When I visited Seattle, Washington, for the first time, I found myself wondering if the Space Needle was worth it. This decision would determine how we spent one of our afternoons. As a type-A planner, I wanted it to be perfect.
At a steep $50 per ticket, I couldn’t help but wonder: is this going to be a waste of money and time? I took the plunge, purchased tickets for myself and my husband, and left the experience feeling completely thankful I did.
History of the Space Needle
The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World Fair, an event once famed for showcasing human marvels like the Eiffel Tower, constructed for the 1889 World Fair. Although not as popular or traditional an event anymore, in 1962, it was quite the talk of the town, and the U.S. set out to impress with this towering symbol of innovation, now the number 1 attraction in the Pacific Northwest.
How to Buy Space Needle Tickets
Tickets are easy to obtain. On their website, you’ll select a ticket for your preferred time slot, broken down into 15-minute intervals. The tower is open from 9 AM to 10 PM, with each time of day (morning, afternoon, evening) offering a completely different experience. Prices vary from $39.00 to $46.50 depending on the time of day you choose. I purchased the 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM tickets, but next time will snag tickets in the evening to experience the sunset views over the city. I bought tickets the morning of on a beautiful Saturday in August and found plenty of tickets still available. If you’re worried about getting a specific time slot, it may be worthwhile to purchase tickets a couple of days or even weeks in advance.
We purchased general admission tickets, which included the elevator ride to the top. There are also bundle tickets that include the Chihuly Glass Garden. I would highly recommend considering visiting this museum if you have the time. We had a jam-packed itinerary that day, so had to pass, but walking through the gift shop and seeing the glass marvels on display made me reconsider. The nearby Museum of Pop Culture is also highly regarded and worth a visit.
The Space Needle Experience
The experience itself was seamless. We took the bus from our lovely Airbnb in Ballard to Belltown and walked a cool 5 minutes to the attraction. You’re able to join the line that forms outside the entrance 15 minutes before your ticket time. An employee will scan your ticket before you join the line. From there, it only took about 15 minutes to get into the actual building.
Waiting in line
Once inside, there were detailed installations set up for you to read and learn about the history of the building before entering the elevator. They were excellently written with photography and interactive elements thoughtfully scattered throughout. Some things I learned:
- Although today the Space Needle is considered the most famous attraction in the Pacific Northwest, initially it was met with some skepticism from Seattleites, curious about the purpose of such a futuristic building.
- John F. Kennedy was the president at the time and famously visited the tower with his family upon its opening.
- Surprisingly, given its height and the initial lack of employee protection mechanisms in place, no employees died during its construction.
Complimentary Photo Shoot
Right before you enter the elevator, a photoshoot is set up where you can take a quick photo. It takes no more than 2 minutes. The best part is you can play around with different digital backgrounds – Mt. Rainier, city, ocean, all 3, giving it a different perspective. You’ll do this customization on the revolving glass floor.
Elevator ride to the top floor
The elevator ride takes about 20 seconds to the top floor. It’s quick. If your ears are sensitive to pressure like mine, you’ll feel it. A guide will accompany you and your group, sharing interesting facts about the city along the way.
Once the elevator doors open, you’ll be greeted with views as far as the eye can see. This includes in front of you, and below. The floor is notorious for its unique skyrisers: tilted glass benches that overlook the city. Be sure to take some photos posing on top. There are selfie cameras scattered throughout, enabling visitors to snap photos with the majestic background.
The Revolving Glass Floor – The Loupe
When you’re ready, you’ll head back to the elevator, making your way to the floor below – The Loupe. This floor is home to the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. It takes 45 minutes to make a full rotation – a safe yet noticeable motion once you take your first step onto it. On this floor, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the restaurant – the Loupe Lounge. This floor is also where you’ll customize your photo from the photoshoot you took below.
When you’re done visiting the Space Needle, be sure to hop on the nearby Monorail – a single rail serving as quick and unique transportation to Pike Place Market and the other attractions in the area.
Conclusion
The Space Needle is synonymous with the Pacific Northwest. It’s the number one attraction on most visitors’ minds when they come to the city – and for good reason. Whether you merely stop by and admire it from the ground, or take a couple of hours exploring the inside, it’s definitely worth building into your itinerary. Be sure to check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Seattle to round out the rest of your trip.
