For travelers and architecture enthusiasts, choosing between Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and New York’s Empire State Building can be tough.
Both attractions offer incredible views and a unique experience.
But it’s not just about height. It’s also about the history, style, and vibes of Dubai and New York.
Let’s dive into what sets each skyscraper apart to help you pick the one that fits your style and travel plans.
BURJ KHALIFA
The tallest building in the world
Location: Downtown Dubai at 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
Observation deck: 124th, 125th and 148th floors
Height: 828 meters (2,722 feet)
Timing: 9 am to 7 pm
Restaurant
View from the deck: 360-degree views of Dubai, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert.
Ticket price: AED 73 ($20) to AED 9924 ($2702)
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
An Art Deco Skyscraper in New York
Location: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States
Observation deck: 86th and 102nd floors
Height: 380 meters (1,250 feet) up to roof
Timing: 10 am to 12 am
Restaurant
View from the deck: New York City, the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, and Central Park
Ticket price: $41 for childrens and $48 for adults
Which skyscraper is more accessible: Burj Khalifa or Empire State Building?
The Burj Khalifa, a towering architectural marvel, stands tall in the heart of Downtown Dubai at 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Get Directions
It’s surrounded by a vibrant mix of attractions, from famous shopping spots and green parks to captivating zoos and immersive aquariums.
Plus, at just a 9-mile (15 km) hop from Dubai International Airport, it’s easily accessible for locals and tourists alike.
On the flip side, the Empire State Building graces Manhattan’s core at 350 5th Avenue, snugly positioned between 33rd and 34th Streets. Get Directions
This towering icon has its very own zip code, 10118. Yet, thanks to its strategic downtown location, reaching it is a breeze.
Within this urban landscape, you’ll find homes and businesses cozying up to this architectural giant.
Burj Khalifa vs. Empire State Building: Which Skyscraper Can You Visit Longer?
The Burj Khalifa is open all year, seven days a week, from 9 am to 11 pm, while the Empire State Building’s opening hours vary depending on the season and day of the week.
The following table compares the opening hours of the Burj Khalifa and the Empire State Building.
| Skyscraper | Weekdays | Weekends | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | 9 am to 11 pm | 8 am to midnight | Varies |
| Empire State Building | 10 am to midnight | 10 am to 12 am (summer) 10 am to 10 pm (winter and holidays) | Varies |
As you can see, the Burj Khalifa has longer opening hours than the Empire State Building, especially on weekends.
On weekdays, the Burj Khalifa is open from 9 am to 11 pm, while the Empire State Building is open from 10 am to midnight.
On weekends, the Burj Khalifa is open from 8 am to midnight, while the Empire State Building is open from 10 am to 12 am (in summer) and 10 am to 10 pm (in winter and on holidays).
If you are looking for a skyscraper with longer opening hours, especially on weekends, then the Burj Khalifa is the better choice.
Burj Khalifa vs. Empire State Building: Feature Comparison
Both the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Empire State Building in New York are iconic skyscrapers that attract many visitors daily.
Let’s have a look at what they have to offer:
| Features | Burj Khalifa | Empire State Building |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 828 meters (2,722 feet) | 443 meters (1,453 feet) |
| Floors | 163 | 102 |
| Observation decks | 3 | 2 |
| World Records | 100+ | 10+ |
| Construction date | 2010 | 1931 |
Highlights of Burj Khalifa
The sleek and modern Burj Khalifa stands tall at 828 meters (2,722 feet), offering extraordinary views from its two observation decks: At the Top (124th and 125th floors) and At the Top Sky (148th floor).
For awe-inspiring vistas from the 148th floor, hop on one of the world’s fastest elevators to the At the Top Sky deck.
Food enthusiasts can’t miss At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant perched on the 122nd floor.
Enjoy a delicious three-course meal with your loved ones at the Burj Club, or give your kids a sweet treat in the Candylicious area.
Highlights of Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, a Manhattan landmark, is renowned for its stunning views, historical significance, and impact on the city skyline.
It has 102 floors and a magnificent Art Deco façade.
Highlights include the Empire State Building observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, which offer panoramic views of the city.
The exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors, which tell the building’s story and feature celebrity visits and movies filmed there, are also worth a visit.
The LED lights on the top 30 floors light up in different colors for various events.
To fully experience the Empire State Building, purchase tickets in advance, dress warmly, bring your camera, and allow at least two hours.
Burj Khalifa vs. Empire State Building: Which Observation Deck Should You Visit?
| Features | Burj Khalifa | Empire State Building |
|---|---|---|
| Number of observation decks | 3 | 2 |
| Highest observation deck | 148th floor, 555 meters (1,821 feet) | 102nd floor, 381 meters (1,250 feet) |
| Exclusive experiences | VIP tickets to the 148th floor include personalized tours, telescopes, and touchscreen maps | None |
| Popular experiences | At the Top, Burj Khalifa on the 124th and 125th floors | Main Deck Observatory on the 86th floor |
| Ticket Links | At The Top Ticket At The Top SKY Ticket | Entry Ticket |
Overall, the Burj Khalifa has more observation decks, including the highest observation deck in the world.
It also offers more exclusive experiences, such as VIP tickets to the 148th floor (At The Top Burj Khalifa SKY).
The Empire State Building has two observation decks, both of which offer stunning views of New York City.
The Main Deck Observatory on the 86th floor is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
Which observation deck should you choose?
If you are looking for the highest observation deck in the world and an exclusive experience, then the Burj Khalifa is the better choice.
If you are looking for a more affordable option and are interested in visiting a popular tourist attraction, then the Empire State Building is the better choice.
Burj Khalifa and Empire State Building: Which Ticket is Right for You?
The Burj Khalifa offers a more flexible and affordable ticket pricing structure than the Empire State Building.
For adults and youth, the Burj Khalifa ticket price for non-prime hours (9:30 am to 3:30 pm) is AED 173 ($47) and AED 140 ($38), respectively.
During prime hours (4 pm to 6:30 pm), the price increases slightly to AED 250 ($68) for adults.
On the other hand, the Empire State Building offers a flat ticket price of $48 for adults aged 13 to 61, $46 for senior citizens aged 62 and above, and $42 for children between 6 and 12 years old.
With careful planning, you can take advantage of the Burj Khalifa’s non-prime hours to save on your visit.
Additionally, the Burj Khalifa offers various ticket packages that include other attractions in Dubai, such as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Burj Khalifa vs. Empire State Building: Which has the better view?
The Burj Khalifa and the Empire State Building offer two of the most iconic views in the world.
However, the Burj Khalifa’s views are arguably more impressive, due to its sheer height and the unique perspective it offers of Dubai.
From the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks, visitors can see the entire city of Dubai spread out before them, from the soaring skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the vast desert landscape beyond.
They can also see the Persian Gulf and the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago in the shape of a palm tree.
The Empire State Building’s views are also stunning, but they are more limited in scope.
Visitors can see the entire New York City skyline, including iconic landmarks like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.
However, they cannot see the surrounding countryside or waterways.
How are the crowds at the Burj Khalifa and Empire State Building?
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and a top Dubai attraction.
It draws 7,000 tourists a day, with numbers swelling to 10,000 at sunset (4 pm to 6.30 pm).
The Burj Khalifa offers stunning views of the Dubai skyline, especially at sunset.
The Empire State Building is also a popular tourist attraction, but it draws fewer visitors than the Burj Khalifa.
An estimated 4 million tourists visit the Empire State Building each year.
The best time to visit the Empire State Building to avoid crowds is during the day.
| Building | Expected crowd |
|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa | More crowded, especially during sunset hours |
| Empire State Building | Less crowded, especially during the day |
Contents
FAQs
What is the size of Burj Khalifa?
At over 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world.
What is in floor 148 Burj Khalifa?
At 555 meters (1,821 ft) high, At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY on Level 148 offers visitors the unprecedented opportunity to soak up unmatched views of the city.
How tall is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building stands 1,250 feet (380 meters) tall. Counting the spire and antenna, the building clocks in at 1,454 feet (443 meters).
When was the Empire State built?
Construction started on March 17, 1930, and the building opened thirteen and a half months afterward on May 1, 1931.
Where is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets in midtown Manhattan.
How many stories is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building has 102 floors, with 1,860 steps from street level to the 102nd floor.
Featured Image : Empire State Building Stock photos by Vecteezy
