Space Needle

Puget Sound featuring modern architecture
Space Needle showing modern architecture, skyline and central business district
Space Needle showing general coastal views, a skyscraper and views
Space Needle featuring a skyscraper, skyline and mist or fog
Space Needle


Built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair, this iconic structure has become a symbol of Seattle.

The first thing visitors to Seattle will notice is the thin, futuristic-looking tower that soars above the other skyscrapers in the city skyline.Measuring 184 metres in height, the Space Needle was built as the showpiece of the 1962 World’s Fair that was held in the city and it has become an icon of the Emerald City. Its unique design has been compared to a flying saucer from outer space balanced on an irregular set of legs!Surrounded by the grounds of the Seattle Centre, the tower attracts millions of visitors a year, drawn by the promise of dizzying heights and unbeatable views. “The Needle” is just a 1.6 kilometre walk from the city centre but a popular way to get there is on the Monorail, which departs Westlake Centre mall at Fifth Avenue every 10 minutes and will bring you right to the base of the giant structure.The Space Needle elevator will whisk you up to the top in a matter of seconds. The views from above are naturally pretty impressive but if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day then you’ll get a 360 degree panorama of the city, surrounding waterways and looming Mount Rainer that will take your breath away. There are free telescopes around the observation area too if you want to get a closer look at the city’s sights.Book a table at the Sky City Restaurant for some high-altitude fine dining. Down below, the Seattle Centre has lovely green areas, a fountain and plenty of street vendors to keep the kids happy. There’s also the nearby Pacific Science Centre and Willard Smith Planetarium for a fun and informative few hours and if you get peckish, the Centre House has a huge food court. There’s also a gift shop on site to pick up some souvenirs of your visit. The Space Needle is open all year round.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Cruises & boat tours

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Water activities

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
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Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
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The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

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The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

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Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

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Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

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Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
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Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

4 out of 5
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citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

3 out of 5
110 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Space Needle

Explore the vibrant surroundings of the Space Needle, where you can indulge in art, theatre, and shopping. Don't miss out on scenic boat tours to experience Seattle from the water, and immerse yourself in the city's rich pop culture. With an array of entertainment options available, there's something for everyone to enjoy during your visit to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Space Needle, visit Pike Place Market, only 1.3km away, for its vibrant atmosphere. Westlake Center, also 1.3km distant, offers a mix of entertainment and shops. Nordstrom, a short 1.4km away, is perfect for fashion enthusiasts.

Recreation

T-Mobile Park offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just a short distance from the Space Needle. Showbox SoDo is ideal for music lovers seeking lively entertainment. For a more tranquil experience, Seward Park provides a peaceful retreat with scenic trails and relaxation amidst nature.

Adventure

At the UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 4.8km from the Space Needle, you can engage in exhilarating water sports amidst vibrant outdoor vibes. Camp Long, 6.4km away, offers a perfect setting for adventurous hikes and nature exploration, while the Amy Yee Tennis Center, also 4.8km distant, provides a thrilling tennis experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Space Needle. Enjoy a romantic show at the Paramount Theatre, or take an adventurous ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. For a lively atmosphere, head to The Crocodile nightclub for entertainment and city vibes, all within a short distance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Space Needle

The Space Needle area offers a delightful blend of urban parks, art museums, and historic churches, perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, and city exploration. Visitors can immerse themselves in local art, enjoy leisurely strolls through the parks, and appreciate the architectural beauty of nearby churches, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers.

  • Seattle Waterfront: Experience the charm of the Seattle Waterfront, a picturesque harbour featuring stunning beach views and vibrant scenery. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in the sights of the bustling marina.
  • Seattle Center: Located a short distance from the Space Needle, Seattle Center is an urban park that offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy outdoor activities, cultural events, and stunning gardens amidst the lively city vibes.
  • Seattle Convention Center Arch Building: This modern event and conference venue embodies a professional atmosphere, making it ideal for business events. Its striking architecture and convenient location add to its appeal for corporate gatherings.

Best time to go to Space Needle

The best time to visit Space Needle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Space Needle falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Space Needle falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Space Needle

To save money on your visit to the Space Needle, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation prices, with Monday being the cheapest day to book. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and eco-certified options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also yield significant savings. Additionally, take advantage of Seattle's public transport system, which is affordable and efficient, allowing you to explore the city without breaking the bank. Don't forget to look for free activities in the surrounding area to enhance your experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Space Needle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Space Needle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Space Needle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Space Needle with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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