You should include a trip to Burj Khalifa if you’re planning a holiday to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Burj is the Arabic word for ‘tower’ and Burj Khalifa, written as برج خليفة was once known as Burj Dubai. It is the world’s tallest skyscraper. Standing at 828 meters (2,716.54 feet) tall, this needle-shaped building was part of a 1.5 billion USD project and was officially unveiled by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in January 2010. It took six years to complete and is three times as tall as the well-known Eiffel Tower in Paris. Some of the records it has set in the world include the highest number of stories, the highest outdoor observation deck, and the highest swimming pool in a building, located on Level 76. We can’t wait to unravel more about the tallest structure in the world, plus a guide for things to do, eat, and buy, as well as some travel tips for you! Without further ado, here is a guide to Burj Khalifa.
Things to do
Once you’ve arrived, you’ve definitely got to look into these highlights or things to do. If you’re ready for the treat of the year or you want to pamper yourself for all the hard work you’ve been doing, then check in to the world’s first hotel designed by Italian luxury fashion founder, Giorgio Armani.
Armani Hotel Dubai
This accommodation is located on the 39th floor of Burj Khalifa and it boasts lush grey interiors, extravagant fabrics, and Japanese wooden floors.
Armani Residences
Those looking for a more permanent stay can try out the Armani Residences located on levels 9 to 16.
At the Top
Being at the world’s tallest building means that you need to feed your Instagram profile with some stunning city views. You can do so at At The Top, spread out across levels 124, 125, and 148. Spot and admire some works of art by Middle Eastern and international artists while you check out the interior and admire the surrounding boulevard from inside Burj Khalifa.
Traveler's tips
📍Dubai, UAE
Behold the famous Burj Khalifa in the frame. I haven’t been to Europe parts yet, but Dubai has been by far the most magnificent city I visited! So many stores, kiosks, towering buildings, and people! The number of spices in sacks and buckets, multicolored handwoven fabrics, glittering gold, and ambrosial perfumes from souks one can see is simply overwhelming! 🫣 Additionally, the Al Baik Chicken here from Dubai Mall is a must-try! — non-greasy, crispy, juicy chicken and it's served with the best garlic sauce! 🤤 (When I visited it two years ago, it had been recently opened, so the queue was tiring. I wonder if it's still the same now.)
It's your turn! Please share your pictures with us, and let’s travel across the globe with your photos as a bridge! 📸
What to eat (from USD 799.0)
The Lounge
Visit the world’s highest lounge that is 585 meters (1919.29 feet) above ground. Located on levels 152 to 154, savour some Arabic tea, coffee, and other delights, or sip on a glass of house beverage as you groove to live music. This lounge overlooks the skyline of Dubai and provides a great view in the evening.
Asma at the Dubai Mall
Visit the Dubai Mall located just around the corner to have a hearty meal. Asma restaurant is on the first floor and is one to look out for. Owned by three Emirati sisters, expect a fusion of traditional food with contemporary touches. Some of the must-try dishes include shakshuka, a delicious stew commonly found in both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer
Duration: 3.0 hour
Things to buy
As with most trips, a holiday wouldn’t be complete without souvenirs. After a wholesome meal, walk off the calories while you hunt for some of Dubai’s best local products. Refer to this directory if you need help locating some souvenir shops at the Dubai Mall.
Camel milk chocolate and dates
We recommend taking back some camel milk chocolate stamped with Made in Dubai and sweet dates for siblings and friends who smile at the sight of food.
Pashmina shawls and Arabic attars
For the lovely women in your life, bag some authentic pashmina shawls or Arabic attars. Attar refers to essential oils derived from plant sources, and they are entirely alcohol-free. Choose a scent they won’t forget!
Travel tips
Meet locals
Do you want a memory specific to Dubai? If that’s your travelling style, there’s no other way than to meet locals. Best of all, you have the option to share a meal with them. As part of an initiative for people to understand the Dubai way of life, Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, has set up a cultural understanding programme allowing foreigners the opportunity to dine with an Emirati family! You can opt for breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, and even a private cultural meal setting for big groups of 10. Hop over to their website to find out more.
Check the Islamic calendar
Of course, before you book that plane ticket, check the Islamic calendar to see that the dates don’t overlap with any of the city’s religious dates, as many restaurants may shut down during this time.
How to get there
Rent a car
For those who plan to rent a car and drive, Burj Khalifa is located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
Taxi
You can get there the easy way by hailing a taxi off the streets or arranging for a taxi pick-up at +971 4 208 0808.
Uber or Careem
App-savvy peeps can choose to use Uber or Careem to book a ride.
Dubai Metro
For those who prefer taking the subway, take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and walk to the attraction via Dubai Mall. Metro tickets can be purchased in the form of a Nol card that you can also use to pay for your taxi, bus, and tram rides.
How to get tickets (from USD 48.74)
You can get your tickets from a third-party website or the official website, and there are a couple of available packages. If your aim is to head to the top, with access to level 148 and the outdoor terrace, the price starts from 370 AED (100 USD). The package also grants you entry to the SKY lounge where you can enjoy complimentary refreshments. Do note that the price can go up to 533 AED (145 USD) if you are entering between 9:30 am to 6 pm. It’s also good to be aware that the price is subject to a 5 AED (1.36 USD) booking fee and 5% VAT.
Infants below the age of four can enter free with a paid adult ticket. You can book up to 90 days in advance, and we recommend that you book as soon as you can since there are limited slots per day. Peak time slots are usually at 5 pm, as people like to enter during that period to catch the Instagram-worthy sunset. Do plan ahead if you’re going to snap some pictures of the golden hour and expect queues that take up to two hours.
Dubai: Burj Khalifa Level 124 and 125 Entry Ticket
Duration: 1.5 hour
Burj Khalifa information
Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening hours: 9:30am - 11pm (daily)
Official website: Burj Khalifa
Department of tourism: Visit Dubai
News & updates for Burj Khalifa: Burj Khalifa lights up red in solidarity with China over coronavirus | Dubai’s Emaar to sell view from world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa
History
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