All great architectures have a great story to tell that makes these structures famous and iconic, and Burj Al Arab is one of those attractions that has a story in itself to reflect that made it a signature building of Dubai and one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
The creators of this magnificent and beautiful structure built not only just a building but told a story – creating history with bricks, metal, and cement. This beautiful building is a must-see and among top things to do in Dubai.
What most people don’t know is there there are plenty of cheap ways to visit Burj Al Arab. In addition of course to admiring it from the outside.
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A story In its own right
This story is significant as well, because Burj Al Arab construction started in 1993 and Dubai of 1993 was a world away from the global capital of today. The finance and construction industries had yet to rumble the high gear and the city had yet to establish itself as the leading global tourist attraction and destination for the traveling enthusiast.
Why Is Burj Al Arab Iconic?
Burj Al Arab established itself as the first tallest building ever to be built in Dubai, at a staggering 321 meters, and became an identifiable ink for people around the world with the UAE. Standing atop a man-made island, Burj Al Arab is famous around the world for its luxurious rooms.
It is home to the largest Swarovski crystal ceiling in the world, a dramatic helipad that has given a platform to a number of incredible stunts, first-ever manmade luxury beach facility of its kind on the Terrace, and has broken many impressive world records.
Being the iconic mega-structure of Dubai for years, it is one of the most visited buildings in Dubai and traveling enthusiast around the world has it in their bucket list.
The Cheapest Way to Visit Burj Al Arab
The snail-shaped edifice is a must-see attraction for everyone visiting Dubai. However, tourists can’t just simply walk to the hotel as it would require some kind of booking or reservation which can be sometimes confusing.
So worry not as I have compiled a comprehensive guideline as to how cheaply you can visit Burj Al Arab and fulfill your Insta dreams.
Visit Burj Al Arab By Way Of A Tour
A most comfortable way to get to Burj Al Arab is by booking a tour. There is a wide range of tours in and outside of Burj Al Arab, including those on a speed boat wheezing past the hotel.
- For tours outside
The hotel is most admired from the outside, as you need reservations to enter most of the tours offer outside photo-shoots.
- For tours inside the hotel
To get inside, you need a reservation. You can choose from the hotel’s many bars and restaurants that are available for reservation. The Sahn Eddar Lobby Lounge offers a seven-course afternoon tea, 27th-floor SkyView bar offers mix cocktails with stellar views and Al Iwan offers traditional Arabic lunch.
How much are the tours and duration
- For outside tours
Tour packages that let you view the mesmerizing mega-structure are often much cheaper as these tours let you enjoy other iconic scenery and beauty of Dubai. Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets offer a 24 hour Dubai tour that includes Burj Al Arab outside tour as well and it starts from the price tag of US$54.50 for Classic tickets. Half-Day Dubai tour with Dubai Frame also includes an outside visit to Burj Al Arab and the price starts from US$59.15 for 5.5 hours duration.
- For inside tours
Prices and duration depend on the type of package that you’re purchasing. A 90 minutes afternoon tea in SkyView bar on the 27th floor costs around US$138.85 and it can be up to the duration of 2 hours by paying some extra cash.
Arabic Lunch or Dinner of 2 hours duration cost starts from US$124.96 and Burj Al Arab SkyView bar beverage of 2 hours starts from US$91.64. You can also book 1-day access to the luxurious pool of Burj Al Arab along with 3-Course lunch at Scape for 2 people in only US$327.68.
Visit By Booking An Afternoon Tea In Burj Al Arab
To book an afternoon tea or one of the restaurants check out options on Viator in addition to Burj Al Arab’s own website.
- At SkyView Bar
Burj Al Arab is renown around the globe for its sophisticated afternoon tea and you can enjoy it at SkyView Bar. Located on the top floor, this bar instantly lives up to expectations with the magnificent and breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.
This sophisticated bar offers a decadent afternoon tea with a selection of delicious and mouth-watering selection of teas and coffee, delicate sandwiches, and the freshest pastries and cakes.
This package from SkyView bar starts from US$172.88 and with an addition of US$27.23 per table you can get a window seating to enjoy the mesmerizing view.
- At Sahn Eddar
If the mesmerizing view is not your priority then you can have a delicious afternoon tea at the Sahn Eddar. As SkyView bar is way too expensive, Sahn Eddar provides a rather cheaper option as it is located on the first floor so you won’t get a view from the top. But it doesn’t mean it is in any way a less of an experience.
You can explore the incredible hotel lobby, with its beautiful fountains, aquariums and gold columns. It costs US$152.46 per person with a glass of champagne, and US$141.57 per person for unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
Dining In The Restaurants And Iconic Aquarium Restaurants
In totality, Burj Al Arab has 10 different restaurants and bars with each having its specialty. It is expensive to stay in rooms but you can enjoy the mesmerizing and exclusive lunch or dinner at the 7-star Burj al Arab and stand eye-to-eye with the hotel’s special and super luxurious interior. By opting to dine in, you can get the chance to taste various delicious international and Arab dishes and experience the extreme luxury of the hotel.
Depending on your selected option, you can dine in at the Al Iwan restaurant on the first floor, the Junsui restaurant or in the beautiful aquarium restaurant.
From Al Iwan restaurant you can get a magnificent view of the Arabian Gulf and in the aquarium restaurant, you can have a mesmerizing view of beautiful marine life including tropical fish. For additional inspiration on dining options in Dubai, check out my guide on the best African restaurants in Dubai.
- Al Iwan restaurant
Have a traditional Arabian dine in the experience of your life at Al Iwan Restaurant. For two hours, you can enjoy top-notch Arab cuisine along with a unique and mesmerizing interior.
This restaurant is known for its unique golden pillars, tableware with real gold and red crystals, and luxurious Arabic décor. Every Arabian delicacy from hummus, fatoush, meat sambousik to lamb kebab can be experienced there. the charges are $125 per person to enjoy two hours of a luxurious experience.
- Al Muntaha restaurant
Enjoy a spectacular view of the Arabian peninsula from the 27th floor of Burj al Arab while dinning into this restaurant. This restaurant is famous particularly for its high-quality French cuisine.
During the two hours course, you will be served with French delicacies along with having a mesmerizing view over the skyline of Dubai, the Arabian Gulf, and the Palm Island. It costs $153 per person to experience French delicacies.
- Junsui restaurant
You can experience a unique dine-in experience with Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Korean delicious cuisine along with the beautiful interior of Junsui restaurant. A cherry on top, they have live cooking stations where you can see their top chefs cooking delicious food items that you’ve ordered.
They have eight live cooking stations where more than 25 different chefs prepare food items. This unique experience along with the luxurious interior of Burj al Arab will surely make up for eternal memory. This restaurant cost $142 per person for the dine-in experience.
- Al Mahara Aquarium restaurant (Previously known as Nathan Outlaw Restaurant)
The aquarium restaurant, also official named as the Al Mahara restaurant provides its customers with not only delicate and luxurious dining in options but also with once in a lifetime experience of dining in while enjoying the view of tropical fish.
Everywhere in the restaurant, there are large windows behind which huge aquariums have been built, providing you a unique feeling of dining underwater. It costs $153 for a single person to dine in there.
Experience dining in the aquarium restaurant at Burj Al Arab.
- Bab Al Yam restaurant
One of the most popular restaurants of Burj al Arab, Bab al Yam is a luxurious restaurant to enjoy your dine-in experience. It is located on the ground floor at the rear of the hotel with a view over the Arabian Gulf along with a grandeous swimming pool.
The restaurant offers a wide range of International top dishes which are served in a buffet. This luxurious restaurant costs $430 per two people.
Grab Drinks At The Burj al Arab SkyView Bar
Have a mesmerizing experience of Burj al Arab while enjoying your drinks at this luxurious and famous SkyView Bar. You can enjoy an amazing view of the Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah Island and Arabian Gulf.
This bar is located on the 27th floor of the Burj al Arab at a height of 200 meters, establishing its position as one of the most popular places in the hotel because of its breathtaking views.
With a special package that costs $103 per person, you can get access to Burj al Arab, SkyView bar and two drinks in the bar including one alcoholic drink.
How To Get To Burj al Arab
So, we have talked about, whether tourists can visit Burj Al Arab, how to gain an entry ticket but the methods above and how, now, how to get to Burj Al Arab.
- Cost of Taxi
Taxi is the cheapest and most direct route, that usually cost around 30 dirhams. Although it varies according to how far you are from Burj al Arab, taxi provides an economical option to reach Burj al Arab.
Taking the taxi is also the best option as its usually very hot in Dubai and you don’t want to spoil your pleasant experience because of sweating. You can also take Uber in Dubai. I have used it several times myself to travel around Dubai as well as getting to and from the Airport.
- Cost of Metro
No metro goes directly to Burj al Arab so your best option is to get a taxi ride from Mall of the Emirates metro station.
- Parking availability if riding own car
If you have a reservation at any restaurant of the drinking bar at Burj al Arab, then they don’t charge you and parking is free. During our visit, my friend drove and the valet picked up the car from the entrance of the hotel and parked it for us. Rented to us when leaving, so you don’t really get to see the parking lot.
Dress Code While Visiting Burj al Arab
While visiting Burj al Arab, you have to keep it in mind that there is a dress code for the world’s most luxurious hotel. The dress code is smart casual where males are obliged to wear a shirt or sweater, long pants or jeans and closed clean shoes.
Slippers or sneakers are not allowed. As for females, a dress, skirt, suit and a nice pair of trousers with a shirt are allowed. I have already shared a comprehensive guide for what to wear in Dubai in addition to tips on the perfect dresses to pack for Dubai.
Staying At Burj Al Arab
For those that are able to stretch budgets and not only dine here but stay at Burj Al Arab, judging from the impeccable service we received I have heard even more great reviews of the service when staying at Burj Al Arab.
Planning A Trip To Dubai? Also Read:
- Romantic Things To Do In Dubai
- The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary For Dubai And Abu Dhabi
- Why Dubai Is The Perfect Winter Sun Destination
- Top 10 Things To Do In Dubai
- Guide To The Best Areas To Stay In Dubai
- Our Stay On Dubai Marina
- Showers & Facilities Guide For Dubai Airport
- Dubai Airport To Burj Khalifa
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BruShonna
What an amazing post!
I’ve always wanted to go to Dubai. The pictures are always mesmerizing and I’ve heard great things about the architecture.
Thank you for such a comprehensive guide to seeing one of Dubai’s most iconic structures. A lot of people wonder how to go about traveling to Dubai and you’ve made it a little easier.
Miss Champagne B
This is beautiful! I do want to go someday, so these are great tips to have for the future.