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 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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Dubai fountain show and lake ride by traditional boat
Book your tickets for the Dubai fountain show and lake ride by traditional boat to get front-row seats to the best show in town.
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 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
At The Top Burj Khalifa entrance with afternoon tea at Al Bayt
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 with lunch at Armani
Enjoy your Burj Khalifa At the Top with lunch at Armani and enjoy the spectacular view of Dubai and relax having lunch at the well known Armani restaurant.
en
Dubai fountain show and lake ride by traditional boat
Book your tickets for the Dubai fountain show and lake ride by traditional boat to get front-row seats to the best show in town.
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.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk show tickets
Enjoy the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk tickets and see a fantastic water show with lots of fun and colors.
Burj Khalifa Atmosphere Restaurant dining and Dubai by night
Enjoy dinner at the Atmosphere restaurant in Burj Khalifa and a Dubai by night experience.
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Evening Dubai city tour and Burj Khalifa ticket
Book your evening Dubai city tour and Burj Khalifa ticket and see the city illuminated with panoramic views from the world's tallest building.
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World audio guide with TravelMate app
Make the most of your time in 33 cities around the world with this TravelMate app on your smartphone. Listen to detailed audio commentaries in your language.
en, it, fr, es, de, +2 ru, zh
Dubai full day with Burj Khalifa
Immerse yourselves in an enriching guided tour with different stops and learn about how a modest fishing village at the Dubai Creek was transformed into a city hub of beautiful skylines and rich culture.
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Private layover city tour of Dubai with Burj Khalifa tickets
Having a layover in Dubai? Have a customized personal tour of the city!
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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”
“Too pricey for what it was and not organised properly on and off the boat . We could have seen it better on embankment and no charge to pay .”
“It was overpriced and overcrowded on top deck no safety for passengers and lots time wasting in queuing”
