Is Visiting the Space Needle Worth it? Plus Sunset Photos from the Top
After living in Seattle for years and staring up at the Space Needle while driving on I-5, taking the ferry to Bainbridge, or hanging out at Gas Works Park, I figured I should probably go up it once. I mean, it is pretty iconic!
But when I started doing basic research on the cost to visit, I had a bit of a shellshock moment. Nearly $50 to take an elevator 600 some feet up? I immediately thought, ”Is the Space Needle worth it at that price point?”
I’m sure others will have the same question, and I wanted to put my thoughts down to give you some pros/cons of visiting. Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
Is the Space Needle Worth It?
I’m honestly torn on this one. I believe there are compelling reasons for both viewpoints on whether to visit or not. For a couple, you’re guaranteed to spend at least $100, and that’s before you even get into the Space Needle.
So, is the Space Needle worth it? I’d give it a 55% visit, 45% you can pass.
Reasons to go:
I will say, I had a great time up there. The view of the sunset was gorgeous, and watching the city lights turn on was beautiful. With Mount Rainier sitting on the horizon to the right of downtown, there’s hardly a better view in the PNW.
And it’s an iconic place. Being able to say that you visited the Space Needle in Seattle seems to be a rite of passage.
Additionally, before you reach the elevator, there’s a brief wall displaying the history of the building. That was pretty interesting to learn more about the early history of the Space Needle. I learned a lot about Seattle’s history there.
Reasons to pass:
I think the main reason to pass on visiting the Space Needle is the cost.
At $50 per person, that adds up fast. And adds up even quicker when it comes to a family. (Kids get a slight discount.) Two parents and two children are looking at a total of $195 after taxes. I just don’t think it’s worth spending that much money to go up an elevator to see a view.
It comes down to
In the end, is the Space Needle worth visiting? I think it comes down to whether you want to spend the money to go up there and say that you did it. You can get a similar view from Kerry Park (without the elevation) and without spending close to $150 if you order drinks or food.
If money isn’t an issue for you, I’d jump at it. However, if you have a budget, I think there are better experiences to be had in Seattle, such as taking a whale-watching trip to see orcas or humpback whales. (Though it is more expensive than this, it’s also longer and, in my opinion, more memorable.)
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Everything you need to know about visiting the Space Needle
What does it cost to visit the Space Needle in Seattle?
Visiting the Space Needle is not cheap. For us, with an evening slot (before sunset), it was $49 per person. Here’s the full breakdown throughout the day:
- 8am-10am: $37
- 10am-10pm: $49
- 10pm-Close (11pm Su-Fr, or 11:30pm on Saturdays): $42.50
Book other tours throughout Seattle
Book a Whale Watching tour (My Photos/Review: See Orcas, Humpbacks, Seals, and More!)
Seattle Underground Tour
Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
Sunset Sail Tour in Seattle
Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle
Seattle to Olympic National Park Tour
How much are drinks at the top?
Drinks are what you’d expect from a place like the Space Needle. My fiancée’s cocktail was $20, and my pint of beer was $15. With a tip, you’re looking at around $40.
You can buy tickets beforehand or on-site
There are two ways to buy your Space Needle ticket. On site, at the kiosk, or online here. (If you’re planning to do multiple activities around Seattle, a City Pass may be a smart call.)
What are some good places to eat/drink nearby?
You’ll need to walk a few blocks in various directions, but there are some good places to check out! The downside is that there aren’t a ton of options right around the Space Needle. So, you could opt to eat at the restaurant here.
- Queen Anne Beerhall (One of my favorites)
- Agave Cocina & Tequila
- Golden Singha Thai Cuisine
- ROCCO’S Pizza
Take the Monorail to or from the Space Needle
The monorail is a cool part of Seattle that I didn’t know about until I moved there. It’s a small elevated train that connects the Space Needle (and Climate Pledge Arena) to Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. (Westlake Center is just a few blocks up from Pike Place Market.)
It’s $4 to ride and gets you where you’re going much quicker.
Photos from the top of the Space Needle
You Might Like: 12 Great Day Trips from Seattle
Photos of the Space Needle from throughout Seattle
From Kerry Park
From West Seattle
From the East
From the Ferry
Lodging Near the Space Needle
Here are a few nearby places to stay.
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
321 Getaway in Seattle Center-Belltown (Condo)
Queen Anne Retreat (Apartment)
2BR Apt Panoramic Seattle Views (Apartment)
The Belltown Inn
FAQ About the Space Needle
How tall is the Space Needle?
The Space Needle stands 605 feet tall, towering above Seattle’s skyline like a futuristic beacon.
When was it built, and how long did it take?
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, construction started in April 1961 and wrapped up in just under a year—amazingly fast for such an iconic structure. It was a bold architectural move at the time, blending space-age optimism with innovative engineering, and it’s been one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Pacific Northwest ever since.
Is it easy to find parking near the Space Needle?
We visited on a weekday evening, so it was relatively easy to find free parking. There are a couple of garages near the base of the Space Needle where you can pay to park. However, if you visit after 6 pm, there’s no cost to park in some street locations downtown.
Final Thoughts: Is the Space Needle Worth Visiting
As you can see, the view from the Space Needle is pretty cool, but is it worth visiting? Honestly, I’m not sure. Yes, it’s an iconic piece of the Seattle Skyline and a neat thing to visit. However, if I hadn’t felt guilty about not visiting over the three years I lived there, I would have been okay to pass on it.
To spend $150 for a couple to go up into a tower seems a bit steep. Maybe I’m overly frugal, but if you’re also on a budget, there’s no need to spend the money to see it. If it were $20 or $25, I’d say it’s more doable.
On the other hand, if you want to do it and have the funds, go for it! It’s a cool place to hang out for sunset, is a good conversation starter when you get home, and being on the rotating floor is pretty fun!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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