The Burj Khalifa VIP Experience is one of those Dubai splurges that actually lives up to the hype. Going up the Burj Khalifa is iconic on its own, but if you’re going to do it, Level 148 (At The Top SKY) is the way to go. It’s calmer, quieter, and feels like a completely different experience compared to the lower decks—and that difference matters more than you might expect.
If this is your first time in Dubai, pairing it with the surrounding area makes sense. After your visit, you can wander straight into the mall and fountains nearby—see my full guide to the Dubai Mall & Fountain Show for how to time that part without losing your sanity.
The biggest difference with the Burj Khalifa VIP Experience is the crowd control. Level 148 felt intentionally limited, which is probably why it never felt chaotic. You’re not being shuffled along or rushed through photo spots. Instead, you can actually slow down.
Compare that to Levels 124 and 125, which were absolute chaos. Loud. Packed. Rushed. The view is technically impressive, but the vibe is very “Disneyland attraction” rather than once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Up on Level 148, you’re free to move at your own pace. Sit. Walk around. Take photos without someone tapping you on the shoulder. It’s relaxed in a way that feels rare for such a famous attraction.
Construction officially began in January 2004 with excavation and piling deep into Dubai’s desert foundation. By June 2004, the massive raft foundation was complete, creating the base for what would become the tallest building on Earth.
In April 2005, construction of the podium and tower structure began, and things moved fast. By June 2006, the building had already reached Level 50. Just seven months later, in January 2007, it climbed to Level 100—an insane pace when you see it visualized.
The tower continued breaking records throughout 2007. In July, it was declared the world’s tallest building. By September, it had also become the world’s tallest free-standing structure.
By April 2008, the Burj Khalifa officially earned the title of the world’s tallest man-made structure, surpassing every height record previously held. The final milestone came in January 2009, when completion of the spire pipe jacking marked the moment the tower “topped out,” reaching its full height and final form.
The views alone justify the Burj Khalifa VIP Experience. From up there, you see Downtown Dubai laid out perfectly, the desert stretching into the distance, and the coastline shimmering beyond the city. If you care about photography—or just want time to actually absorb what you’re seeing—this level makes all the difference.
They also serve drinks and snacks, which sounds small but adds to the experience. Lattes, espresso, orange juice, and dates are brought around while you’re up there, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. That alone makes it feel elevated instead of rushed.
I’d recommend going earlier in the morning, around 10 a.m. or earlier. Crowds are lighter, the atmosphere is calmer, and you’re more likely to enjoy the space without feeling overstimulated.
That said, there’s a fun timing option if you’re flexible. You can watch the sunset from the ground, then head up to Level 148 and catch it again from above. Because of the height, it genuinely feels like a second sunset. It’s one of those “only in Dubai” moments that makes the Burj Khalifa VIP Experience feel extra special.
If you’re planning ahead, booking your Level 148 ticket through a trusted tours platform keeps it simple and avoids sold-out time slots—you can book the Burj Khalifa VIP Experience here and lock in the time that works best for your schedule.
Since you’re already downtown, it’s also worth staying nearby so you’re not fighting traffic before or after. I usually look for hotels near the Burj Khalifa and book it here so I can compare locations and prices in one place without hopping between tabs.
For me, yes—100%. The Burj Khalifa VIP Experience turns a crowded tourist attraction into something genuinely memorable. You’re paying for space, time, and calm, and in a city that does everything bigger and louder, that’s worth it.
If you’re the type who wants to take photos without elbows in your frame, actually sit and enjoy the view, and not feel rushed through one of the world’s most famous landmarks, Level 148 is absolutely the move.
Once you’re done, you can easily continue the day with a great meal nearby—check out my guide to where to eat in Dubai with the best views if you want something scenic to match the experience.
The Burj Khalifa VIP Experience is indoors and climate-controlled, but comfortable shoes still matter. You’ll be standing and walking around more than you think. If you’re planning a full sightseeing day, this is also a good stop to schedule earlier so you’re not exhausted by the time you go up.
And if photos are part of the plan (let’s be honest, they probably are), natural light earlier in the day is your friend. You’ll get cleaner skyline shots and less haze than later afternoon.
For more ideas on angles, timing, and where to stand, learn more in my post about the best Instagram & photo spots in Dubai—it pairs perfectly with this stop.
Booked this Bryson City yurt for the ‘ber months and it’s already my top fall pick this year. 🍂
The Junaluska Yurt sleeps six but feels more like a stylish cabin than a yurt, two real queen bedrooms with actual doors, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Check-in is just a door code texted to your phone, no lobby, no waiting.
The real win is outside: wraparound porch, private fire pit, free firewood, a gas grill, and Smoky Mountain sunsets that stop you mid-sentence, picture all of that with October color on the ridgeline. Heads up, the last stretch in is a gravel road, so skip the low-profile rental, and there’s no restaurant onsite, you’re minutes from Bryson City, Dillsboro, and Sylva for dinner.
Two to three nights is the sweet spot. (We actually stayed in the dead of winter and it was still stunning, fall just takes it up a notch.) Full review linked in bio.
Italian food felt like the last thing I expected to find in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains... until I sat down at Ilda in Sylva.🍝
They call it Italian-Appalachian, and that’s not just a tagline. Homemade pasta, craft cocktails, local ingredients pulled straight from the mountains around it, this is the kind of meal that makes you forget you’re two hours from the nearest city. It’s cozy, it’s a little upscale, and it is not a walk-in kind of place, call ahead, because tables go fast on weekends.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re already making the trip out to Sylva, this is the one reservation worth planning your day around.
Full write-up, including what to order, link in bio.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Pack your bags... ✈️🧳My hiking and road trip gear shop just got a refresh, and this is everything that actually earns a spot in my bag. The dry bag pulls double duty for beach days and trail days, the Osprey backpack is the one I grab for anything motorcycle or day-hike related, and the GoPro comes with me literally everywhere at this point.
Nothing on this list is filler it’s all stuff I’ve used, packed, and repacked more times than I can count. Full shop linked in my bio if you want to build out your own kit before your next trip.
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