At 828 metres, Burj Khalifa has been the tallest building on Earth since it opened in 2010. Going up is a Dubai rite of passage — but choosing the right deck, the right time and the right plan for the rest of your day makes the difference between a rushed photo stop and a highlight of your trip.
At a glance
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon into sunset, or early morning for clearer air
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours including the fountain
- Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station, then the covered walkway
- Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, couples
The story behind the tower
Burj Khalifa was designed as the centrepiece of Downtown Dubai, a district built from scratch in the 2000s. Its Y-shaped floor plan, inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis, helps the tower stand up to strong winds, while the spiralling setbacks reduce how much the building sways. The name honours Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE.
A local guide will tell you the stories you won’t read on the signs — how the tower changed Dubai’s skyline almost overnight, how engineers pumped concrete hundreds of metres into the sky, and how the city around it grew from empty sand in barely a decade.
Which observation deck should you choose?
At the Top (levels 124 and 125)
The most popular option, with indoor and outdoor viewing areas and digital displays about the city. It’s the best value for most visitors and gives you the classic views over Downtown, the Gulf and the desert.
At the Top SKY (level 148)
Higher, quieter and more premium, with a lounge and fewer people. Worth it if you’re celebrating something or prefer a calmer visit.
Dining and lounges
The restaurants and lounges higher up the tower are another way to enjoy the view — book ahead and check the dress code.
When to go
- Sunset slots are the most popular (and expensive) because you see the city in daylight and then lit up at night. Book well ahead.
- Early morning often has clearer air, especially in summer when afternoon haze is common.
- Evenings let you combine the deck with the Dubai Fountain show on the lake below.
How to plan your visit
- Tickets: book online in advance for a fixed time slot; walk-up tickets cost more and sell out.
- Entrance: the deck entrance is inside The Dubai Mall — allow 15 minutes to walk there from the metro.
- Time needed: about 1.5–2 hours including security and the walk through the exhibition.
- Getting there: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station connects to the mall via a long air-conditioned walkway.
Insider tips from local guides
- Check the weather the day before — on dusty days the view can be hazy; a guide can help you switch to a morning slot.
- For the best photo of the whole tower, walk to the Burj Park side of the lake or the bridge near Souk Al Bahar.
- Pair your visit with Old Dubai on the same day to see the city’s past and present side by side.
Combine it with
The Dubai Mall and its aquarium are attached to the tower. A short taxi ride takes you to the Museum of the Future, or head to Al Fahidi and the creek and souks for the contrast of old Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Burj Khalifa visit take?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours, including security, the exhibition walk, the lift ride and time on the deck.
Is the sunset slot worth it?
If you want to see the city by day and by night in one visit, yes. If you mainly want clear views and fewer people, an early-morning slot is a good alternative.
Can a guide come up with me?
Yes — guides can accompany you if they have a ticket. Many travellers book a guide for a half-day Downtown and Old Dubai tour that includes the deck.
Book a local guide for Burj Khalifa
No verified guides cover this location yet. Are you a local guide? Join us.