Seattle Space Needle

Formerly known as “The Space Cage”, the Seattle Space Needle is an iconic structure rising at dazzling heights above the city and one of Seattle’s top attractions. Equipped with an observation deck from where you can get views of the Emerald City and its surroundings, including Lake Union, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the Space Needle tops the list of must-visits for many tourists.

Seattle Space Needle History

Commissioned on the occasion of the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle’s futuristic design is explained by the exhibition’s theme – Century21. The initial project resulted from a compromise between the businessman Edward Carlson’s idea and the two architects’ (John Graham and Victor Steinbrueck) designs.

Taking the Stuttgart Tower as inspiration, Carlson made the initial sketch of the tower on a napkin. Graham turned the balloon into a UFO concept, and Steinbrueck designed the hourglass silhouette of the building. The colors of the paint coatings were picked to suit the 21st Century theme: the support pillars feature an Astronaut White color, the body is Orbital Olive, the halo – is Re-entry Red, and the roof features a Galaxy Gold chromatic shade.

Seattle’s iconic structure was completed in December 1961, but it was officially opened only on April 21st, 1962 – the World’s Fair’s opening day.

Seattle Space Needle Tours

Not sure you have enough time to visit each of Seattle’s attractions? Take a tour and sample the Emerald City’s highlights in one day.

The Seattle Space Needle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and several tour options are available to visitors who want to experience it.

Here are some of the most popular Space Needle tours in Seattle:

Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt
The whole city becomes a giant game board while you play your scavenger hunt and explore Seattle playfully and actively.

Seattle Space Needle Observation Deck
Book your Space Needle Observation Deck tickets to enjoy picture-perfect views from the top of the world and skip the lines.

Here are some of the most popular Space Needle tours in Seattle:

  1. Space Needle Observation Deck: This tour allows visitors to ride the elevator up to the top of the Space Needle, where they can enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding area from the observation deck.
  2. Space Needle SkyCity Restaurant: This tour includes a meal at the SkyCity Restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. Visitors can enjoy delicious food while taking in the incredible views of the city.
  3. Space Needle Chihuly Garden and Glass Combo: This tour includes admission to the Space Needle Observation Deck and the nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, which features stunning glass sculptures by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
  4. Space Needle Guided Tour: This tour is led by a knowledgeable guide which provides insights and information about the history and architecture of the Space Needle. Visitors can learn about the tower’s construction and its significance to the city.
  5. Space Needle Virtual Tour: For those who can’t visit the Space Needle in person, a virtual tour option allows visitors to explore the observation deck and surrounding areas through a 360-degree video experience.

Several tour options are available for visitors who want to experience the iconic Space Needle in Seattle. Whether you’re interested in enjoying a meal with a view, learning about the tower’s history, or simply taking in the incredible views of the city, there is a tour option available to suit your interests.

Space Needle Tickets Options

Visiting the Space Needle is a must, especially if it’s your first time in Seattle. If you don’t want to waste time standing in line for a ticket, buy your admission pass beforehand.

As the Space Needle was built to symbolize the 21st century, visiting this Seattle landmark is also a digital experience. Admission tickets to the Observation Deck include downloads from Space Shots Photograph.

You can save money with a Seattle City Pass, which includes entries to Seattle’s premier attractions. For the Space Needle, you get two visits to the top within 24 hours. You should plan two trips to the Observation Deck within one day. You won’t regret it: the view from atop changes dramatically depending on the moment of the day and is quite beautiful.

A duo pas for the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass is also available if you plan to visit this Seattle attraction at Seattle Center, just a few steps away from the Space Needle.

If you want to get some souvenirs, you stop at the gift shop located at the base and known as Space Base. If you want to grab a bite with a view, there is no better choice in Seattle than the 200-seat SkyCity located at 500 feet of height. Here you can taste the signature dishes conceived by Chef Jeff Maxfield. However, expect both the shop and the restaurant to be overpriced.

Space Needle Random Facts and Figures

  • The Space Needle is 605 feet above Seattle and 520 feet above sea level, being at the time it was built, the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River.
  • The part of construction visible above ground weighs 3700 tons.
  • Elevators zip to the top in 43 seconds and descend at 10 miles per hour.
  • When visiting the Observation Deck, you can use the telescopes to zoom in on 60 different Seattle attractions.
  • The Space Needle Restaurant makes a full rotation in an hour.
  • New Year’s Eve is celebrated yearly with a music-synchronized fireworks show on the skies above the Space Needle.
  • Since December 31st, 1999, the Skybeam powered by lamps that amount to 85 million candelas, shines towards the sky on national holidays and for special events.

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