Atmosphere Sparkling Afternoon Tea, Burj Khalifa, Review

Atmosphere Afternoon Tea: A Burj Khalifa Hack Without the Crowds

What if I told you that you could visit the Burj Khalifa for free, without joining huge queues or battling tourists?

Well, you can! Entry is technically FREE, and you even get FREE valet parking. The slight catch? You need to pre-book one of their dining or drinks packages.

My favourite? Atmosphere Afternoon Tea on the 122nd floor, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Dubai whilst experiencing one of 50 World’s Best Afternoon Teas. Now that’s a rather fabulous way to experience the Burj Khalifa!

 

My Afternoon Tea Experience

I’m no amateur when it comes to afternoon tea. Every year when I’m back in England, my mum and I like to try somewhere new. We’ve done them all, from tiny vintage tearooms to The Ritz.

A few years ago, a friend visiting Dubai treated me to afternoon tea at Atmosphere, and I was absolutely blown away. I never got around to writing about it because we had packed so much into that week, but I never forgot the experience.

And actually, I’m still surprised people don’t talk about it more.

 

Atmosphere Afternoon Tea: The Setting and Views

Let’s start with the obvious: you’re on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa.

Atmosphere is a beautiful, elegant lounge with huge windows with an incredible birds eye view of Downtown Dubai. There is something quite fabulous about sitting down to afternoon tea while looking out over the city from the world’s tallest building.

You can take plenty of photos, of course, but the view really is much better in person. It’s pretty breathtaking!

 

How Much Does Atmosphere Afternoon Tea Cost?

It’s not cheap, sorry!

We ordered the Sparkling Afternoon Tea package, which cost AED 550 per person. This included the afternoon tea spread, tea, coffee, mocktails and two glasses of Prosecco each.

There was also a non-alcoholic option for AED 350 per person and a Champagne package for AED 850 per person.

Mocktails and teas/coffee are inclusive. There was a good selection however as we had the Prosecco we only ordered one mocktail, it was called Tropical Smile, and was incredible.

One thing to be aware of is that bottled water was an additional AED 45 when I visited, so remember to factor that into your budget.

Prices and packages can change, so check the current options before booking.

 

Atmosphere Afternoon Tea: What’s the Food Like?

The food is exactly what you want from a proper afternoon tea, with a few little twists to make it feel special.

The food arrives in two separate rounds: first, the savoury tower, followed by the sweet tower. You get all the classics, including crustless sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and sweet treats. The presentation and flavours take it beyond your standard afternoon tea, and everything feels beautifully considered. My favourite were the egg sandwiches!

There was plenty of food, too. Importantly, you don’t leave feeling as though you’ve paid AED 550 for three tiny sandwiches and a cupcake!

 

Atmosphere Afternoon Tea: The Service

The service was faultless when we visited. They encouraged us to take our time, insisting we try the mocktails and coffees, which we do not regret trying.

When you’re spending this sort of money on afternoon tea, you want the service to match the setting, and it certainly did for us.

 

How to Get to Atmosphere at the Burj Khalifa

This was the bit that confused us, as it’s not as straightforward as simply walking into Dubai Mall and heading for the lifts.

We took a taxi, but free valet parking is also available if you’re driving.

Once you arrive, go past the Armani Hotel entrance and follow the signs for Atmosphere. Head into the reception area, check in and you’ll be escorted to the lift that takes you up to the 123rd floor, you then walk down a magnificent spiral staircase to the 122nd floor.

Don’t worry about the lift, either. It’s incredibly smooth and quick, so you’re not left wondering whether your ears are ever going to recover!

 

Atmosphere Afternoon Tea: Don’t Skip the Toilets!

I know this sounds ridiculous, but do not skip the toilets!

They have some of the best views of the entire experience and are a treat in themselves. Dubai does toilets exceptionally well, but these are genuinely jaw-dropping.

So, even if you don’t need to go, have a little look!

Is Atmosphere Afternoon Tea Worth It?

Absolutely.

I’ve enjoyed plenty of afternoon teas in England and Dubai, and Atmosphere stands out for me. Yes, it’s expensive, but you’re not simply paying for afternoon tea. You’re paying for the setting, the service, the food and, of course, the experience of sitting 122 floors above Dubai in the Burj Khalifa.

If you have visitors coming to Dubai, want to celebrate a special occasion or simply fancy a glamorous afternoon without the crowds at the usual Burj Khalifa attractions, I’d definitely put Atmosphere Afternoon Tea on the list.

And yes, I’d happily go back. In fact, I’m wondering why I waited so long to write about it!

How to Book Atmosphere Afternoon Tea

If you fancy treating yourself, it runs daily 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm and you can book directly on the Atmosphere website

A deposit is required when making your booking, so make sure you check the booking terms before confirming your reservation.

I’d recommend booking ahead if you’re planning this for a special occasion or have visitors coming to Dubai, so you can organise your visit in advance.

As always, this is based on my own experience. I’m not affiliated with or associated with Atmosphere; I simply enjoy sharing great experiences in Dubai.

 

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