Daily Daydream: Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Climbing Kilimanjaro not in your future? Head to the top of the man-made world instead! Rising more than 2,700 feet above Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. It’s also the world’s tallest free-standing structure, the building with the most number of stories, has the highest occupied floor, highest outdoor observation deck, the tallest service elevator, and longest elevator travel distance.

The skyscraper opened in 2010 and cost around $1.5 billion to build. Take the high-speed elevator up to the observation deck where you can check out the view from special telescopes that let you see real-time views as well as pictures of the same view at different times of the day. Venture out on to the open-air part of the deck for an even more thrilling experience.

Would you rather check out the views from a safer vantage point? Catch the new Mission: Impossible movie, which features a stunt that was filmed high up on the side of the Burj Khalifa.

Where is it? Dubai, UAE.

Where to stay? In the building’s own hotel, the Armani Hotel Dubai. Designed by Giorgio Armani, the hotel is located on the concourse level through level eight, and floors 38 and 39 (for the best view). 

What else should I know? Plan ahead if you want to visit the At the Top Observation Deck, as an immediate entry admission will cost over $100 per person, but an advance ticket will only cost around $27.

Who’s it for? People who appreciate a good view, anyone who loves heights, world-record readers, and Tom Cruise.

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