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All 399 Seattle Attractions »

Smith Tower

508 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
206 622 4004
Ranked #30 of 210 attractions in Seattle
4.5 of 5 stars 57 Reviews
Type: Observation Decks/ Towers
Description: This historic Seattle building offers great views of the city at the top.
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57 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    6
    1
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Date Rating
Puget Sound, WA
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012

We visited on a beautiful sunny day with Mt. Rainier to the SE and Elliott bay and the Olympic Mts. to the West. It was so beautiful, it was difficult to concentrate on the gorgeous Asain furnishings More

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See 4 more reviews by 65stang for Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

I prefer the view from the Smith Tower to the view from the Space Needle, and it is also far less expensive to visit. The brass-surfaced historic elevator is beautiful, and you get to ride with an elevator operator! More

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See 7 more reviews by Andi W for Seattle
Northeast, United States
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

This was one of the tallest buildings in the world for a short time and even by contemporary standards looks very fresh, clean and modern. It's a beautiful building to just see. More

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See 6 more reviews by JoshC87 for Seattle
Boston, Massachusetts
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2012

On a walking tour of downtown Seattle, my husband and I went up to the 35th floor observatory in the Smith Tower. It was really windy but offered good views all around the city and waterfront. The ornate elevator was a hoot. Be sure to notice the original Otis elevator works in a small room next to the elevator door... More

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albany ny
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

Go here instead of Space needle. Better views and less expensive. The hostess there was wonderful and lots of information! This is a must tourist stop! More

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See 4 more reviews by aehegney for Seattle
Clinton, Washington
Top Contributor
119 reviews 119 reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

The Smith Tower signified Seattle long before the Space Needle came into being. It's classic lines and signature roof used to define the Seattle skyline. Now you have to work to find it, but it's worth the effort if you're showing visitors around Seattle. More

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See 27 more reviews by culturevulture94 for Seattle
Black Diamond, Wa.
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 20, 2012

showing my age, that was the tallest building forever and when young it was a kick to go to the top, wow, the view! I love that building! More

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See 23 more reviews by Donna H for Seattle
Oak Harbor, Washington
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 1, 2012

If you want to see Seattle from above and avoid the crowds on the needle SMith tower is the best alternative. Not to mention your photos will actually include the needle! More

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See 6 more reviews by Stasha B for Seattle
Shoreline, Washington, United States
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 2, 2012

Classy old skyscraper; beautiful views from the top floor wrap-around balcony; very cool "Chinese Room" on top floor. More

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See 4 more reviews by Jay D for Seattle
Vancouver, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 23, 2012

You are not only paying less than half of the price of the Space Needle to get the same view (well, almost), there are also antiques and decorations from 19th century Asia that you don't wanna miss. Maybe you are not boarding one of the fastest elevators to get to the top, but this authentic 1930 ish lift demonstrates greatly... More

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