The Seattle Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Seattle, Washington, and has become synonymous with tourist attractions. Built for a World’s Fair, entitled “The Age of Space,” this iconic tower was designed to represent humanity’s aspirations into space-age technology. The original design included a hot air balloon at the top! It’s still a pretty amazing futuristic design, but here at Seattle Ballooning, think they missed a great opportunity. Maybe we’ll inflate a hot air balloon on the lawn of the Space Needle at some point here.
Passengers always ask us what else they should check out while visiting Seattle?
The view from the Space Needle may not be as epic as hot air ballooning by the Cascade Mountains, but it’s a tour you won’t want to miss when visiting Seattle. Here’s a breakdown of the Seattle Space Needle. The Space Needle is an icon of Seattle and one of the most photographed structures in the world. It had its grand opening on April 21, 1962, and stands at 605 feet tall. The landmark symbolizes the innovative spirit with its modern design ahead of its time when it opened back then.
360 degree views
The Seattle Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. It is an observation tower with a rotating restaurant at its top that rotates to give you different perspectives on your surroundings as it goes around in one hour (or less). The revolving view makes for some fantastic photography opportunities! The restaurant at the top offers an award-winning menu with dishes like pan-seared scallops or grilled beef tenderloin sandwiches that are sure to satisfy your appetite. Most people get into hot air ballooning because it is a ton of fun, and they love the feeling of flying in a balloon. You also don’t have to become a pilot to get involved in ballooning. You can also become part of a hot air balloon crew. Being part of a hot air balloon crew means you’ll help with the setup and takedown of the balloon and be responsible for chasing it from a vehicle! It’s a ton of fun.
Glass Glass and more Glass
The structure’s sleek glass exterior gives way to elegant observation decks looking outward over Puget Sound as well as inward towards downtown Seattle – perfect for viewing exceptional sunsets and rain showers. Who knows, you might even get a glimpse of an orca! There is also a section that is an All-Glass Floor. You’ll want to brave the cold and wind and check out the outdoor observation deck. You’ve never seen a city like this before. From the 520′ high above the ground, you can see the Seattle Center and all of its iconic landmarks. The Space Needle is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Seattle, Washington!
Looking for an even better view of Seattle than the Space Needle?
Book a hot air balloon ride in front of Mt. Rainier with Seattle Ballooning! You’ll go 10 times as high as the Space Needle to almost 5000 feet and get epic views of the whole Seattle area. Seattle Ballooning offers two flights daily at sunrise and sunset. This is a Seattle tour you won’t want to miss!
Next, we’ll run through the most common questions people ask about the Seattle Space Needle. We have answers to them all!
How much does it cost to go to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle?
General Seattle Space Needle tickets range in price from $24.50 to $37.50, depending on age and when you buy them! If you are a senior citizen or have children under 13 years of age, then the prices will be less. The best idea is to book your ticket online.
Why is the Seattle Space Needle Famous?
The World’s Fair was a fantastic time for Seattle, and the Space Needle building is one of the symbols that it left behind. Built in 1962 to help celebrate the fair by hosting its elevators, people used them over 2 million times! To this day, the Space Needle is an icon of Seattle – so take some photos!
Is the Space Needle Worth It?
The Space Needle is one of the most iconic man-made structures in Seattle and should be firmly on any traveler’s bucket list. Is it worth it? Yes. It may not have much historical significance or cultural importance to locals as other tourist spots might, but if you’re visiting from out of town for just a short time, you won’t want to miss it. Between the open-air deck, the rotating deck, and the outdoor deck, you’ll get a pretty amazing experience.
Can you go in the Space Needle?
Yes, you can go up to the top of the Space Needle and walk around the observation deck. You’ll get to go in 1960s style elevators and see Seattle from a new point of view.
How much does it cost to eat at the Space Needle?
At one point, there was a really cool restaurant at the top of the Needle. The SkyCity Restaurant closed in late 2017 as part of the renovations being performed on the Space Needle. Currently, the really cool revolving restaurant a the top of the Space Needle is closed.
What’s at the top of the Space Needle?
The top of the Space Needle has a 360-degree view, and you can see for miles. You’ll be able to look out at Seattle’s skyline from all angles – including views that are usually blocked by other buildings!
How tall is the Seattle Space Needle in Feet?
The Space Needle is a staple of Seattle’s skyline, standing at 605 feet tall and looming over the 74-acre campus.
Families visiting Seattle Center can’t help but feel their heartstrings tug as they gaze up into this majestic tower that soars above everything else in the area. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, visitors get a fantastic view of our great city from 500 ft off the ground.
How long does it take to tour the Space Needle?
The Space Needle is a popular tourist attraction, and it’s worth visiting, but be prepared to spend some time waiting in line. It can take 45 minutes before you actually get to an elevator on the ground floor of the Needle! If possible, try incorporating your visit with Chihuly Museum-that way, you’ll have enough time for both museums since they’re located so close together around Seattle Center.
Are there discount Space Needle tickets?
If you are looking for discount Space Needle tickets, there are lots of options! Child admission is available for youth ages 5-12, and senior entry (ages 65+) are also discounted. They offer military rates for anyone in the party with a military ID! The best way to save is to purchase your tickets online.
Purchasing a timed Space Needle Ticket
You can purchase your timed ticket on a mobile device or on-site at the ticket window. There are literally millions of options to select from to determine the type of ticket you want and when it’s available, so make sure you plan ahead! Admission times are set for every 15 minutes between 8 AM – 10 PM. Still, we recommend getting here early because there is always an overwhelming amount of people who come out, especially around noon and during the prime time, which is in the evening starting after 7 PM.
Can I bring a camera to the Space Needle?
Yes, you are allowed to bring a camera with the purchase of an admission ticket. The best way for visitors of the Space Needle to get photos is by obtaining a tripod or selfie stick. Scratch that… these days, iPhone cameras are pretty good. If you’re just trying to get an excellent photo of the Space Needle views and post it to social media, that’s the route to go.
