Visiting Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab: Who Can Enter and How
During my visits to Dubai, I was always curious about the city’s two most famous buildings, Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. You see them everywhere, but it’s not always clear what your real options are to go inside or if you can only take pictures from the outside.
Both look very exclusive. Burj Al Arab stands on its own island with security at the bridge, and Burj Khalifa feels more like a landmark than a place you casually enter. I remember wondering if you had to stay overnight just to step inside.
Since then, I’ve visited both (without booking a hotel room), so I want to show you what’s possible, what’s worth your time, and how to plan your visit the easy way.
Short on time?
If you only have a short trip to Dubai, these hotel and tour options will help you make the most of your visit:
➡️Address Downtown, next to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
➡️JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, the 2nd-tallest hotel in Dubai
📸Private City Tour – Explore the city safely in the privacy of your own group
📸Big Bus Tour – Great to see the city and main landmarks at your own pace
Can Anyone Enter Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab?
Yes, but entry isn’t open in the same way as a mall or public attraction.
Burj Khalifa includes observation decks, restaurants, lounges, a spa, nightlife, and the Armani Hotel. Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel on a private island, so access is controlled and always linked to a booking.
You don’t need to stay overnight in either building, but you must have a confirmed reservation to enter.
How to Enter Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab is built on a man-made island and connected to the mainland by a guarded bridge. Security checks every car and person entering, and you won’t be allowed through without a valid booking.
Stay at the Hotel
This is the most expensive option and not realistic for everyone.
Room prices usually start around $1k-$3k per night, with higher-end suites costing much more. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime stay for many, but not the easiest way to see the inside.
Book a Restaurant or Bar (Most Popular Option)
This is the easiest and most popular way to go inside Burj Al Arab without staying overnight.
Restaurants and lounges inside the hotel include:
- Sahn Eddar – Atrium lounge on the first floor. Open to families. Options include à la carte dining or dessert experiences.
- Al Iwan – Arabic restaurant offering buffet lunch and dinner.
- Al Muntaha – Located on the 27th floor, serving French and Italian cuisine with city views.
- Al Mahara – Seafood restaurant next to a large aquarium, often chosen for romantic dinners.
- Bab Al Yam – European-style restaurant with a relaxed setting.
- SAL – Beachside restaurant with Mediterranean-style dishes.
- Skyview Lounge – On the 27th floor, about 200 metres above sea level, focused on cocktails and views.
I went to Skyview Bar as a birthday treat for my mum. We paid around 300 AED per person, which included drinks and snacks served on a tray shaped like the Burj Al Arab. It felt very special.
Good to know:
- Guests must be 16+ for Skyview Lounge after 5 pm. Until 5 pm, 8+
- Extra drinks are paid separately
- Dress code is strictly smart or elegant
Guided Tour or Spa Treatment
Another option is booking a guided tour inside the hotel or a spa experience. I personally prefer enjoying the space at my own pace, but if the guided tour inside Burj Al Arab is the only way, I would definitely go for it.
Before You Go to Burj Al Arab
- Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your booking
- Bring your reservation confirmation
- Dress smart: no flip-flops, beachwear, ripped jeans, or sportswear
How to Enter Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is a bit more accessible and has several entry options depending on what kind of experience you want.
Stay at Armani Hotel Dubai
Armani Hotel occupies part of Burj Khalifa and offers direct access inside the building.
Prices usually range from $600 to $2,000 per night, depending on the room and season. The style is very minimal and polished, exactly what you’d expect from Armani.
Visit a Restaurant or Lounge Inside Burj Khalifa
You don’t need to stay at the hotel to dine inside the tower.
The most well-known option is:
- At.Mosphere (Level 122) – The highest luxury restaurant. You can choose between At.Mosphere Restaurant or Lounge & Bar. Dress code is smart-elegant.
- Armani Ristorante (Italian cuisine, indoor and terrace seating)
- Armani Hashi (Japanese restaurant)
- Armani Amal (Indian cuisine with terrace views)
- Armani Mediterraneo (buffet-style dining)
- Armani Deli (Italian deli-style meals)
Go to the Top of Burj Khalifa
This is the most common way people enter Burj Khalifa.
You can choose from several levels, depending on your budget and how much time you want to spend there:
Floor 124 & 125 – You start with a high-speed lift that takes you up in about a minute. Floor 124 includes an outdoor observation terrace where you can walk around and look out over Dubai. Floor 125 is higher and offers interactive displays.
➡️Book tickets for floors 124 & 125 HERE
Burj Khalifa Sky 148th floor – This option includes access to floors 124 and 125, plus entry to the 148th floor. It’s quieter, includes a guided experience, and gives access to the Sky Lounge with refreshments.
➡️Book Burj Khalifa Sky tickets HERE
The Lounge Floors 152-154 – This is the highest accessible point in Burj Khalifa. It includes access to an outdoor terrace, along with tea, coffee, or champagne, depending on your booking. This is the most exclusive and relaxed option.
Spa or Nightlife
Another way to enter Burj Khalifa is by booking a spa treatment or visiting its nightlife venues.
- The spa is quieter and more relaxed, and gives you access to the building without crowds.
- Armani Privé nightclub is one of Dubai’s well-known clubs. Entry is 21+, with a smart dress code, and mixed groups are usually preferred.
This option suits people who want a more social or evening-focused experience rather than views.
Visiting Burj Al Arab & Burj Khalifa: FAQs
Is Burj Al Arab open to the public?
No, Burj Al Arab is not open to the public in the traditional sense. Entry is only allowed if you have a confirmed reservation, such as a restaurant booking, guided tour, spa appointment, or hotel stay.
Can I enter Burj Al Arab for free?
No. There is no free entry to Burj Al Arab.
What’s the cheapest way to enter Burj Al Arab?
A guided tour is usually the lowest-cost option. Booking a drink at Skyview Lounge is another relatively affordable way to get inside without staying overnight.
Can anyone go inside Burj Khalifa?
Yes. Anyone can enter Burj Khalifa if they have a valid ticket, restaurant reservation, spa booking, or hotel stay. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to access most areas.
Is going inside Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab worth it?
Yes, if you enjoy seeing places from the inside rather than just taking photos outside. I’ve visited the top of Burj Khalifa both during the day and in the evening, and each felt different. Skyview Lounge at Burj Al Arab was also a memorable experience and definitely worth it.
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