Dubai

From the Burj to the Frame: Dubai’s Best City Viewpoints

23 June, 2025

Dubai offers numerous stunning views. And believe us when we tell you that you will have a lot of options! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, exploring Dubai city viewpoints is an essential part of experiencing the city’s blend of futuristic skyscrapers, golden deserts, and sparkling coastline. With a skyline that’s constantly pushing the boundaries of architecture, Dubai offers a range of observation decks and unique vantage points that promise breathtaking panoramas.

What makes Dubai city viewpoints truly special is the diversity of experiences they offer.
The best views in Dubai will leave you in wonder, whether you desire to see the Palm Jumeirah from above, watch luxury boats cruise through the Dubai Marina, or witness the Burj Khalifa pierce the sky in Downtown Dubai. While some of the places on this list are completely free to enter, some require tickets. Whether you’re seeking the perfect sunset photo, a luxurious lounge experience, or an adrenaline rush, there’s a viewpoint in Dubai to match your mood. Many of these stunning experiences are also included in popular Dubai packages, making it easier for travelers to enjoy the city without missing a view.

At The Top – Burj Khalifa (Level 124 & 125)

It would be unfair to rank the Burj Khalifa lower on our ranking of the best Dubai city viewpoints. After all, the tallest building in the world is a clear answer to the question of where in Dubai one can see the most skyscrapers, and every Emirati visitor should make it their mission to experience its majesty firsthand. With good cause, the At the Top viewing deck on the lower (124 and 125) levels is regarded as one of Dubai's most Instagrammable locations! The expansive 360° views of the glittering Dubai skyline are an amazing sight that should be widely shared on all of your social media accounts.

Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.
Entry Fee: Prices vary by time and demand, but typically start around AED 169 for adults and AED 132 for children.
Best Time: Early morning or just before sunset for fewer crowds and the most stunning light.

At The Top SKY – Burj Khalifa (Level 148)

You can treat yourself to a visit to the Burj Khalifa's Sky deck, which is situated on the 148th floor of the tower, for those seeking the highest Dubai city viewpoints, At The Top SKY. At 555 meters, it’s the world’s highest observation deck, offering exclusive access, personalized guided tours, and a luxurious lounge with Arabic hospitality. The floor itself and the outside terrace—the tallest in the world, no less—do appear more upscale in terms of opulent interiors and authentic visitor treatment, while being marketed as a premium experience.

Location: Level 148, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.
Entry Fee: Premium tickets start from AED 399, including priority access and entry to lower levels.
Best Time: Visit between 9:00 am and 11:00 pm, with sunset hours providing magical city views.

The Dubai Frame (Sky Deck Level)

The Dubai Frame is a true hidden jewel of the building and one of the more frequently disregarded vantage points in the Emirate. The Frame's viewing deck is its primary tourist destination. Standing at a remarkable 150 meters, the area offers 360-degree views of the surrounding neighborhoods and the focal point, a glass floor. Fortunately, it's a strip of a few panels running in the center rather than a whole floor.
There are two quite contrasting views of the city when you gaze out the elaborate windows. The Old Dubai area of Deira, with its tightly spaced beige buildings, is on one side. New Dubai, on the other hand, is a vast metropolis with a lot of steel, glass, and tall structures.

Location: Gate 4, Zabeel Park.
Entry Fee: AED 50 for adults, AED 20 for children.
Best Time: Daytime for clear views, or sunset for dramatic cityscapes

Sky Views Observatory – Address Sky View Hotel

This destination, which offers a variety of exhilarating activities, boasts what are undoubtedly the greatest viewpoints in Dubai, particularly in its skyscraping modern downtown. A glass floor that circles the whole perimeter of the building is the focal point of the area. Standing 219.5 meters above the ground on fully transparent panels is an incredible experience. Speaking of excitement, each admission ticket entitles you to one ride on the Sky Glass Slide, which involves sliding through a glass tube that emerges from the structure. However, we suggest that you spend more money on Sky Edge Walk if you truly want to get your heart rate up.

Location: Address Sky View Hotel, Tower 1, Downtown Dubai.
Entry Fee: General admission starts at AED 80, with extra charges for the Glass Slide and Edge Walk.
Best Time: Late afternoon to sunset for the best lighting and city glow.

The View at The Palm – Palm Tower

If you want to get a close-up look at Dubai's architectural marvels, you should visit this famous Palm Jumeirah viewpoint. A lightning-fast elevator whisks you to the 52nd floor, where the viewing deck circles the entire tower, offering breathtaking views of the Palm, the Gulf, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Marina.
The View Next Level is the most recent addition to the View at the Palm. With a tiny railing surrounding it, the area on the 54th floor most closely resembles the helicopter landing platform. Here, you can take in expansive views of the Palm and the skyline of Dubai without being restricted by any windows, making it one of the most famous viewpoints in Dubai.

Location: Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah.
Entry Fee: Tickets start at AED 100 for adults.
Best Time: Visit at sunset for unforgettable golden hour views

Aura Skypool Lounge – Palm Tower (Infinity pool with views)

Located 200 meters above the ground, this 360-degree infinity pool is the tallest in the world and offers the greatest viewpoints in Dubai. On four sides of the tower, the pool overlooks the Burj Al Arab View, Palm View, Marina & Ain Dubai View, and City Skyline View, among other Dubai attractions. From the glittering seas of the Arabian Gulf to the towering buildings of Dubai Marina, every turn unveils a new picture. When viewed from a right angle, the pool's construction gives the impression that you are sitting on the edge of the Earth.

Location: 50th Floor, Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah.
Entry Fee: Packages start from AED 170, varying by session and seating area.
Best Time: Morning for tranquility or sunset for vibrant city colors

Dubai Creek Harbour Viewpoint

A recent addition to the best Dubai city viewpoints list is the Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour, a distinctive building all around. At 11 meters high, it emerges over the Creek and resembles a ship and a bridge. It attracts plenty of everyday visitors because it is situated along one of Dubai's most well-traveled avenues. For unobstructed views of Downtown Dubai, work your way to the structure's "nose." If the day is especially windy, you can have your own "Jack, I'm flying" moment without actually boarding a gigantic ship.

Location: Dubai Creek Harbour, near Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Entry Fee: Free public access.
Best Time: Evenings for cooler weather and illuminated cityscapes.

Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)

Ain Dubai, also known as the Dubai Eye, is the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, soaring 250 meters above Bluewaters Island. This iconic attraction features 48 air-conditioned cabins, accommodating up to 1,750 passengers per rotation, and offers unrivaled 360-degree views of Dubai’s skyline, including landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. Each full rotation lasts about 38 minutes, providing ample time to capture stunning photos and enjoy the city’s breathtaking vistas.

Location: Bluewaters by Dubai Retail - Bluewaters Island - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Entry Fee: Tickets generally start from AED 130 for adults.
Best Time: Twilight or nighttime for the city’s lights and vibrant atmosphere.

FAQs

1. What is the highest observation deck in Dubai?

Ans: The highest observation deck in Dubai is At The Top SKY on Level 148 of the Burj Khalifa, standing at 555 meters above ground. It’s the pinnacle of Dubai city viewpoints, offering unmatched panoramic views and a premium visitor experience.

2. How much does it cost to visit Burj Khalifa’s observation decks?

Ans: Entry fees vary by level and experience. At The Top (Levels 124 & 125) tickets start around AED 169 for adults, while At The Top SKY (Level 148) premium tickets start from AED 399. Prices may fluctuate based on time slots and demand.

3. Which Dubai viewpoint offers the best sunset view?

Ans: Many viewpoints in Dubai are perfect for sunset, but The View at The Palm and At The Top SKY are especially renowned for their stunning golden hour vistas. Aura Skypool Lounge also provides a unique sunset experience from the world’s highest infinity pool.

4. Is the Dubai Frame worth visiting for city views?

Ans: Absolutely. The Dubai Frame offers a unique perspective of both historic and modern Dubai, making it one of the most distinctive viewpoints in Dubai. The Sky Deck’s 360-degree views and glass walkway are highlights for visitors seeking a different angle on the city.

5. What’s the difference between “At The Top” and “At The Top SKY” at Burj Khalifa?

Ans: “At The Top” refers to the observation decks on Levels 124 and 125, which are open to all visitors and offer excellent panoramic views. “At The Top SKY” is a premium experience on Level 148, featuring the world’s highest observation deck, priority access, and exclusive lounge amenities for a more luxurious experience.