For good reason, the Burj Khalifa has been on many people's bucket lists. At 828 meters (2,716.5 feet), it is the world's highest structure. It is almost twice as tall as the Empire State Building and three times as tall as the Eiffel Tower, to put things into context.

Designed by Adrian Smith to resemble a spider lily, Burj Khalifa is also the tallest free-standing structure and has the highest observation deck (at 555 meters) in the world. At The Top, located on the 124th and 125th floors, and At The Top Sky, located on the 148th level, are the two observation decks. Because of the building's enormous size, be ready for a lot of walking when you visit. See this blog article to find the building's entrance and navigate it with ease.

Burj Khalifa entrance from Dubai Mall

There is only one primary access to the Burj Khalifa, which is through Dubai Mall. There are two distinct elevator lines as you make your way to the Burj Khalifa elevator via the Dubai Mall's lower ground floor: one for people who have purchased "At The Top Burj Khalifa tickets" and another for people who want to visit other accessible floors without a ticket.

If you have purchased tickets for At The Top, go to the counter to get a physical ticket by scanning your electronic ticket. To allow for security inspections, please arrive at least fifteen minutes early. Following your passage through the line, you will come across a 3-D model of the Burj Khalifa and discover the history of its construction. After that, go to the elevator, which has audio and visual effects inside that make you feel like you're reaching for the stars!

1. At The Top entrance

In just one minute, the Burj Khalifa's elevator will take you to the 124th-floor observation deck, which is located at a height of 452 meters. Level 124 is divided into two areas: an indoor space with floor-to-ceiling glass, a cafe, and a gift shop, and an outdoor viewing deck. High-powered telescopes have monitors that aid in identifying well-known sites and offer crisp views of the city's scenery.

The observation deck known as "Dubai – A Falcon's Eye View," which provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, may be reached by climbing the wooden steps to level 125. You can play a virtual reality game where the glass crumbles beneath you or take a green screen picture on this level. Quite literally an earth-shattering experience! Grab your Burj Khalifa At The Top tickets for a speedy entry.

2. At The Top Sky entrance

Go straight up to the Burj Khalifa's tallest observation deck, located on the 148th floor, which is accessible from Level 124, if you want to feel like you're on top of the world. At a staggering 555 meters above the ground, Level 148 offers an absolutely breathtaking perspective. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, not many people visit Level 148. So, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and just bask in the glorious sunlight, get a Burj Khalifa At The Top Sky ticket. It also offers a luxurious experience to visitors, with a personalized tour, luxury lounge and an interactive experience where you are surrounded by a life-size motion-sensing screen that allows you to explore different corners of the Emirate.

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Fancy yourself a guided tour to the Burj Khalifa? Check out our helpful guide and avoid the hassle of planning your trip all by your lonesome!

Burj Khalifa: Essentials

There are two time slots during which you can visit Burj Khalifa:
Prime hours: 3pm - 6pm. In this time slot, you'll be able to witness mesmerizing views of the sunset.
Non-prime hours: 8:30am - 2:30pm and 7pm - 11pm.
Prime hours for Levels 124 and 125: 4pm - 6pm
Prime hours for Level 148: 9:30am - 6pm.
Burj Khalifa is open throughout the week, all year round.
You can avoid rush hours by visiting between 8:30am - 10am | 1:30pm - 3:30pm | after 8:30pm.

Getting there

The entrance to the Burj Khalifa is through the Dubai Mall and the closest mall exit that leads to the skyscraper is the one near the Dubai Fountain. If you’re staying in Downtown Dubai, you can walk to the Dubai Mall. Here are the best ways to get to Dubai Mall to get into the Burj Khalifa:

By metro

Take the red line of the metro and get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station to go to the Burj Khalifa. You can walk to the mall or take the feeder bus from there. Use the Metro Link Bridge, which is open during the same hours as Dubai Mall, if you decide to stroll. The walk is long because you have to cross a six-lane road, but as you get closer, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa's shining exterior. Remember to take a picture!

By bus

Every sixteen minutes, two buses—Route 27, which departs from the Deira Gold Souk Bus Station, and Route 29, which departs from the Ghubaiba Station—serve The Dubai Mall. The buses arrive and depart from the tourist drop-off area on the lower ground floor of The Dubai Mall, which is situated in front of the Grand Drive Entrance. With your Nol red ticket, you can board the buses.

By taxi

Although it could be the quickest choice, taking a taxi to the Burj Khalifa is the least cost-effective. The starting meter charge is AED 1.6 per kilometer. The cost of waiting is AED 0.5 per kilometer. Regular cabs start at AED 3 from 6 AM to 10 PM and AED 3.50 from 10 PM to 6 AM. Pre-booked taxis start at AED 6 per day and AED 7 per night.

Burj Khalifa entrances: Visiting tips

• If you’re keen on watching the sunset, get a weekday ticket because weekends always attract a lot of people. Burj Khalifa sunset tickets are a steal buy and worth the extra money spent.
• The Burj Khalifa is only accessible via the Dubai Mall; there is no external entry. You might save some time by using the mall exit next to the fountain, which is the closest one to the Burj Khalifa.
• Large bags are not permitted inside, but you can check them in at the Secure Baggage Area, which is close to the entrance. Cameras, handbags, and other modest items are permitted inside.
• You will receive a free drink and some traditional dates if you have decided to go to Level 148. However, as drinks are not served on the top floors, be sure to bring a bottle of water if you haven't already.
• Go to the Burj Khalifa on a cloudy morning if you can. It feels like you are standing above the clouds when a dense layer of fog descends upon Dubai.
• You can download the official app of the Burj Khalifa “At the Top” experience where you will find all the information you need.
• Plan a visit to one of the many coveted Burj Khalifa restaurants and enjoy a meal in the skies.

Burj Khalifa dress code

Although there isn't a rigorous dress requirement at the Burj Khalifa, it's always a good idea to look your best. You'll want to look your best for those Instagram-worthy photos, after all. Wearing bright colors will provide a striking contrast with the breathtaking blue sky, so don't be scared to wear smart casual. Oh, and don't forget to apply sunscreen if you plan to visit during the sweltering summer months of May through August! To protect yourself from the sun, you might also choose to wear some loose, long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts.