My experience visiting Burj Khalifa

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, located in the heart of Dubai. Like most people, I’ve seen countless pictures and videos of this architectural marvel, but seeing it in person was an entirely different experience. Below is my complete and honest review of what it was like to visit this iconic landmark—from booking the tickets to standing on the observation deck—so that anyone planning to visit can set their expectations realistically.

First Impressions & Arrival Experience
The excitement starts the moment you arrive at The Dubai Mall, as this is where the entrance to the Burj Khalifa tour is located. I must admit, it took a bit of walking and navigation through the massive mall to actually find the ticketing and entrance area. Clearer signboards could definitely help first-time visitors like me who found themselves slightly lost despite following the directions.

Once we reached the entry point, the atmosphere immediately felt premium. The interior is modern, clean, and clearly built to impress tourists from all over the world. The waiting lines were organized, but yes, there was a wait—something you should expect, especially during peak hours or weekends. It wasn’t unbearable, but if you’re someone who dislikes queues, it might test your patience a little.

Ticket Pricing and Options
Let me be upfront—the ticket prices are not cheap. You have different pricing options depending on how high you want to go. The most affordable takes you to the 124th and 125th floors, while the premium ticket takes you higher, to the 148th floor, marketed as the “At The Top SKY” experience. I chose the regular option for the 124th and 125th floors, and while the view was fantastic, I couldn’t help but wonder if the price really justified the overall experience.

That said, when you consider the global reputation of Burj Khalifa and the fact that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime visit for many, the pricing starts to feel a bit more understandable, even if still on the higher side.

The Elevator Ride – A Highlight in Itself
One of the most memorable parts of the visit was the elevator ride. You’re whisked up over 100 floors in under a minute. The ride is smooth, silent, and surprisingly fast, with an LED display inside showing your progress. This moment definitely lived up to the hype and is worth mentioning as a key highlight of the experience.

The Observation Deck Experience
Once you step out onto the observation deck, you are greeted by breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline, the desert, and the coastline. The glass walls allow for uninterrupted views, and there are telescopes available (for an additional fee) if you want to zoom in on specific landmarks.

While the view is spectacular, I did feel that the deck itself was crowded, making it difficult at times to find a clear spot to take photos or just enjoy the view in peace. There is an open-air terrace, which adds to the excitement, but again, it tends to get crowded, especially when everyone is trying to capture the perfect Instagram moment.

Facilities & Amenities
The observation deck has a small souvenir shop, refreshments counter, and seating areas. The souvenirs were pricey, as expected in such tourist-heavy attractions, but the quality seemed decent. I appreciated the availability of seating because standing around for long periods can get tiring. However, don’t expect a luxury lounge experience unless you pay for the premium ticket that includes access to a private area with refreshments.

Photography & Staff Assistance
You’ll find official photographers stationed around the deck offering to take professional photos, which you can purchase later. While this is convenient, I found the prices for these photos to be quite high. Personally, I preferred using my own phone, which delivered pretty satisfying results given the natural daylight.

Staff were professional and courteous, although they seemed a bit rushed, likely because of the continuous flow of tourists. I didn’t find them overly friendly, but they were efficient and kept the crowd moving.

The Return Journey
The descent back to the ground floor was quick and well-managed. There’s a small exhibition on the history and construction of the Burj Khalifa, which is worth taking a few minutes to explore if you’re interested in architecture or engineering.

Overall Thoughts
Visiting Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly a bucket-list experience. It’s one of those places that you visit once to say you’ve done it, and for that reason alone, it’s worth it. The views are stunning, the elevator ride is unforgettable, and the sheer scale of the building is something you can’t fully appreciate until you’re standing at the top looking out over Dubai.

That said, it does come with a few drawbacks—high prices, crowds, and a slightly commercialized feel that can take away from the authenticity of the experience. It’s not somewhere I’d visit repeatedly, but it’s certainly worth doing once, especially if you’re visiting Dubai for the first time.

Would I Recommend It?
Yes, but only if you’re prepared for the cost and crowds. Manage your expectations, pick a time slot that’s less busy if possible, and take your time to soak in the views without rushing through the experience.