No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Towering at an incredible 828 meters (2,717 feet), this architectural marvel is a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and innovation. As a family, we couldn’t resist the chance to see the city from above, and visiting the Burj Khalifa turned out to be one of the most memorable highlights of our trip.
Here’s what it’s like to visit this incredible landmark, along with tips to make the most of your experience—especially if you’re traveling with kids.
First Impressions: A Towering Wonder
As soon as we arrived at Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa was impossible to miss. It’s not just tall—it’s breathtakingly majestic. Standing at its base, we were all awestruck, especially our 7-year-old son, who couldn’t stop craning his neck to take it all in.
The Burj Khalifa is connected to The Dubai Mall, making it easy to combine your visit with other family-friendly activities like the Dubai Aquarium or The Dubai Fountain. We arrived mid-morning to avoid the busiest crowds and spent some time admiring the tower from the ground before heading inside.
At the Top: The Observation Deck Experience
The highlight of visiting the Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly the At the Top experience, which takes you to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors. There’s also an At the Top SKY experience on the 148th floor if you want to go even higher, but for us, the 124th floor offered plenty of “wow” factor.
The Elevator Ride:
The journey begins with a high-speed elevator ride that whisks you up 124 floors in just over a minute. The ride itself is an experience—smooth, fast, and complete with visuals on the walls that build anticipation. Our son was thrilled by the speed and kept saying it felt like we were in a spaceship.
The Views:
Once you step out onto the observation deck, the views are nothing short of spectacular. From the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the vast desert and the sparkling Persian Gulf, the 360-degree views give you a whole new perspective on the city. We spent a good amount of time pointing out landmarks, taking family photos, and simply soaking it all in.
There’s also an outdoor terrace on the 124th floor where you can feel the breeze and get an even closer look at the city below. For our son, being so high up was an adventure in itself—he loved spotting tiny cars on the roads and seeing how far he could see into the distance.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Visiting the Burj Khalifa with kids is surprisingly easy, as the experience is well-organized and family-friendly. Here are a few tips that made our visit smooth and enjoyable:
- Book Tickets in Advance: Tickets to the Burj Khalifa can sell out quickly, especially during peak hours like sunset. We booked ours online a few days before and chose a mid-morning slot, which was less crowded and gave us plenty of time to explore.
- Choose Your Timing Wisely: Sunset is one of the most popular times to visit, and while the views are stunning, it’s also the busiest. If you’re traveling with kids, consider visiting earlier in the day when there’s more space to move around and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
- Pack Snacks and Water: While there’s a small café at the observation deck, having snacks and water on hand for kids is always a good idea. We made sure our son was well-fed and hydrated before heading up.
- Prepare for the Heights: If your kids are nervous about heights, talk to them beforehand about what to expect. Our son was excited but a little apprehensive at first, so we made a game of pointing out landmarks to help him relax and enjoy the views.
- Plan Time for the Souvenir Shop: Like most attractions, the Burj Khalifa has a souvenir shop at the exit. Our son loved picking out a small model of the tower to remember the visit.
Beyond the Observation Deck: Other Experiences
If you have extra time, the Burj Khalifa offers additional experiences that are worth exploring:
- The Lounge (Levels 152-154): For an even more luxurious experience, you can visit the highest lounge in the world. It’s a bit pricier but offers a more exclusive atmosphere and unbeatable views.
- The Dubai Fountain: After your visit to the Burj Khalifa, stick around for the Dubai Fountain Show just outside. The synchronized water, light, and music display happens every 30 minutes in the evening, and it’s free to watch. Our son was captivated by the fountains dancing in time to the music—a perfect way to end the day.
Why It’s Worth the Visit
The Burj Khalifa isn’t just a building—it’s an experience. For us, it was a chance to see Dubai from a whole new perspective and to share a moment of awe and wonder as a family. Whether you’re marveling at the architecture, taking in the views, or just enjoying the thrill of being in the world’s tallest building, it’s an experience that sticks with you long after the trip is over.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Burj Khalifa is a must-do on any trip to Dubai, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It’s not just about the height or the views—it’s about the sense of possibility and ambition that the building represents. For our son, it was a day full of excitement and discovery, and for us, it was a chance to create a memory we’ll always cherish.
So, whether you’re a family of adventurers or just looking for a unique way to see Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is an experience you won’t want to miss. Take it from us—it’s worth every step to the top!