Dubai is a city filled with architectural wonder. You have the museum of the future, the famous fountains and, of course, the tallest building in the world; the Burj Khalifa. It towers 828 (2,717 feet) metres above the skyline that symbolises Dubai’s ambition. Visiting the Burj Khalifa is a must for anyone whilst in Dubai, whether you’re a first-time visitor or not. Here is my guide with everything you need to know.
Visiting the Burj Khalifa | Planning Your Dubai Trip 2025
Getting to the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is not difficult to spot in the Dubai skyline. It is found in the middle of Downtown Dubai and forms part of the Dubai Mall complex. If you are staying in this neighbourhood, it is just a short walk / taxi ride to the tower. However, if you are further afield (by the Palm or Harbour) then take the red Metro line to the Dubai Mall. You can also drive here by parking in the Dubai Mall, or catch a bus (numbers C26, 27, 28, 29, 50, 81 and 104).
The Different Packages
The Burj Khalifa offers different packages based upon budget and preference. In 2025, here are the main packages that you can get.
Floors 124/125 only as part of the At the Top package. This costs 179 AED, or approximately £39. Tip: You can also pay an extra 5 AED (£1) for an included pastry or soft drink at the cafe. Definitely value for money considering Dubai prices.
Floors 148, 124/125 as part of the At the Top package. This one is significantly more expensive than the other and comes in at 399 AED (approximately £87) and 553 AED (approximately £121) depending on whether you opt for Non-Prime Time (any time from 09:00 – 12:00, or 21:00 – 23:00) or Prime Time (any other time) respectively. You also get a selection of warm drinks and baklava as part of this package.
If you want to experience the highest floor (155), then you can get the Lounge Access package. Here you will get a range of canapés and drinks in an evening over Dubai, watching the sunset. This exclusive evening can be yours for 769 AED, or £169.
For all the different packages, check out the visit Dubai website.
When to Go
I would whole-heartedly recommend visiting during the evening. Seeing the sunset in Dubai is simply incredible and you get amazing views from across the gulf. This option is more pricey, but it is the best experience overall. When the sun sets, you can also see the Dubai Fountains in all their glory. These were designed by the same person who made the famous fountains in Las Vegas, and shoot water up to a whopping 500 feet to a different song each night.
If you are planning to go in the morning to avoid the crowds, then be prepared for there to possibly be fog. During the mornings, much of Dubai (especially by the coast) can become shrouded, which means that you cannot see further places such as The Palm. If you wait to at least midday, you’ll have to battle with more tourists but could even spot the Hajar Mountains far in the distance.
The Views: Stunning from Every Angle
For an added thrill, don’t miss the interactive displays on the observation deck, which tell you about the tower’s construction, the history of Dubai, and the engineering feats that went into building the world’s tallest structure. The virtual reality experience at the top lets you take a journey through the city and surrounding areas, making you feel like you’re flying through Dubai itself.
Other Options at the Burj Khalifa
A visit to the Burj Khalifa has far more than just incredible views. When you get to the observation deck, make sure that you check out the variety of interactive displays that teach you about the history of the tower. There is also a virtual reality experience which lets you take a journey through the surrounding city, which is really cool.
On the 122nd floor is At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant. The restaurant is Michelin-starred and, as you’d expect, serves incredible food for a rather high price. On average, be prepared to pay around £300-400 at least for two people for lunch or dinner. Tip: Breakfast is much cheaper here.
Or, for a more casual bite, the Burj Khalifa lounge on the 148th floor is a good alternative option for a light snack and drink.
Final Thoughts | Visiting the Burj Khalifa
Visiting the Burj Khalifa was a highlight of my 24 hours in Dubai back in 2023 as we journeyed to Mauritius. I cannot wait to go back to this modern and unique city to explore more and I can promise you that we’ll be going back up the Burj Khalifa for round 2. I hope that you found this post useful and, as ever, if you have any questions, just ask!
