Experience Seattle’s Iconic Space Needle Observation Deck

A visit to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a stop atop the iconic Space Needle. It’s similar to making your way to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City – long lines, elevator rides, and ultimately a great view of the city. The size of the buildings in Seattle allow you to see far beyond the city itself. Mount Rainier towers into the clouds in the distance, and Puget Sound contrasts with the land around it. It’s beautiful.

If you plan to visit the observation deck of the Space Needle, here’s what you’ll need to know as you plan your visit.

NOTE: As of October 25, proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test is required for all ticketed Guests to the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass ages 12 and over. Learn more about their prescreening process to speed up your admission process.

Get tickets to the Space Needle

The best way to plan your visit to grab your tickets online, well in advance. Buying them online allows you to pick a time to experience the Space Needle, which can save you time. If you know what other popular venues in Seattle you want to visit, you can look to purchase a Seattle CityPASS or a combo ticket for the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens and Glass. All of those are available on the tickets page for the Space Needle.

If you don’t grab tickets online in advance, you can purchase them on-site. But that will mean another line you’ll have to wait in in order to visit the Space Needle.

The hours vary a little by season. Generally, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 or 8:30 p.m. However, it may change depending on holidays or other events. Be sure and check out their website when booking your tickets so you know when it’s open.

Download the App in Advance

Before your visit, you should download the free Space Needle app. It allows you to learn more about the history of the Space Needle and nearby Chihuly Gardens and Glass. But even better than that, there are photo spots at the base of the Space Needle, as well as some on the exterior observation deck. With the app, you can scan the QR code, pose for a photo and within a few minutes, the photo will be on your phone.

The app allows you to make changes to the photo, including a different background. The photo above is an example of what we captured and edited using the app. All the photos and edits are free.

RELATED INFO: Check out Visit Seattle’s “Things to do in Seattle” page

In the app, you can bring up a panoramic view of the area so you can identify different landmarks. It’s a great way to get to know Seattle a little better.

When you arrive at the Space Needle

When you arrive at Seattle Center, it won’t be difficult to find the Space Needle. It’ll be the really tall alien saucer looking thingy. Wink, wink. You’ll want to check in at the base of the Needle and follow the signs to the start of the line.

Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test is required for all ticketed Guests to the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass ages 12 and over starting October 25. Learn more about the prescreening process and what’s required before and during your visit.

If you purchased tickets in advance, have a printout of the tickets or a screen capture of them on your phone so they can be easily scanned in. You’ll also need to pass through a security check, so limit any supplies you may be carrying with you (I.e. Don’t carry luggage with you; small backpacks are okay).

After making it through the security checks, you may have the opportunity to lose in front of a green screen with your travel group. Do it! There is no cost and you can use the app to edit the background of your photo.

Next, take the elevator to the very top. There’s an inside and outside portion on the upper deck. Go outside. Sit on a glass bench and lean against the glass wall. Find out if you’re skiddish in high places like this.

Once you’re done on the upper deck, take the stairs down one level and stand on the glass floor. It’s a little nerve wracking for those afraid of heights. My teenage son was crawling around because he just couldn’t stand near those pieces of glass.

After you’ve experienced both decks, wait in line to ride the elevator to the bottom. Check out the gift shop before you leave and grab a souvenir to remember your experience.

The Details:

Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

Cost: $35 for ages 13-64; $30 for age 65+ and $26 for ages 5-12. You can bundle your tickets with admission to the Chihuly Garden and Glass next door. Consider the Seattle CityPASS if you’re planning to visit other popular spots in Seattle, like the Seattle Aquarium, Museum of PopCulture or Woodland Park Zoo.

How Long to Spend: About one hour.

Parking: Seattle Center has several parking garages and areas. Visit their parking website for addresses and costs per hour. You can also take public transit – like the Seattle Center Monorail.

Hours: Hours vary by season. Check out their website for the hours on the days you plan to visit.

Website: https://www.spaceneedle.com/

Phone: (206) 905-2100

PIN THIS