An icon recognized worldwide, the Seattle Space Needle is the number one tourist attraction in the Northwest United States, attracting over one million visitors annually. Of course, we were amongst those on our last visit.
And the 360º views from the Space Needle seem endless, capped by Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. At the right time of day, even the downtown buildings seem to glow.
With both indoor and outdoor viewing options at the top, the Seattle Space Needle really is a must-see for every visitor to the Emerald City (a moniker attached to Seattle due to the surrounding green hills).
And now, there is also the Loupe Lounge, which boasts the world’s first and only revolving glass floor cocktail experience. Imagine being seated with your feet resting on a glass floor offering ever-changing views of 500 feet (152 meters) below.
Seattle Space Needle fun fact #1
The original ‘SkyCity Restaurant’ was the world’s second revolving restaurant. It closed in September 2017, and after major multi-million dollar renovations, the new Loupe Lounge opened on April 9, 2021.
A bit of Seattle Space Needle history
Initially built for the 1962 World’s Fair – the Century 21 Exposition, it was considered a space-age wonder. And fitting for the event whose theme was “The Age of Space.”
At a cost of $4.5 million dollars, the Space Needle was built in just 400 days and was ready in time for the fair. When it was built, it was state-of-the-art and the tallest structure west of the Mississippi.
Photo credit Donald G. Moss
Seattle Space Needle fun fact #2
Over 2.3 million people visited the Space Needle during the World’s Fair. Since that time, nearly 60 million people have visited
Views from the Seattle Space Needle
It takes only 41 seconds to get from the ground to the observation deck, located at 520 feet. The tower’s top sits at just 605 feet.
We got lucky with the weather, and Mt Rainer was visible in the distance. This isn’t always the case, despite this being one of the most classic shots used to promote the views.
At the top of this page is my shot of the snow-capped Mount Rainier in the distance.
With 360º viewing, there are plenty of other great views as we tower over the city of Seattle. Here is another of my favorites.
Seattle Space Needle fun fact #3
Two of the elevators travel at 10 mph. This is the same speed at which a raindrop falls to earth. In contrast, snow falls much slower, at only 3 mph.
As a result, If you are in an elevator during a snowstorm, it appears to be snowing upwards.
Indoor and outdoor viewing
The two smaller images are from our last visit before the multimillion-dollar renovations. The first is from the indoor portion of the observation area. It also featured a bar/eating area, gift shop, bathrooms, and guided signage highlighting key landmarks in each of the views. The second smaller shot is the former outdoor observation area featuring several free-to-use Swarovski telescopes.
The larger shot is from after the renovations and includes the tilting glass benches that lean out over the city. Called Skyriser, it’s on the Space Needle’s observation level.
When to head up the Seattle Space Needle
Day or night that is the question. With options to head to the top from 10am until 9pm on weekdays or 10pm on the weekends, the choice is really yours. We opted to head up the tower about an hour before sunset. As a result, we got a bit of both day and evening.
Seattle Space Needle fun fact #4
The Committee Hoping for Extra-Terrestrial Encounters to Save the Earth (CHEESE) claim possession of plans from the 1962 World’s Fair that show the Space Needle was constructed to send transmissions to advanced beings in other solar systems.
Source: Depositphotos
The Loupe Lounge
Offering cocktails and light snacks, I think it’s the Space Needle view that brings people to this revolving lounge.
Designed like reinforced concrete, the structurally safe glass floor is made with ten layers of glass and lots of built-in safety features.
Bookings allow visitors up to two hours at their table, which is four full revolutions, as it takes 30 minutes to make a complete turn. You can book here.
Opened in 2021, it is now a 21+ experience. This video will give you an idea of what it’s like.
Seattle Space Needle fun fact #5
While the glass offers clear and unobstructed views to the ground from the inside, it appears opaque from the ground.
Getting to the Space Needle on the Monorail
Depending on where you are staying, getting to the Space Needle can be part of the fun.
Also built in the then-modern “George Jetson” style, the Seattle Center Monorail has remained in operation since it opened for the World’s Fair in 1962.
It has only two stops, running for one mile between 5th Avenue and Pine Street to the Space Needle complex. It is the first full-scale commercial monorail system built in the USA.
What you need to know before visiting the Space Needle
- The Space Needle is open every day from 10am closing at 9pm on Monday-Thursday, and at 10pm on Friday to Sunday.
- Tickets can be purchased for the Space Needle alone, or we got ours in combination with Chihuly Garden and Glass. Reserve your combination ticket to Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Space Needle.
- The best time to visit is before 11am or after 7pm, which is generally less crowded.
- Be sure to stop for your free photo before getting into the elevator.
- There is a bar on the observation deck offering wine, beer, juice, bar snacks, and some sweets.
- It’s just one of many amazing things to do in this city.
Paula McInerney
You certainly covered a lot of heights during your recent trip. Lovely the family photo. Mt Rainier looks superb
Rhonda Albom
I hadn’t really thought about it that way, but you are correct. We were on top of things quite often.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute
Seattle is such a cool city, and when Rainier is out it’s almost magical! I really love walking around the EMP Museum and the rest of the Seattle Center. Great article Rhonda!
Rhonda Albom
We also walked through the EMP musuem, amongst several others. I will be writing about Seattle for another week.
budget jan
Mt. Rainier and the boats in harbour are beautiful shots. The observation deck certainly provides for good photo taking. I didn’t realize Mt. Rainier was so clearly visible and so beautiful.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I had no idea either, but there she was towering in all her glory.
Lisa Ross
Wow. I think I’d like Seattle
Rhonda Albom
I think so too. I have several more posts coming. It’s a wonderful city.
Lyndall
Love your photos, of course Rhonda! The view with Mt Rainier in the background is rather special. Great to be able to take pics without the fingerprinted glass in front of you too 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Funny thing is I was looking close in and down at first and when I finally looked out at the horizon, Mt Rainier took me by surprise.
Jade @ Captured By Jade
Panoramic city views like this are always quite breath taking.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Quite a sight especially the sunset one. You are quite a photographer Rhonda. I’m happy that you have enjoyed a wonderful vacation, one that you probably won’t ever see again. ( unless you decide going on another one, please go. )
Enjoy your day my friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Anda
I’ll have to go visit Seattle, Rhonda. You beat me to it. The view from the Needle is fantastic and so are your pictures.
Rhonda Albom
You could almost do it as a weekend getaway.
Lydia C. Lee
I didn’t realise it had an open viewing thing…
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, I didn’t either, but once I was on it, in my mind it elevated it quickly to one of my favorite towers world wide, and we have been up plenty of towers.
Ruth
The second photo with Rainier in the background is great. This is one of the things I would not like to miss in Seattle.
Rhonda Albom
It was funny, I was looking close in at first, and I was somehow really surprised to notice Mt. Rainier the first time it was suddenly in my field of view.
Ann
I haven’t been in years! I think it’s the views of Mt. Rainer that make it so popular. And, I also remember that they played a lot of space/rocket themed music there. I especially remember hearing Elton John’s Rocket Man several times.
My favorite tower is probably the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. But, I didn’t have quite as clear of a day when I visited so the views weren’t as good as yours were in Seattle.
Rhonda Albom
I don’t remember Rocket Man specifically, but there was a definite theme going on. It’s just a fun tower to visit.
Janie Junebug
Yes, I have been in the Space Needle several times, and I’m glad you got to go. It’s been quite a few years since I was there, but we loved eating in the revolving restaurant on special occasions. Once we ate there when it was snowing. So beautiful. I’ve also gone up in the Empire State Building. Once when I was in Chicago with my daughter and her boyfriend we hoped to go up in the Sears building, but didn’t do so because it was quite expensive and so foggy we wouldn’t have been able to see anything. I hope you’re having a great trip. I love the Pacific Northwest. We lived near Seattle for a little more than three years. I’ve always been disappointed that we left. It was not my choice.
Love,
Janie
Rhonda Albom
This trip I did get to one revolving restaurant, but it was in Los Angeles (story coming soon). Did you get a chance to see my recent photos of the Sears (now Willis) Tower Ledge?
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Seattle is our favourite American city. We have been there more than once, mainly for the cycling and as a place to fly into for road trips in the north-west, but we have never gone up the Space Needle or ridden the monorail. A trip up the space needle is on our list. Did you know that Sydney had a monorail for many years but tore it down about five years ago? I am pretty sure I still have an old multi-use ticket with rides still on it.
Rhonda Albom
It is a great city, but I think San Francisco will always top my list in the USA. I had no idea about the Sydney monorail. History is so interesting.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
And I’ve been there!
Wild to think it was the tallest building back then. Most western cities have skyscrapers taller than that now.
Great shots from the top, Rhonda.
Rhonda Albom
Finally, I have traveled to somewhere Alex has been. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
great views!
Lexa Cain
What cool pieces of info! Especially the mph of rain and snow and the way it seems to snow upwards if you’re coming down. I’m not much for heights, but I loved the pics of the views, and I think eating in a revolving restaurant would be awesome! Thanks for the wonderful pics!
Rhonda Albom
I agree, sometimes it is the random facts that are the most interesting. If my goal wasn’t to avoid snowy winters, I think I would want to be there in a snow storm just to see the snow going up for the 41 second ride.
Barbara Radisavljevic
Although we lived in the Seattle area for four months in 1988, we never made it to the needle. Love that view of Mt Rainier. I miss seeing it every day.
Rhonda Albom
We are a bit like that. I don’t think we went up the Auckland Sky Tower for the first 5-6 years we were here. Now we are up whenever we get the chance.
Christen Tyre
These are so pretty! I am really hoping to see Seattle one day. It’s very high on my list!
Rhonda Albom
It’s a wonderful city. This is the first of a series of posts I am writing about our visit.
Hilary
Amazing views from the Tower – and interesting to read its history. I too love the photo of Mount Rainier … good memories for you – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
It was even prettier live.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Lovely photo collection! You got lucky and had a nice clear day to spot Mt. Rainier. We visited a few years ago and enjoyed it too. It helped to have nice weather. Glad to see the free photo souvenir is still around.
Rhonda Albom
I know, we did get a perfect day. And I was delighted to have the free photos.
Sarah E. Albom
Wow, the view is absolutely stunning!!
Rhonda Albom
Sorry that you were not there, you would have loved it.