Burj Khalifa has three public observation levels: At the Top (floors 124 & 125, outdoor terrace + glass floor, from AED 173), At the Top SKY (floor 148, hosted premium experience with SKY Lounge and complimentary drink, from AED 343), and The Lounge (floors 152–154, the world’s highest lounge, premium refreshments included). Floors 124 & 125 are the most visited; floor 148 is the highest publicly accessible deck in the world at 555 metres; The Lounge at 585 metres is the world’s highest lounge.
This guide compares all three observation levels — what’s on each floor, the views, the prices, what’s included, and which is the right choice for different types of visitor. For individual ticket guides, see our At the Top (124/125) tickets guide and At the Top SKY (148) tickets guide.
Top Tickets
# Level 124 & 125 Ticket – At the Top Burj Khalifa
# Level 124, 125 & 148 Ticket – At the Top SKY (Premium)
Table of Contents
Floor 124: At the Top — Outdoor Terrace & Indoor Gallery
Floor 124 is the primary observation level and the main attraction for most Burj Khalifa visitors. It sits at 452 metres and features an outdoor open-air terrace offering a 360-degree view with no glass between you and the city — the only observation level with fully unobstructed open-air views. The indoor gallery wraps the full perimeter with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, Sky Map interactive touchscreens, and high-powered telescope stations.
The Outdoor Terrace (Floor 124)
The outdoor terrace on floor 124 is the highlight for most visitors — 452 metres above the city in open air, with an unobstructed 360-degree view of Downtown Dubai, the desert, the Gulf coastline, and the Palm Jumeirah. The Dubai Fountain is directly below, visible from a bird’s-eye perspective. This is the best photography position inside the tower — no glass, no reflections, full natural light. See our photography guide for tips on getting the best shots from the terrace.
The Indoor Gallery (Floor 124)
The indoor gallery runs the full perimeter of floor 124 with floor-to-ceiling glass panels offering panoramic views in all directions. Key features include: Sky Map interactive touchscreens that identify and provide information on visible landmarks; high-powered telescopes for close-up views of specific buildings and landmarks; display content on the Burj Khalifa’s construction, architecture, and Dubai’s development. For full details on the exhibits, see our exhibits guide.
- Height: 452 metres (1,483 feet)
- Ticket price: From AED 173 non-prime | AED 250 prime
- Time limit: None — stay as long as you wish
- Outdoor access: Yes — the only fully open-air deck in the tower
- Best for: Photography, families, first-time visitors, anyone who wants unlimited time
Floor 125: At the Top — The Glass Floor
Floor 125 is reached via a short internal staircase (or lift) from floor 124 and is included in the standard At the Top ticket. Its defining feature is the glass floor — transparent panels offering a direct, vertigo-inducing view straight down at the streets and buildings 455 metres below. Animated ‘crack’ effects appear beneath visitors’ feet as they step on the glass. The floor 125 interior features Arabic-inspired geometric design and patterns.
The glass floor is consistently one of the most memorable moments of the entire Burj Khalifa visit — particularly for children, who tend to react with a combination of terror and delight. Budget extra time here as visitors often linger for photos. The interior design on floor 125 — Arabic mashrabiya patterns, rich geometric detail — provides a visual contrast to the modern, functional appearance of floor 124’s outdoor terrace.
- Height: 456 metres (1,496 feet)
- Included in: Standard At the Top ticket (no additional cost)
- Standout feature: Glass floor with animated crack effects — direct view 455 metres down
- Interior design: Arabic mashrabiya patterns and geometric detail
Floor 148: At the Top SKY — The Highest Public Deck
Floor 148 is the highest publicly accessible observation deck in the world, at 555 metres (1,821 feet). The At the Top SKY experience on this floor is a hosted, premium visit: dedicated fast-track elevator access, a personal guest ambassador, the SKY Lounge with seating, a complimentary beverage and Arabic dates, and access to an outdoor observation area at 555 metres. Time on floor 148 is capped at approximately 30 minutes; after that, you have unlimited time on floors 124 and 125.
The SKY Lounge (Floor 148)
The SKY Lounge is a dedicated, furnished lounge space on floor 148 — significantly different in atmosphere to the standing-room indoor gallery on floor 124. You sit, your ambassador serves your complimentary drink and dates, and the panoramic views unfold through floor-to-ceiling glass at 555 metres. The number of visitors on floor 148 at any time is strictly capped — creating a calm, unhurried atmosphere even at peak sunset hours.
The Outdoor Area (Floor 148)
Floor 148 has an outdoor observation area at 555 metres — the world’s highest outdoor public deck. The views from this height are perceptibly more expansive than floor 124: the desert horizon extends further, the Gulf coastline is more visible, and the sense of elevation above the city is more dramatic. Crowd levels on this terrace are never problematic due to the capped visitor numbers.
- Height: 555 metres (1,821 feet) — world’s highest publicly accessible deck
- Ticket price: From AED 343 non-prime | AED 401 prime
- Time limit on floor 148: ~30 minutes (then unlimited on floors 124 & 125)
- Includes: Fast-track entry, personal host, SKY Lounge, complimentary drinks and dates, outdoor deck
- Best for: Couples, special occasions, photographers, crowd-avoiders, sunset visits
The Lounge (Floors 152–154): The World’s Highest Lounge
The Lounge at Burj Khalifa occupies floors 152, 153, and 154 — reaching a height of 585 metres (1,920 feet). It holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s highest lounge. Access to The Lounge is separate from the observation deck tickets and requires a reservation. The experience includes panoramic views, premium refreshments (cocktails, mocktails, light bites), and live entertainment on selected evenings. Dress code: smart casual minimum.
The Lounge is distinct from the observation decks — it is a dining and beverage experience, not a public viewing platform. Reservations are required and the venue has limited capacity. For full details on menu, pricing, and reservations, see our Lounge at Burj Khalifa guide.
- Height: 585 metres (1,920 feet) — world’s highest lounge
- Access: Separate reservation required — not included in observation deck tickets
- Includes: Premium refreshments, panoramic views, live entertainment (selected evenings)
- Dress code: Smart casual minimum
Comparing All Three Observation Levels
At the Top — Floors 124 & 125 (Standard)
- Height: 452–456 metres
- Price: From AED 173 non-prime / AED 250 prime
- Time limit: None
- Outdoor access: Yes — floor 124 terrace (open air, 360°)
- Glass floor: Yes — floor 125
- Hosted service: No
- Crowd level: Moderate to high at sunset; low at non-prime hours
At the Top SKY — Floor 148 (Premium)
- Height: 555 metres — world’s highest public deck
- Price: From AED 343 non-prime / AED 401 prime
- Time limit on floor 148: ~30 minutes
- Outdoor access: Yes — outdoor deck at 555m
- Hosted service: Yes — personal ambassador, SKY Lounge, complimentary drink
- Crowd level: Always low — capped capacity
The Lounge — Floors 152–154 (Dining/Lounge)
- Height: 585 metres — world’s highest lounge
- Access: Separate reservation — not an observation ticket
- Includes: Premium drinks, food, live entertainment
- Dress code: Smart casual
Which Observation Deck Should You Choose?
For most first-time visitors: At the Top (floors 124 & 125) — the complete experience at the best price, with the outdoor terrace, glass floor, and no time limit. For visitors who want fewer crowds, fast-track entry, and a premium atmosphere — especially at sunset: At the Top SKY (floor 148). For an evening cocktail or dining experience at the highest point in the world: The Lounge (152–154), with a reservation.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison of the two ticketed observation experiences, see our level 124 vs 148 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many observation decks does Burj Khalifa have?
Three public observation levels: At the Top (floors 124 & 125), At the Top SKY (floor 148), and The Lounge (floors 152–154). The standard observation deck ticket covers floors 124 and 125. The SKY ticket covers all three observation levels (148 first, then 124 & 125). The Lounge requires a separate reservation.
Which floor is the observation deck on?
The main observation deck is on floors 124 and 125 (At the Top). The premium observation deck is on floor 148 (At the Top SKY). The world’s highest lounge is on floors 152–154 (The Lounge).
What is the glass floor at Burj Khalifa?
The glass floor is on level 125, offering a direct view straight down 455 metres to the streets below. Animated ‘crack’ effects appear underfoot. It is included in the standard At the Top ticket.
Is there an outdoor terrace at Burj Khalifa?
Yes. Floor 124 has an open-air outdoor terrace offering 360-degree views with no glass barrier — the only fully open-air deck in the tower. Floor 148 also has an outdoor area at 555 metres. Both require a ticket.
How high is the Burj Khalifa observation deck?
At the Top (floor 124): 452 metres. At the Top (floor 125): 456 metres. At the Top SKY (floor 148): 555 metres. The Lounge (floors 152–154): up to 585 metres.
