The Emerald City has so much to offer. With many parks, museums, coffee shops and more to choose from, you’ll never be able to see it all in just one trip. There's one attraction however, that stands out from the rest. That attraction is the 605-foot tall, historic Seattle Space Needle.

Initially constructed for the World’s Fair in 1962, millions of visitors have stood atop its 520-foot indoor/outdoor, saucer-shaped observation deck that offers an unparalleled view of Seattle, the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, cascade mountains, downtown Seattle and the Olympic mountain range.

I visited it for myself for the first time in 2020 (just before covid began to run rampant) to document and gather all the necessary information to help you plan a visit to this historically significant Seattle landmark. So read on below to find out how you can experience it for yourself.

Seattle Space Needle Tickets and Location

Seattle Space Needle with glowing art pieces in the foreground.

The Seattle Space Needle is located within the grounds of Seattle Center, which is an arts, entertainment, tourism and education center spanning 74 acres housing several attractions, such as the needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Museum of Popular Culture. If you’re driving, the needle’s address is 400 Broad Street.

If you’re walking from your hotel, utilize Google or Apple directions on your phone and hit the walking tab for step-by-step directions. Likewise, if you’re using Uber or Lyft, simply punch, “Space Needle”, into the search bar.

Purchasing tickets is a simple endeavor at the needle. Your first and best option would be to purchase tickets online in advance of your trip. Just go to the official website, select your date and time of arrival, pay and you’re done.

Conversely, you could also purchase tickets at the kiosks on site at the ticket window. Keep in mind, if you wait until the day of, you may experience a lengthy wait or even worse, no availability. This is especially true in the summer months when demand is high, as it’s a popular tourist attraction.

Space Needle General Admission Price

Seattle Space Needle as viewed from a park.

If all you’re looking to do is the Space Needle, this is the ticket option for you. It comes with access to the observation deck, the Loupe with glass floor and the ground level. Prices range depending on season and are as follows:

$35-$42 (ages 13-64)
$29-$37 (ages 65 and up)
$26-$32 (ages 5-12)

Space Needle/Chihuly Garden and Glass Combo Ticket

This is my top recommendation as it grants you access to not only the Space Needle, but the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum as well. You save twenty percent versus buying them separately and since they’re right next to each other, it makes perfect sense to see both. Prices are as follows:

$64 (ages 13-64)
$55 (ages 65 and up)
$48 (ages 5-12)

Hours of Operation

The Space Needle is open year-round, which includes all major holidays. The best time to visit, in my opinion, is on a weekday during the off-season. The weather may not be great, but you’ll experience the least amount of crowds and still get breathtaking views.

It opens everyday at 10am, but the time it closes varies. As of 2025, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays the needle closes at 7pm. On Thursdays it closes at 8pm, followed by 9pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Seattle Space Needle Observation Tower

The entrance to the Seattle Space Needle entrance queue.

With tickets in hand or on your phone, you’ll arrive to the entrance on the date and time you selected. If your visit is outside the busy summer months, chances are good that you'll experience a minimal wait.

Shortly after entering the building, you’ll go through a security check point where they’ll check for prohibited items such as weapons, drones, etc. In my experience, the process was quick and painless. It isn't as stringent as airport security, for example.

Informational boards in the queue for the Seattle Space Needle.

If you end up having to wait, there are informational boards throughout the queue detailing the Space Needle's history, its construction and milestones, accompanied by photographs. There’s a lot of interesting information here so be sure to check them out even if there's no wait.

The end of the queue is where you’ll enter the elevator. This is an experience all itself especially, if your operator has a sense of humor. The first couple hundred feet or so is enclosed but before long it’ll open up to clear glass, giving you an amazing view as your ascent continues.

The Top House

Two people sitting in the observation deck at Seattle Space Needle.

At the end of the ride, you’ll step out of the elevator and into what’s referred to as The Top House. Here, you’ll find an abundance of seating throughout and viewing areas for those who don’t want to go outside or if the weather isn't favorable. There’s also a refreshment stand featuring select snack items and Starbucks coffee.

Two people on the observation deck at the Seattle Space Needle.

The view from the observation deck at Seattle Space Needle.

Outside on the observation deck is where you’ll get those breathtaking, 360-degree views of downtown Seattle and beyond. There are benches all along for those brave enough to lean back on, in addition to automated camera stations where you can snag souvenir photos from.

For first-time visitors, the top of the Space Needle is quite a unique experience with multiple interactive exhibits, including a digital guestbook, high-definition screens detailing the history of the needle, and virtual reality stations.

The Revolving Glass Floor at ‘The Loupe’

Walking down the staircase to The Loupe at Seattle Space Needle.

The observation deck is cool and all, but perhaps the best feature of the needle is The Loupe, featuring the world's first rotating glass floor. If you’re afraid of heights or prone to vertigo, you may want to skip this as it's quite jarring.

If you’re not, then definitely do it as it's one of the coolest experiences you’ll ever have and alone is worth the price of admission on its own. Also here is the Loupe Lounge, a unique dining experience featuring a multi-course meal, crafted cocktails and delicious desserts.

Views from The Loupe at Seattle Space Needle.

The ground view from the see through floor on The Loupe at Seattle Space Needle.

To get to the Loupe from the observation deck, simple use the staircase adjacent to the refreshment stand. Called the, “Oculus”, this grand staircase is beautifully made with wood, steel, and glass. By the way, the area in between these two floors is where you’ll find the rest rooms.

Once you're finished with your visit at the top of the tower, consider heading next door to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. From there, be sure to experience the many other great Seattle attractions, such as Pike Place Market, the famous waterfront, the Gum Wall at Post Alley, the Original Selfie Museum, and more.