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Columbia Center Sky View Observatory

701 Fifth Ave, Columbia Street, Seattle, WA 98104 (Formerly Bank of America Tower)
206-386-5564
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Ranked #12 of 189 attractions in Seattle
Type: Observation Decks/ Towers, Architectural Buildings
Traveler Description: Columbia Center (formerly Bank of Ameria Tower) and also known as Columbia Tower is located between 4th & 5th Avenues between Columbia and Cherry... more »
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191 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    132
    41
    14
    4
    0
Date Rating
Irvine, California
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

Although the Space Needle is the icon of Seattle to me, it's height can't compare to the Columbia building (the tallest building in Seattle). While the Columbia viewing area isn't a full 360 degrees like the Space Needle, it definitely has a bigger impact, especially if it's a nice and clear day. The cost is about half that of the... More

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See 4 more reviews by emcee24 for Seattle
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
95 helpful votes 95 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 21, 2013

The view is quite good, but clouds and weather can often hampen the view in Seattle. You are indoors here, so photos are through glass, but the glass was quite clean when I was there. Suggestions: 1. Parking in the basement is very expensive. I went downtown on the bus to avoid that. 2. The ticket allows you in that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Trapped in Maryland
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
56 helpful votes 56 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 19, 2013

The observation deck is three floors down from the top of the tallest building in Seattle. And much higher than the space needle. $9 vs. $19 for the space needle. And a lot less crowded, too. I went on a Sunday around lunch time and there were only two other small groups there at the same time. It was a... More

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See 3 more reviews by kanling for Seattle
Ohio
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 19, 2013

We did this in lieu of the Space Needle. The views of the city are great, and the elevator ride was high enough to make our ears pop. If I went back to Seatlle, I'd probably try out the Space Needle since it's such an icon of Seattle, but it was a nice way to see good views for cheap.

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See 2 more reviews by razzledazzle12 for Seattle
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 17, 2013 via mobile

We found this on trip advisor and happy we did. The views of the city are amazing and the $9.00 entrance fee was extremely nice. On the day we went only six to eight people were there. Great aerial views of the puget sound and the sports stadiums.

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Seattle, Washington
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2013

Yeah, your higher than the Space Needle and you stay warm and dry but its boring and not as fun as the iconic Space Needle. You pay for an elevator ride and a non engaging person taking money. Views are good but just can't seem to get excited about this lame thrill ride. Skip it, go to the Needle and... More

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See 22 more reviews by Keoni13 for Seattle
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2013

An incredible view; especially good to look down on the Space Needle! Much better value, and a far more peaceful observatory experience. Heavily recommended to any Seattle tourists, especially those more budget conscious.

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Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
82 reviews 82 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 12, 2013

Much better views than the space needle, less crowded, and cheaper! You're nearly twice as high as the space needle.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by PaulieT253 for Seattle
Mill Creek, Washington, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 5, 2013

We absolutely loved finding this place! I'm surprised no one else was there! It's cheaper than the Space Needle, twice as high as the Space needle, and you can go up twice in the day without having to pay the additional fee. The attendant Michelle was really informative about the area, and turned off the lights for us when it... More

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See 3 more reviews by Kara M for Seattle
Yakima, WA
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 31, 2013

Please don't tell anyone else!!! Despite a crowd of tourists in the city this weekend, this place was quiet. $9 for adults, less for everyone else, and worth every penny! Absolutely amazing views of the whole Puget Sound area if it's a clear day. Can see all the way to Bellevue and Mt. Si looking east, Bremerton and the Olympics... More

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See 6 more reviews by Todd F for Seattle

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