Space Needle

Ride to top of the Seattle Space Needle with soaring views.

The iconic Space Needle was the centerpiece of the 1962 World Fair, built in only 13 months at a cost of $5 million.

It's the city's most recognizable landmark, located at the Seattle Center. This futuristic structure stands 604 feet high and provides superb 360 degree views.

In 2018 the Seattle Needle got an $100 million makeover, with stunning results. The views are better than ever, with floor to ceiling glass panels on the Observation Deck, and the world's first spinning restaurant with a glass floor.

The Seattle Space Needle is at 400 Broad Street.

Check hours & tickets.

10 best things to do at the Seattle Space Needle

1.  Take a free digital welcome picture, just before you enter the elevators.

2.  Ride the 41-second elevator to the Observation Deck, 520 feet up into the sky!

3.  Step out onto the open air Observation Deck, with incredible views of Mt Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, and Puget Sound. Wow!

4.  Sit on the floating glass benches on the edge of the Observation Deck, and lean back against the gently sloping glass panels.

5. Enjoy beer, wine, coffee and snacks at the Atmos Cafe on the Observation Deck. Savor treats from local businesses like Top Pot Doughnuts and Whidbey Island Icecream (no advanced bookings required).

6. Walk down the grand staircase, that connects the Observation Deck to the The Loupe.

7. Stand on the world's first and only rotating glass floor at the bottom of the staircase, known as "The Loupe". Look hundreds of feet down through the glass floor. Each rotation takes 47 minutes.

8. Stop by the sophisticated Loupe Lounge for wine, cocktails and superb views!

9. Explore the fun gift shop at the base of the Seattle Space Needle.

10. Check out fascinating historic information on the Seattle Space Needle on easy to read panels, just above the gift shop.

Other fun things to do at the Seattle Center

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is located at the base of the Space Needle, housing the work of famed glass sculptor and Pacific Northwest Native, Dale Chihuly. The elaborate glass creations are spectacular, and are best viewed in the evening when fully illuminated.

The nearby Museum of Pop Culture features incredible memorabilia from bands like Nirvana, ACDC and Jimmy Hendrix.  

If you have kids, the Pacific Science Center is next to the Space Needle with a planetarium, science demonstrations, a train table, toddler area, and dinosaur exhibit. 

The Seattle Childrens Museum is also perfect for kids under 7, with creative play areas they can interact with.  The excellent Artists at Play Playground is just outside the Museum of Pop Culture, and also a big hit with kids.  In summer, take them to the nearby International Fountain to splash around.

Know before you go 

• Address:  400 Broad Street, Seattle, 98109.
• Tickets and hours: check here. 
• Food:  Wine bar and cafe at the top of the Space Needle.  The Seattle Center also has a food hall in the Armory building.
• Parking:  Valet parking is available at the base of the Needle.  There's also paid on-street parking, and parking garages in neighborhood streets around the Seattle Center.  The main parking garages are the Mercer Street Garage (650 3rd Ave N, 98109), and the 5th Avenue N Garage (516 Harrison Street, 98109).