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Rising above the clouds, Burj Khalifa is a reminder that there are no limits to human ambition and imagination.
Burj Khalifa: general information
Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world – it is a symbol of human ambition and engineering mastery. Located in the heart of Dubai, this skyscraper, with a height of 828 meters, not only dominates the city skyline but is also a central magnet for visitors from all over the globe. Burj Khalifa is more than an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of the development and progress of the United Arab Emirates.
Burj Khalifa was designed by the American architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Its unique appearance was inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis and by traditional Islamic architecture. The building has 163 floors, including two underground levels. At the top there is an observation deck that offers breathtaking views over the city.
The interior of Burj Khalifa impresses with its luxury and refinement. The lobby and elevators are decorated with traditional patterns and elements that reflect the region’s rich culture. Across different floors you will find offices, luxury apartments, hotels and world-class restaurants. Every interior detail is designed to complement the building’s grandeur and uniqueness.
Tallest building in the world
Burj Khalifa rises 828 meters high and includes 163 floors with underground levels and observation decks that reveal spectacular views of Dubai.
Iconic design and interiors
The architecture is inspired by the Hymenocallis desert flower and Islamic motifs, while the interiors combine marble, metal and decor details that highlight the cultural identity of the region.
A vertical city
Inside Burj Khalifa you will find offices, luxury apartments, the Armani Hotel and top-tier restaurants – a true vertical city inside a single building.
Accessible for every traveler
The observation deck is open to visitors, with tickets typically starting from around 35–40 euro, while Dubai holiday packages can include 7 nights with flights and transfers.
Dubai Mall & Musical Fountain
Right next door are the giant Dubai Mall and the famous musical fountain – you can easily spend an entire day in the area without moving far from the tower.
How the tower was built and what makes it unique
Burj Khalifa, the world’s most famous skyscraper, located in Dubai, is a symbol of innovative construction and architectural excellence. Construction began in 2004 and involved around 12,000 workers, mainly from India and Southeast Asia, who worked in challenging conditions and for low wages. The building was specifically engineered to withstand extreme desert temperatures reaching up to +50 °C, and its asymmetrical form reduces wind loads and prevents excessive swaying.
The official opening of Burj Khalifa took place in 2010, with the project costing around 1.5 billion US dollars. Initially the tower was called Burj Dubai, but it was later renamed in honor of the UAE president, Sheikh Khalifa. A key feature is the use of tinted, thermally insulated glass panels that reduce heat inside the building – which is critical in Dubai’s climate.
Another unique feature is the water collection system: Burj Khalifa is equipped with an innovative condensate collection system that gathers up to 40 million liters of water annually. This water is used to irrigate the lush landscaping around the complex – an important element of sustainability in a harsh desert environment.
The tip of Burj Khalifa
How to stay at or near Burj Khalifa
If you want to stay right in the heart of Dubai, Burj Khalifa offers luxury apartments and office spaces, as well as the famous Armani Hotel, which occupies 11 floors. The hotel’s design was created by Giorgio Armani himself, and room rates start at about 215 euro per person per night in low season and can reach up to 2,000 euro per night during New Year’s Eve.
If you prefer more budget-friendly options, Dubai offers last-minute packages that include 7 nights of holiday with flights and transfers starting from just 620 euro . This way you can enjoy Dubai’s highlights without spending a fortune on accommodation.
No matter where you stay in Dubai, visiting Burj Khalifa is within reach for everyone. The 125th floor observation deck is open to all visitors and lets you see Dubai from a true bird’s-eye perspective. Tickets can be purchased on site or booked online in advance, with prices usually starting from around 35–40 euro.
Do not forget to visit the musical fountain in front of Burj Khalifa, one of the most popular and spectacular shows in the city. Watching the fountain performance is completely free – and the impressions will stay with you for a long time.
What to do at Burj Khalifa
Unrivalled views
Visit the observation deck on the 125th floor of Burj Khalifa to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai. It is the perfect place for photos and impressive videos, with the city unfolding beneath you from an incredible height.
Hedonism in Armani style
Treat yourself to refined cuisine in the Armani Hotel restaurants located inside Burj Khalifa. Their design is created by Giorgio Armani, and the menus offer a variety of culinary highlights reflecting Dubai’s culture and flavors.
Shopping and entertainment
Explore the many shops and boutiques in the shopping centre that is part of the Burj Khalifa complex. Here you will find global brands, local products and a wide range of cafés and restaurants.
The musical fountain
Do not miss the spectacular musical fountain show in front of Burj Khalifa. This free performance combines water, music and light, creating truly unforgettable moments.
Musical fountain by Burj Khalifa
Reasons to visit Burj Khalifa
LUXURY SHOPPING
Burj Khalifa and the surrounding complex host luxury boutiques offering exclusive brands and premium products.
PANORAMIC VIEWS
From the observation deck you get incredible views over the urban oasis and the desert – the perfect backdrop for photos.
ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Burj Khalifa is the pinnacle of modern architecture and engineering – a must-see for anyone fascinated by groundbreaking design.
NIGHTLIFE VIBES
Trendy bars and clubs near the skyscraper immerse you in Dubai’s vibrant nightlife right after your visit to the tower.
Burj Khalifa is a flawless combination of architectural innovation, luxury and cultural diversity, which makes it an attractive destination for both families and urban adventure seekers. Its striking silhouette and multi-layered infrastructure attract travelers from all over the world who are eager to experience Dubai’s hospitality and the impressive blend of technology and design. As the crowning achievement of Dubai’s skyline, Burj Khalifa is rightfully considered a unique place for those who want to witness the grandeur of one of the most famous buildings on the planet.
1-day itinerary around Burj Khalifa
Morning: arrive early in Downtown Dubai to stroll calmly around Burj Khalifa and step into Dubai Mall before it gets too busy. On the way you can have breakfast at a café with a direct view of the tower.
Late morning: head up to the observation deck on floors 124–125. Allow time for the elevator ride, possible queues, walking around and taking photos – on average from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Daytime: after coming down, continue exploring Dubai Mall, visit the aquarium and have lunch in a restaurant with panoramic windows overlooking the fountain or the skyscraper.
Early evening: return to the fountain promenade to see the city lights switch on against the darkening sky with the illuminated tower as a backdrop.
Night: end the day by watching a few fountain shows and enjoying dinner at one of the restaurants in the complex or at the Armani Hotel – a perfect way to wrap up the experience.
2-day itinerary: Burj Khalifa and surroundings
Day 1: devote this day to the observation deck and Downtown Dubai. In the morning, go up Burj Khalifa; around midday, enjoy shopping and entertainment in Dubai Mall; in the evening, watch the fountain show and have dinner with views of the skyscraper.
Day 2 (morning and afternoon): add a few more iconic experiences – choose a desert safari, a walk through Dubai’s historic quarters or a beach visit. In the evening, return to the Burj Khalifa area to see the fountains from a different angle or dine at another restaurant in the complex.
This slower pace allows you to experience Burj Khalifa at different times of day and combine your visit with other must-see attractions in Dubai.
How to get to Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is located in central Dubai, in the Downtown Dubai area. Most travelers arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB), from where you can reach the skyscraper by taxi or metro.
By metro, the easiest way is to ride the red line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and then follow the air-conditioned walkway to the mall, keeping an eye on the signs to the fountain and tower exits. Taxis from the airport can drop you directly at the Dubai Mall entrance or the Armani Hotel.
The best time to visit is usually between October and April, when the weather is milder and outdoor walks are more comfortable. In summer, temperatures may climb up to +50 °C, so it is important to plan your visit for early morning or evening hours and take breaks inside the air-conditioned mall.
If you travel on a package tour, transfers are often included: buses and minibuses drop guests at their hotels or directly at Dubai Mall, from where Burj Khalifa is just a short walk away.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Burj Khalifa
Where is Burj Khalifa located?
The skyscraper is in central Dubai, in the Downtown Dubai district, next to Dubai Mall and the musical fountain.
How tall is Burj Khalifa?
The tower is 828 meters tall and has 163 floors, including technical and underground levels.
Up to which floor can visitors go?
Most tickets are for the observation decks on floors 124–125, and separate tickets are available for the At the Top SKY experience on the 148th floor.
How much do Burj Khalifa tickets cost?
In this article we mention that prices usually start from about 35–40 euro per person. The exact cost depends on time of day and ticket type, so it is best to check up-to-date prices when booking online.
Should I book tickets in advance?
During high season and around sunset it is strongly recommended to book tickets online in advance – this increases your chances of getting your preferred time slot and often a better price than walk-up tickets.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Normally you should allow between 1.5 and 3 hours for the elevator ride, possible queues, walking around the deck and taking photos.
Is the visit suitable for children?
Yes, Burj Khalifa is suitable for families with children: elevators are fast and safe, and there are toilets and cafés. Very young children may find it a bit crowded and noisy at peak times.
What is the best time of day to go up?
Popular options are early morning, when queues are shorter, and sunset, when the city looks especially beautiful. In the evening you can also watch the fountain shows from above.
Is there a dress code for visiting?
There is no strict dress code, but it is best to wear modest and neat clothing, especially if you plan to dine at a restaurant or visit the Armani Hotel.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
As a rule, full meals and drinks may not be taken up to the observation decks. There are cafés and restaurants inside where you can eat and drink.
When does the musical fountain show take place?
The fountain show runs several times in the evening, usually at intervals of around 30 minutes. The exact schedule should be checked on Dubai’s official resources or on site.
Do I have to stay at the Armani Hotel to visit Burj Khalifa?
No, the observation decks and the surrounding area are open regardless of where you stay. Armani Hotel is just one of several accommodation options within the tower.
