There are many skyscrapers around the world with viewing platforms. But there can only be one that is the tallest. Dubai‘s Burj Khalifa is the tallest skyscraper in the world and home to three different viewing platforms. Each of the three experiences is different. The higher you go into the tower, the more luxurious it gets.
In this post, we explore all three experiences at Burj Khalifa. We explain what it is like to go to At The Top, At the Top SKY, and the world’s highest lounge. We can also recommend reading about how to skip the line at Burj Khalifa and how to buy favorable tickets.
Burj Khalifa At The Top is a viewing platform on levels 124 and 125 of the world’s largest building. By going to At The Top, you experience being in the world’s tallest skyscraper. At The Top, you will enjoy a magnificent view of all of Dubai. Meanwhile, at the World’s Highest Lounge, you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience unlike any other skyscraper can ever offer.
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Burj Khalifa At the Top versus At The Top SKY
The regular viewing platform of Burj Khalifa can be found on the 124th and 125th floors. Buying access to these floors is the ‘regular experience.’ This is where most tourists will go and where you can find the biggest crowds. It is a fantastic and unrivaled experience in Dubai or at most other skyscrapers.
But much like Dubai, there is always a more premium experience. For those who want to experience Burj Khalifa in a more private setting that includes lounge access, you can go further up the building: At The Top SKY on the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa.
At The Top SKY is the highest viewing platform in the world! Burj Khalifa At the Top SKY allows you to go even higher in the building. At Burj Khalifa SKY, you will travel up to the 148th floor of the building.
At The Top SKY is a premium experience at Burj Khalifa. It is the VIP ticket at the world’s tallest tower. If your ticket includes the 148th floor, you will be greeted by a guest ambassador and enjoy complimentary refreshments at the SKY lounge.
Tickets to Burj Khalifa At the Top SKY tickets starts at AED 399 and includes unlimited time at levels 124/125.
All the different Burj Khalifa levels, tickets, and experiences
At The Top
Level 124, 125- 456 meters (1,496 ft)
- 360-degree view of Dubai
- Includes virtual reality experience
At the Top SKY
Level 148- 555 meters (1,820 ft)
- Premium experience
- Includes Level 124, 125 access
- Lounge access with complimentary refreshments
The World's Highest Lounge
Level 153, 154, 155- 585m meters (1,919 ft)
- VIP
- Outdoor terrace
- Breakfast, afternoon tea, or a ‘bubbly sunset experience’
Burj Khalifa has multiple viewing platforms. Each level has its own experience. The higher you go, the more exclusive and luxurious it gets. The most commonly visited viewing
platform at Burj Khalifa is named ‘At The Top.’ At The Top is situated on the 124th and 125th floor. If you want a more luxurious experience, you can go to level 148, where you can visit At The Top Sky: Burj Khalifa’s premium experience that includes refreshments.
For the ultimate Burj Khalifa Experience, you must go further up in the skyscraper. The World’s Highest Lounge can be found on levels 153, 154, and 155. If you book this experience, you will be treated as a VIP. You will enjoy breakfast and high tea, or you can enjoy champagne during sunset.
At The Top SKY versus 'The World's Highest Lounge'
While At The Top SKY is the highest viewing platform, you can go further up in the Burj Khalifa. The World’s Highest Lounge is the actual world’s most elevated viewing platform. But because it offers a much more premium experience than ‘just a viewing platform,’ it is transformed into a lounge. As a result, Burj Khalifa hosts the world’s highest viewing platform and the world’s highest lounge.
Burj Khalifa’s The World’s Highest Lounge is the absolute premium experience at Burj Khalifa. It will not get better (or higher) than this. You can enjoy breakfast, high tea, or champagne during sunset. The experience is unlike anything else and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that isn’t for everyone.
How long does a visit to Burj Khalifa take?
According to the official website of At the Top, the average time to visit is about one and a half hours. Of course, you can stay as long as you want on levels 124/125.
Those going to Burj Khalifa SKY at level 148 is limited in time: they can stay on the 148th level for 30-45 minutes. After that, you can remain unlimited time at levels 124/125.
The best time to visit Burj Khalifa for sunset
Sunset in Dubai starts (twilight) between 17:30 in December to 19:15 in June. You can check the exact sunset times on this handy website. Suppose you want to experience sunset while visiting Burj Khalifa At the Top. In that case, arriving at least 90 minutes before the sun goes down is recommended. Of course, you can expect larger-than-average crowds during these hours.
What is the best time to visit Burj Khalifa to avoid crowds?
If you want to visit Burj Khalifa, without the crowds, we recommend planning a visit in the morning. Things are usually busier in the early after, and it gets busiest around sunset (5PM-8PM). Weekend days, especially Sundays, are more crowded than regular days. Monday and Tuesday see the lowest crowds.
The best time of the year to visit Burj Khalifa is during the hot summer months. Fewer tourists visit the UAE during these months due to the high temperatures.
Burj Khalifa Ticket Offers
Burj Khalifa tickets usually don’t go on sale. There are no Burj Khalifa Ticket Offers. The best way to get affordable access to At the Top is by buying timeslots in the morning. These timeslots are considerably cheaper than tickets for a visit in the afternoon. As an added benefit, this is also the best way to avoid crowds at Burj Khalifa.
Burj Khalifa Opening Hours
Burj Khalifa At the Top opens every morning at 9 AM and closes at 11 PM.
Where is the entrance to Burj Khalifa At the Top?
Some people find the entrance to Burj Khalifa At the Top difficult to locate. It is inside the Dubai Mall. You can find the entrance on the ground floor next to the food court near McDonald’s. In other words, you can find the entry at the Burj Khalifa lower ground floor on the left of the official building entrance. Follow the signs to “At The Top.”
Comparing all the different Burj Khalifa Tickets
Level | Altitude | Name | Details | Costs |
124,125 | 456 meters (1,496 ft) | Burj Khalifa At The Top | · 360-degree view of Dubai · Includes virtual reality experience. | From 169 AED |
148 | 555 meters (1,820 ft) | Burj Khalifa At The Top SKY | · The world’s highest viewing platform. · Premium experience. · Includes SKY lounge access with complimentary refreshments | From 399 AED |
153,154,155 | 585m meters (1,919 ft) | World’s highest lounge | · VIP experience · Outdoor terrace · Includes breakfast, afternoon tea, or a ‘bubbly sunset experience’ | From AED 769 |
Why we don't recommend buying tickets directly at Burj Khalifa's Ticket Office
When it comes to purchasing tickets for Burj Khalifa, it is important to consider all of your options. While it may be tempting to purchase tickets directly from the ticket office at the tower, there are several reasons why this may not be the best choice. Here are a few reasons why we don’t recommend buying tickets directly from the Burj Khalifa ticket office:
Non-refundable tickets: If your plans change and you need to cancel or modify your tickets, you may be out of luck if you purchased them directly from the ticket office. Many tickets purchased directly through the ticket office are non-refundable, meaning that you will not be able to get your money back if you are unable to visit the tower.
Limited ticket options: The Burj Khalifa ticket office may only offer a limited selection of tickets, which means that you may not be able to find the perfect ticket option for your needs. This can be frustrating if you are looking for a specific ticket type or experience.
Inconvenient ticketing process: Purchasing tickets directly from the ticket office can be a time-consuming and inconvenient process. You may have to wait in long lines to purchase tickets, and the ticketing process itself may not be as streamlined as other options.
Better terms and conditions: If you purchase tickets through a reputable reseller like GetYourGuide, you may have more favorable terms and conditions. For example, GetYourGuide allows travelers to cancel their tickets up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty, which can provide peace of mind and flexibility in case your plans change.
Overall, while it may be tempting to purchase tickets directly from the Burj Khalifa ticket office, there are several reasons why this may not be the best choice. To ensure that you have the best ticketing experience and the most flexible and convenient options, we recommend considering alternative options like purchasing tickets through GetYourGuide.
