Things to do in Burj Khalifa
Building the world’s tallest skyscraper is never easy, especially when construction is in a desert. The tower faces extremes of wind and temperature due to its height and location, so the architects had to use all of their tricks.
The building is Y-shaped, which allows more window surface but also more stability at its base. Narrowing as it rises, the tower’s “wings” begin to spiral upward, reducing mass and creating less wind resistance. It still moves in high winds, but so slowly that residents don’t notice.
In the blistering heat, Burj Khalifa responds with shiny aluminum and stainless-steel cladding to reflect the sun. Its special glass is also reflective and stops the heat getting in. Fortunately, the immense height is good for ventilation because the air temperature and humidity at the top is lower than at the bottom. Air-conditioning is therefore “sky-sourced”.
The shape of the building is allegedly influenced by the shape of the Hymenocallis flower and also by classic Islamic architecture. Seen from above, or at the base, there are resemblances to the “onion” dome of a mosque.
About Burj Khalifa
Currently the world’s tallest building, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa stands at 828m (2,716ft) – more than 160 stories. The views across the desert to the Persian Gulf are astounding, especially at dawn or sunset, when the spire’s shadow stretches endlessly away.
On entering, you’ll experience a multi-media presentation about the remarkable construction process before zooming skyward in some of the world’s fastest lifts: 10m (33ft) per second. When you emerge at the 124th floor observation deck, you’ll find telescopes to scan the city below. Brave people might step out on to the 360-degree open-air terrace (weather permitting).
If the views make you hungry, that’s no problem. The ground floor is home to Armani/Deli, a branded eating experience offering European flavors and stylish décor that demands a selfie.
Address
Burj Khalifa
1 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Downtown Dubai
Dubai, UAE
Getting there
By car
- Park at Fashion Parking Level LG
By Metro
- Red line F13 and F16: Burj Khalifa station
Our recommendations in Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa tickets: levels 124 and 125
Book your tickets to the Burj Khalifa to ride speedy elevators and visit the tallest building in the world.
Burj Khalifa Floors 124, 125 and Dubai Aquarium tickets
Book your tickets to the Burj Khalifa for a panorama 450 meters in the air and see hundreds of marine creatures at the Dubai Aquarium.
Burj Khalifa fast-track tickets: levels 124, 125 and 148
Discover Dubai from the world's highest skyscraper: take the elevator up to the 148th floor at the Top of the Burj Khalifa and get a different perspective of the city.
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Burj Khalifa tickets and 3-course meal at Rooftop
Book your tickets to At the Top, Burj Khalifa and climb the world's tallest building before a lavish meal with more breathtaking views at The Burj Club, Rooftop.
Burj Khalifa tickets: levels 124 and 125
Book your tickets to the Burj Khalifa to ride speedy elevators and visit the tallest building in the world.
Burj Khalifa Floors 124, 125 and Dubai Aquarium tickets
Book your tickets to the Burj Khalifa for a panorama 450 meters in the air and see hundreds of marine creatures at the Dubai Aquarium.
Burj Khalifa fast-track tickets: levels 124, 125 and 148
Discover Dubai from the world's highest skyscraper: take the elevator up to the 148th floor at the Top of the Burj Khalifa and get a different perspective of the city.
en
Burj Khalifa tickets and 3-course meal at Rooftop
Book your tickets to At the Top, Burj Khalifa and climb the world's tallest building before a lavish meal with more breathtaking views at The Burj Club, Rooftop.
Modern Dubai with Burj Khalifa entry and Al Bayt afternoon tea
Book the At The Top Burj Khalifa with afternoon tea at Al Bayt and get the best panoramic view from the tallest tower in the world.
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Burj Khalifa At the Top tickets with The Cafe
Book your tickets to visit the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa and The Cafe for a signature treat and pastry of the day.
Burj Khalifa Levels 124 and 125 Sunrise Tickets with a Morning Treat
Book the Burj Khalifa sunrise option and enjoy admission to the glass observation deck on the 124th and 125th floor, followed by a complimentary breakfast.
Burj Khalifa and Sky Views combo ticket
Book this combo ticket for At The Top Sky and Sky Views and visit two of the most iconic sites in Dubai especially when you're visiting the city for the first time!
Burj Khalifa tickets and The Lounge 152,153 and 154 Floor Ticket
Book your Burj Khalifa and The Lounge experience and enjoy one of the amazing experiences offered for the day or the evening while getting the best view of the Dubai skyline from the 154th floor.
Burj Khalifa 124 and 125 with KidZania Combo Ticket
Experience the magic of Dubai with this Burj Khalifa 124th and 125th floors and KidZania ticket combo.
Burj Khalifa Levels 124 and 125 Tickets with Souvenir
Book the Burj Khalifa souvenir option and enjoy general admission to the glass observation decks on levels 124 and 125 plus a complimentary souvenir.
Burj Khalifa Tickets Levels 124 and 125 with Audio Guide
Experience Dubai from 450 meters above ground. Enjoy the city lights, a multimedia presentation on Dubai's history, and an audio guide included in your ticket.
How to get there
Burj Khalifa
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Reviews Burj Khalifa
“Taken to a carpet shop wasting our time. Burj khalifia should have been first stop when NOT busy, saving 2 hours of queuing! Trip was fine, but to be honest would have been cheaper, simpler & quicker to do it ourselves on metro or taxi. Just a lot of driving round in circles on a bus. Very little time actually stopped. Completely missed out the 200 year old town bit. Just rushed to the little boats. Whole day was about the queue at Burj, so as I said - why not do that bit first!?????.”
“Its underwhelming even on floor 148. You left alone to view and there is nothing exciting about it. The lift up was sedate I was expecting to feel a whoa bit it was gentle. As a tourist you will have to go as it's the highest building but it's boring. No glass floor to stand on and get the dizzy feeling Why not what a wasted opportunity”
“It was overpriced and overcrowded on top deck no safety for passengers and lots time wasting in queuing”
“The restaurant included in the Burj Khalifa visit serves food not even on par with a fast food joint- the trip to the top was fine but absolutely don't pay to go for the meal afterwards.”