Sky View Observatory
Experience Seattle from 73 stories high! Enjoy sweeping city, mountain, and water views from the Columbia Center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for city & mountains
Sky View Observatory
Best Time
Best visibility for city & mountains
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Seattle from 73 stories high! Enjoy sweeping city, mountain, and water views from the Columbia Center.
"Forget the Space Needle, THIS place offers 100x better views of Seattle!"
🎯 Check the Weather First!
Poor visibility can ruin the experience. Aim for a clear day for the best city and mountain views.
🌅 Sunset is Pure Magic
Visiting an hour before sunset offers stunning golden hour and twilight cityscapes.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 3,607 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Mountain Vistas
73rd Floor
Experience breathtaking 360° views of Seattle, including the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.
Sunset Spectacle
73rd Floor
Witness the city transform from golden hour to twilight for an unforgettable, magical experience.
Historical Insights
Observatory Floor
Learn about the building's history and Seattle's skyline through informative plaques.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Clear Views
Beat the Crowds & Save
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check the Weather First!
Poor visibility can ruin the experience. Aim for a clear day for the best city and mountain views.
🌅 Sunset is Pure Magic
Visiting an hour before sunset offers stunning golden hour and twilight cityscapes.
🎟️ Skip the Line with Tours
Organized tours may offer early access, potentially reducing wait times.
☕ Cafe for a Break
Enjoy coffee, wine, or beer at the cafe while taking in the views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check the Weather First!
Poor visibility can ruin the experience. Aim for a clear day for the best city and mountain views.
🌅 Sunset is Pure Magic
Visiting an hour before sunset offers stunning golden hour and twilight cityscapes.
🎟️ Skip the Line with Tours
Organized tours may offer early access, potentially reducing wait times.
☕ Cafe for a Break
Enjoy coffee, wine, or beer at the cafe while taking in the views.
💡 History Plaques
Discover the building's history and Seattle's evolution with informative displays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, expansive 360° views of Seattle, often deeming them superior to other city viewpoints. The sunset experience is particularly highlighted as magical. While some find the observatory offers little beyond the view and a cafe, others appreciate the historical context and the relaxed atmosphere.
"Breathtaking views! From the Sky View Observatory, you can take in all of Seattle’s iconic landmarks at a glance, from the Space Needle to Mount Rainier and the sparkling waters of Puget Sound. The 360° view is stunning, especially on a clear day. To visit, enter the Columbia Center building, take the elevator to Level 1, and purchase your tickets there. A must-visit for anyone who wants to see the city from above."
Julie Li
"Forget the short and overrated Space Needle. THIS place offers 100x better views of Seattle! We went with an organized tour that allows people to get in before the official opening so there’s like no wait. The top floor observatory bar was open even before the building was officially opened. Bonus!"
Chuck Fresh
"Pretty cool, but not much to do at the top besides look around. The view is great, and it's pretty cool to be nearly 1000ft high in a manmade structure. However, once you're up there it's just a cafe and some bathrooms. If the visibility is poor, you're probably okay missing this. If the visibility is clear, I think this is a worthwhile visit, especially if you're just visiting the area and want to appreciate the region but can't get far from the city."
Mitchell Overdick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach the Sky View Observatory, enter the Columbia Center building and take the elevator to Level 1. From there, you can purchase your tickets and access the observatory.
Yes, there are several parking garages available near the Columbia Center. It's advisable to check parking apps for real-time availability and rates.
Absolutely! Seattle has a robust public transportation system. You can take various bus routes or the Link light rail to get close to the Columbia Center.
The Columbia Center is a prominent landmark in downtown Seattle, easily accessible by car, public transport, or even a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby.
Yes, the Sky View Observatory is located in the heart of downtown Seattle, close to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are around $25 per person, but this can vary. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly at the observatory located on Level 1 of the Columbia Center building.
While not always advertised, some visitors have mentioned getting access before official opening hours with organized tours, which might offer a different pricing structure.
The observatory's hours can vary. For example, Sky View Observatory in Seattle has been noted to be open from 11 AM to 8 PM, Thursday to Sunday. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
While general admission typically requires a ticket purchase, some TikTok creators have mentioned ways to get free access to observatories in other cities by dining at specific restaurants. It's worth checking if similar arrangements exist for Sky View Observatory. +1
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
Besides the stunning 360° views, the observatory features a cafe serving drinks and light fare, and historical plaques detailing the building's history and Seattle's skyline.
Yes, the panoramic views offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during clear days and sunset. Remember to check for any restrictions on professional photography equipment.
While clear days offer the best visibility of mountains and the sound, the city views are still impressive on cloudy days. Some visitors find the city lights more dramatic in overcast conditions.
Yes, there is a cafe at the top that offers a selection of drinks like coffee, soda, wine, and beer, along with 'upscale' cafe food such as flatbread.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the views, take photos, and perhaps enjoy a drink at the cafe. Sunset visits might warrant a bit more time.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The best times for photography are during clear afternoons for expansive daylight shots and an hour before sunset to capture the city transitioning into twilight.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to check with staff on-site regarding any specific rules for professional equipment or tripods.
You can capture stunning panoramic shots of Seattle's skyline, including the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the surrounding cityscape.
A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive 360° views. However, a standard zoom lens will also allow you to get great shots of specific landmarks.
Try to shoot at an angle to the glass to minimize reflections. Early morning or late afternoon light can also help reduce glare.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit