Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s most famous landmark and the world’s tallest structure, soaring 828 metres into the sky.

The Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s most famous landmark and the world’s tallest structure, soaring 828 metres into the sky. Dominating the Dubai skyline, the swanky tower with a whopping 160 floors houses a hotel, private Armani residences and a helipad. It has an 'At the Top' sky lounge on the 148^th floor at 555.7 metres above the ground, and another outdoor observation deck on the 124^th floor at 456 metres, counted among the highest in the world. You can buy tickets for 'At the Top' at the visitors' entrance on the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall. Wait times can be impossibly long, sometimes upto 2 hours. Buy a Skip-the-Line ticket and be on your way to jaw-dropping views. It offers incredible views of Dubai, which you may have seen in Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol. Of course, the building has seen a few BASE jumping attempts as well.

Levels 124 and 125 are connected by a stunning spiral flight of 36 white oak steps in a glass case adorned with a crystal LED chandelier. Level 125 has 'A Falcon’s Eye View' which offers a virtual tour of Dubai. Both levels have telescopes with full HD camera for incredible panoramic views. The building also an exhibit on the 'People Behind Burj', which throws light on the interior design, architecture, and engineering of the building.

On level 122 at 442 metres above the ground, you can enjoy a fine dining experience with breathtaking views at the At.mosphere restaurant and lounge.

Burj Khalifa is surrounded by a 27 acre park laid out to resemble a hymenocallis or spider lily, with concentric and radiating arcs. It is lined with shade trees, succulents, flowering varieties, and seasonal species that create a beautiful landscape. At the centre of the park is the 'water room', which is a series of pools and water jet fountains. The Dubai Fountain on the Burj Khalifa Lake performs choreographed light and sound shows every half an hour in the evening. With water spouting upto 150 metres high and intense light beams, it makes for a dazzling display. You can get up close with the fountains on an Abra (water taxi) ride across the lake.