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    Sky View Observatory

    4.5 (555 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Jennifer H.

    I was invited here on a date night a few months ago to watch the sunset. It was a spectacular view! Unfortunately the sun went behind the clouds so it wasn't the best sunset, but still romantic. There is also a bar with beer, wine and cocktails. They were playing some fun 2000s pop music when I was there so that was cute. You can wander around the observatory for a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. There is also some history along the walls. It is recommended to get tickets in advance so you can be sure to save your spot. Although on a weeknight it was not too busy. There were maybe 25-30 other people there around the same time.

    Skyview Pins (sold separately)
    Marcus S.

    Had this on my list of places to hit living here in the city and finally managed to do it. The view is incredible and considering the architectural ingenuity it's a great experience, solo, with friend or family. Not nearly as popular as it's shorter attraction - The Space Needle, Skyview features a trip to the 73rd floor where you get a panoramic view of the city where you can see as far what my friend and I believe was Tacoma. The day was clear so I'd recommend trying to line that up on a visit so you can see as far your eyes will let you. The actual observation deck lets walk all around the inside room getting all kinds of views - water, the roads, the buildings neighborhoods from a static stance where normally you wouldn't be able to see quite some much unless you're in an airplane. I enjoyed sipping a few drinks, getting some photos and just taking in the city from such a view. As awesome as Skyview is though the layout is pretty bland up there. There isn't much furniture save from a few loungey kind of seats, benches and tables for the cafe. It looks a little drab too likely from all the foot traffic that comes up there. I understand that it's probably a lot to haul vacuums and the like up there but if you aren't looking out at the city or at the interesting facts posted around the deck, it's pretty shabby looking in there. That all said, Skyview is awesome, and I'd love to go back for a night view!

    A view with the Space Needle
    Jenny R.

    This place was not packed at all. You could walk around and get great pictures from all around the floor. This was a short walk from Pike's Place market. They have a small stand that serves coffee and drinks. We didn't taste it though because we had just had lunch. It was a great day for scenic pictures.

    Katie R.

    I purchased tickets online in advance for a 7pm time slot on a Saturday. It was the perfect time as the summer sun started to set while we were up there. We took an elevator to the 73rd floor. It wasn't busy at all, there were maybe like 20-25 other people on the floor. Very peaceful setting. The vantage point was absolutely beautiful as you look down on downtown Seattle. The Space Needle looked so tiny from our view. We could also see Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. I took one star off because I purchased the elite experience and it was not worth it. As someone who is usually willing to pay extra for a more "VIP" experience, trust me. The bartender was cool but he was unsure of what we could get with our complimentary drink cards so we ended up buying two drinks. Even with the elite discounts, our two alcoholic beverages came out to over $20. I also walked around twice and couldn't find the gift shop, so we ended up not using the complimentary gift or 10% off merch item. I could have asked but just gave up. We also found a nice seat by the window with the loveliest view, so we didn't use the reserved seating at all. Overall, the views from here were well worth it and it was a great way to end our last night in Seattle!

    North view of the city, Space Needle visible in the center, left of the taller building
    Charley M.

    The Sky View observatory has spectacular views, you can look down on the city and the Space Needle! I got some really good photos of the stadiums and piers, overall a place to consider if you're in Seattle.

    mt rainier

    i was in between this & the space needle but man i am HAPPY i chose this over the needle. 1) 360 views (just like the needle) but it's taller & im not sure if you can see mt rainier from the needle but you sure can see it from here. 2) came at 730pm on a tuesday & it was quiet, maybe 10 other people there so it was chill. 3) GET THE GRILLED CHEESE OMG!! delicious!!!!!! 4) got discounted tickets via groupon so cheaper than the space needle. overall, one of the highlights from my 1st seattle trip.

    Chris W.

    If you're visiting Seattle and want a truly unforgettable sunset experience, do not skip the Sky View Observatory! It's located on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, and trust me--the views are absolutely jaw-dropping. I went about an hour before sunset, which was perfect. It gave me time to settle in and watch the city slowly shift from golden hour to twilight. You get this panoramic view that includes Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Space Needle--all from one spot. It's also not as crowded as some other tourist spots. Highly recommend timing your visit for sunset--just check the forecast and go on a clear day if you can!

    Emily S.

    I had no idea that the Sky View observatory existed until I decided to do the super touristy hop-on hop-off red bus tour through town and learned about it from their audio recording! The Observatory offers stunning views of the city and coastline, better than its neighboring next tallest attraction with a FRACTION of the crowd. Reasonable price to go to the top and friendly staff!

    Marianne C.

    Hear me out: the best and highest view of Seattle isn't from the Space Needle, but from the Sky View Observatory. Not only is it significantly higher (at 902 feet, compared to the Needle's 605 feet), but it offers a panoramic, 360-degree view of the entire city, the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and yes, the iconic Space Needle itself. Seeing the Needle from this vantage point feels more special than standing on it--it's like admiring a city's crown jewel from the perfect angle. Plus, the Sky View Deck is less crowded, more affordable, and gives you a real sense of Seattle's skyline and natural beauty. If you're all about the views, this spot is unbeatable!

    Vita-Tini
    Alyssa A.

    We came here for the first time 5 years ago, so we had to come again on our return visit to Seattle. I've been to both the Space Needle and the Sky View Observatory. While the Space Needle is iconic, I much prefer to come to Sky View over the Space Needle. A lot less crowded, higher up, better price, and they have a small cafe at the top. Gorgeous 360 views of Seattle and beyond. We bought standard tickets and came on a Sunday afternoon. Absolutely no line and very minimal people at the top. We were able to get a table right at the window and enjoy our time without feeling rushed. That being said, we were initially going to buy the Elite Experience pass - the night before had full availability, but the morning of, they got rid of all availability. When we got there, there was not a single person using the reserved tables for the whole two hours we were there (despite the tickets being gone). So with that knowledge, I'd stick with the standard ticket. Cafe is nice with some good cocktails and a few food options. Still a wonderful time at Sky View (and would still return on our next trip), but definitely miss some of the perks they had when we came five years ago - miss all the board games, the video on the way up in the elevator, and the photo op at the beginning. It seems that they definitely took a hit from COVID, and it hasn't gone quite back to being the same.

    Ruby S.

    Nearest public parking was a couple blocks away at $12 for 2 hrs. Standard Experience: $23.10 per person w/ valid military ID $19.95 per youth ages 5-13 There's also designated times to choose from upon arrival. 73rd flr. All indoors. 360 degree view of WA. Stunning! Highest tower in the U.S. Elevation is over 900 ft. Read about history of WA. For example, Mt Rainier Elevation: 14,441 ft Sky View Cafe. Bar seating ages 21 & older. Restrooms on site. Complimentary ice water. We personally enjoyed our time visiting this attraction.

    Katherine M.

    Went here for a sunset view of Seattle and it was AMAZING! Didn't get to try the food as they closed early, but was great views.

    Interior
    Angel W.

    What a great view! Located at the Columbia Center in Downtown Seattle on the 73rd floor, it offers the best 360° views of the Pacific Northwest. You can purchase tickets online up to 1 hour before they close. This is highly recommended. They have a few different packages that includes drinks and merch. The ride up is pretty interesting and it is much faster than you'd expect. There's a lot of information on building and the beautiful scenery. The views are amazing, you can see all of Seattle, Puget Sound, and the cute little Space Needle. I felt really safe even being so high up, I never felt scared even being right up next to the windows. It can be scary at other highrises. Definitely fun spot. We had a short time here but was able to walk through everything quickly. They have a cafe on site with alcoholic drinks. Definitely recommended!

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    2 months ago

    Fatima made this an extra special experience for us - thank you for going out of your way to recognize my dad's 94th birthday!

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    11 months ago

    Views are incredible! Visit Mac at the Skyview bar. She's a pro with dirty Shirley's!

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    Sky View Observatory Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sky View Observatory

    After I buy the ticket, if i want to have a window seat, do i need to pay for it?

    Once you're inside, there's no additional costs unless you want to buy food.

    Is it better the space needle or the observatory?

    That depends upon what would make it the best experience for you. The space needle is not as high, but it is a really fun area around it as well as the glass floor and history behind the space needle. We recently visited for the first time and I… Read more

    Is there a bar at the observatory?

    Yes, there is a bar and a pretty decent food selection. We loved sitting there, eating and having a little food. Relaxing environment, good bar, great views...can't beat it.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Sky View Observatory

    You get this panoramic view that includes Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Space Needle--all from one spot.

    Mentioned in 314 reviews

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    Smith Tower

    Smith Tower

    (228 reviews)

    Pioneer Square

    This was actually my second time visiting the Smith Tower, but it was my boyfriend's first and…read moresince he's already been up the Space Needle, I wanted to show him that this historic spot also offers some seriously cool views of Seattle. What's even more impressive is that at one point, Smith Tower was actually the tallest skyscraper in the West! One thing I love about this place is how well they've preserved its old-school charm, especially the elevators. They still have an operator who manually controls the lift, and there's even a display of the original green Otis elevator motor in the lobby, the same kind that powered the elevators for over a century! The operator told us there's a tenant who lives above the observatory, which blew my mind. The rent was originally a whopping $17,000 a month, but the tenant apparently negotiated down to $14,000 since there's no A/C up there. Talk about living in style with a historic discount! Once you reach the top, there's a bar where you can grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. As you walk around the observatory deck, there are plaques pointing out different Seattle landmarks, so you can easily spot everything from Mt. Rainier to Lumen Field and Lake Washington. It makes the 360 deg view even more interactive and helps you appreciate just how much of the city you can see from up there. Pro tip: They don't open until noon, so if you're planning to go early, you'll end up waiting downstairs. Otherwise, grab a drink, take your time, and soak in one of the best vintage views Seattle has to offer.

    Totally worth checking out especially if you're looking for an observation deck with without the…read morepossible long wait of the space needle. There's a cool little museum here with some interesting facts about the cities history. The old elevator ride to the top was nice and the cocktail lounge on the top floor were the deck is offers a nice relaxing touch. We did this deck and the space needle, the plus I give Smith Tower is the view is a lot closer to the ocean so later in the day you can catch a nice view of the sun starting to set.

    Port Ludlow Trails

    Port Ludlow Trails

    (2 reviews)

    Short half-mile loop walk through a beautiful forest with rushing falls on the river. While the…read morefalls themselves are not spectacular like other waterfalls along Hood Canal, the walk gets five stars from me because it's so impeccably maintained by the community (presumably volunteers). There are lots of interesting signposts along the route and you can tell this place is lovingly looked after by the community. It's a pretty easy walk -- my parents are in their 70s and had zero problems. (There's a flight of stairs near the waterfall but other than that, it's an easy stroll.) To get to the walk, drive toward Port Ludlow but don't go all the way to the water's edge where all the touristy stuff is -- instead, turn right on Breaker Lane where the RV park is, and then turn right again into the Port Ludlow & Associates building parking lot. (Put "Port Ludlow & Associates" into your Google maps for the best driving directions.) Drive all the way to the end of the parking lot and you'll find a little community patch of lawn with planted trees that leads up to the trailhead at the edge of the forest. Turn left at the trailhead sign (for a better walk experience) and follow the loop around to the falls. Again, don't expect any spectacular waterfalls, but this is a great easy "back to nature" walk that leaves you with a nice feeling because of how the community looks after it.

    This is a cute lil trail. Not much to do around Port Ludlow so I'd highly recommend this based on…read morethe close to zero options you have! It's a loop trail so just keep walking. An easy half mile (?) and boots will be fine but white shoes are a no go :(

    The Showbox - Getting ready! Mac Ayers concert Friday, March 24, 2023.

    The Showbox

    (432 reviews)

    $$

    Downtown

    Came here again for the Drain concert and I loved it!!!! For the first time ever, staff served…read morewater bottles after the show? How accommodating and thoughtful! Pitcher goes crazy and I love the platforms of different levels because you can catch a breath at your own convenience. Staff works hard to ensure that everyone is safe from the line outside to the front of the stage. Extremely impressed by my experiences here...perhaps my favorite live entertainment venue ever!

    Joined a friend to see Berlioz and it was both of our first times going to Showbox. I'm not sure…read morehow or if they rearrange this venue for shows, but the layout was really nice! There's a good amount of seating in the platform area and a large open floor in the middle. A lot of people also stand/dance on the same platform as there's a lot of leeway for you to move between areas. I never really do coat check because I'm paranoid about not having my things on me, but the one here is easy and reliable. The only real issue was the photo booth which only worked for the first half hour or so. I'm assuming it ran out of film or something because at some point, it just kept taking people's money without taking any photos, which was brought up to the staff. This isn't necessarily on Showbox since the photo booth is provided by a vendor, but I would've appreciated an "out of order" sign. If this happens to you, you can visit the vendor's website and call for a refund!

    Sky View Observatory - observatories - Updated May 2026

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