Space Needle Tours

Puget Sound which includes modern architecture
Space Needle which includes railway items, central business district and modern architecture
Space Needle showing views, general coastal views and a skyscraper
Space Needle which includes a city, mist or fog and skyline
Space Needle which includes wildflowers, modern architecture and flowers


Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle rises 605 feet (184 meters), like a beacon towering over the city. Erected in 1962, this unique building resembles a futuristic flying saucer set on irregular legs.

The views are great, whether you’re looking up at the Space Needle from the grounds of the Seattle Center or looking down from the observation platform. The views are beautiful on a cloudy day and absolutely breathtaking when it’s sunny.

The tower is a comfortable walk of just over a mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown. Alternatively, enjoy a ride on the Monorail, which leaves every 10 minutes from Westlake Center mall at Fifth Avenue and stops at the base of the Space Needle. Elevators whisk visitors up to the enclosed observation deck in a matter of seconds. On a fine day, step outside and walk all around the outdoor terrace for 360-degree views of the surrounding city. Free telescopes are strategically placed around the outside observation area.

Children in particular will love exploring the surrounding Seattle Center, with its green spaces and great fountain, and carts selling popcorn and rope licorice. The Pacific Science Center, a sidewalk away from the Needle, is a fun place to spend a few hours. Take in a show at the IMAX Theater, or gaze at the stars in the Willard Smith Planetarium. If you’re hungry, the Center House offers an expansive food court and sometimes entertainment.

Browse the gift shop at the Space Needle for all kinds of space-themed souvenirs to take home as a memento.

The Space Needle is located in lower Queen Anne, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. Parking for a fee is available. It’s open year round, day and evening.

Plan a trip to see Space Needle

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Mediterranean Inn
1 Hotel Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle

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Reviews of Space Needle

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2775
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
1374
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
357
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
29
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
44
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Worth the trip to the top. Awesome view. Seniors and Military discounts.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Expensive

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Actually just saw it from outside- the prices were outrageous IMO to actaully go up...

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Buy tickets ahead of time and be prepared for a wait at sunset

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Ideal place to buy Seattle souvenirs - the airport was lacking.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Way too overpriced

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Space Needle

Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Mediterranean Inn
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA
Mayflower Park Hotel
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

4 out of 5
201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Space Needle

When visiting the Space Needle in Seattle, you'll find a vibrant mix of art, theater, and shopping nearby. Consider checking into local hotels for convenient access to attractions. Don't miss out on unique sailing experiences on the Puget Sound, and explore various activities throughout Seattle to fully enjoy your trip. The city’s dynamic culture and stunning views will make your visit unforgettable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots to the Space Needle include Pike Place Market, a vibrant public market only 0.8 mile away, and Westlake Center, a lively shopping mall also 0.8 mile from the Needle. Nordstrom, a popular retail store, is located 0.9 mile away.

Recreation

Explore T-Mobile Park for an exhilarating sports experience just 2 miles from the Space Needle, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. At Showbox SoDo, also 2 miles away, enjoy live music and entertainment that energizes the spirit. For tranquility, visit Seward Park, 7 miles away, and unwind in nature.

Adventure

The UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 3 miles from the Space Needle, offers thrilling water sports for adventure seekers. Camp Long, 4 miles away, immerses you in nature with its outdoor activities. For indoor thrills, Mini Mountain, 9 miles distant, provides skiing and family-friendly sports fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Space Needle is vibrant and diverse. Catch a show at the Paramount Theatre, just a mile away, or enjoy thrilling views on the Seattle Great Wheel, also a mile away. For a lively night, head to The Crocodile, a nightclub only 0.4 miles from the Needle.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Space Needle

Visiting the Space Needle in Seattle offers a range of attractions, including urban parks, art museums, and local churches, perfect for cultural and family experiences. Nearby, you'll find friendly hotels and other Seattle attractions that enhance your trip. Don't miss exploring the vibrant Seattle world around the iconic Space Needle, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich art scene and beautiful landscapes.

  • Seattle Waterfront: This vibrant harbor, located 1 mile from the Space Needle, offers picturesque views and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy beachside strolls, fresh seafood, and scenic vibes while watching boats sail by and exploring charming shops along the boardwalk.
  • Seattle Center: Just 0.1 mile from the Space Needle, Seattle Center is a bustling urban park perfect for families. Enjoy outdoor activities, stunning gardens, and cultural attractions, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Space Needle.
  • Seattle Convention Center Arch Building: Situated 1 mile from the Space Needle, this modern event venue exudes a professional atmosphere. It's a hub for conferences and events, making it an ideal spot for business travelers and those seeking networking opportunities in the heart of Seattle.

Best time to go to Space Needle

The best time to visit Space Needle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Space Needle falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Space Needle falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Space Needle

To save money on your visit to the Space Needle in Seattle, plan your trip from December to February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting prices and applying filters for eco-certified options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Space Needle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Space Needle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Space Needle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to customize your travel search by setting your budget, choosing your desired location, and more. You can easily organize the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Space Needle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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