After a whirlwind 30-minute Uber ride from our cozy hotel in Sharjah, we ventured into the busy streets of Dubai with one ambitious goal: scaling the tallest structure in the world: the Burj Khalifa.
For the complete Dubai vibe, I’ve assembled a playlist that transforms you right to the heart of this adventure. Feel free to hit play and let the music set the tone as you follow along on our sky-high journey!
Now, when I say “scaling,” let me be clear — we weren’t about to launch a Mission Impossible stunt. But we definitely felt as though we’d finished a marathon by the time we finally made it to the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck (more on that adventure later).
First Glimpses of the World’s Tallest Building
As we crept through the downtown traffic, the Burj Khalifa slowly made its grand appearance in the skyline. At 2,722 feet, this modern marvel piercing the sky is impossible to miss. From the ground, it felt like my neck might break just from trying to take in the enormity of this tower. And yet, even with the view directly in front of us, the top seemed to disappear into the heavens.
We couldn’t resist taking that classic ground-up photo—you know, the one—where the tower looms so tall that you miss its top no matter how much you zoom out. This remarkable snapshot instantly took my breath away, reminding me how dwarfed we are in this world of steel and glass architecture. It is truly a “beautiful monster” of a building.
A Marathon Before the Observation Deck
You wouldn’t guess by looking at the smiles in our photos, but our journey to the At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY Lounge & Observation Deck wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Upon arriving, we quickly discovered we were at the wrong entrance — the residential side instead of the observation entry (oops!). What followed felt like an epic quest (minus the dragons) through the sprawling Dubai Mall, up and down its escalators and elevators, dodging through stairwells, and even meandering through part of a parking garage until we finally reached the At the Top observation entrance.
At this point, we were fashionably late — but felt immediately relieved once others arrived after us.
But all those extra steps disappeared from our minds as soon as we entered the plush VIP lounge. The lounge, filled with elegant seating, welcomed us, and our upbeat tour guide handed us premium tour stickers and awaited the next phase of our adventure: the guided part of the tour and the elevator ride to The Top.
The VIP Treatment (and a Little Bit of Ruckus)
We soon learned that VIP tickets really do make a difference. As part of the premium tour, we zipped past the main crowds and were treated to quick tours of 3D models and fascinating details about the tower’s construction. Casual fact: the Burj Khalifa has a whopping 57 elevators, 8 escalators, and a mind-boggling $1.5 billion cost to build.
At this point, our VIP treatment stirred up a bit of… playful tension. As our guide ushered us toward the elevators, we bypassed long lines of tourists waiting for the basic tour. Let’s just say that not everyone was amused by our line-cutting privileges — a few boos and grumbles followed us. But hey, that’s the price of ‘fame’ in the VIP lane!
Soon enough, we were shot up to the observation deck, ears popping the higher we climbed. It felt like a ride straight to the stars!
The Observation Deck: Views from the Sky
The moment the elevator doors slid open, we could grab a few snapshots of the extravagant chandeliers, and a posh lounge greeted us. Snacks and drinks awaited, and breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai stretched out endlessly across the horizon. Standing that high above the city, it was as if the entire world was at our feet—gleaming skyscrapers, the winding coastline, and the desert beyond. It was surreal and thrilling all at once.
We soaked in every angle and snapped photos of the futuristic-looking city below, golden sands meeting turquoise water in the distance. At times, the lights of Dubai shimmering in the night sky made the city look like a radiant, living organism. Even better, we caught some fireworks off in the distance, adding a sprinkle of magic to an already unbelievable night.
With a gentle breeze keeping us company, we lingered on the deck as the weight of the world slipped away, gazing at Dubai’s silent grandeur.
From the Burj to the Light Show
After our fill of sky-high views, the Burj Khalifa experience took an unexpected turn. As we left the observation deck, we wandered through the Dubai Mall, taking in a few more bustling shops and dazzling displays. Honestly, the mall itself felt like a mini-adventure; it’s massive and could easily be its own destination!
Once we stepped outside, we found ourselves near Fountain Lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Though we didn’t plan it, we happened to arrive at just the right time to witness the famous Burj Khalifa light show. Without warning, music started, and the entire skyscraper lit up in a dazzling display of synchronized lights, turning the iconic tower into a giant LED canvas set against the evening sky. The glow of the lights reflected onto the surrounding buildings—it’s a moment we’ll never forget.
Although we stood by the famous fountains, we didn’t catch their performance this time. But the sheer brilliance of the light show was more than enough to leave us in awe. It felt like we’d been placed at the center of all that was grand in Dubai.
As the crowd gazed up, absorbed by the spectacle, it felt like the perfect way to cap off our night. We were enchanted by the magic of the Burj Khalifa and grateful that we happened to be in the right place at precisely the right time.
Exploring the Surroundings: Dubai Opera and More
After enjoying the light show, we decided to stroll around the Burj Khalifa’s perimeter. The architecture surrounding the skyscraper is equally stunning. We walked by the sleek Dubai Opera House—a masterpiece of architectural design that looks as if it’s flowing out of the ground like melted steel—and admired the district’s modern elegance. Towering buildings and serene spots around the lake offered even more photo ops.
A Night to Remember
At the end of it all, tired but utterly fulfilled, we took one last look at the illuminated Burj Khalifa standing tall against the night sky. In just one day, we had experienced so much—from bustling city streets to the quiet height of the observation deck to the sparkling light show around the lake. It truly felt magical.
This adventure left us in awe of the astonishing feats of architecture and design that surrounded us and with a deep appreciation for the moments that pulled us out of the ordinary and into something truly extraordinary.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. Every long walk, popped ear, and skyscraper vista was worth it!
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Burj Khalifa, we say go for it! It’s more than just a sight to check off the bucket list — it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave Dubai.
Thanks for following along on our journey! Until our next adventure…
Feel the Vibe? Here Are 4 Songs to Relive the Magic
As we descended from the Burj Khalifa and reflected on this unforgettable adventure, a few songs came to mind that perfectly captured the magic, thrill, and awe of the night. If you want to get a taste of how this experience felt at its core — blending excitement, wonder, and adventure — here are five songs that echo the vibe:
- Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer
Fun, vibrant, and energetic, just like our joyful journey to the top! - Midnight City by M83
Dreamy, euphoric, and perfectly mirrors the high-energy feeling of Dubai’s glittering city lights. - On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
Uplifting for the sense of achievement and wonder one feels when standing on the world’s tallest tower. - Lights by Ellie Goulding
Atmospheric and electrifying, resembling Burj Khalifa’s light show, which twinkles above the city skyline.
If you’re looking for songs that transport you, play these tracks and let them take you on your own journey!
