Sky View Observatory Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Sky View Observatory in 2026?

General admission tickets to Sky View Observatory start at US$27 for adults and young people aged 14 and over, US$23 for seniors aged 65 and over, and US$20 for children aged 5–13. Kids aged 4 and under enter for free. You can upgrade your experience for an additional cost to include extras, such as merchandise and a café voucher.

Q: What are the operating hours for Sky View Observatory?

The opening days and times for Seattle Sky View Observatory vary by season and are subject to change, so it’s always best to check its website for an up-to-date calendar. When open, its operating hours are typically from late morning to evening. Always adhere to the time listed on your ticket.

Q: How does Sky View Observatory compare to the Space Needle?

By the numbers, it’s no contest: Sky View Observatory is considerably taller, considerably cheaper, and almost always less crowded than the Space Needle. Plus, most people who want views of Seattle want to see the Space Needle—and you can’t do that from inside it. For the record, the Space Needle is 605 feet (184 meters) tall, and Sky View Observatory is 902 feet (275 meters) tall.

Q: What will I see from Sky View Observatory?

From Sky View Observatory, you’ll get a 360-degree view of Seattle and beyond, including Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Baker, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Space Needle, Lake Union, and the city of Seattle itself. You’ll be a whopping 300 feet (91 meters) above even the Space Needle.

Q: What's the best time to visit Sky View Observatory?

It depends on what you want to get out of the experience. About an hour before sunset can be great for a golden-hour experience and photos; if you want to avoid the crowds, come right when the observatory opens—or risk it and go up during the rain for a fascinating, ethereal experience (as long as it’s not too foggy).

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Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets

Enjoy panoramic views of Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and Puget Sound from the highest public viewing platform in the Pacific Northwest—the Sky View Observatory. Wrapped around the 73rd story of the Columbia Center, this 360-degree viewing platform is a great first stop for visitors who want to get acquainted with the city. While you’re there, a digital guide can help you plan your tour of Seattle.

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Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets

1 to 2 hours

from $28

Special Offer

Downtown Seattle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Experience breathtaking scenery, history, and eccentric culture with this self-guided walking tour of Seattle. Hear about aquatic life and view the majestic Seattle Aquarium. Learn about the Coast Salish and how the city rose from a homestead! See breathtaking skyscrapers and stroll past Pioneer Square, the heart of Seattle. You'll also learn how the city became a hub for coffee and grunge and walk past the bustling Pike Place Market! As a bonus, this package also includes a tour through Space Needle! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

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Downtown Seattle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Free Cancellation
1 to 2 hours

from

$13

$15

Special Offer

Seattle is famous for its bustling waterfront, numerous green spaces, and historic neighborhoods. Ideal for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour provides an overview of top attractions such as Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, and Pike Place market. Sit back and relax while your guide provides historical and cultural background for each destination, and enjoy stops to walk and take photos.

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Seattle City Highlights Tour

Free Cancellation
3 hours

from

$75

$88

City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Locks or Harbour Cruise

Hop-on a City Sightseeing bus tour to explore Seattle at your own pace. With 24 and 48-hour tickets with the Locks Cruise, or Harbour Cruise, you can choose the option that suits you best. With an informative audio guide in English onboard the bus, you'll learn plenty of interesting facts about Seattle. Sit back, relax and enjoy sights such as Space Needle, Seattle Central Library, Seattle Sky View Observatory and Pike Place Market to name a few! Should you book either the 24 or 48-hour tickets with the Locks Cruise, your ticket will include a one-way Locks Cruise and an audio-guided walking tour can that be downloaded to your smartphone. You'll learn all about Seattle's early days and images of the objects being talked about will be displayed on your screen. Book the 24 or 48-hour tickets with the Harbour Cruise to experience panoramic views of Seattle from both land and sea, as well as an audio-guided walking tour. Book your City Sightseeing ticket today!

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City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Locks or Harbour Cruise

Free Cancellation
1 hour 20 minutes

from $109

2 Day Washington State Tour in Mt Rainier and Seattle Highlights

Discover Washington State’s diverse charms. Venture to the awe-inspiring Mount Rainier National Park, where you’ll encounter Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and the scenic Paradise Road. Explore Seattle’s iconic Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Flight, Pike Place Market, and Sky View Observatory. Experience the best of Washington State with our curated tours. The best of things to do in Seattle with Stylish DMC

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4.7

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2 Day Washington State Tour in Mt Rainier and Seattle Highlights

Free Cancellation
2 days

from $340

Pike Place Market, Space Needle Iconic 1-Day City Tour in Seattle

Explore many of Seattle’s key landmarks—and leave all the transit and planning to your guide—on this flexible, full-day tour. Meet in the morning, and travel in a comfortable bus or mini-coach. Visit several top Seattle landmarks, including Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. You can also upgrade to explore destinations like the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, The Museum of Flight, and enjoy an included Cantonese-style afternoon tea.

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4.5

(71)

Pike Place Market, Space Needle Iconic 1-Day City Tour in Seattle

Free Cancellation
8 to 10 hours

from $144

What are people saying about Sky View Observatory

Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets

Wanda_W, May 2025

Wonderful views

I was terrified to go up, but the view was magnificent. After the elevator attendant reassured me, I ended up loving it! Much less crowded, than the Space Needle and lots of great views.

Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets

ArtK, Mar 2025

A Room With A Great View

Always great to visit Seattle from 73 floor up in the Columbia Center in Downtown Seattle! Day or night is great to see and when you add in yummy food and drink, well, it makes a great visit even better! The 360 degree of the city of amazing and you'll create lots of memories.

Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets

SHANNON_S, Nov 2024

It's not the Space Needle, but it's taller and awesome!

Little kids ran wild and were very loud! It was beautiful and at sunset and a wonderful experience otherwise. I learned a lot of history and got some good photos!

Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets

Sharon_W, Oct 2024

Great experience

Viator misled us. We were looking for Space Needle tickets and this tower was listed as the Space Needle. We make the most of a bad situation and did this experience, since we had paid for it. It was much better and the Space Needle overall. Higher, No wait. parking proximity. Highly recommend this. But watch out for misleading Viator listings.

Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center Admission Tickets

Andrea_F, Sep 2024

Best views!

We were going to do the space needle, but for a family of 8, that was going to cost us near $500. So glad we chose this instead! For a fraction of the cost, on the clear evening, the birds eye view of the city was amazing. It was very peaceful and quiet on the deck. Drinks were pricey so we opted out and just hung out to see the most stunning sunset. We appreciated all the educational information.