10 AM – 6 PM

2-3 hours approx.

From $ 26.25

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Smith Tower Observatory: Entry Ticket + Self-Guided Tour

Highlights

Discover the rich history of the Smith Tower in Downtown Seattle’s Pioneer Square district.

Enjoy breathtaking city views from this iconic skyscraper’s observation deck.

Experience a unique self-guided tour at your own pace.

Visit notable features like the Wishing Chair located on the thirty-fifth floor.

Relax in the observatory’s bar and enjoy its classic architectural ambiance.

Smith Tower Tickets – Book Your Tickets Online

Smith Tower stands as a historic icon in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the city’s early skyscraper era. Completed in 1914, this neoclassical landmark features a stunning 35th-floor observatory with panoramic views of Elliott Bay, the downtown skyline, and Mount Rainier. Experience its unique blend of history, architecture, and prohibition-era charm by exploring the exhibits and enjoying handcrafted cocktails at the observatory bar. Secure your tickets today to uncover the rich stories and breathtaking sights within this treasured Seattle landmark.

About Smith Tower

Smith Tower stands as a historic landmark in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, celebrated as the city’s first skyscraper and an architectural icon since its completion in 1914. Renowned for its neoclassical design and distinctive white terra cotta façade, this 38-story building offers visitors a unique combination of history, stunning panoramic views from its 35th-floor observatory, and immersive exhibits that reveal stories of Seattle’s early 20th-century development, including Prohibition-era narratives. Today, Smith Tower continues to operate as a vibrant destination featuring guided tours, a prohibition-themed observatory bar, event spaces, and retail options that together create an authentic and memorable experience for both tourists and locals alike.

Key Facts about Smith Tower

- Address: 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104
- Annual Visitors: Approximate visitor numbers are not officially listed, but it remains a popular destination for thousands of tourists and locals each year.
- Founded: Completed in 1914 as Seattle’s first skyscraper and a pioneering architectural achievement of its time

Why Visit Smith Tower?

Experience the Smith Tower at Seattle and amaze yourself with the beautiful Architecture and engaging Historical Exhibits. Go through a few glimpses of what the Smith Tower has to offer.

Historic Observatory Deck

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Seattle from the 35th-floor observatory deck. Standing 462 feet above the city, visitors can enjoy unobstructed sights of Elliott Bay, the iconic Seattle skyline, and on clear days, the majestic Mount Rainier. This open-air deck offers a unique vantage point that blends history with natural beauty.

Prohibition-Era Inspired Bar

Located on the observatory floor, the Smith Tower observatory bar offers a distinctive setting infused with historic charm. Featuring hand-crafted cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era and made with in-house barrel-aged liquors, this venue combines flavorful drinks with a swanky atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s.

Architectural Heritage

As Seattle’s first skyscraper completed in 1914, Smith Tower boasts classic neoclassical architecture with a granite base and terra cotta façade. Its 38 stories feature three original Otis elevators—one of the last manual operators on the West Coast until 2017—offering visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century design and innovation.

Engaging Historical Exhibits and Tours

Smith Tower’s tours include immersive exhibits detailing its rich history, from its connection to rum running and typewriters to the era of Prohibition. Visitors gain insight into the building’s construction, legacy, and intriguing tales such as the lore surrounding the famous Wishing Chair carved with dragon and phoenix motifs.

Unique Landmark Location in Pioneer Square

Situated in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, Smith Tower provides easy access to the city’s oldest district filled with galleries, shops, and other landmarks. Its central location invites visitors to explore Seattle’s vibrant past alongside the region’s contemporary culture and dining options.

Timings

Smith Tower welcomes visitors primarily on Fridays, offering an opportunity to explore its historic exhibits, observatory deck, and bar.

Monday: 12PM - 7PM
Tuesday: 12PM - 7PM
Wednesday: 12PM - 10PM
Thursday: 12PM - 10PM
Friday: 12PM - 11PM
Saturday: 12PM - 11PM
Sunday: 12PM - 10PM

Last admission is one hour before the Observatory and Observatory Bar closes.

Address

Address
Directions

Smith Tower is located at 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104.

Situated in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, the building is easily accessible through various modes of transportation:

By Bus
Several King County Metro bus routes serve the downtown Seattle area, including stops near Pioneer Square. Visitors can use routes that connect to nearby stops on 2nd Avenue or adjacent streets, providing convenient public transit access to Smith Tower.

By Light Rail and Train
The nearby Pioneer Square Station on the Link Light Rail line offers a direct, rapid transit option from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and other parts of the city. The station is within walking distance of Smith Tower, allowing easy access for travelers arriving by train.

By Car
Smith Tower is accessible by car via downtown Seattle’s street network. While the building itself does not have dedicated parking, several public parking garages and street parking options are available nearby. Visitors should plan accordingly for parking and city traffic, especially during peak hours.

By Foot or Bike
Located in a walkable historic district, Smith Tower is easily reached on foot from many downtown hotels, sporting venues, and Seattle waterfront attractions. Bicycle parking facilities are available in the area for those opting for cycling.

Things to Know Before Visiting Smith Tower

Smith Tower is open Fridays from 12 PM to 11 PM for visitor access.

Tickets grant entry to the exhibits, observatory deck, and bar on the 35th floor.

Consider purchasing tour tickets online in advance to ensure availability.

The observatory bar has a separate cover charge if visiting without a tour ticket.

Discounts are available for visitors with a Washington State driver’s license.

The site does not provide specific details on accessibility or stroller policies; inquire before visiting if needed.

No explicit age restrictions are mentioned, but the bar area serves alcoholic beverages.

The building features seven automated elevators with glass doors for an authentic experience.

Peak times may include weekend afternoons and event nights; plan accordingly for quieter visits.

Parking and public transit details are not specified; the location is centrally situated in Pioneer Square near downtown Seattle.

Smith Tower – Facilities and More

Smith Tower – Facilities and More
Souvenir Stores
Special Events

Visitors to Smith Tower can enjoy a range of facilities designed to enhance their experience at this historic Seattle landmark. The observatory bar, located on the 35th floor, offers a unique environment where guests can savor prohibition-era inspired cocktails crafted with in-house barrel-aged liquors while taking in panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Seattle’s skyline, and Mount Rainier. For dining, several quality options are conveniently available within the building, including notable establishments such as Caffe Vita, Shawn O’Donnell’s, and Moto Pizza, providing a variety of tastes to suit different preferences. The building is served by seven automated elevators equipped with glass doors, giving visitors brief glimpses into the tower’s elegant lobbies and hallways during their ascent. Additionally, a ground-floor retail store/general store is present, offering essentials and local goods. Though specific visitor amenities like Wi-Fi, accessibility accommodations, or stroller policies are not detailed here, the overall setup combines historic charm with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable visit.

Smith Tower features an on-site gift shop where guests can find a curated selection of souvenirs commemorating their visit. The store offers memorabilia related to the building's rich history, from its neoclassical architecture to its unique place in Seattle’s skyline. Visitors can purchase items that reflect the tower's prohibition-era themes, historical exhibits, and iconic status, making it an ideal spot to find keepsakes or gifts for friends and family. The gift shop is accessible to all ticket holders and is located within the main lobby area for easy access before or after tours and visits to the observatory.

Smith Tower regularly hosts a variety of special events that cater to diverse interests and offer unique experiences tied to the venue’s historic atmosphere. The “Smith Tower Presents” series features ticketed events such as holiday celebrations, cocktail demonstrations, family movie nights, and themed gatherings that often incorporate elements of the building’s past, including its rum running and prohibition history. Private event spaces are also available for weddings, corporate meetings, and other celebrations, with professional support staff assisting in coordination. Additionally, group tours and private event options can be arranged to provide customized experiences for visitors. Special seasonal lighting of the tower’s iconic glass dome — blue throughout the year and green during December — adds to the ambiance during festive occasions, further enriching the visitor's stay at Smith Tower.

The History of Smith Tower

Completed in 1914, Smith Tower was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River until the Space Needle's construction in 1962. Originally the L.C. Smith Building, it features a 35th-floor observatory with panoramic Seattle views. The tower is known for its terra cotta and granite façade, early use of high-speed elevators, and a glass dome that is illuminated at night. It employed manual elevator operators until 2017. In 2014, its famous "Chinese Room" and Wishing Chair were replaced by a prohibition-themed bar, and new ownership took over in 2024.

Smith Tower - Highlights in Pictures

FAQs

What is Smith Tower?

Smith Tower is a historic 38-story skyscraper in Seattle, known for its neoclassical architecture and iconic observatory deck.

When was Smith Tower built?

The building was completed in 1914 and was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.

Where is Smith Tower located?

It is located at 506 Second Avenue in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood.

What can visitors see from the observatory?

The 35th-floor observatory offers panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Seattle’s skyline, and Mount Rainier.

Is there an observatory bar at Smith Tower?

Yes, the observatory bar on the 35th floor serves hand-crafted, prohibition-era inspired cocktails.

Are guided tours available at Smith Tower?

Yes, guided tours explore the tower's history, including its role in prohibition and rum running.

What is unique about the elevators in Smith Tower?

Smith Tower was the last West Coast building to have manual elevator operators until the elevators were automated in 2017.

Can visitors access the observatory deck without a tour?

Visitors can access the observatory deck as part of an admission ticket.

What type of architecture does Smith Tower feature?

The building showcases a neoclassical style with granite at its base and white terra cotta on upper floors.

Is Smith Tower a designated landmark?

Yes, it was designated a Seattle landmark in 1984.

Does Smith Tower host private events?

Yes, event spaces are available for meetings, weddings, and private gatherings.

What is the Chinese Room in Smith Tower?

The Chinese Room was an original feature with teak furnishings from Empress Cixi, now replaced by a prohibition-themed bar.

Is the Smith Tower roof visible at night?

Yes, the glass dome atop the roof is illuminated blue year-round and turns green in December.

Are pets allowed inside Smith Tower?

There is no detailed public information on a pet policy for visitors.

Is Wi-Fi available at Smith Tower?

Wi-Fi availability is not explicitly mentioned for visitors.

Are there dining options within Smith Tower?

Yes, onsite dining includes coffee shops and casual eateries such as Caffe Vita and Moto Pizza.

Can group tours be arranged at Smith Tower?

Yes, group tours are offered and can be arranged in advance.

Does Smith Tower have a gift shop?

Yes, a gift shop is located within the building offering themed souvenirs.

Is parking available near Smith Tower?

While no specific parking details are provided, the location is close to downtown Seattle transit options.