Burj Khalifa
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
The Burj Khalifa is worth visiting once for the perspective of being at the top of the world. Plan your trip between November and March to avoid extreme heat. Allow about three hours for the entire experience including security and elevator waits.
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Three hours is sufficient to get through security and spend time on the observation deck.
Most visitors arrive by taxi or the Dubai Metro red line to the Burj Khalifa station.
Book online weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
The advertised price often excludes the high premium added to sunset and prime time slots.
The experience
You reach the observation decks by high speed elevators. Once at the top, the city looks like a scale model. The glass panels offer a clear view of the desert and the Persian Gulf.
Expect crowded conditions near the windows. Many people stay for an hour to watch the sun go down. You will spend a significant amount of time waiting in lines for the lifts.
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Timing your visit
The best months are November through March. The weather is cool enough to walk around the base of the building before or after your elevator ride.
Summer visits mean you will stay entirely indoors. The heat makes the outdoor areas near the fountains uncomfortable during the day.
Reality of the cost
A standard visit costs around 900 AED when factoring in transport and miscellaneous expenses. Prices are not fixed and fluctuate based on demand.
Sunset tickets are a premium product. You pay nearly double the standard rate to see the city transition from day to night. Decide if the change in light is worth the extra cost.
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Prime sunset hours tickets cost almost double the standard entry price.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
The Burj Khalifa (previously known as Burj Dubai prior to inauguration) is a megatall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed by the SOM architectural firm, it is the world's tallest structure, with a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft, or just over half a mile) and a roof height (excluding the antenna, but including a 242.6 m spire) of 828 m (2,717 ft). It has been the tallest building in the world since its complete inauguration in 2011, surpassing Taipei 101, which had held the record since 2004. Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004; the exterior was completed five years later. The primary structure is reinforced concrete. Some of the structural steel for the building was salvaged from the demolished Palace of the Republic in East Berlin. The building was opened in 2010 as part of a new development called Downtown Dubai. It was designed to be the centrepiece of large-scale, mixed-use development. The building became fully operational with the opening of its last major facility in 2011. The building is named after the former president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The United Arab Emirates government provided Dubai with
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Questions people ask
Should I visit during the day or at night?
Daytime provides better visibility of the desert landscape. Night visits show off the city lights and the fountain show below.
Is it worth paying for the higher floors?
The higher levels offer a quieter environment and a different angle. The base observation deck provides the same general view for less money.
Can I see the fountain show from the top?
You can see the fountains from above, but the music is not audible. It is better to watch the show from the ground level after your visit.
Do I need to print my tickets?
Digital tickets on your phone are usually accepted. Have your identification ready as security checks are strict.
Are there restaurants at the top?
There is a lounge and a restaurant on the upper levels. These require separate reservations and have a high minimum spend.