Burj Khalifa Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world — a needle of steel and glass soaring 828 metres over Downtown Dubai, with more than 160 floors. Opened in 2010 and named after the ruler of Abu Dhabi, it redefined the skyscraper and remains the single most recognisable symbol of Dubai's ambition. Its tapering, spiralling form, inspired in part by a desert flower, was designed to be seen from across the city and the desert beyond. For visitors, the main draw is riding one of the world's fastest lifts to the observation decks near the top, for a view that stretches over the towers, the coast and the dunes. At its feet lie the Dubai Mall and the choreographed Dubai Fountain, making the whole area a single, spectacular destination. Whether seen from its decks or admired from the ground as it lights up at night, the Burj Khalifa is impossible to miss in every sense.

The Burj Khalifa has several observation experiences at different heights and prices. The standard 'At the Top' decks occupy levels 124 and 125, at around 452 metres, with indoor and open-air viewing terraces, telescopes and floor-to-ceiling glass. Higher up, the premium 'At the Top SKY' experience on level 148, at about 555 metres, is one of the highest observation decks in the world, with a more exclusive, lounge-style visit and a separate, faster entry. Higher still, the Atmosphere restaurant and lounge on level 122 lets you take in the view over a meal or drink. The lifts that whisk you up are themselves an attraction, climbing at remarkable speed with an immersive display. For most visitors the 124/125 decks give a superb panorama at a reasonable price; the level 148 experience is for those wanting the very top and a quieter, more premium visit.

From the top, the view is extraordinary in every direction: the clustered skyscrapers of Downtown and Business Bay directly below, the artificial fronds of the Palm Jumeirah and the coastline curving along the Gulf, and, inland, the open desert fading to the horizon. By day you can trace the whole geography of the city; by night it becomes a carpet of lights. The single best time to go up is around sunset, when the sky colours and the city lights flicker on — though it is also the most popular and priciest slot. Back at ground level, don't miss the Dubai Fountain, set in the lake at the tower's base: the world's largest choreographed fountain shoots water high into the air to music every half-hour through the evening, and it is completely free to watch from the promenade. Seeing the tower from above and the fountain from below makes a perfect pairing.

Burj Khalifa tickets vary widely by deck and time of day, so it pays to plan. A standard 'At the Top' (levels 124/125) ticket starts at around US$40 (about 150 dirham) for off-peak slots, rising for the popular sunset windows; the premium level 148 'SKY' experience costs considerably more, often US$100 or above. Booking online in advance is strongly recommended — it is cheaper than buying at the door, guarantees a timed entry slot, and the prime sunset times sell out days ahead. Children's tickets are discounted, and combination tickets with the aquarium or other attractions exist. Aim to arrive a little before your slot, as security and the queue for the lift take time. If you only want the view at a lower cost, the off-peak daytime and late-evening slots are the cheapest; if you want the magic-hour view, reserve the sunset slot well in advance and accept the premium.

The Burj Khalifa sits in Downtown Dubai, directly connected to the Dubai Mall, which is reached from the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station on the Red Line via a long air-conditioned walkway, or by taxi, Careem or Uber. Allow time for the walk from the Metro, which is longer than it looks. The decks are open from morning until late, around 10 or 11pm. The best time to visit is sunset for the famous golden-hour and night view, booked ahead; late evening is quieter and cheaper while still offering the city lights; and a clear day gives the sharpest distant views toward the desert and coast. Pair the visit with the Dubai Mall and the evening Dubai Fountain shows for a complete Downtown experience, and budget around an hour to ninety minutes up the tower itself, plus queueing. In the heat of summer, the indoor decks make it a comfortable any-time attraction.