Burj Khalifa

At over 2,716 ft (827 m) high and more than 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. Dubai's historic landmark is twice the height of New York's Empire State Building and thrice as tall as the Eiffel Tower. Its design was inspired by a desert flower commonly known as a spider lily to maximize views of the Arabian Gulf and afford visitors panoramic views of the city and sea. Its facade is made of 26,000 glass panels, each painstakingly hand-cut to create a glass fortress spanning 17 football fields. 

The Burj Khalifa is home to luxury apartments, upscale restaurants, corporate suites, gyms, swimming pools, and entertainment areas. It has two observatory decks, levels 124 and 125, and on level 148 the world's highest lounge, At the Top, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. After a heady experience on the decks, feast your eyes on the incredible works of contemporary art, sculptures, and installations in the tower's interiors and boulevards. For a lavish fine dining experience, head to At.Mosphere on Level 122 for a meal in the skies. The main entrance to the observatories is through the lower ground floor of the Dubai Mall. The best time to visit is just before sunset.