The Space Needle. It’s the symbol of Seattle, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and it’s right here for all of us to enjoy. No matter where you’re taking in the view of Seattle, your eyes always go directly to the needle. You can’t help it — it’s like a magnet. Not only can you admire the icon from the ground, you can also take in the incredible view from the top.

View from the Space Needle in Seattle

Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair in Seattle, the Space Needle was once the tallest structure in the Emerald City. From the SpaceBase store at the bottom to the flashing red beacon on top, the Space Needle stands 605-feet tall, making it the highest observation tower in the Northwest and the fourth tallest in the country.

There are a couple of different levels of the Space Needle. There is the indoor/outdoor observation level at 520-feet, and The Loupe, which is a revolving glass floor — the only one in the word — 500-feet above Seattle.

Space Needle Observation Deck

TIP: It takes the elevator 40 seconds to get to the Space Needle observation deck. There are windows in the elevator, so be sure to position yourself by one of those. That way you can enjoy the views on your ride up. Tove and I have heard several people complain when they’re stuck in the back elevator without a view (even though they’ll still have the breathtaking view from the top of the Space Needle when they reach the top).

The Space Needle observation deck offers indoor and outdoor, 360 degree panoramic views of Seattle. But the biggest draw is the revolving glass floor. To the south you stare directly at downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier, to the west you can admire the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, to the north you’ll find Mount Baker and Lake Union, and to the east you see Bellevue and the Cascade Mountains.

Space Needle Clear FloorObservation Deck

You can enjoy the view from the top 365 days a year. It’s open day and night (click here to see the night view), with varying hours of operation. Be sure to check the hours before you visit, and note that ticket sales end 30-minutes before closing time.

Admission to the Space Needle is $32.50-$39 for adults (13-64), $28-$33 for seniors (65+), and $24-$29 for kids (5-12).

NOTE: The Seattle CityPASS is the best deal you can find in the city. It gives you day/night admission to the Space Needle, plus access to four other popular tourist attractions (including the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Aquarium, and Woodland Park Zoo).

View from the Space Needle in Seattle

If you’re visiting Seattle, you have to take in the view from the top of the Space Needle. I mean…c’mon…it’s the SPACE NEEDLE! If you live in Seattle, you shouldn’t take it for granted. Growing up here, I’ve seen the view from the top of the Space Needle too many times to count. But it honestly never ever gets old. Depending on the weather, time of day, and the company you’re with, it’s a different experience every time you step on the observation deck. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Have you ever taken in the view from the top of the Space Needle? How was your experience? We’d love to hear all about it! Please leave a comment below or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Don’t forget to also check out Seattle Bloggers for more great places to experience in the Emerald City!

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View from the top of the Space Needle