Last Updated on October 1, 2025 by Kate Noble
One of the top things to do when visiting Dubai is to go up the Burj Khalifa. As the world’s tallest skyscraper (for now!), it’s very much a must-visit as long as you have a head for heights. It was also one of the first things I checked off my Dubai bucket list when moving here.
But what’s the best way to visit? I’d recommend skipping the crowds and heading straight to At.mosphere in the Armani Hotel if you really want to do the Burj Khalifa in style (plus it can actually work out better value!)…
Top tips for visiting the Burj Khalifa
1. Go for drinks in At.mosphere Lounge in the Burj Khalifa
Let’s be clear – it is expensive. But when you are already going to pay a lot just to go to the viewing deck (if you want to go up in prime hours, that is, and you do), then you might as well pay a bit more for drinks with your view. There’s a minimum spend of AED 400 for a window seat (and 250 for a non-window seat), which, when compared to the normal entry cost (starting at AED 179 for the most basic package), isn’t so bad when the whole amount can be spent on cocktails or food.
Want the best value? Look out for Happy Hour & similar offers!
Looking for the best deal? Then plan your visit to coincide with happy hour. You can’t guarantee or pre-book a window seat, but you can get three drinks, plus your entry for AED 195 per person. This is a bargain when compared to the other options. This offer is available daily between 5-7-30pm. If you are a night owl, you’re in luck. Double-check in advance, but usually bookings after 11.30pm require no minimum spend! And don’t miss the ladies night either – every Saturday from 9pm there’s 3 cocktails and canapes for AED 150!
Other options at At.mopshere, Burj Khalifa
For the best value for money, I’d recommend opting for cocktails. They also come highly recommended. You have two hours to take in the views and enjoy your drinks. You get access to the 122nd floor, so you are two floors lower than the viewing deck, but when you’re already 100 floors up, it’s not really a deal breaker. The only thing you are missing out on is the 148th floor. This is the Burj Khalifa SKY Gold experience that you can opt for. I’ve visited and it’s lovely, but for the extra cost, I still think At.mosphere lounge offers better value (and more of a treat!).
Want something other than cocktails? See below for the other options available in At.mosphere from breakfast to afternoon tea!
What about The VIP Lounge Level 152, 153 & 154?
These levels are the latest addition to the range of experiences on offer at the Burj Khalifa and make up the VIP lounge. As it’s even higher than the other options (we’re talking a mind-blowing 585 above ground), you can expect to pay a premium. The price in October 2025 was AED 769. This does include lots of perks, such as unlimited soft drinks and canapes, plus a welcome glass of bubbles, so it’s up to you to work out whether you want to pay the extra. I still think At.mosphere offers the best all-round option for a visit.
Cocktails in At.mosphere Lounge
2. The best time to visit the Burj Khalifa is at sunset
Ideally, try to time your visit with sunset because you get more for your money in the sense that you are seeing both the Dubai skyline in the daytime as well as at night. Sunset doesn’t vary too significantly in Dubai from around 7pm during June to the earliest time of 5.30pm in December. There are allocated slots you can book into, so the 5.30pm slot could be good if you’d like to see Dubai from above in the day and night. (Slots are allocated for 2 hours).
Dubai fountains from above after dark
3. Dress up (and check the dress code!)
There’s a dress code for At.mosphere, so make sure you’re aware of it (it will come with your email confirmation when you book, as well as being on the website). Sandals are stated as not acceptable for women as well as men. I haven’t got to the bottom of what exactly this means, but I’d probably either wear heels or smart closed-in shoes such as ballet pumps (I opted for the latter). Also, men – make sure you wear trousers! From first-hand experience, you’ll be turned away in shorts!
Looking up at the Burj Khalifa
4. Give yourself plenty of time to get there
Obvious, maybe, but especially if you are travelling by Metro and want to go to the Dubai Mall first, you are in for a maze. This only really applies if you are visiting Atmosphere Lounge or Restaurant, because you can’t use the dedicated entrance inside Dubai Mall that you’d normally go to if you had tickets to visit the top. We started to panic when we visited for the first time. We could see it, but couldn’t get there! You can get a taxi from inside the mall, which sounds crazy but is recommended over walking (we walked and ended up going through loading bays!). Bear in mind, though, that the taxi queue can be long, so give yourself time! Don’t underestimate that walk from the Metro to the Mall either, it really is a good 20 minutes.
If you’re not visiting Dubai Mall beforehand, then you can exit the Metro at the main entrance or at Emaar Square (you’ll see signs for this as you start walking in the direction of the Mall). If you take either of these exits, then you just have to walk up and cross over the road to get to the main entrance of the Armani hotel. Alternatively, just stick with a taxi!
5. Pre-book your visit to the Burj Khalifa!
I mentioned it above, but make sure you book, don’t turn up and hope for the best. You might be extremely lucky, but it’s unlikely, especially for the prime time hours and sunset drinks. You can email At.mosphere Lounge to make a reservation for drinks in advance, and they are extremely helpful. Also, if it’s a birthday or special occasion, then let them know! We went for Josh’s 30th, and they brought out a lovely cake to celebrate.
Birthday cake for Josh!
Other options at At.mosphere
Afternoon tea at At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa
If cocktails aren’t for you, then there’s also the option of afternoon tea in the At.mosphere Lounge. There are a range of options, and again, you’ll pay a premium for a window seat. The menu includes a selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, as well as unlimited hot and cold beverages (full menu can be viewed here). On the pricey side, yes, but for afternoon tea in the tallest restaurant in the world, it’s definitely worth it.
At.mosphere Restaurant – Breakfast
As well as Atmosphere Lounge, there’s also the Restaurant that you can opt for, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast, there’s a range of options from one-off dishes to a full breakfast package that comes with continental, as well as hot options, and teas and juices. It is AED 450, or AED 600 for free-flow Mimosa. Again, not your standard cost for breakfast, but then not your usual location. A big benefit if you are an expat is that you can get 20% off the package with a valid Emirates ID, which is the perfect excuse to visit!
Lunch offers at At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa
There’s also a lunch offer on weekends of a set menu with free-flow bubbles. This is priced at AED 424. Might make a nice alternative to an all-you-can-eat brunch if you’re looking for a location for a special occasion!
At.mosphere Night Brunch at the Burj Khalifa
Or how about a brunch with a difference? Every Friday evening, there’s brunch (sharing platter starters and set menu) with soft drink offers starting at AED 495. This runs from 8.30 – 11.30pm, so it’s best for the night owls who don’t mind eating later.
