Every great city has a place where it reveals its soul—where the skyline speaks, the streets tell stories, and the horizon stretches farther than your imagination. In Seattle, that place is Sky View Observatory. Perched atop the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, this awe-inspiring viewpoint isn’t just a tourist stop—it’s where the city comes into full perspective.
Whether you’re chasing sunset skies or getting your bearings on a first visit, Sky View offers more than a view. It’s where your Seattle story begins.
From Ground to Sky in Seconds
The journey to Sky View starts with one of the fastest elevators in the Pacific Northwest. In under 70 seconds, you’re whisked from street level to nearly 1,000 feet in the air. What awaits isn’t just a cityscape—it’s a 360-degree visual map of Seattle’s past, present, and future.
Once you step off the elevator, you’re greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a sweeping panorama: the sparkling Puget Sound, the bustling downtown grid, the serene greenbelt stretching to the Cascades, and the distant peak of Mount Rainier keeping quiet watch over it all.
Elevate Your Itinerary
Seattle offers plenty of exciting attractions, but few deliver the same impact as Sky View Observatory. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just snapshots—they want perspective. Planning a day of sightseeing? Start at the top. From here, you can spot the city’s most iconic locations: the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Lumen Field, and the ferries cutting across Elliott Bay.
With that visual context, navigating the city becomes easier, and your itinerary suddenly feels more connected and meaningful.
Great for Locals, Too
Locals may think they’ve seen Seattle from every angle—but not like this. A visit to Sky View is the perfect staycation activity or date night idea. It’s quiet, elevated (literally and figuratively), and allows you to see your city with fresh eyes.
Many Seattleites use it as a spot to unwind with a drink after work, celebrate anniversaries, or show off their hometown to visiting friends and family. Even in a city full of viewpoints, Sky View Observatory offers a rare sense of stillness and grandeur.
Sip, Savor, and Stare
One of the observatory’s best-kept secrets is its café and bar, where you can enjoy a locally sourced snack, coffee, or cocktail while overlooking the entire metro area. Sunset happy hours are particularly magical, with the skyline glowing in golden hues and the Olympic Mountains turning lavender in the distance.
This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s an experience. The ambiance is relaxed, the crowd is respectful, and the view is unmatched. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time just watching the lights come on across the city.
Perfect for Special Moments
Whether it’s a proposal, a family reunion, or a solo moment of reflection, Sky View Observatory offers a backdrop worthy of life’s most meaningful milestones. The venue is available for private events, photography sessions, and group bookings, making it a go-to for memorable occasions.
It’s also a popular choice for holiday visitors, offering a calm yet festive space during the winter season to take in the beauty of Seattle with a warm beverage in hand.
Accessible and Affordable
Despite offering some of the most premium views in the city, tickets to Sky View are affordable and accessible. The observatory is centrally located in the downtown core, walking distance from major hotels, shops, and transit hubs. With online reservations and timed entry, you can skip the hassle of long queues and make the most of your visit.
Discounts are available for seniors, kids, and military guests, and the observatory often runs seasonal promotions—so keep an eye out for extra value.
Don’t Just Visit Seattle—See It All
If you’re planning a visit to the Emerald City, don’t leave without going to the top. Sky View Observatory offers a one-of-a-kind chance to see Seattle the way it deserves to be seen: expansive, dramatic, and full of life.
Go higher. See farther. Discover more. At Sky View, the city isn’t just below you—it’s all around you.
