Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory are Dubai’s top attractions, offering mesmerizing city views, upscale services and drool-worthy fine-dining experiences.
But which one is better? This question often bothers tourists who feel confused about which one to pick!
We are here to help you decide which is the better choice based on several factors.
The Burj Khalifa has two observation decks, At the Top and At the Top SKY, spread over three levels.
On the other hand, Sky Views Observatory offers a unique view of the glimmering metropolis of Dubai.
Read more to decide which one suits you best and make the most of your visit.
Burj Khalifa Vs. Sky Views Observatory- Our Recommendation
We recommend you visit both the Burj Khalifa and the Sky Views Observatory, as both observatories offer stunning city views of Dubai. However, the experiences are different.
Both observatories are exceptional in their own right, so it is difficult to choose between At the Top at Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory.
Visitors can get At the Top tickets and Sky Views Observatory tickets separately or Burj Khalifa and Sky View Observatory combo tickets.
Burj Khalifa Vs. Sky Views Observatory- Where Do You Get the Best Views?
The Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory offer excellent city views, but which one offers the best views?
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest skyscraper, and its observation decks at Levels 124, 125 and 148 offer spectacular 360-degree views of everything in Dubai.
Due to its magnanimous height, the Burj Khalifa offers unobstructed views of nearby attractions, sand dunes, and Iranian shores on a clear day.
Some iconic attractions visible from the Burj Khalifa include the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf.
On the other hand, Sky Views Observatory offers stunning views of Dubai from the 53rd floor.
Apart from the city views of Dubai, visitors can also see the Burj Khalifa from the Sky Views Observatory.
Since the Burj Khalifa is taller, the views from At the Top and At the Top SKY are definitely more expansive.
However, the Sky Views Observatory offers a different perspective of the city from a unique perspective.
But if we must choose one, then Burj Khalifa emerges as the clear winner.
Burj Khalifa Vs. Sky Views Observatory- Ticket Prices
The Burj Khalifa tickets for Levels 124 and 125 cost AED 179 for adults between 8 and 99 and AED145 for children between 3 and 7. Infants under 2 get free admission.
Levels 124, 125 and 148 tickets cost AED 553 for all visitors between 3 and 99 years old. Infants under 2 get free admission at Burj Khalifa.
On the other hand, the Sky Views Observatory tickets cost AED 80 for adults between 12 and 99 and AED65 for children between 4 and 11.
Children under three are not allowed inside the Sky Views Observatory.
Burj Khalifa Vs. Sky Views Observatory- Features
The variety of views is just one of the highlights of the observatories at Burj Khalifa and the Sky Views Observatory.
Several other features make your visit to the observatories worth a visit.
Based on the features of the observation decks, let us now consider which observatory is better, the Burj Khalifa or the Sky Views Observatory.
Burj Khalifa Features
The Burj Khalifa features observation decks on three levels: 124, 125 and 148, over 550 meters.
Feel the adrenaline rush and experience the speed of light as you reach the top using one of the fastest elevators in the world.
The Burj Khalifa’s observation deck has stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that offer exceptional city views like the World Islands and the Palm Jumeirah.
Feel the wind and soak in the breathtaking sunset views from the outdoor observation deck at the 124th Level of the Burj Khalifa.
Yet another exclusive feature of the At the Top observation deck at the Burj Khalifa is the At the Top SKY at the 148th level of the skyscraper.
The 148th level boasts a premium luxury lounge, an outdoor terrace and delectable premium refreshments.
There’s nothing quite like snacking and drinking delicious drinks in the clouds, and the Burj Khalifa observatories offer this unforgettable experience, making it worth visiting.
At The Lounge, you can soak in the breathtaking city views as you savor breakfast, small plates, champagnes, or hot drinks.
The Burj Khalifa also features interactive stations and a Wi-Fi connection throughout the attraction, which allows you to connect with your friends from the top.
Share your pictures and videos or go live from the top as you dine and drink at the top of the world’s highest skyscraper and have a memorable experience at the At the Top.
Sky Views Observatory Features
The Sky View Observatory is located on the 53rd floor of the Address Sky View Hotel.
Sky Views Observatory’s key features include a 25-meter-long glass floor that offers exceptional city views of the Burj Khalifa.
One of the best features of Sky Views Observatory is a glass slide and a glass walkway.
Feel your heart racing as you slide on the thrilling glass slide that takes you from the 53rd floor to the 52nd floor, providing you with views of the city from a unique vantage point.
The SkySlide is a 12-meter-long slide supported at the top and bottom, ensuring a thrilling experience.
Sky Views Observatory also features the Sky 52 Restaurant, where visitors can enjoy drool-worthy food on their trip.
Sky 52 Restaurant is known for its upscale American-style dinner, tempting starters, delectable burgers, entrees, desserts, and more.
The most exciting feature of the Sky Views Observatory is the Edge Walk, a one-of-its-kind adventure activity in Dubai.
The Edge Walk is Dubai’s highest full-circle hands-free walk on the edge of the Tower’s main pod at approximately 219.5 meters above the ground.
Location
The At the Top and At the Top SKY observation decks are located on the 124, 125, and 148 levels of the Burj Khalifa inside Burj Park.
The Burj Khalifa’s address is 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Get Directions.
The Burj Khalifa does not have an external entrance, and its most popular entrance for tourists is through the Dubai Mall.
Other ways are through two elevator lines, one of which is through the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall and is preferred by At the Top ticket holders.
The other elevator line is for visitors who want to explore different levels of the Burj Khalifa without tickets.
On the other hand, the Sky Views Observatory is located on the 53rd floor of the Address Sky View Hotel.
Its address is Area Downtown, Standard Chartered Tower – Address Sky View – Dubai – United Arab Emirates. Get Directions.
The Sky Views Observatory is accessible via the main entrance of the SKY VIEWS OBSERVATORY Tower 1, Level 0, near Tower 1’s residence entrance.
The other entrance is through the Dubai Mall Metrolink to SKY VIEW OBSERVATORY’s main entrance at Level 1.
Both the observatories are conveniently located in the city. The distance between Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory is around 850m, a 12-minute walk away.
Opening Hours
Burj Khalifa’s At the Top’s opening hours are between 8 am and 12 am throughout the week.
On the other hand, the Sky Views Observatory remains open between 10 am and 10 pm throughout the week.
The long opening hours of Burj Khalifa until midnight offer the opportunity for visitors to enjoy a private experience.
Expected Crowds at Burj Khalifa Vs. Sky Views Observatory
How crowded or crowd-free an attraction is can be a distinguishing factor when deciding between two or more attractions.
The Burj Khalifa was Dubai’s most-visited attraction, with around 17 million visitors exploring it each year.
However, the observation deck at level 124 attracts around 1.87 million visitors annually, making it extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
On the other hand, Sky Views Observatory remains relatively crowd-free. Most visitors do not encounter large crowds during their visit.
However, during peak tourist season in Dubai, the Sky Views Observatory remains crowded, too.
The best way to avoid crowds at both attractions is to book tickets online, visit early morning or late night, and avoid rush hours like sunset hours.
If you are keen on catching the sunset, the best way to avoid crowds and secure an entry is to get online tickets in advance for their desired timeslot.
At the Top, SKY offers timed visits only, so all visitors only get 30 minutes, whereas at the other levels, you can stay for as long as you like, so book accordingly.
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FAQs
Which one should I visit, the Burj Khalifa or the Sky Views Observatory?
Ideally, you should visit both the Burj Khalifa and the Sky Views Observatory because both observation decks offer stunning views.
On a clear day, you can even enjoy the shores of Iran. You can see the Burj Khalifa from the Sky Views Observatory and try adventurous sports.
What is the difference between Sky Views Observatory and Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa has observation decks on three levels, 124, 125 and 148, and offers a premium dining and drinks experience.
The Sky Views Observatory offers views of Burj Khalifa ans also has adventure activities like a glass slide and a hands-free glass edge walk.
Which has better views, At the Top Burj Khalifa or Sky Views Observatory?
At the Top, Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory offer excellent city views. However, Burj Khalifa offers better city views due to its greater height.
Can I enter At the Top and SKY with the same ticket?
Yes, you can visit both At the Top and At the Top Sky with the Burj Khalifa VIP tickets.
Is there a Sky Views Observatory and Burj Khalifa combo ticket?
Visitors can get Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory combo tickets here to visit both attractions without wasting time getting individual tickets for both.
Should I visit At the Top at Burj Khalifa or Sky Views Observatory?
The best idea is to visit the At the Top and Sky Views Observatory, as both of them are observation decks, but the experience is quite different.
Visitors can enjoy amazing city views of Dubai, but from the Sky Views Observatory, they can also see Burj Khalifa and enjoy the Edge Walk and Glass Slide.
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Featured Image: Facebook.com(Skyviewsobservatory),Mlenny from Getty Images Signature(Canva)