A Guide To Space Needle Tower - Updated 2024

Space Needle Tower
Isha
Isha 
Updated
| 4 min read

As a landmark of Seattle and an icon of the city, Space Needle Tower needs no introduction. Located in the heart of Seattle in Washington, the USA, it is essentially an observation deck that was built at a height of 520 feet (160 metres) for the 1962 World’s Fair. Towering over the city skyline, this landmark has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation that has transformed it into a must-do instead of a must-see attraction. It offers two levels of fun to visitors - The Loupe and Skyrisers, both providing a unique experience. Plus, there are two dining options, a gift shop, interactive VR experiences, and much more. Views of the surrounding Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Elliot Bay, Mounts Baker and Rainier, etc. can be had from the top of the tower. For the inside scoop on all this and more, take a look at our guide to Space Needle Tower.

Things to do / Highlights

Space Needle
Strike a pose at the all-glass floor of The Loupe

The lower level of the observation deck called ‘The Loupe’ now has the world’s only rotating all-glass floor that provides unbelievable views of the city below. Peering down, you will also see the various mechanical components of the rotating glass floor. Sit, stand, walk around, or strike a pose on the glass floor as your ticket also includes several professional digital photos that you can upload to your social media.

Snap an epic 'floating' selfie at Skyrisers

The upper level of the open-air observation deck has floor-to-ceiling inclined glass walls that give visitors a feeling of hovering over the Seattle skyline. It features 24 angled benches or vantage points that are called ‘Skyrisers’ from where you can lean back and take epic Insta-worthy selfies that will make you look like you are floating above the city.

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What to eat

Space Needle
Atmos Café

At Atmos Café, visitors can enjoy wining and dining while enjoying spectacular views from the upper level of the observation deck. This cafe and wine bar is suited for sampling the small and essential culinary delights of the Pacific Northwest like local cheese and charcuterie, small plates, burgers, sandwiches, wine, coffee, and locally crafted beer. Guests without reservations are also welcome here.

360 Sunset at the Top

Another amazing dining experience at the tower is at 360 Sunset at the Top. Watch a gorgeous Seattle sunset while sipping on a fine Pacific Northwest wine flight with a few local light bites all paired perfectly with 360-degree views of the Puget Sound and the city. Along with four wine tastings and light bites, reserved seating and admission to the tower are included in the price of this experience.

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Things to buy

Today's Discretionary Purchase:  Space Needle Souvenir Pens From the 1962 Seattle World's Fair
Source: Photo by user Joe Wolf used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Located at the base of the tower is SpaceBase Gift Shop which houses a wide variety of Space Needle Tower-themed souvenirs, merchandise, and keepsake. Some of the interesting things to buy here are:

Space Needle statues

Miniature, medium and large-sized status of the Space Needle are popular items to buy here. Made from pewter, faux wood, wire, metal or urethane, these statues are available at a variety of price points and built to scale with a striking amount of detail. Get a statue for your home, office or as a gift.

Space Needle pens

Pick up a quirky and affordable souvenir from the gift shop in the form of a Space Needle pen. Various models of these pens are available - light-up, cut out, 1962 World’s Fair souvenir pens, retro floaty elevator pen, etc. The latter is a bestseller for more than 40 years for it features an elevator that mimics the ‘floating’ action by moving up and down in the barrel of the pen.

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Travelers tips

Space Needle
Wheelchair accessibility

The tower is wheelchair-accessible. The staff will even expedite a visitor in a wheelchair to a proper elevator to ensure maximum ease of access and comfort.

Special hours and closures

The tower is generally open year-round, but note should be taken of the fact that they sometimes partially or completely close down to the public for holidays, minor renovations and repairs or special events. It’s best to check the official website before visiting this attraction.

Peak visiting hours and weather

Sunset and weekends are the peak visiting periods of the tower and tend to get crowded. If catching the right light is not a priority and you simply want to enjoy the views, pick a non-busy time during weekdays to enjoy a relatively less-crowded experience at the tower. It is also worthwhile to check the weather report before visiting the tower for rain and fog might hinder your views.

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How to get there

Getting to the Space Needle
Public transport

The city is quite well-connected by public transport and reaching the tower by bus or monorail is quite easy. The Seattle Center Monorail especially is a classic and fun way to reach the tower from the downtown area. You could even spring for a monorail and tower ticket deal.

Driving

Driving is another convenient way to reach the tower. Driving directions from downtown Seattle or from the north and southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) are easily available.

Parking information

Valet parking is available at the base of the tower and several parking lots are located at a distance of just a few blocks. Pricing for both types of parking is quite similar, but valet parking is the preferred time-saving option.

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How to get tickets

space needle tower | how to get tickets
Source: www.klook.com

You can buy tickets to Space Needle Tower in two ways - save time and buy tickets online through their official ticketing link or purchase them on-site at the self-service kiosk or admissions windows on the day of your visit, but the downside to that tickets are subject to wait times and availability. Tickets are available for a variety of packages, including that for the 360 Sunset at the Top experience, Space Needle + Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Center 4-Pack, etc.

Discounted tickets (up to USD 5 off) are said to be available for certain early (10am - 12pm) or late (6pm - 8pm) time slots.

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Space Needle Admission Ticket (With Chihuly Garden and Glass Admission Ticket) in Seattle - Klook

Space Needle Tower Information

Space Needle and the Seattle skyline

Space Needle Tower

Address: 400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98109, United States

Opening hours: 9:30am - 10pm (daily)

Cost: 32.50 USD onwards

Official Website: Space Needle Tower

Department of tourism: Visit Seattle

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Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

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