Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center

Address:	701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
Phone:	+1 206-386-5564
Site:	skyviewobservatory.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

STEVEN VONG

When you think of Seattle- the first thing that pops up is probably Space Needle. And sure its cool to go up that Space Needle, but now theres a long wait and its also pricey and once youre up it you cant actually take a picture with it. A more affordable, cool way to see the city AND get a pic with the Space Needle (albeit small) is the Sky View Observatory. Located close to downtown, the Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center offers awesome panoramic views of Seattle 70 floors up at a fraction of the cost ($7-10), with little to no wait. Theres also a bar with beer and grub, some nice sofas to lounge around, and a little info on Seattle/history to educate yourself/family/significant other. It is a little confusing navigating your up however, as you just buy your ticket on a kiosk and are kinda are your own to get up. I also wish bathrooms were more easily accessible in the observatory (use it on the floors below before you go up). Otherwise, I liked wandering past the various law offices on the journey to the top. Hopefully its not too cloudy/rainy to enjoy the view!

michael brooks

this is my number one to take friends to when they come into town. i typically start with a walking tour of downtown including the market, waterfall park, the library, pioneer square etc and then it all comes together when you take them to the top of the tallest building and point out where youve been all day! it used to be one of the cheapest adventures and surprises in the city but they have remodeled the entire floor and it is kinda spendy now... HOWever, it is amazing. they connected the entire circle so there is a 360 degree view now with great lounging seats, informative graphics telling you about all that you see and a small juice bar so you can buy a snack if you are so desperate 73 floors up! sometimes you can find a groupon to get a discounted ticket or two. you pay at the top entrance so just find the elevators and head straight up, you switch elevators halfway up the building where the highest starbucks exists. now go tourist!

Dawson Jung

We came here on a Sunday night and it was pretty empty and quiet. It was as quiet as a library and there was no wait to get up to the observation deck or to come back down. The views are quite nice from this location, you can see CenturyLink Field and the Space Needle. There is also a small cafe at the observation deck than sells beverages and small snacks. There isnt much seating though and the interior of the observation deck wasnt as nice as the Space Needle. The Space Needle had interactive maps that pointed out areas of interest as well as fun facts, but the Sky View observatory just had a few facts on the dimly lit walls. For a first time visitor in Seattle, I would recommend the Space Needle but if its too crowded this is a nice quiet place to see the views of Seattle.

Jennifer Mayo

Potentially incredible view but the observatory needs a remodel that involves redesigning the lighting. The reflection on the windows from the incandescent and fluorescent lighting at dusk is terrible. It makes enjoying the view and taking photos challenging. The windows are also filthy from people pressing their hands and noses up against the glass to see out because of the glare. While a better price and better view than the Space Needle, the Space Needle interior lighting is very well designed to not interfere with the view. It would also be nice if they opened early enough for sunrise. You can catch sunrise in the Starbucks on the 40th floor for free but it is an obstructed view.

kavrith mucha

와 여긴 꼭가세요. 일단 입장권이 하루권이니 아침에 함 들러서 보고 나와서 밥먹고 다른곳 둘러보다가 일몰때 맞춰서 재방문하시면 뽕뽑습니다. 엄청 이쁨. 극추천 드립니다. 사진 찍으실분은 편광필터 꼭 챙겨가세요. 삼각대는 사용은 될것 같은데 전체적으로 가족, 연인끼리 편안하게 관광하는 분위기로 빡신 촬영은 지양하시는걸 추천드립니다. 여튼 들리실일 있으면 꼭 가세요.

KLaVonneC

One of my favorite spots in the PNW. The view is breathtaking regardless of the weather, and there are many visual guides scattered around the observatory that help identify what youre looking at, including history tidbits and diagrams of visible mountains. This place is very special, because when you finally get through the door, it is very, very quiet. The view seems to instill a sense of awe that leaves visitors hushed. For myself, this was the last place I spent some precious time with my mother before she passed, so visiting the Sky View will always leave a poignant impression. A beautiful and peaceful place.

Samantha Colden

Forget the Space Needle and head up to the Sky View Observatory instead! For a start its cheaper at $15 a pop (and your ticket is good all day), its higher than the Space Needle at 73 floors up and its much less busy than the Space Needle too. On a clear day, the views are spectacular and of course, you can look down upon the Space Needle and see as far as Mt Rainier! The observatory itself if very tastefully arranged, with lots of comfy seating, lots of engaging infographics and a neat, little bar that serves snacks and drinks so you can have a drink with a view. This was definitely one of our Seattle highlights.

Jonathan Brown

The view is absolutely 5 star the lines and process to get to the view however is 3 at best. I understand a lot of people want to see this and it is hard to control that large a crowd but the way it is done now is basically just a free for all. The problem with this is you have some rude people that will make it an unpleasant situation for all. They really should limit the number of people in each view box at one time. I would rather wait a little longer but have a better view than be packed in like sardines and not see as much. That is just me though. It is worth the hassle for the view to me but just barely.

Emery Wang

Entrance can be confusing on a weekend since only the one on 5th Ave is open, but the view is arguably better than Space Needle since it being taller and closer to the center of downtown Seattle, as there are more interesting sights (e.g. stadiums, Space Needle itself, I-5 / I-90 / WA-520 bridges) that can be seen from here. For photographers, the observatory is one of the better indoor ones where you have tables to help stabilize the camera if you dont have a large tripod, and the lighting is not as obtrusive for night time photos (some glare reflecting off the windows is inevitable though).

Dániel Hatás

Not bad tourist attraction in Seattle. A panoramic view of the city with information about what you see + geographical and historical knowledge about the city. A bar is added, where soup, beer, American and wine available. Cheaper and about twice time higher than the Space Needle. Super fast elevators in the building. You can go up till the 73th floor in two steps. The view is truly beautiful. You can go around and see the citys from all direction. The drawback that the venue is close right after the sunset, so not able to see the city at night

Chase Nunes

Over 300 Ft taller then the Space Needle and a MUST VISIT if you are seeing the area for the first time! The value is amazing and depending on the day your views can be unlimited! Its more of a cozy setting and everything is inside. No outside walks from over 70 floors up. Sadly, the evening hours end at 8pm. It could be a Fall/Winter thing, but yeah, no staying late for those nice Seattle nights. Also, the food and drink options are limited. They dont even have Hot Chocolate. However, for the best views in town, this is a must stop!