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.
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.
Filing this one under “go now before it gets cold.” Bonneville Hot Springs is one of those trips where fall access is honestly the sweet spot the campground road is open, the hike in is short, and you skip the snow-and-gate situation we dealt with when we went in March.
September and early fall mean clearer trails, easier parking, and pools that are just as good without the extra mile of hiking to earn them. Fewer than 10 people out there when we visited, a rustic changing booth, zero amenities, and pools that range from “relax” to “actually scalding” until you move some rocks around and mix in river water. Small waterfalls feeding in, mountains in every direction, not polished, and that’s exactly the point.
Full breakdown on parking, what to pack, and timing it right is linked in my bio.
Summer’s not even over and I already have the itch. Fall hiking season is calling and I am answering.
Save this if you feel the itch too.🍁
Columbus hotel roundup because “just find something downtown” isn’t a strategy✈️
I stayed across the price spectrum on this one so I could actually compare notes. Hotel LeVeque is the splurge Art Deco lobby, marble bathrooms, and a restaurant (The Keep) worth visiting even if you don’t book a room. If you want to walk everywhere, Le Méridien puts you right in the Short North with murals and shops outside your door. And if budget’s the priority, Aloft gets you clean and modern near Ohio State without the markup.
Want a full escape from the city instead? Hocking Hills lodges and Gervasi Vineyard are both an easy drive out and worth the detour.
Not every hotel on this list is for every trip... that’s kind of the point. Full breakdown by neighborhood and budget, link in bio 🍂
Thousands of motorcycles, decades of history, and one very hot infield. 🏍️
I went into Mid-Ohio Vintage Motorcycle Days expecting a bike show. What I got was closer to a small town that pops up once a year camps stretched across the hills, swap meet tables piled with parts I couldn’t name, and bikes older than some of the people admiring them parked next to restorations that looked showroom-fresh.
Fair warning: this is not a quick stop. Give yourself the whole day, wear real shoes, and don’t skip the racing watching pre-war machines and modern superbikes share the same track is worth the sunburn.
Ohio keeps surprising me. Full recap on the blog link in bio. 🔗
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