Its futuristic spire has become the symbol of Dubai, and seeing the city from its heights is on many visitors’ bucket lists. Yet there is more than one way to go up the Burj. The basic At The Top ticket accesses levels 124 and 125, the At The Top SKY package adds level 148 and a VIP lounge, and the ultra‑luxury Lounge experience takes guests to levels 152‑154.
Each option has very different price tags, amenities and crowd levels, which raises an obvious question for budget‑conscious travellers and locals alike: is the base‑level At The Top experience worth roughly AED 179?
This Burj Khalifa At The Top review compares the standard observation deck with the high‑end lounge, draws on local experiences and recent visitor reviews, and highlights alternative viewpoints around Dubai so you can decide where your Dirhams are best spent.
Tickets & Observation Deck Options
The Burj Khalifa offers three main observation experiences. Prices fluctuate depending on time slot (sunset is premium) and season, but the ranges below are typical for late 2025. All ticket types require booking a specific time slot and carry strict refund policies.
Overview of Ticket Options
| Ticket option | Floors and height | Inclusions | Typical price range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At The Top (levels 124 & 125) | 452–456 m high with indoor and outdoor terraces | Fast elevators; 360° views of Dubai’s skyline, desert and coastline; floor‑to‑ceiling glass walls; digital telescopes | 179–250 | Best value for first‑time visitors; can be very crowded; you cannot see the Burj itself |
| At The Top SKY (level 148 + 124/125) | 555 m high | Skip‑the‑line entry; premium lounge on level 148; refreshments and guided tour | 343–399 (extra ~200 AED non‑prime or ~300 AED during sunset) | Offers a more relaxed experience and slightly higher view; still crowded during peak hours |
| The Lounge (levels 152–154) | ~575 m high with an outdoor terrace | Access to three floors with stylish lounge seating, bar and terrace; breakfast, high tea or cocktail canapés depending on time; attentive guides; WiFi | 769+ | Ultra‑premium, intimate setting with very limited tickets; non‑refundable; best for special occasions or indulgence |
Booking Tips
Bring ID: a passport or driving licence is required for entry.
Buy in advance: time slots – especially sunset – sell out quickly. Last‑minute purchases often cost more.
Non‑refundable: most tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
Off‑peak savings: morning or after 7 PM slots are cheaper and less crowded than sunset.
A Local’s Review of At The Top (Levels 124 & 125)
The Experience
After weaving through the Dubai Mall, visitors take one of the world’s fastest elevators to levels 124 and 125. A multimedia exhibit introduces Dubai’s rapid development before whisking you to the deck in seconds.
The observation areas feature floor‑to‑ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, with telescopes that zoom in on landmarks like Palm Jumeirah and the desert. The Dubai Fountain show below synchronises with music, adding extra visual interest for those who time their visit.
What Locals Love
- Panoramic cityscape: Locals admit that standing 452 m above Dubai is breathtaking, especially at sunset when the desert glows orange and the city lights flicker on. The view stretches across the Gulf, the desert and downtown.
- Bucket‑list bragging rights: For residents who have watched the skyline grow, visiting the world’s tallest building is a rite of passage and something to share with visiting friends.
- Relatively affordable: Compared with the Burj’s other premium experiences, the standard ticket is the cheapest way to see the view.
Drawbacks
- Crowds and queues: Even with pre‑booked slots, the Burj can feel crowded. Lines form for security and lifts, and the deck itself is busy – particularly around sunset. Locals often avoid weekends or prime hours to escape the masses.
- You cannot see the Burj itself, because you’re inside the tower, and the building isn’t visible in your photos. Alternative viewpoints, like Sky Views, offer the iconic shot of the Burj from the outside.
- Basic amenities: At The Top, telescopes and a small lounge with sofas are provided, but no food or drink is included. Large bags and tripods are not permitted and must be left at lockers.
Is At The Top worth AED 179?
For tourists and first‑time visitors, the answer is generally yes: the sheer height and 360‑degree vistas are unique, and the ticket price is far lower than the premium options. Locals, however, tend to see At The Top as a one‑time experience.
Many prefer Sky Views Observatory or The View at The Palm for repeat visits because they offer fresh perspectives and shorter queues. Sky Views, across the street, offers a thrilling glass floor and slide; it’s more affordable and provides the best photos of the Burj Khalifa.
Meanwhile, The View at The Palm, on Palm Jumeirah offers a relaxed deck with unobstructed views of palm–tree–shaped islands and fewer crowds.
The Ultra‑Luxury Lounge (Levels 152–154)
What Makes it Special?
The Lounge occupies the highest public floors of the Burj at roughly 575 metres – 20 levels above At The Top SKY. Guests are whisked past the crowds to a hushed lounge with plush seating and panoramic windows. Knowledgeable guides offer commentary on Dubai’s landmarks before escorting guests to an outdoor terrace, where the city unfolds beneath without glass barriers.
Food & Atmosphere
Depending on your time slot, the Lounge includes:
- Breakfast or afternoon tea: Morning visitors are greeted with freshly baked pastries and desserts. Afternoon guests enjoy tea, coffee and sweet treats, served elegantly.
- Evening cocktails: The evening session serves gourmet canapés and a glass of bubbly or a house beverage, ideal for watching the sunset or city lights.
- Comfort and space: Each floor has its own vibe. Level 152 is the central hub with stylish bar seating, level 153 offers extra lounge areas and exclusive exhibits, and level 154 boasts the highest outdoor terrace. The spaces are designed to feel intimate and uncrowded.
Pros
- Unparalleled height: It is the highest public observation point in the Burj.
- Luxurious amenities: Fine food, drinks and attentive service elevate the experience beyond a simple observation deck.
- Peaceful setting: Limited ticket numbers mean far fewer people than the standard deck; visitors can savour the view without jostling for space.
- Outdoor terrace: Feel the wind at 575 m on a terrace without glass barriers – an exhilarating yet calming moment.
Cons
- Non‑refundable bookings: Once you commit, you cannot change or cancel your slot.
- Shorter duration: Visits last around 1–2 hours. You may not feel rushed, but the experience is structured.
- Not for all budgets: Locals generally consider this a splurge for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries or proposals).
Is The Lounge Worth it?
The Lounge delivers a refined, serene way to “own the sky” for a couple of hours. Travellers seeking privacy, luxury and the highest view will find value in the included high tea or cocktails and the nearly empty terraces.
However, if you want to see Dubai from above, the dramatic price difference is hard to justify. Locals often recommend a fine‑dining alternative, like the At.mosphere restaurant on level 122 (reservations required), or rooftop bars across Downtown for sky‑high ambience at a lower cost.
At The Top vs. The Lounge – Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | At The Top (levels 124 & 125) | The Lounge (levels 152‑154) |
|---|---|---|
| Height & view | 452–456 m; panoramic views of city, desert and Gulf; cannot see the Burj itself | ~575 m; highest public deck; outdoor terrace with unobstructed cityscapes |
| Atmosphere | Busy, lively deck; basic seating; often crowded | Quiet, exclusive lounge with plush seating and attentive service |
| Amenities | Telescopes, small indoor lounge; no included refreshments | Includes breakfast, high tea or cocktails; bar; WiFi |
| Price range | From AED 179–250 | From AED 769+ |
| Duration | Unlimited time on the deck; you can stay as long as you like | Approximately 1–2 hours with a structured programme |
| For whom? | First‑time visitors; families; budget‑conscious travellers | Celebrations, romantic occasions; those seeking luxury and privacy |
Alternative Viewpoints Around Dubai
If you’re debating whether to spend AED 179 or more on the Burj, consider these other observation decks that locals frequently recommend:
Sky Views Observatory
Situated in the Address Sky View hotel, this deck sits on the 53rd floor and offers direct views of the Burj Khalifa. It features a glass floor and a glass slide between floors, and an optional “Edge Walk” for thrill‑seekers.
Prices start around AED 85–130, making it more affordable. Wait times are generally shorter than at the Burj. Sky Views is ideal if you want that perfect Instagram shot of the Burj or an interactive experience.
The View at The Palm
Located on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, this observation deck is designed to showcase the Palm Jumeirah’s full shape. It sits at 240 m, lower than the Burj, but offers unobstructed views of the palm‑tree‑shaped island, Dubai Marina and the Burj Al Arab.
The deck has a museum about the Palm’s construction and is generally more relaxed with shorter queues. Choose this if you want to appreciate the engineering feat of Palm Jumeirah or prefer a less crowded experience.
Dubai Frame
Another alternative is the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park. It frames views of old and new Dubai from a 150‑m-high glass bridge. Tickets are roughly AED 50, and lines are shorter than at the Burj. While it doesn’t match the height of the Burj, many locals consider it a fun and affordable way to grasp Dubai’s contrasts.
Practical Tips for Your Burj Visit
Book online and arrive early. Tickets are cheaper online and allow you to bypass the ticket counter. Arriving 30 minutes early gives you time for security checks and the walk from the metro.
Choose your time wisely. Sunrise and morning slots are cheaper and more transparent; sunset provides dramatic light but higher prices and crowds. Evenings after 7 PM can be quieter and calmer.
Bring minimal baggage. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed on the observation decks and must be stored in lockers.
Consider combos. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, combo tickets (e.g., Burj + Aquarium or Burj + Sky Views) often offer better value.
Check the weather. Clear days after a storm or during winter (November–March) offer the best visibility. Hazy days can limit your view.
Verdict: Should You Pay AED 179 for At The Top?
From a local’s perspective, the Burj Khalifa’s standard observation deck is worth doing once, especially if you’re new to Dubai or hosting visitors. The price is usually around AED 179 during non‑peak times, is steep for a quick view. Still, it delivers an unforgettable experience of standing in the world’s tallest building. However, those expecting a serene, exclusive environment may be disappointed by the crowds and minimal amenities.
Suppose you’re celebrating a special occasion or crave a luxurious, crowd‑free setting. In that case, The Lounge is a memorable splurge with high‑tea or cocktail service and the highest public terrace. Yet at four times the cost, it’s hard to recommend for regular sightseeing. For many locals, alternative viewpoints like Sky Views Observatory or The View at The Palm offer better value, shorter lines and unique angles of the city.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on what you value: height and bragging rights, luxury and privacy, or budget‑friendly vistas. No matter which decks you choose, seeing Dubai from above will deepen your appreciation of the city’s audacious architecture and rapid growth.
