Space needle - worth it?
 

I was reading some reviews and now stepping back on my plan to visit the Needle with my family. The view or experience doesn't seem to justify the price...and we have been to many tall buildings including Burj Khalifa last year...wondering what folks here have to say ?

Seattle has plenty of high vantage points where you can get great views for free. Most of those views include the Space Needle, while of course you can't see it once you're in it.

If you want a surprisingly good meal (lunch is the better value) then having it at the Sky City restaurant at the top is the way to go; the elevator and observation deck are comped (but there's a minimum of $25 pp for the meal, $35 at dinner.)

But if you just want a good view, look at Kerry Park on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, or anywhere along the West Seattle waterfront or from any of the ferries, among many alternatives.

Thanks..I looking for the lunch option at Sky City restaurant but we are there only 1 day and that happens to be a Sunday. On Sunday they only offer brunch for $49.99 which is way too expensive...considering my wife and daughter are vegetarians and won't have many choices.

I can't say as I was really too impressed. It's... high up. That's about it. I did really think the Chihuly Garden & Glass museum was totally worth it, though, so if you buy the combo ticket, it may be somewhat cheaper to do the Space Needle too.

we would be leaving at 5 pm and doesn't Chihuly look good at night?

By the way, skyviewobservatory.com has the tallest Observatory and better view in Seattle per the research I have done..and they are cheaper too.

This is similar to NYC, where many prefer the Rockefeller Center observatory, although several others are higher.

The Needle is an instantly recognized icon of the city, and a visit is as much about honoring the area's heritage as it is about a photo op.

If you have kids they might like it. If it's all adults then I could think of better ways to spend time.

Why don't you indicate what else you plan to do in town, when you're coming and how long you'll have? We might be able to suggest some alternatives that would be of interest.

There is also an observation deck in the Columbia Center. I think it has changed since I was there a few years ago. I could have sworn it only cost about $4 when I went up and the view wasn't 360. There was also a radio station on the same floor.


Personally, I like the needle. It's pretty. I took my mom up there a few years ago when she visited. However, part of the beauty was being there at dusk. Seattle is a pretty city and mom and I both enjoyed spending time up there .

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8032/7...2efe2eb7_b.jpg

I have heard that the food has improved, but it used to be SOOO bad, that I hesitate to even consider it again.

Agree with MissJ, Columbia Center has a great observation deck, although it is not outside. http://www.skyviewobservatory.com/

The one nice thing about the Space Needle, is the location in regards to other things to do. Chihuly is great day or night. Just 2 total different experiences.

Sorry, but if I'm going to have to spend $44 ($22x2) to visit an attraction, "honoring the area's heritage" is really, really low on my list of motivations for doing so.

Yes. We decided to drop the Needle and do the Sky View. Thanks

Perfectly acceptable. Different priorities, and all that.

In the end, do what stretches your budget to YOUR maximum benefit. Some people might spend that $44 on two cups of exotically brewed coffee - more power to them :)

I thought the Space Needle was awesome when I visited it! Of course, I was only seven, and this was during the World's Fair, which was a few years ago now. It may have changed a bit in the meantime.

Well when you tell people you were in Seattle, everyone's going to ask if you went to the Space Needle.
You could just say yes or give a long explanation of why you chose to skip the city's iconic sight.
Your choice.