More than just a view: Things to do in Burj Khalifa
Dubai, a renowned city for its luxurious lifestyle and endless entertainment options, boasts the iconic Burj Khalifa. While many admire its towering height as the world’s tallest building, few realize the hidden gem of entertainment within. If you are unsure about the things to do in Burj Khalifa, discover the exciting world of fun and activities that await you inside the megastructure!
A Little About the ‘Centre of Now’
Towering over the magnificent city of Dubai, Burj Khalifa is a sight to behold. With its enormous size and awe-inspiring form, this mega skyscraper charms locals and foreigners alike. The tallest building in the world is one of those things you see only in Dubai, and people always swarm towards it.
Regarding some facts and figures, Burj Khalif is located in Downtown Dubai and three times the height of the Eiffel Tower! Its immense height is so impressive that it can be seen from over 60 miles on a clear day. Designed to withstand the heat of Dubai’s summers, the building is clad in 26,000 glass panels.
Originally named “Burj Dubai,” it was later renamed in honour of the UAE’s second president, the Late His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. Furthermore, this architectural masterpiece holds numerous world records, including:
- Tallest building in the world
- The highest outdoor observation deck in the world
- Tallest free-standing structure in the world
- Highest number of stories in the world
- Tallest service elevator in the world
- Highest occupied floor in the world
- Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
A List of Things to Do in Burj Khalifa
At The Top, Burj Khalifa
At The Top observation deck is located on the 124th and 125th floors. On the 124th floor, experience the world’s fastest double-decker elevators, reaching speeds of 10 meters per second. You can also enjoy breathtaking views through cutting-edge, high-powered telescopes or step out onto the open-air observation terrace and be captivated by the ever-expanding Dubai skyline.
At an astonishing 456 metres, Level 125 offers a spacious outdoor deck adorned with elegant Arabic mashrabiya screens, providing panoramic city views. Book a ticket to this floor to capture unforgettable memories of your Burj Khalifa visit with green screen photography that seamlessly blends reality and special effects.
While on level 125, enjoy a virtual reality journey to the top of the tower. If you are open to new experiences, try standing on a glass floor that appears to crack beneath your feet, creating a thrilling sensation while exploring the dizzying heights of 456 metres!
The Lounge, Burj Khalifa
One of the first things to do in Burj Khalifa is to take elevators to The Lounge. Step into a world of luxury and elegance at the new Bar Lounge, perched 575 metres high in the Burj Khalifa. This sophisticated space, spread across three floors, combines a bar, lounge and concert hall.
If you want to truly appreciate Dubai’s beauty, the view of the sunset from the terrace is mesmerising. The Armani Hotel’s impeccable service, delicious food and captivating entertainment create an unforgettable experience.
SKY Lounge
Almost 555 metres high above the ground, the SKY luxury lounge offers an exclusive experience on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa. The lounge opened its doors in January 2010.
Book a guided tour to explore this extraordinary vantage point. Usually, the tour of this floor lasts 30 minutes long, providing a more intimate experience with fewer crowds.
Relax at the Burj Club
Are you still wondering what to do in Burj Khalifa? The Burj Club is what you are looking for. The club has a world-class gym, spa and rooftop area that offers a perfect blend of luxury, recreation and fitness. The gym has introduced various fitness concepts and classes, including H.I.I.T, Functional Fit and Rhythm Ride.
Moreover, there is an exclusive level for ladies, including a luxurious spa and a well-appointed gym. The Rooftop is a secluded part of Burj Khalifa, exuding a Miami-meets-Manhattan vibe. Dine there, swim in the pool or lounge away in the outdoor ambience with some shisha – it’s up to you. Burj Club is also a great place to enjoy a few drinks during happy hour with your friends!
Please note that the club can be accessed through membership or day passes as required.
Dine at the Top of the World!
Trying out the excellent, top-notch restaurants is also one of the things to do in Burj Khalifa. The skyscraper is known for the lavish lifestyle it promotes. While the Burj Khalifa residences fill your heart’s desire for luxury, the restaurants in Burj Khalifa take your taste buds on an adventure of exemplary taste and culinary excellence.
Just in case you’re wondering which restaurants to try, here’s the list:
At.Mosphere
If you want to impress your significant other, take them to At.mosphere. A location on the 122nd floor of the mighty Burj makes At.mosphere one of the highest restaurants in the world and secures its place on our list of the best Dubai Fountain view restaurants in Downtown Dubai. An extensive selection of breakfast options, light lunches and dinner service make it a perfect stop after touring the city.
- Cuisine: Exclusive fine dining
- Located: Level 122
- Timings: Daily, 12:00 pm – 04:00 pm and 05:30 pm – 12:00 am (restaurant) | Daily, 07:00 am – 04:00 pm and 05:30 pm – 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-4-888-3828
Nevertheless, there’s no shortage of fine dining venues at the tower. The Armani Hotel features top-rated restaurants that serve cuisines from around the world. You can try delicious main courses and delectable delicacies at these top restaurants in Burj Khalifa.
- Lounge
- Ristorante
- Hashi
- Deli
- Amal
- Mediterraneo
All Armani Hotel restaurants in Burj Khalifa can be contacted at +971-4-888-3666.
Top Attractions Near Burj Khalifa
If you have exhausted all the options on the list of things to do at Burj Khalifa and are still thinking about what to do in Burj Khalifa, here’s more.
From enjoying a dancing fountain to going on a shopping spree, the nearby Burj Khalifa attraction might take up your whole day. So, without further ado, let’s start with the extended list of activities in Burj Khalifa!
Dance to the Tunes
Imagine standing in the heart of Dubai, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and bustling crowds. As the sun begins to set, a magical transformation takes place. A massive fountain, the size of two football fields, springs to life. Its powerful jets of water dance to a symphony of lights and music, creating a breathtaking spectacle unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
This is the Dubai Fountain, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Dubai and will leave you in awe!
Shop Till You Drop at Dubai Mall!
While Dubai Mall isn’t inside the Burj Khalifa, it’s like the front door to this incredible skyscraper. One of the ways to enter the megastructure is by passing through this bustling shopping centre.
Opened in 2008, the mall is a maze of over 1,200 stores and is easier to commute to because it’s connected to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
One of the most incredible things about the mall is the fountain at one end. It looks like someone’s diving headfirst into a giant pool of water, and the effect is mesmerising. There’s also a massive ice rink where they even play hockey games! But don’t worry. Regular folks can skate there, too!
Enjoy Fireworks on the New Year
New Year’s Eve celebrations are always special, but Burj Khalifa takes it to a new level! People flock to the area early to secure the best spots and avoid the last-minute rush. The anticipation is palpable as you witness the dazzling fireworks, light shows and world-class entertainment.
Moreover, there are various options to enjoy the festivities: Book tickets for Burj Park, reserve a table at a nearby restaurant, watch from Emaar residences or hotels or arrive at Dubai Mall hours in advance to enjoy the show for free!
Celebrate Special Moments From Around the World
Another exciting thing to do at Burj Khalifa is celebrating significant international days. The megastructure showcases its commitment to raising awareness and fostering global unity by illuminating the building with stunning light displays.
From the vibrant blue hues of Autism Awareness Day to the pink ribbons of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Burj Khalifa has used its powerful presence to highlight important causes. Additionally, the structure has been adorned with the flags and colours of various nations on their Independence Days, symbolising respect and solidarity.
FAQs
Can I rent an apartment in Burj Khalifa?
If you dream about living in skyscrapers, then apartments for rent in Burj Khalifa are a great option. From studios to stunning 4-bed penthouse, the choices are abundant.
However, if the prices are a bit premium, you can consider top buildings to rent apartments near Burj Khalifa, such as Burj Vista 1, Ynsoon, The Lofts East, The Lofts West and Reehan.
Can we enter Burj Khalifa for free?
You can enter Burj Khalifa for free but with limited access. However, you must purchase a ticket for the observation deck on floors 124, 125 and 148.
What is the shape of Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa’s Y-shaped base and structure are inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, a desert-adapted plant with long petals, reflecting its Dubai origins.
What else is there to do in Dubai besides visiting this tower?
There’s an endless list of leisure and entertainment options in the city. If you are new here and want to get the gist of the emirate, from its history to modern structures, here’s a complete list of top tourist attractions in Dubai.
But, if you’re more interested in history than tourist traps, our post on the UAE’s tallest buildings over the years will show you how the city has evolved and redefined modern architecture.
Also, if soaring megastructures interest you, these buildings with over 100 floors in Dubai will blow your mind! From bespoke amenities to prime locations, these structures offer the best of the best in residential and commercial spaces.
For potential homeowners, Emaar projects in Dubai bring you an excellent opportunity to invest in high-end properties. But, if you are searching for recent updates on new projects, check out our Developer of the Month for October 2024 post. Here, we have covered Emaar’s upcoming projects.
Now that you know everything to do in Burj Khalifa, which excites you the most? Let us know in the comments. For more exciting things to do in Dubai and around the UAE, stay tuned to your favourite property blog.
Featured Image Credit: Burj Khalifa by Emaar Facebook Page
