Burj Khalifa and the Sky View Observatory are remarkable observation points in Dubai. They both offer amazing views of Dubai’s skyline and landscape.
The Burj Khalifa, towering in Dubai, is the world’s tallest building and boasts breathtaking vistas of the city’s modern skyline.
Meanwhile, the Sky Views Observatory is on the 53rd floor of the Address Sky View Hotel.
And it is one of the best places to experience Dubai City’s stunning skyline and coastline!
Both options promise great views of Dubai’s charm from different angles, making it a tough choice for anyone looking to soak in the city’s splendor.
In this article, we will compare and contrast Burj Khalifa vs Sky View Observatory to find your best option.
Top Sky Views Observatory ticket
Burj Khalifa vs Sky Views Observatory – Our Recommendation
Burj Khalifa or Dubai Sky Views – Which observatory deck to visit?
We recommend you visit both Burj Khalifa and Dubai Sky Views Observatory if time and budget permits.
Burj Khalifa is an experience that any visitor to Dubai should experience.
The views and excitement you will get at the tallest building in the world are unmatched.
However, if you wish to enjoy the iconic skyline of Dubai, you will want Burj Khalifa in it.
So visit Sky Views observatory for the best skyline photo opportunity and adventure activities like the glass slide and Edge walk.
Planned and operated by Emaar, Burj Khalif and Sky Views complement each other and offer a complete visit when toured together.
They are located close to each other, making it a convenient trip.
You can also purchase the Burj Khalif and Sky Views observatory combo ticket and save up to 10% on individual entry tickets.
However, if you can visit only one of the attractions, the choice is based on your preference.
Visit Burj Khalifa for an iconic Dubai experience. If you want a more subtle, crowd-free tour, then head to Sky Views Observatory.
If you are still divided over Sky Views Observatory and Burj Khalifa, here is a detailed comparison of them on various parameters.
Recommeded Reading: Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory combo ticket
Ticket Prices
You must purchase entry tickets to visit the two observatory decks- Burj Khalifa or Sky View.
You can choose from two types of entry tickets to visit the three levels of observatory decks at Burj Khalifa.
The level 124 and 125 entry tickets cost AED 174 ($47).
You must purchase a Level 124, 125 and 148 entry ticket to visit all three, costing you AED 553 ($150) per person.
The entry tickets cost AED 81 ($22) for visitors above 12, while children aged 4 to 11 can enjoy the experience for AED 66 ($18).
Your ticket includes one exhilarating ride down the glass slide, but if you’re up for another go, it can be arranged for an additional AED 25 ($7).
The Edge walk experience costs AED 709 ($193) per person.
Pro tip: If you cannot decide between Burj Khalifa or the Sky View Observatory, do them both.
You can opt for a combination ticket- Burj Khalifa and the Sky View Observatory for AED 249 ($68) per adult.
It is a more affordable option to visit both the observation decks.
Height of Observation decks
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and offers observatory decks at levels 124, 125 and 148.
At the Top, Burj Khalifa is located 452 meters (1483 feet) from street level and At the Top Sky on level 148 at 555 meters (1821).
Dubai Sky View has two observatory decks on floors 52 and 53, 52 meters (170 feet) and 55 meters (180 feet) from ground level.
As you can see, the Burj Khalifa observation decks are significantly taller than the Dubai Sky View observation decks.
The Burj Khalifa SKY observation deck is the highest in the world, while the Dubai Sky View observation deck is the third-highest in Dubai.
So the clear winner in heights is Burj Khalifa, without any doubt.
Burj Khalifa vs Sky Views Observatory – Where do you get the best views?
The best view in Dubai depends on what you are looking for.
If you want the best panoramic view, the Burj Khalifa is the best choice.
However, Sky Views Observatory may be better if you want a more unique and intimate view.
Burj Khalifa offers 360° panoramic views of the city skyline from the highest observation deck in the world.
You can see everything from Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Fountain and the deserts.
Due to the height, the views from the Sky View observatory may not be as extensive as Burj Khalifa.
However, you can enjoy views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain and the Downtown Dubai Skyline from there.
Features of Burj Khalifa
There are two observation decks on the Burj Khalifa: At the Top on the 124th to 125th floor and At the Top SKY on the 148th floor.
At the Top on the 124th floor is the most popular observation deck on the Burj Khalifa.
It offers 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding desert.
From At the Top, you can see the Burj Al Arab, the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina, and the Dubai Fountain.
At the Top also has several interactive features, including a telescope and a green screen photo booth to take photos of your favorite Dubai landmarks.
At the Top SKY on the 148th floor is the highest observation deck on the Burj Khalifa.
It offers even more stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
From At the Top SKY, you can see the Earth’s curvature and the Arabian Desert’s vastness.
At the Top, SKY also has several exclusive features, including a private lounge, a gift shop and luxurious spas and dining options.
Features of Sky Views Observatory Dubai
Dubai Sky View Observatory is a unique observation deck on the 52nd and 53rd floors of the Address Sky View Hotel in Dubai, UAE.
It offers stunning 360-degree city skyline views, including iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Mall.
In addition to the observation deck, Dubai Sky View Observatory also features several unique experiences, including:
Glass walkway
The glass walkway is a 46-meter-long transparent platform that extends out from the side of the building.
It is 22 meters wide and can accommodate up to 100 people at a time.
The glass walkway is made of ultra-clear tempered glass 12 millimeters thick. It is also supported by a steel frame that is 100 millimeters thick.
Visitors to the glass walkway must always wear safety harnesses and be accompanied by a guide.
Glass slide
The glass slide is a seven-meter-long transparent tube from the 53rd floor to the 52nd floor.
It is made of ultra-clear tempered glass that is 12 millimeters thick.
Visitors to the glass slide must be at least 1.2 meters tall and weigh less than 100 kilograms.
They must also wear safety harnesses and be accompanied by a guide.
Edge Walk
The Edge Walk is a hands-free walk around the perimeter of the 53rd floor of the building.
It is the highest edge walk in the world and offers visitors the chance to experience the thrill of walking on the edge of a skyscraper.
Visitors to the Edge Walk must be at least 1.3 meters tall and weigh between 45 and 100 kilograms.
They must also wear safety harnesses and be accompanied by two guides.
Restaurant and cafe
Dubai Sky View Observatory has a restaurant and a cafe where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while enjoying the views.
The restaurant, called Sky 52, serves modern American cuisine. The Sky 52 cafe serves coffee, tea, and snacks.
Burj Khalifa vs Sky View Observatory – which has better features?
Sky View Observatory offers more immersive and unique experiences and features when compared to Burj Khalifa.
You can try Glass Slide, Edge Walk and more adventurous activities.
On the other hand, Burj Khalifa offers luxurious features like a lounge, fine dining, spas and more.
Burj Khalifa also offers a telescope and green screen for a better experience.
Location
The Observatory, Glass Slide and Edge Walk facility are on the 53rd floor of the Address Sky View Hotel.
The Address Sky View Hotel is in Emaar Square Area, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Get Directions.
Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai, near the Dubai Mall and Fountain. It is the tallest building in the vicinity.
You will find Burj Khalifa at: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Get Directions.
Both the attractions are located in downtown Dubai and are just 15 15-minute walk from each other.
Opening hours
The Sky Views Observatory is located in Address Sky View Hotel.
Along with the observation deck, you will also find the Glass Slide and Edge Walk in the hotel!
All three of these attractions at Sky Views Dubai are open on all days of the year, including public holidays.
The observatory deck and glass slide at the Dubai Sky View open at 10 am and close at 9 pm.
The Edge Walk experience is available weekly from 12 pm to 8:30 pm.
Burj Khalifa is open daily from 10 am to 12 am, with Level 148 open from 10 am to 10 pm. The last to level 148 is 9 pm.
Levels 124 and 125 on Burj Khalifa are open from 8 am to 12 pm during the week. The decks are open from 5 am to 12 am on Saturday and Sunday.
The opening hours of Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory are as follows:
| Observation Deck | Timings | Final entry |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa- At the Top (Levels 124 and 125) | 8 am to 12 am | 11.15 pm |
| Burj Khalifa- At the Top Sky (Levels 148) | 10 am to 10 pm | 9 pm |
| Sky Views Observatory + Glass Slide | 10 am to 9 pm | 8 pm |
| Sky Views Observatory Edge Walk | 12 pm to 8.30 pm | 8 pm |
The opening hours of both observation decks might vary depending on festivals. Do check the official page for day-to-day information.
Read more about the opening hours of Burj Khalifa and Sky View Observatory!
Expected Crowd
When deciding between visiting the Burj Khalifa or the Sky View Observatory in Dubai, it’s essential to consider the expected crowd.
The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, attracts tourists year-round.
You may encounter long lines and large crowds at its observation decks during peak hours and tourist seasons.
The lines may last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour!
It’s advisable to book tickets in advance or visit during less busy times to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
On the other hand, the Sky View Observatory, nestled on the Palm Jumeirah, generally offers a more serene atmosphere.
While it’s gaining popularity, it is less crowded than the Burj Khalifa. This means you can savor the views with fewer people around!
So, Burj Khalifa vs. the Sky View Observatory– which one?
Picking between the Burj Khalifa and the Sky View Observatory in Dubai is like choosing between two incredible adventures in the sky.
The Burj Khalifa, reaching the heavens, is the world’s tallest skyscraper.
It boasts observation decks, At The Top and At The Top Sky, where you can observe Dubai’s glittering cityscape, the vast desert, and the coastline.
Being up there is like touching the clouds.
On the other hand, the Sky View Observatory, perched on the Address View hotel, offers a unique view of Dubai’s iconic skyline and downtown.
So, which one should you choose? It depends on your mood and what you want to see.
If you are up for the thrill of scaling the tallest tower in the world and exploring the city from the sky, go for the Burj Khalifa.
But if you crave a peaceful view of Palm Island and the tranquil sea, then the Sky View Observatory is your spot.
FAQs
1. Is Sky View and Burj Khalifa the same?
No, Sky View and Burj Khalifa are not the same.
Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest skyscraper, while Sky View is a relatively new observatory on Palm Jumeirah! Both observatory decks offer a different view of Dubai.
Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai, whereas the Sky View Observatory is on the 53rd floor of Address Sky View Hotel.
2. Which view is better from Burj Khalifa
The view from Burj Khalifa is exceptional, offering panoramic vistas of Dubai’s cityscape, desert, and coastline.
It’s considered one of the best urban views in the world. You can get a birds-eye view of everything Dubai has to offer!
3. Which floor is best for Burj Khalifa?
The best floor for viewing from Burj Khalifa is the At The Top Sky, located on the 148th floor, providing the highest and most breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai.
You can also consider only doing levels 124 and 125! They also have some of the best views of Dubai!
4. Should we go to Burj Khalifa at night or day?
Visiting Burj Khalifa during the evening or at night is recommended.
Burj Khalifa during the night is a unique experience where you can enjoy the Dubai fountain and light show, too.
The city’s skyline, lit against the night sky, offers a magical and mesmerizing view.
Featured Image: Facebook.com(skyviewsobservatory),Facebook.com(AtthetopBurjkhalifa)
