The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, rising about 828 metres over Downtown Dubai. It opened in 2010 and its silver spire is visible from almost everywhere in the city. Going up to the observation decks is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai, and with a little planning around tickets and timing, a visit to the Burj Khalifa is straightforward, even on a short trip.
Why go up the Burj Khalifa
The view is the point. From the decks you look straight down on the Dubai Fountain and the Downtown towers, along Sheikh Zayed Road towards Dubai Marina, out to the Gulf on one side and the desert on the other. On a clear day the scale of the city makes sense in a way it never does at street level.
The tower also holds a hotel, private residences and offices, but for visitors the experience is the observation decks and the exhibition you walk through on the way to the lifts.
How to get to the Burj Khalifa by metro
The nearest station is Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall on the Dubai Metro Red Line. From the station, follow the signs to The Dubai Mall through a long, enclosed and air-conditioned footbridge with moving walkways. It is a fair distance, so allow around 10 to 15 minutes. The At the Top entrance is inside the mall on the lower ground floor and is well signposted.
You will need a Nol card to travel on the metro. Remember that eating and drinking are not allowed on trains or in the paid areas of stations.
Burj Khalifa tickets
There are several ways to go up, and the choice affects both price and experience:
- At the Top (levels 124 and 125): the standard option, with indoor viewing areas and an outdoor terrace on level 124.
- At the Top Sky (level 148): a higher, quieter lounge with a premium ticket that usually includes a visit to the lower decks as well.
- Dining and lounge options: restaurants and lounges higher in the tower have their own bookings and dress codes.
Tickets are sold for timed entry, and prices are higher at peak times, especially around sunset. Book on the official website, burjkhalifa.ae, where you can see current options and prices. Booking ahead online is usually cheaper than buying on the day, and sunset slots often sell out days in advance.
Best time to visit the Burj Khalifa
Sunset is the most popular slot because you see the city in daylight, at golden hour and as the lights come on. It is also the most expensive and the busiest. Early morning slots are quieter and often clearer, before the heat haze builds. In summer, dust and humidity can reduce visibility, while the cooler months from roughly November to March tend to bring clearer skies.
Plan for about one to two hours in total, including security, the exhibition, the lift ride and time at the top. Queues for the lift down can build up after sunset, so do not book anything tight straight afterwards.
What to see on your visit
The lift ride
The high-speed lifts climb to level 124 in about a minute, and the journey is part of the experience.
The outdoor terrace
Level 124 has an open-air terrace behind glass panels, the best spot for photos without reflections.
The Dubai Fountain from above
If your visit is in the evening, time it so you can watch a fountain show from above, then catch the next one from the lake promenade at ground level.
Tips for a smooth Burj Khalifa visit
- Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your timed slot. There is a security check, and the walk from the mall entrance to the lifts takes a while.
- Keep bags small. Large bags and some items may not be allowed through security.
- Clean your phone lens before you go up, and press it close to the glass to cut down on reflections, especially after dark.
- If your ticket includes a drink or lounge access, check what is covered before you order anything extra.
- Combine the visit with dinner in Downtown so you are not rushing back to the metro, which can be crowded after the evening fountain shows.
Nearby on the same metro stop
- The Dubai Mall: the huge mall at the base of the tower, with the aquarium and ice rink.
- The Dubai Fountain: free evening shows on Burj Lake, just outside the mall.
- Souk Al Bahar: a smaller Arabic-style mall across the lake with restaurants facing the fountain.
- Dubai Opera: the performance venue a short walk along the Downtown boulevard.
Check the location on our Burj Khalifa page, or explore more stations on the Dubai metro guide.