Visited late on a Sunday afternoon and with no queue went straight up to the viewing floor. The uninterrupted 360 views are excellent and we were able to get drinks and snacks at very reasonable prices (considering they have a captive audience) and sat at a tall table right by the window. From here we watched the sun set and the city lights come on over a couple of hours in a relaxed and uncrowned atmosphere. A highlight of our visit to Seattle.

If you dislike crowds and overpriced attractions, this is a great downtown Seattle alternative to the Space Needle. This Observatory is located on the upper floor of a downtown Seattle Office building, with dedicated non-stop elevators. There are views in all directions with info text describing each panarama. There's a small cafe for coffee, drinks and sandwiches to fortify you for the rest of your explore.

We took a chance and got lucky the day we went up. The views are amazing! There are also tips on how to take better pictures (avoid glare, etc) posted and maps of what you are looking at depending on the side of the building you are looking out of. My one thing I was put off a bit by posing for some staged photos even before getting up to the observation deck, then asked if I want to buy their expensive photo packages. Just more of an annoyance really. There is a cafe at the top and getting a coffee whist relaxing and taking in the view was a nice way for us to end our visit to Seattle.

This was my second visit to the Exploratory and unfortunately it was so disappointing. The fog was very dense so we couldn’t see anything. The saddest part is that they didn’t inform us about the weather conditions when we were paying for the tickets ($23.50 each). They literally let us buy the tickets knowing it would be a waste of money.

A lovely view at twilight which would have been even more breathtaking without the thick fog but I did opt to go in late Jan! The mist lifted eventually and I got some fantastic views and photographs. They eventually turned off the lighting inside making for a much better view without the glare on windows. There is an annoying start which was rather thrust upon me rather than it being a choice. The staff just said, "first of all, we are gonna take some FUN photos!". You weren't even told what it was about. Then at the bar upstairs you are given a chance to buy the comedy/fake background pictures for an extortionate price! Avoid that. The lift is just over a minute and your ears pop going up 73 floors. There are screens showing you what you would see, slightly mimicking a glass elevator during the ride. It's a higher view than the Space Needle by far! At the end of visit, a really abrasive guy repeatedly questioned me and another visitor when we were simply trying to descend. We went to a labelled duo lift but a staff one showed up and we were given a repeated inquisition about WHO WE WORKED FOR?! I am British and the other sightseer was Korean. We were quite clearly just using the observatory and wishing to descend. I told him twice and the other guy tried several times. I walked away finding him very rude, unhelpful and quite intimidating. The lift next to it finally arrived and we could descend! Very odd. This marred it somewhat but I would recommend nevertheless. Just choose a clear day.

Don’t go at night unless they fix the interior lighting. We went at 5 p.m., hoping to see the city lit up at night. Unfortunately, unless we had our noses pressed against the glass, the only thing we saw lit up was the interior of the building. The interior lights needed to be dimmed. I can understand needing more illumination by the barista/bar area and gift shop, but the entire floor was lit up. This meant no one could see anything of the view, which is the entire point of making the trip up. We managed to get a few nice photos avoiding the interior glare, but certainly not many, and certainly none with us and the background. I've been to many other high rises during nighttime, and they all dim the interior lights so visitors can actually see out. That "Sky View" didn't, rendered the whole trip practically worthless. My main issue was with the interior lights, which I detailed previously. However, I also found the process of food and drink, as well as the reserved tables, frustrating. I bought the package where you get to cut the line, get a reserved table, and get $10 vouchers for food/drink/gift shop. I knew from my purchase that I was supposed to have a reserved table. However, I didn't know how to get to our table. We didn't have an assigned table number, so I had to ask the staff. They asked us what kind of table we wanted, then asked a couple who was already seated to leave so we could sit. The whole thing didn't seem particularly organized. Also, the window seat wasn't much worth it, since again, we could barely see outside. For what it's worth, the drinks also weren't great. Which isn't surprising, as I'm sure the employees probably aren't really bartenders (that's not a knock on them, as they were friendly and helpful). I saw another reviewer talk about their hope to get cocktails in a fun environment before going out to dinner, which was also our plan. I do not recommend that. This isn’t a classy, chic set up for drinks in the city (though the prices at $15 a drink suggest otherwise; I know, marked up for the high rise). And it’s totally fine that it’s not. But I’d rather they just not sell drinks and stick to the barista and snacks routine.

I love going to the observatories in different cities, but I don't love paying $40 a ticket. That was the main reason we didn't visit the Space Needle (or at least why we didn't go up). My fiancé found a solution to this when he found the SkyView Observatory. It was half the price for a ticket at $20. Then, I randomly decided to do a Groupon search for Seattle deals and I found it on there for $10! The only thing is that the Groupon isn't your ticket so you have to go and redeem it for a ticket, but I had no issues with the redemption, even with a same-day purchase. Once you get up there, it is not crowded at all (but maybe because it was a Friday late afternoon and also Valentine’s Day. You have plenty of space to explore the 360 view. There's also a bar/cafe up there so you can sit and enjoy a drink, or even walk around with it. Another reason I like these non-main observatories is because you actually get a view of the main ones. I can't compare it to the Space Needle but SkyView is definitely worth a visit. Plus it's only about a 15-20 minute walk from Pike Place.

I’ll start with the views were amazing. Even though it was a bit overcast, we were able to get great views of the city (just no Mt Rainier!). Price was good compared to other towers in the states. Purchased the all inclusive ticket. Included the fast lane, a reserved window table, a charcuterie platter, and a beverage. All was well until I went to the “bar” for our drinks and seat. First, the male that was there, stated we only get half a charcuterie platter each so he will combine it into one. Ok. Weird. Whatever. Then we tried to order our drinks. Only 2 beers available, and when asked what type of mimosas were available, he rudely gave out a sigh and retorted with an attitude “normal ones.” The only thing missing was a duh at the end of his statement. He then told us to sit at an obstructed table near the window, so I asked if we could sit at one of the 5 empty high tables near the window to which he hesitated then rudely stated ”I guess.” If you don’t like interacting with people, get another job. This young arrogant clown is THE reason I will not go back or take anyone else there. As I said before, the views were great, though. One side of the tower was a little sunny, the side facing Tacoma was dreary. So if you only go for the view, the least expensive ticket is worth it.

This is our 4th trip to the Skyview Observatory. Its our first since the recent remodel of the 73 floor, and elevators. First, having to ride a single elevator is much easier, and its way easier to find your way once inside the building. The remodeled floor, provides for a true 360 walk around. The cafe has been updated, with many more selections, at reasonable prices. The only con would be the picture taking before boarding the elevator. It takes too much time, and is really yet another sales gimmick, that other attractions also do (Great Wheel, Space Needle). This picture taking process greatly slows down the flow of people getting onto, and going up the elevator. Expect significant wait times during busy hours.

ever since they raised the price I think the space needle is a better value. On a clear day the view is a little better, but they don’t include a free photo download. (Space needle does & not just 1)