Burj Khalifa Dubai

The Burj Khalifa, the World's Tallest Building

Opened in January 2010, the Burj Khalifa rises 828 metres above Downtown Dubai and has held the title of the world's tallest building ever since. Its Y-shaped plan, inspired by the petals of a desert flower, steps back as it climbs, which reduces the force of the wind and gives the tower its elegant, needle-like silhouette.

The tower mixes residences, offices and a hotel, but for most visitors the reason to come is the view. Many people ask whether the Burj Khalifa is worth visiting: seeing the Gulf coastline, the Palm and the desert all at once from this height is an experience no other building offers.

The Observation Decks on Levels 124 and 125

Your ticket gives access to Levels 124 and 125, about 450 metres above the ground. One of the fastest lifts in the world carries you up in around a minute, while a short multimedia presentation on the way tells the story of the tower's construction. At the top, floor-to-ceiling glass and an open-air terrace on Level 124 give you views in every direction.

Digital telescopes help you pick out landmarks such as the Dubai Fountain, the Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab. The best time to visit the Burj Khalifa is late afternoon, so you see the city by day, at sunset and lit up at night; sunset slots are the most popular, so book them early. Plan around 60 to 90 minutes at the top.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Views

The recommended combo adds the Dubai Aquarium, located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall, a short walk from the Burj Khalifa entrance. Its huge tank holds about ten million litres of water and thousands of marine animals, including sand tiger sharks, stingrays and large schools of tropical fish.

With your ticket you walk through the 48-metre tunnel under the tank, where sharks and rays glide just above your head. Dubai Aquarium tickets are a favourite with children, so the combo is an excellent choice for families. Allow about an hour, and visit before or after your time slot at the top.

The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain

The entrance to the observation decks is on the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment centres in the world. If you are wondering how to get to the Burj Khalifa, take the Dubai Metro red line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and follow the covered walkway, or arrive by taxi at the mall entrance.

Outside, on Burj Lake, the Dubai Fountain performs choreographed water shows to music at set times in the early afternoon and every half hour in the evening, free to watch from the promenade. Combining the fountain show with your visit to the top makes a complete Downtown Dubai evening.