Attraction
Pike Place Market
Open since 1907, Pike Place Market is Seattle's historic public market, with produce and fish stalls, craft vendors, small shops and restaurants above Elliott Bay.
Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle at Seattle Center has an observation level at 520 feet and The Loupe, a revolving glass floor.
At a glance
- Type
- Observation tower
- Area
- Seattle Center, Seattle, United States
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- spaceneedle.com
Good to know
- Revolving glass floor
- Timed tickets
- Bars and café
- Monorail access
Why we recommend it
The Space Needle opened on 21 April 1962 for the World's Fair and is still the image most people associate with Seattle. It stands at Seattle Center, in Lower Queen Anne, and rises to 605 feet at the tip of its spire. The design came from John Graham & Company, with ideas from Edward E. Carlson, John Graham Jr. and Victor Steinbrueck, whose hourglass profile gives the tower its shape. It was designated a city landmark in 1999.
A lift takes about 41 seconds to reach the top. The upper observation level, at 520 feet, has views across downtown, Elliott Bay and, on clear days, the Cascades and Mount Rainier. Below it is The Loupe, which opened in 2018 after the Century Project renovation: a glass floor that slowly revolves, taking around 45 minutes to make one full turn. The Oculus Stairs link the two levels.
Food and drink are part of the visit. The Loupe Lounge is a walk-up bar on the revolving floor, the Sunset Bar on the upper level serves cocktails, local wine and Pacific Northwest beer, and the TipTop Cafe sells pies and soft serve.
Tickets are timed, with arrival windows of 15 minutes, so buy online and arrive on time; late or early arrivals have to ask an attendant for the next slot. Allow about 30 minutes from the entrance to the top, and an hour or so in total. Combination tickets with Chihuly Garden and Glass next door are sold for use on the same day, and the tower is included in Seattle CityPASS. Discounts are offered for children aged 5 to 12 and visitors aged 65 and over.
Timing makes a big difference. Clear mornings give the best mountain views, while sunset is the most popular slot and books up first. On cloudy days the city view is still good, but Rainier may be hidden, so check the weather before choosing a time.
Parking at the base is limited, so use the Seattle Center garages or take the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Center downtown, which stops a short walk away. Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture are both within a few minutes on foot, which makes this an easy half-day with one or two of them.
Space Needle FAQs
What are the Space Needle opening hours?
Monday to Thursday 10:30am to 7:30pm, Friday 9:30am to 9:30pm, Saturday 9am to 9:30pm and Sunday 9:30am to 8:30pm.
Do you need to book tickets?
Tickets are timed in 15-minute arrival windows, so booking online in advance is the easiest way to get the time you want.
How tall is the Space Needle?
It is 605 feet to the top of the spire, and the observation level is at 520 feet.
What is The Loupe?
The Loupe is a revolving glass floor below the upper deck, opened in 2018, which makes a full turn in about 45 minutes.
How long should you allow?
About 30 minutes from the entrance to the top, and around an hour for the whole visit.
Can you combine it with Chihuly Garden and Glass?
Yes. Combination tickets cover both, and Chihuly can be visited at any time on the same day.
Is there food and drink at the top?
Yes. There is the Loupe Lounge bar, the Sunset Bar and the TipTop Cafe for pies and soft serve.
How do you get there?
Take the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Center downtown, or park in a Seattle Center garage, as parking at the tower is limited.
When is it open in the year?
The Space Needle is open year-round.