotels with magnificent views are:
Looking for an affordable stay that is centrally located in Dubai with a view of the Burj Khalifa? Then I can recommend this hotel:
Dining with a view of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa
Make your visit even more memorable by ending at the Dubai Fountain. Set to music, there’s a fountain show every 30 minutes in the evening (between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM). Around the lake you’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can grab a bite or a drink with a view. A great tip is Time Out Market Dubai, it has a terrace overlooking the Dubai Fountain. It’s one of our favourite places in Dubai for a quick but really good meal, especially during an afternoon of shopping at Dubai Mall.
Interested in more restaurant tips for Dubai? I share my favorites in the article ‘Best Things To Do in Dubai‘!
Frequently asked questions about visiting Burj Khalifa
1. Do you need to buy tickets to the Burj Khalifa in advance?
Yes, especially around sunset! With a time slot, you avoid missing out and are usually shorter in line.
2. How long does a visit to the Burj Khalifa take?
I would count on about 1.5 to 2.5 hours total. Of course, this depends on the waiting time and how long you stay upstairs.
3. What is the difference between At The Top and At The Top SKY?
At The Top gives you access to level 124 and 125, and At The Top SKY gives you access to level 148 in addition to level 124 and 125. Often this ticket is more expensive.
4. Can you combine Burj Khalifa with the Dubai Fountain?
Sure! Pick a time slot that gets you back downstairs before 6:00 pm. Or just go up later in the evening so you can easily catch the show before that.
More tips for Dubai
Want to get even more out of your trip? Dubai is so much more than just the Burj Khalifa and Downtown. So be sure to save our 11 Best Things To Do in Dubai for a great mix of highlights and fun spots to add to your itinerary.
Looking for ways to explore without blowing your budget? Our budget-friendly tips for Dubai are packed with smart money-savers and affordable things to do.
And if you’re curious about a more traditional side of the city, head to old Dubai: in What to do in Deira (Dubai's authentic neighborhood) we’ll take you through the souks, local flavours, and everyday life you won’t find in the modern centre.
Combining Dubai with Abu Dhabi or Ras Al-Khaimah
If you want to get even more out of your trip, Dubai is also perfect to combine with another emirate, such as Abu Dhabi or Ras Al-Khaimah. You don't have to do any complicated planning for it, because with a rental car from SunnyCars because of their all-in formula, which makes everything feel a lot more relaxed (no hassle, just pick up the car and go).
In Abu Dhabi you’ll find a calmer, more spacious vibe with impressive landmarks, while Ras Al Khaimah is ideal if you’re craving nature, mountains, and a more laid-back resort feel away from the crowds.
Visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Did you know Abu Dhabi is easy to combine with a trip to Dubai and you can even drive there yourself on a day trip? Curious about the options? As personal travel advisors, we’ll map out your wishes in a 1-on-1 video call and recommend the best places for you, or we can plan your entire trip tailor-made. Feel free to request a travel proposal for Dubai.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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