Burj Khalifa - The tallest building in the world is in Dubai

If you are on vacation in Dubai, you can't avoid a visit to the Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world towers over everything: Once from the highest observation deck in the world down to the earth look - this dream certainly have most Dubai vacationers. In the city of superlatives, the impossible becomes possible and one record chases the next. The skyscraper in the middle of Downtown Dubai is probably the most impressive proof of this. The silver spire lies at a height of 829 meters above the ground of the Arabian metropolis.

Burj Khalifa - a technical masterpiece: The world's tallest building in figures

Anyone looking up at the Burj Khalifa from the public squares in Downtown Dubai is simply amazed at its incredible height. No wonder, the dimensions and data of the skyscraper are sheer impressive and record-breaking. On the Y-shaped ground plan, three building columns support each other, which, together with the hexagonal axis in the center of the tower, ensures high stability in strong winds. For the 829.8 meters, a total of 330,000 cubic meters of concrete and steel and 103,000 square meters of glass were used on a floor space of 517,000 square meters. 57 elevators and 8 escalators run in the building, and the building can also claim the title of the world's highest elevator - it is located at a height of 630 meters on the 189th floor.

Another eight floors form the antenna and lead in a narrow staircase to the top of the building. Two double-deck elevators travel at 36 km/h to the observation deck on the 124th floor at a height of 452 meters, making them among the fastest in the world. The elevators take just 60 seconds to travel. However, visitors are not allowed to go all the way to the top; they can only access The Lounge Burj Khalifa at a height of 585 meters on the 154th floor.

At 555 meters: At The Top, Burj Khalifa SKY

We book a ticket in advance for At The Top, Burj Khalifa Sky, located 555 meters up on floor 148. The excursion is part of a night tour so we can see the fascinating Dubai skyline in the sea of lights. We start near the food court of the Dubai Mall in the basement of the shopping complex. After a short wait at the ticket counter, all participants were led to an anteroom where the introduction took place. All visitors received Arabic cookies and coffee served with a touch of saffron.

At The Top, Burj Khalifa SKY: Snacks and unique panorama in the lounge.

In the so-called Fast Lane, we got through the security check without much delay, and then the tour guide led us directly to the double-deck elevators, which took us up to the first observation deck on the 124th floor in just one minute. We then proceeded immediately in smaller groups to the 148th floor. A video presentation in the elevators heightened our anticipation of what we visitors were about to experience. The elevator literally catapulted us upwards, but the enormous speed of 10 meters per second was hardly noticeable. Only the differences in altitude caused the one or other quiet crackle in the ear. Arriving at the At The Top, Burj Khalifa SKY Lounge, a friendly service staff awaited us, serving juices, tea or coffee and small, sweet appetizers. Arabic ornaments adorn the ceilings of the lounge and cozy sofas in the shape of the building's floor plan provide comfortable seating.

But then we look out of the floor-to-ceiling windows for the first time: a fascinating world of glitter and lights lies at our feet and it feels as if we are standing on the roof of the world. No matter where you look, it seems as if Dubai is spreading out into an endless sea of lights and in all directions. Even buildings like the Burj Al Arab or the Jumeirah Emirates Towers look like lightweights in comparison. Above all, Sheikh Zayed Road with its numerous skyscrapers forms a sparkling canyon of houses. The real highlight, however, is the water show of the Dubai Fountain, which we are allowed to watch from the lofty heights. For this, we go out into the open onto the viewing platform. Bright, circular, lightning-like jets shoot out of the ground and create a wondrous string and impressive patterns of water and light.

The tourist classic: At The Top, Burj Khalifa

The At The Top, Burj Khalifa Sky - Ticket entitles visitors to spend around 30 to 45 minutes on the 148th floor. However, the visit to the At The Top area is not limited in time. So, 24 floors below, we get to enjoy unique panoramic views once again and snap many more photos on the larger outdoor terrace. This area is very busy, but here tourists can get a lot of additional, interesting information about the Burj Khalifa on large touch screens. There is also a souvenir store here and in an interactive game visitors can jump from the skyscraper using virtual reality goggles.

The Lounge: Even more luxury in the world's tallest building

A tour to the Sky Lounge is very expensive, but the view from the "roof of the world" is well worth it. Together with snacks, drinks, the cozy lounge corner, and the unlimited length of stay on the At The Top floors plus the two outdoor terraces, visitors gain a fascinating and entirely new perspective on Dubai.

Those who want to experience the world's highest lounge and a touch more luxury during the skyscraper tour can book a VIP tour to The Lounge Burj Khalifa. At 585 meters and on floors 152-154, a breathtaking viewing terrace, live performances, afternoon tea or cocktail and canape evenings await.

How much does it cost to enter the Burj Khalifa in Dubai?

Visitors can experience the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in many ways. Prices vary depending on the ticket option booked:

The most expensive option is to visit the building with access to The Lounge, Burj Khalifa, located on floors 152- 154. There, guests can enjoy fresh pastries, desserts, tea, coffee, canapés, cocktails, sparkling wine and (alcoholic) beverages, depending on the time of day. The ticket is available from around 175 euros.

With the At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY ticket, visitors are allowed to enjoy the panorama, snacks and refreshments in the SKY Lounge on floor 148. The price also includes a visit to the viewing platforms on floors 124 and 125. During the day (12 a.m. - 6 p.m.), the ticket costs around 125 euros, and in the evening (7 p.m. - 10 p.m.) around 90 euros.

The cheapest tickets entitle the holder to visit the At the Top, Burj Khalifa area. There, guests can capture fascinating 360-degree views and enter the outdoor terrace on floor 124. During peak hours from 4 to 6 p.m., admission costs around 53 euros, otherwise around 35 euros.