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    Sky View Observatory

    4.5 (560 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    Seattle skyline
    April J.

    Great place! Great people Only about $25 to see great views. Rally close to the library. Had a great visit and they have a Piroshki place in the lobby! Bonus Fatima helped us, she was so nice! They have the best water at the bar, I filled my water bottle. Good service!

    Boon C.

    The Columbia tower is the tallest in the Seattle. The view is spectacular. The tower is in weir shape but it has good view on every corner. We visit the tower at 10 am. The top floor is call Sky View Observatory. My son got the discount tickets. The express elevator to get to the top is very fast. Lest than 1 minute we are up there. The view includes the city, mountains and water views. The space needle is actually lower than the tower. You can see the hospital they film the Grey Anatomy, court house walk bridge, Sea Hawk stadium, Boeing factory, mountain peak, and more. I have great time to spend up there. It is attraction should not miss.

    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.

    view
    Mike L.

    If you're thinking about going to Sky. View or the Space Needle for the view, I highly recommend Sky View. I (unfortunately) paid $24 for parking right in the Columbia Center although there is street parking and other lots near/around Columbia Center. When I came around 4:30pm on a weekday, the building was dead - the food court was all closed. After scanning your ticket, you get in the elevator that takes you to the 73rd floor. Everything is indoors and you get a 360 view of the PNW. It's great if you're able to catch the sunset on a cloud free day. If you get the cafe voucher, you can combine them together to spend on food, drinks, or souvenirs. The space is a little dated but the views are worth it. Overall, a better option for PNW views than the Space Needle however there's no outdoor area.

    Views of the city panorama at sunset from observation deck October 2025
    Sarah W.

    We were able to purchase timed tickets earlier on the same day to access the observation deck and lounge near sunset. We timed it for a half-hour prior to sunset and wish we'd made it an hour before since it was a wait at times to capture photos due to so many people. The views were incredible and very enjoyable to walk the entire outer deck perimeter and then go inside to the lounge. The interior space was exciting to see clear glass floors with views of the gears working to rotate the outer lounge. It was a disconcerting feeling to walk on the glass, but definitely a memorable experience. We easily wandered around the observatory for at least an hour. Would have liked to maybe grab a drink and sat for a while, but it was fairly crowded. There is also a restaurant space if visitors want a dining experience with a fantastic view.

    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!

    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!

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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

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    1 year ago

    No visibility after being told by the receptionist we would be able to get good views.

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    1 year ago

    Spectacular 360 views of the Seattle area and beyond! Mac made us delicious Bloody Marys from the bar.

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    3 years ago

    I had a great time! The food and drinks were super satisfying and delicious. I will be back!

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    Page 2 of 14

    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 317 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Smith Tower

    Smith Tower

    4.2
    (228 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Nice historical "skyscraper" with great views of Seattle as well. They've preserved most of the…read morehistory and it still uses the original elevator (albeit with some modern improvements) so there's a few rooms of self-guided "museum" to visit as well on your way up to the observation deck. It is definitely not as tall as Sky View or the Space Needle, but is much less crowded and still offers amazing 360 views. It's also cool that there are people who still work in the historic building! They don't open before noon, so plan accordingly. Staff was super friendly and upbeat, and you do need an entry ticket to get to the observation deck bar/restaurant. If you go early on a weekday, you basically get the place to yourself for a little bit, which is super cool. Worth a visit if you're in the area!

    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.

    Photos
    Smith Tower
    Smith Tower
    Smith Tower

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    Space Needle

    Space Needle

    4.0
    (3.6k reviews)
    1.4 mi

    Fairly easy walk from our Airbnb. It was a good time had by all. The weather was nice. A little…read morecrowded when we got to the top, but the views were nice. The line to get to the top wasn't bad. Interesting things to read and look at pictures while standing in line. There's one section where you can have your pics taken for free and sent to yourself immediately. LOVE THOSE!! Different scenarios to choose from. We took four different pics. Once at the top/observation deck, there are different areas to take pics. Kind of reminded me of the Empire State Building. Nice views. There are a few free telescopes to use. There are a few spots where you can purchase some food and drinks.

    It hasn't been that long since I visited last, but figured it's an important place to go for…read morefirst-time visitors, so took my wife and her mom here during a weekday afternoon. We came from Mercer Island, taking the light rail (and monorail) and I was pleasantly surprised at how short the journey was. It now costs $55 for an adult ticket (which is steep), which we purchased at the main ticket office. No email address was required to purchase the tickets, which actually became a bit of a problem as any activities done during the visit is tied to your ticket. There were two picture taking opportunities, and both were not very good. One was before you entered, and tied to your ticket. There was no way to download the picture, instead having to take a screenshot to save it. And the picture taking opportunity up on top (where an email address is needed to get the picture), didn't work. We took two pictures sent to two different email addresses, and neither one made it. It was crowded, so we didn't stay very long. My usual recording of info is on my previous review, so no need to repeat.

    Photos
    Waiting to board the elevator ride up the Space Needle
    Waiting to board the elevator ride up the Space Needle
    Inside the observation deck
    Inside the observation deck
    The digital pics prior to going up top

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    The digital pics prior to going up top
    Port Ludlow Trails

    Port Ludlow Trails

    4.5
    (2 reviews)
    27.8 mi

    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 :(

    Photos
    Port Ludlow Trails
    Port Ludlow Trails
    Port Ludlow Trails

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    The Showbox

    The Showbox

    3.7
    (430 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    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!

    Photos
    The floor filling up.
    The floor filling up.
    The view from the Emerald Club seating. In the Emerald Club, you'll have seats and a table, wait service, and an unobstructed view.
    The view from the Emerald Club seating. In the Emerald Club, you'll have seats and a table, wait service, and an unobstructed view.
    The Showbox

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    Sky View Observatory - observatories - Updated July 2026

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