Sky View Observatory
Sky View Observatory
4.5
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Private View Packages Now Available! Experience Sky View Observatory exclusively for 1-Hour for yourself and up to 4 people - 5 People total! * Temporarily Closed for General Admission.* Sky View Observatory in downtown Seattle is the ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City. Here you can map out your entire Pacific Northwest experience! Sky View is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center. At 902 feet, it offers the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. The 360-degree panoramic view includes Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Baker, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Space Needle and the city of Seattle.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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$22.50
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- Pioneer Square • 4 min walk
- University St • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,650 reviews
Excellent
1,884
Very good
622
Average
97
Poor
23
Terrible
24
Angie
Grand Cayman83 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We went on a rainy evening, there was no wait and although it was overcast, the skyline still offered good visibility of the city, Puget sound and ranges in the distance. There were lots of opportunities for photos and only a handful of people were present at the same time. The bar had great drink choices, even if the food was limited. A great way to spend the evening.
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yourfuturebmd
Tampa, FL18 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Thank you for an awesome experience!! Even though I didn’t get to see Mt. Rainier due to overcast, I still enjoyed the beautiful views and my entire experience.
They educate you going up the elevator and they had a lot of educational information throughout the floors with its history. I also didn’t feel rushed to leave while I was there.
JP, the bartender was awesome, knowledgeable, & surprisingly from the area I currently live in. You can tell he enjoys what he does and I appreciate that! I truly had an amazing time that I will continue to come back to Seattle and Sky View Observatory!
They educate you going up the elevator and they had a lot of educational information throughout the floors with its history. I also didn’t feel rushed to leave while I was there.
JP, the bartender was awesome, knowledgeable, & surprisingly from the area I currently live in. You can tell he enjoys what he does and I appreciate that! I truly had an amazing time that I will continue to come back to Seattle and Sky View Observatory!
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian T
Wallasey, UK211 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
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.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KID121
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK22 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Dear Jean,
Thank you for your response. To clarify, the refund I am requesting is specifically for the Observatory Tower. I understand the Sky View Observatory was closed, but my request pertains to the closure of the Observatory Tower on the day of my scheduled visit.
I appreciate your understanding and look forward to your assistance with this matter.
Kind regards,
Patricia
I purchased a ticket for Monday, 16th September, 2024 from Get your Guide but ithe venue was closed on that day. If the venue was not open, the ticket should not have been sold. Unfortunately, the closure was not made clear during the booking process and to be honest, should not have been sold. When traveling internationally, one naturally relies on the booking operator to provide accurate information, and in this case, that trust was misplaced. Get your Guide response was disappointing as their response relies on terms and conditions rather than addressing the issue directly. They have put the onus on us to say we should have checked that the venue was open but surely if it wasn't open they shouldn't have been able to sell the ticket for that date.
Thank you for your response. To clarify, the refund I am requesting is specifically for the Observatory Tower. I understand the Sky View Observatory was closed, but my request pertains to the closure of the Observatory Tower on the day of my scheduled visit.
I appreciate your understanding and look forward to your assistance with this matter.
Kind regards,
Patricia
I purchased a ticket for Monday, 16th September, 2024 from Get your Guide but ithe venue was closed on that day. If the venue was not open, the ticket should not have been sold. Unfortunately, the closure was not made clear during the booking process and to be honest, should not have been sold. When traveling internationally, one naturally relies on the booking operator to provide accurate information, and in this case, that trust was misplaced. Get your Guide response was disappointing as their response relies on terms and conditions rather than addressing the issue directly. They have put the onus on us to say we should have checked that the venue was open but surely if it wasn't open they shouldn't have been able to sell the ticket for that date.
Written October 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin A
19 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Views were good even though it was cloudy. Absolutely do NOT pay for the Elite experience. Nothing about it was "elite" or anywhere close. $15 voucher for the "café" (barely anything to choose from) and the "gift shop" (which was I kid you not, an ornament or a pin???). I don't understand that at all. None of the interactive screens were working either. Food was okay. One staff member (I didn't catch his/their name) was kind and tried to give us a better experience, as did the elevator operator. I'm giving these stars to them.
Written May 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kel M
2 contributions
Jan 2022
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.
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.
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katia R
2 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
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.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to review--it's important to us that we continue improving, and your feedback is an immensely helpful part of the process! We're so sorry your experience wasn't better. We'd love to talk with you about your visit. Please reach out to us at news@skyviewobservatory.com to speak with us further.
Thank you,
The Sky View Team
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sylvanian
Pittsburgh, PA93 contributions
Sep 2022
The Observatory is the highest spot in Seattle and offers unmatching views all-around. Make sure to come in good weather to see Mt. Rainer far back. You can easily spend one hour there enjoying the view and there is a small cafe if you get hungry
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BTN Explorer
Brighton and Hove, UK32 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
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.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pancakesisters9
Springfield, VT62 contributions
Jul 2019
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.
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.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do I need to purchase a ticket to go have a bite and a drink at Sky View Cafe & Bar? I did not see any info on website and Microsoft Edge said for Sky View Bar I do not need one but for the Colombia Tower Club and Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge I do.
Written May 13, 2024
Where can we park for our Skyview Observatory visit. I understand that our parking is validated......what does that mean? Discount? Free? Valet? Please advise.
Written May 25, 2023
I would strongly suggest parking at the Target on 2nd Ave. Much cheaper and basically in the center of downtown. From there take Uber or transit.
Written November 4, 2024
I am a senior and have a disability (non wheelchair). Where would I find convenient/close parking to the observatory to limit my walking distance? I've heard the one with underground at the Sky Center will not accommodate some SUV's and you risk getting damage to your vehicles because the spaces are extremely cramped. Interested in a SAFE and Convenient location. Thank you.
Written September 3, 2019
There is a small public parking lot right across the street from the building entrance. It has four (I think) handicapped spaces. We've found one available on both our visits.
Written September 4, 2019
Is this tourism must see site dog-friendly?
Written May 31, 2019
I saw a few dogs up on the observation floor but did not look close enough to say if it was service dog or pocket dog only.
Written June 4, 2019
Hi, I want to buy 2 tickets for my friends who have just been married and are moving to Portland, at one point they will visit Seattle, if I buy them tickets for a date, and they can’t make that date, can they change it to a date that will suit them?
Written October 21, 2018
SkyViewObservatory
Seattle, Washington
Yes, we're happy to change the date on the tickets within 12 months of the original purchase. Your friends will also need to contact us before the date on the ticket--so when you're buying their tickets, we recommend choosing a date well in advance.
Written October 23, 2018
We would like to observe the Seattle sunset at 7:43 P.M. on September 4, 2018. If we purchase the 6:30-7:00 P.M. tickets, will we be able to walk around, snack and linger, or are we led out of the viewing floor? It appears that the 7:30-8:00 tickets are not available for advance purchase online. Or should we just take a chance and buy tickets that evening when we arrive? Seems like the sunset hour sells out quickly.
Written August 6, 2018
Hi there! I work box office there, so I wanted to let you know that starting on 9/4/2018, we will be closing at 8pm instead of the summer closing time of 10pm. Because the last elevator goes up one hour before closing, this may be why you could not order any tickets after 7:30pm. I am a huge sunset fan myself, so I would suggest getting tickets/arriving around 6:30pm so you can have time to relax, have a bite or drink at our cafe, and take many wonderful pictures! Hope this information helps!
Written August 31, 2018
Hi, what kind of ticket did you purchase to allow re-entry? I'm a bit confuse because I read this on their FAQ - Standard tickets are valid for one admission. Re-entry to the observatory is not permitted.
Thanks for your help!
Written July 8, 2018
It was a standard ticket but it might have been the time of year, mid-June that we were there. At that time, you could only purchase in person, online purchase was not yet available. I’m guessing with the lower tourist traffic during my visit, the Re-entry was offered but not something done through high traffic season.
Written July 8, 2018
Do I need to book tickets for a certain day and time?
Written April 25, 2018
Not at all.....you can purchase when you arrive. It is a beautiful place with an amazing view.
Written April 25, 2018
Do I need to book tickets for a certain day and time?
Best Regards
Mike
Written April 25, 2018
Hi Mike, it's easy just walk up to the Kiosk on the side of the information booth. I walked up on a Sunday no line nothing, fastest place to enter. They are security to help.
Written April 25, 2018
If we go to the observatory will we have access to the fabulous ladies restroom and partake in a little wine tasting?
Written January 12, 2018
Can only reiterate the other responses. The café was informal and average and bathrooms just the standard sort. Wonder if you're got it mixed up with somewhere else?
Written January 12, 2018
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