Home » Plan Your Visit to Smith Tower: Timings and Directions

Plan Your Visit to Smith Tower: Timings and Directions

Prepare for an unforgettable experience at Smith Tower, a historic Seattle skyscraper that offers panoramic views, engaging exhibits, and a glimpse into the city’s past. Below you will find essential information to help you plan your visit efficiently.

Smith Tower – Ticket Information

Purchase Options

Tickets can be acquired online prior to your visit or directly on-site. Purchasing tickets online is suggested to guarantee entry and to take advantage of any available discounts, including a reduced rate for Washington State driver’s license holders.

Types of Tickets

Visitors may choose from general admission tickets, which include access to the observatory deck, exhibits, and the observatory bar. Guided tour tickets are also available, often bundled with bar entry at historic pricing. Additionally, group tours and private event packages offer more tailored experiences.

Pricing

Standard combined tour and bar admission is priced at $19.14, reflecting the building’s rich heritage. A separate cover charge applies for bar access without accompanying tour tickets. Membership options, such as the Rum Runner’s Membership, provide extra year-round benefits for frequent visitors and corporate clients.

Smith Tower – Visitor Guidelines

Entry Policy: All tickets grant access to the 35th-floor observatory deck, historical exhibits, and the observatory bar. For bar entry without a ticket, a cover charge applies.

Photography: Guests are welcome to take photos throughout the building, including the deck with its stunning skyline vistas. Professional photography equipment usage should be inquired about prior to visiting.

Conduct: Respect the historic atmosphere by adhering to venue rules and staff instructions. The building holds a significant place in Seattle’s history, and maintaining its integrity is paramount.

Smith Tower Location

Smith Tower is situated at 506 Second Avenue in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. This iconic skyscraper stands amidst a vibrant urban setting, surrounded by notable landmarks such as the Seattle Underground, the Pike Place Market, and the waterfront area, making it a central point for visitors exploring downtown Seattle.

Smith Tower - Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit

Smith Tower is open to visitors on Fridays from 12 PM to 11 PM, providing access to its historic exhibits, the observatory deck, and the observatory bar located on the 35th floor. This timing allows guests ample opportunity to explore the building's rich history and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Seattle, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier.

Weekends and evenings on Fridays (open from 12 PM to 11 PM) are popular times to enjoy the exhibits and the bar with impressive skyline views. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during weekday afternoon hours if possible.

Seasonal Highlights: The rooftop glass dome is illuminated blue year-round and changes to green in December, adding a festive ambiance during the holiday season.

No separate or extended hours are specified for the building’s ground-floor retail or dining options, but on-site establishments including Caffe Vita, Shawn O’Donnell’s, and Moto Pizza provide additional dining choices within the venue during standard operating times.

Good to know before your visit to Smith Tower

Good to know before your visit to Smith Tower
Facilities provided at Smith Tower
Rules and Regulations
Accessibility
Dining
Souvenir shop and retail options
Hotels near Smith Tower
Other Nearby Attractions

Smith Tower is a wonderful experience waiting for you in the heart of Seattle. Go through some good to know points like Facilities, Accessibility, and more and make the best out of your visit to Smith Tower!

Smith Tower offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. Guests can enjoy seven automated elevators facilitating easy access to the 38 floors. The 35th floor observatory bar provides a unique spot for refreshments with a selection of prohibition-inspired cocktails. The ground floor features a retail store offering souvenirs and local crafts. Additionally, onsite dining establishments serve a variety of locally influenced foods and beverages. Event spaces are available for private functions, supplemented by professional event coordination services.

Visitors are encouraged to maintain respectful conduct within the tower to preserve its historic integrity. Admission tickets grant access to exhibits, the observatory deck, and the bar; separate charges apply for bar entry without a tour. Photography is generally permitted, but flash or tripods may be restricted in certain areas. Children should be supervised at all times, and visitors are advised to comply with staff instructions for safety, particularly when on the open-air observatory deck. Smoking is prohibited inside the building. For group tours and private events, advance arrangements must be made.

The tower has modernized its seven elevators for automated operation, providing easier vertical mobility throughout the building. While detailed accessibility features are not specified, the availability of elevators suggests access to main visitor areas including the observatory and bar. Visitors with mobility concerns or special requirements are encouraged to plan ahead. Accessibility provisions aim to blend with the historic nature of the property, ensuring a balance between preservation and visitor comfort.

Caffe Vita offers specialty coffees and light fare with a relaxed atmosphere.
Shawn O’Donnell’s provides a selection of pub-style dishes and beverages, ideal for a casual meal.
Moto Pizza serves handcrafted pizzas featuring local ingredients in a welcoming setting.
In addition, the observatory bar on the 35th floor serves hand-crafted cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era, using in-house barrel-aged spirits for a distinctive taste.

The ground floor retail space at Smith Tower features a general store carrying an array of Seattle-themed souvenirs and gifts. Visitors can find memorabilia including branded apparel, locally crafted items, and collectibles that celebrate the tower’s history and Seattle’s culture. This store offers an opportunity to take home a piece of the landmark's legacy, complementing the educational and visual experiences offered by the tower.

The Inn at El Gaucho, Green Tortoise Hostel, and The State Hotel provide affordable stays with comfortable amenities.
Hotel Max, The Paramount Hotel, and The Maxwell Hotel offer well-appointed rooms and convenient downtown locations.
The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, and The Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle deliver upscale accommodations with premium services and elegant settings.

Smith Tower’s location in the Pioneer Square neighborhood places it amidst several notable Seattle landmarks. Visitors can explore the historic underground tours revealing the city’s subterranean pathways, visit the Seattle Art Museum for a cultural experience, or enjoy a stroll through the waterfront area including the iconic Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel. The peaceful Occidental Park offers a green space nearby, while nearby shops and galleries provide additional exploration opportunities after a visit to Smith Tower.

Smith Tower: Plan Ahead

Group Visits and Private Events

The venue offers spaces suitable for meetings, conferences, weddings, and private parties. Prior arrangements are recommended to secure event space and support services.

Special Events

Smith Tower hosts “Smith Tower Presents,” a series of ticketed events such as holiday shows, cocktail demonstrations, and family movie nights. Check event listings ahead of your visit to participate in these unique experiences.

Reservations

For reservations, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance to ensure entry and secure preferred tour times.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Smith Tower

What do Smith Tower tickets include?

Tickets provide access to the exhibits, the 35th-floor observatory deck, and the observatory bar serving prohibition-era inspired cocktails.

Can I buy tickets online for Smith Tower tours?

Yes, tour tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door, with online purchasing recommended for convenience.

Are there discounts available for tickets?

Visitors presenting a Washington State driver’s license are eligible for discounted ticket prices.

Is there a separate fee for the observatory bar?

Access to the bar is included with admission tickets, but a separate cover charge applies if entering the bar without a tour ticket.

What are the opening hours of Smith Tower?

Smith Tower is open on Fridays from 12 PM to 11 PM, with access to tours, exhibits, and the observatory bar during these hours.

Are group tours or private events available at Smith Tower?

Yes, group tours and private event hosting are offered; inquiries can be made for specific arrangements.

How long does a typical visit last?

While the exact duration varies, visitors typically spend enough time to enjoy guided tours, the exhibits, and the observatory bar experience.

Where is Smith Tower located?

Smith Tower is located at 506 Second Avenue in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood, close to downtown landmarks and transit options.