Our Burj Khalifa Experience: Why We Splurged on Level 148 (Honest Review)

From the top of the Burj Khalifa we felt small. Looking down was easily one of our most outstanding experiences. It’s easy to say that without a backstory. The steep price made us doubt about getting the tickets before heading to Dubai. Ticket prices (especially for the 148th Floor Experience) are insane.

We recently splurged on the VIP 148th-floor “At the Top SKY” experience to see if the world’s tallest building actually lives up to the hype—or if you’re better off saving your dirhams for a cocktail at a nearby rooftop bar. After experiencing the outdoor terrace at 555 meters, no other skyscraper in the world feels the same anymore.

In this 2026 Burj Khalifa review, we break down the differences between the floors, the reality of the “VIP” perks, and the tips we wish we knew before we hit “book” on those steep ticket prices.

The Dubai Burj Khalifa building is a bucket list experience. Our Dubai itinerary without it wouldn’t be the same. Is the Burj Khalifa worth it? If you have the budget, yes—but with a major catch.

Is It Worth Visiting the Burj Khalifa?

Yes, it is worth it if you have the budget. We liked our visit, but to be honest, we still preferred the one at the Sky View Observatory, which is cheaper. Visiting the Burj Khalifa is worth it if you appreciate iconic landmarks or want to see the world from a different perspective.

I still remember the feeling, from taking the fast elevators to watching the clouds taking over. The experience is unique—it’s not every day you stand atop one of the tallest buildings humans have built so far.

However, if you have budget constraints, or still the sky-high views don’t excite you much, skip it. There is a nicer view elsewhere, and not at this price tag.

We had plenty of memorable experiences in Dubai (Safari, driving through the maze, the view at Palm Jumeirah, and the Aquarium). For me personally? I’d say go for it once—it’s one of those “you’ve got to see it to believe it” experiences.

Walking into the Burj Khalifa isn’t as simple as showing up at a front door. It’s connected to the Dubai Mall, so you can get, that there are long walks, and a lot of signs to follow. The actual experience isn’t just within the Burj Khalifa, but is to follow the sign deep inside the Dubai Mall.

Lost through the Dubai Mall

Even with a pre-booked ticket, give yourself at least 20–30 minutes to find the entrance. We whished knowing it sooner. You’ll need to head to the Lower Ground (LG) floor of the Dubai Mall. Follow the signs for “At the Top”—if you find yourself outside looking at the fountains, you’ve gone too far!

The elevator is so fast

The elevator ride is an attraction in itself. It is one of the fastest in the world, travelling at 10 meters per second. Our ears were popping all the time, and we had a bit of a struggle, though.

We’ve tried to focus on the digital screens, which all show the Burj Khalifa project from ground to the sky, in all phases. It was a great way to get distracted.

The View: What You Actually See

Once the doors open at Level 124 or 148, the scale of Dubai finally makes sense.

From 555 meters up (Level 148), the massive 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road looks like a tiny slot-car set. We spent a good 15 minutes just trying to spot our hotel, the 25hours, which looked like a Lego brick from that height.

We weren’t lucky enough to get a proper clear day. The haze took over part of the view, which in some way I loved. However, even with limited visibility, we were able to enjoy the shimmering Persian Gulf on one side, and the other the endless red dunes of the Arabian Desert.

Is it crowded?

This is the “honest” part of our review.

Level 124/125: During our visit, this floor was packed. If you want a photo against the glass, be prepared to wait and potentially have a stranger’s selfie stick in your shot.

Level 148: This felt much more like a premium lounge. There are sofas, access to an outdoor terrace with fewer people, and staff who offer you juice and sweets. If you are a photographer, the extra cost for Level 148 is worth it just for the unobstructed “clean” shots of the skyline.

Burj Khalifa Ticket Prices: Which Floor is Actually Worth Your Money?

One of the most confusing aspects of visiting the Burj Khalifa is its tiered ticketing system. With 163 floors in total, you aren’t just paying for a view; you’re paying for height and exclusivity.

When we booked our tickets, we struggled to decide if the massive price jump from Level 124 to Level 148 was worth it. Here is the breakdown of what you actually get for your Dirhams in 2026.

The 3 Main Experience Tiers

Prices vary based on “Prime Hours” (sunset) and “Non-Prime Hours.

Day vs. Night: Is It Better to Go Up Burj Khalifa in Day or Night?

If you are still up for visiting the Burj Khalifa, you want to make the best of your money spent. Is it better to go up to Burj Khalifa during the day or night? Well, it depends on what you’re after.

During the day, you’ll get crisp views of Dubai’s sprawling cityscape, from its futuristic architecture to its vast desert backdrop. On a clear day, you might even spot the Persian Gulf shimmering in the distance.

We were tempted to go for sunset, but after the experience at the View at the Palm, with sand and haze in the air, we wanted to play safe. We visited during the day, and it was fantastic.

However, I have seen photos of the view from Burj Khalifa also at night, and man, it looks insane. Check the weather, and you might be lucky with the sunset, getting the best of both, shooting at the best lights, and waiting until the city gets sparkling.

Burj Khalifa vs. The Alternatives: Which View is Truly Best?

The biggest irony of the Burj Khalifa? When you are standing on the 148th floor, you can’t actually see the Burj Khalifa. For us the best photo, is the actual one we took from the Sky View observatory, with the Burj Khalifa in the background.

Here is how the Burj stacks up against its two biggest rivals.

We prefer the Sky View Observatory

In all honesty, we visited all the best Dubai viewpoints, and the Sky View observatory is our favourite. Less crowded, much more beautiful, no steep price, dress codes, either more fun with the slides. The view from the Sky View Observatory is much better than the one from the Burj Khalifa.

One of the other main reasons why we loved the Sky View Observatory more, is the fact that it’s located lower than the Burj Khalifa, but with a perfect view of it.

That’s the actual strength! This is the spot for that “Instagrammable” shot of the Dubai skyline. It’s one of our favourite photos from Dubai, just sitting on the glass floor, with the Burj in the foreground.

Second top reason, is the fact that there are more interactive experiences. The glass slide (The Sky Slide) and an edge walk, which adds an adrenaline element that the Burj lacks.

The View at the Palm: The Best Perspective

While the Burj gives you “infinite height,” The View at the Palm gives you “shape.”

• The View: This is the only place where you can genuinely appreciate the palm-tree design of Palm Jumeirah.
• The Atmosphere: In our experience, it felt less like a “tourist factory” and more like an exhibit.
• The Warning: As we noted during our visit, visibility here can be hit-or-miss. If it’s a hazy or sandy day, the Palm Jumeirah edges blur into the sea. Always check the weather before booking this one!

Things to Know Before Visiting the Burj Khalifa

Before heading up, here are some practical tips that can save you time and money:

• Book Tickets Online: Walk-in prices are higher than online rates. Plus, tickets often sell out during peak times.
• Arrive Early: Even with timed slots, lines can get long—especially for security checks.
• Skip the queue ticket: Getting the Full Package allows you to skip the line.
• Burj Khalifa Dress Code: There is no dress code at the Burj Khalifa, but you’ll walk a lot to get there, and there might be some waiting.
• Bring Your Camera: Photos don’t do justice to how incredible it feels being up there, but they come close.
• Tripods are allowed: We brought our med-heigh tripod, and it was fine; plus, we were recording a video for our YouTube channel with no problems.
• Time Your Visit: Sunset slots are popular for good reason but sell out fast.
• Skip Peak Hours and Weekends: Early mornings or late evenings tend to be less crowded.

FAQ | Burj Khalifa Review