Burj Khalifa At the Top Guide: Tickets, Best Time, Levels 124, 125 and 148

Standing at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and looking up is an experience in itself. At 828 metres, it is the tallest building in the world, so tall that its tip can disappear into the haze on a humid day. Going to the top is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai, and the view from the observation decks, with the city spread out below you, the desert on one side and the sea on the other, is one most visitors never forget.

But there are several ticket types, different levels, time slots that change price through the day, and a few things that can make your visit far smoother. This guide explains everything you need to know before you book Burj Khalifa tickets: the difference between levels 124, 125 and 148, the best time of day to visit, how sunset slots work, how to get there, what to expect inside and how to combine your visit with other attractions nearby.

Burj Khalifa in numbers

Before you go up, a few facts help you appreciate what you are standing in:

The tower was designed with a Y-shaped floor plan inspired by a desert flower, which helps it stand up to the strong winds at height. It houses offices, private residences and a hotel, as well as the observation decks that visitors can book.

Ticket types explained

There are three main ways to experience the views.

At the Top: levels 124 and 125

This is the standard ticket and the one most visitors book. A high-speed elevator takes you to level 124 in about a minute, where you find floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides and an outdoor terrace. A short staircase leads to level 125, which has more viewing areas and interactive displays.

Our Burj Khalifa At the Top (Levels 124 & 125) ticket starts from AED 169 for adults and AED 135 for children in a regular time slot.

At the Top: sunset and prime hours

The same levels at the most popular times of day, around sunset, cost more because demand is higher. If you want to see the city change from daylight to night, this is the slot to choose. Our sunset prime option adds AED 70 per person.

At the Top SKY: level 148

Level 148 is one of the highest observation decks in the world. The SKY ticket includes a lounge with refreshments, a guided experience, an outdoor terrace at around 555 metres, and then access to levels 125 and 124 on the way down. Queues are shorter, the space is quieter, and the experience feels more exclusive. It is the premium choice for couples, special occasions and anyone who wants the highest view. Our level 148 option is available as an upgrade on the same ticket page.

The best time to visit

The view changes dramatically through the day, and so do the crowds and prices.

Morning (opening to about 11 AM)

Mornings are usually the quietest time, with shorter queues and regular prices. The air is often clearer before the midday haze builds, so you can see further, especially in winter. Mornings are ideal for families with young children and anyone who wants a relaxed visit.

Midday and early afternoon

Light is bright and the city looks sharp, but haze can reduce long-distance visibility on humid days. It is a good time if you plan to visit the aquarium or the mall afterwards.

Sunset

The most popular and most expensive time. Watching the sun set over the Arabian Gulf and the city lights come on is spectacular. Book well ahead, arrive early, and expect crowds on the terrace.

Night

After dark, Downtown Dubai turns into a carpet of lights, and you can watch the Dubai Fountain shows from above. Night slots are usually cheaper than sunset and less crowded.

Best season

The clearest views are usually from November to March, when humidity is lower. In summer, haze and humidity can reduce visibility, though the view is still impressive.

What to expect on your visit

Arrival and entrance

The entrance to At the Top is on the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall, near the Dubai Aquarium. Follow the signs for “At the Top Burj Khalifa”. Arrive about 15 to 20 minutes before your time slot to allow for security checks.

Security and exhibition

After a bag check, you walk through a short exhibition about the building’s design and construction, with photos, models and short films. It is worth slowing down here, as it explains how the tower was built in the desert.

The elevator

The double-deck elevator is one of the fastest in the world. Screens inside show a short animation as you rise, and your ears may pop. It takes about a minute to reach level 124.

Levels 124 and 125

You can stay as long as you like within opening hours. Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour at the top. Look for:

• The outdoor terrace on level 124, where you can feel the air and take photos without glass reflections.
• The view of Downtown, with the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera and the Address hotels below.
• The desert to the south and east, stretching to the horizon on clear days.
• The coastline to the west, with Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah visible in good conditions.
• Telescopes and digital displays that show the view at different times of day.

Gift shop and exit

You take the elevator back down and exit through the gift shop into Dubai Mall.

How to get there

Dubai Mall is huge, so allow extra time to walk from your arrival point to the At the Top entrance.

Tips for the best photos

1. Go to the outdoor terrace on level 124 for reflection-free photos.
2. Wear dark clothes if shooting through the glass, to reduce reflections.
3. Press your phone lens against the glass to cut glare.
4. At night, use night mode and hold the phone against the window to keep it steady.
5. Look for the tower’s shadow across the city in the late afternoon, a unique shot.
6. Photograph the Dubai Fountain from above during a show in the evening.

Tripods and large camera equipment may not be allowed, so check before you bring them.

Combining your visit with nearby attractions

The Burj Khalifa sits in the middle of Dubai’s busiest area for visitors, which makes it easy to build a half-day or full day around it.

• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: right next to the At the Top entrance.
• Dubai Ice Rink: inside Dubai Mall, great for families.
• The Dubai Fountain: free shows on the lake outside the mall, usually every half hour in the evening and at lunchtime.
• Museum of the Future: a short drive away on Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Dubai Frame: another landmark with a glass sky bridge and views of old and new Dubai.

A popular plan is the aquarium in the morning, At the Top before lunch, an afternoon rest at your hotel, and the fountain show in the evening. For a full plan, see our 4-day Dubai itinerary for first-time visitors.

Burj Khalifa vs other observation decks

Dubai has several observation points. Here is how they compare:

If you only do one, make it the Burj Khalifa. If you have time for two, add The View at The Palm for a completely different perspective.

Visiting with children

Children usually love the fast elevator and seeing cars like tiny toys far below. Children’s tickets are cheaper, and very young children may enter free. Pushchairs are allowed. A morning slot is best for families, since it is quieter and fits around afternoon naps. Read more family ideas in our guide to things to do in Dubai with family.

Accessibility

At the Top is accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts throughout and accessible restrooms. The staircase between levels 124 and 125 has an alternative route; ask staff on arrival. If you need assistance, tell us when you book and we will pass the details on.

What to wear and bring

There is no strict dress code, but a few practical choices make the visit more comfortable. Dubai Mall is heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer is useful even in summer. Comfortable shoes help, since you may walk a long way through the mall to reach the entrance. Bring your phone fully charged or a small power bank for photos, and sunglasses if you plan to spend time on the outdoor terrace in the afternoon. Large bags are not ideal because of security checks and crowds at the top.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Turning up without a ticket at sunset. Sunset slots sell out, especially in winter and on holidays.
2. Arriving at your slot time. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for security and the walk through the mall.
3. Booking on a very hazy day if views are your priority. Check the weather and visibility the evening before if your plans are flexible.
4. Rushing. There is no time limit once you are up; take your time on the terrace.
5. Forgetting the fountain. Plan your visit so you can watch a fountain show afterwards.

How the Burj Khalifa was built

The story of the tower is almost as impressive as the view. Construction began in 2004 and the building opened in January 2010, after around six years of work involving thousands of engineers and construction workers from dozens of countries. It was named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE.

Building something this tall in the desert brought unusual challenges. The foundations are a massive concrete and steel raft supported by deep piles driven into the ground, designed to carry the enormous weight of the tower. Concrete had to be pumped hundreds of metres up the building, often at night when temperatures were lower so it would set properly. The tower’s stepped, spiralling shape is not just for looks; it breaks up the wind as it flows around the building, reducing the swaying that very tall towers experience.

The exterior is covered in thousands of glass and metal panels designed to reflect the intense desert sun. Cleaning them is a job in itself: specialist teams on cranes and gondolas take months to clean the whole facade. At the top, the spire adds significant height and houses communication equipment.

When it opened, the tower broke several world records at once, including tallest building, highest occupied floor and highest outdoor observation deck at the time. It quickly became the symbol of modern Dubai.

Eating and drinking at the top

If you want to make your visit into a special occasion, the tower is home to several high-altitude restaurants and lounges. The most famous is At.mosphere on level 122, a fine-dining restaurant and lounge with views over the city. Booking is essential and a smart dress code applies. Afternoon tea and evening drinks are popular ways to enjoy the view in comfort without committing to a full dinner.

The level 148 SKY ticket includes refreshments in its lounge, which is a more affordable way to enjoy a drink with a view. At ground level, Dubai Mall and the surrounding Downtown area have hundreds of restaurants and cafés, many with terraces facing the fountain and the tower.

Exploring Downtown Dubai around the tower

The Burj Khalifa sits at the heart of Downtown Dubai, a district designed around the tower, the lake and the mall. It is worth exploring on foot, especially in the cooler months.

• The Dubai Fountain: a huge choreographed fountain on the Burj Lake, with jets that shoot water high into the air in time with music. Shows usually run at lunchtime and every half hour in the evening, and they are free to watch from the promenade.
• Dubai Opera: a striking building shaped like a traditional dhow, hosting concerts, ballet and shows.
• Souk Al Bahar: an Arabian-style market and dining area across the lake, with views of the fountain.
• Boulevard: a wide avenue lined with cafés, hotels and residential towers, popular for evening walks.
• Dubai Mall: one of the largest shopping centres in the world, home to the aquarium, an ice rink, a cinema and countless shops.

For a guided overview of the city, the Full Day Explore Dubai Tour combines old Dubai, the Dubai Frame and the Downtown area in one day.

Is the Burj Khalifa worth it?

For most visitors, yes. Even people who have been up other tall buildings around the world find the scale of the view over Dubai remarkable. The standard At the Top ticket is good value for a once-in-a-trip experience, and a morning slot keeps the cost down. If you are celebrating a special occasion or want a quieter experience, the level 148 SKY ticket is worth the upgrade.

Planning your trip

The Burj Khalifa is included in our Dubai 4 Nights Holiday Package, alongside a city tour, a desert safari and a Marina dhow dinner. You can also add a ticket to the Full Day Explore Dubai Tour. Browse all attraction tickets to build your own plan.

A sample Downtown day

If you want to make the most of a day in this part of the city, here is a simple plan that works well for most visitors:

1. 9:30 AM: arrive at Dubai Mall and visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo while it is quiet.
2. 11:00 AM: go up the Burj Khalifa on a morning At the Top slot, when views are often clearest.
3. 12:30 PM: lunch in the mall or on the Boulevard, then watch the lunchtime fountain show.
4. 2:00 PM: head back to your hotel for a rest or a swim during the hottest part of the day.
5. 6:30 PM: return to Downtown for the evening fountain shows and a walk around Souk Al Bahar.
6. 8:00 PM: dinner with a view of the tower lit up at night.

In winter you can spend more time outdoors; in summer, keep the middle of the day indoors. If you prefer someone else to handle the driving, book a private car with driver for the day.

Booking with Horizon Heights Travel

Booking your Burj Khalifa ticket with us is quick. Choose your date and time slot on the ticket page, select regular, sunset or level 148, and add a return transfer if you need one. Your e-ticket is sent on WhatsApp, and our team is available if you need to change your date. Visit our help page for details on changes and cancellations.

Frequently asked questions