Plan Your Visit to Smith Tower: Timings and Directions

Smith Tower is a 1914 skyscraper in Pioneer Square with an open-air observatory on the 35th floor, history exhibits and a speakeasy-style bar.

Smith Tower Ticket Information

Where to buy

Tickets can be bought online or at the box office. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed, so booking online in advance is the safer choice and helps secure your entry time.

What a ticket includes

A ticket covers the history exhibits, the open-air observatory on the 35th floor and access to the Observatory Bar. The exhibits and the observatory are self-guided.

Busy times

Elevator waits are usually short but can build during peak visitation, especially around sunset. Arriving early helps.

Smith Tower Location

Smith Tower is at 506 Second Avenue in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown. The waterfront and downtown landmarks are a short walk away, and Pioneer Square Station on Link light rail is about two blocks from the tower.

Smith Tower Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit

Smith Tower is open daily from 12 PM. It closes at 7 PM on Monday and Tuesday, 8 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 9 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 8 PM on Sunday. The last elevator up leaves one hour before closing.

Sunset and golden hour are the most popular times for skyline views and photos, so waits can be longer then. Arriving early or visiting at a quieter hour usually means a shorter wait for the elevator.

The glass dome on top of the tower is lit blue at night and turns green in December.

Smith Tower Visitor Guidelines

Entry: A ticket is required for the observatory and the Observatory Bar. The visit is open to all ages.

Photography: Personal photos are welcome throughout the visit, including on the observatory deck.

Policies: Only service animals are allowed inside. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere in the building, including the outdoor deck. Outside food and drink are not allowed, and payment is by card only.

Good to know before your visit to Smith Tower

Elevators take visitors up to the 35th floor, where the Observatory Bar serves craft cocktails and light bites. Caffe Vita is inside Smith Tower. The observatory can host small weddings, corporate meetings and group visits.

Plan Ahead

Group visits and private events

The observatory can host small weddings, proposals, corporate meetings and group visits. Groups should book in advance.

Special events

Ticketed events such as cocktail classes and seasonal programming run through the year, and dates vary.

Reservations

The Observatory Bar is first come, first served and does not take reservations. Booking a ticket online in advance helps secure your entry time, and everyone in your party needs to arrive before going up to the 35th floor.

Free Cancellation

Approx 2h

4.6

(24)

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?

A ticket includes the history exhibits, the open-air observatory on the 35th floor and access to the Observatory Bar. The exhibits and the observatory are self-guided.

Can I buy Smith Tower tickets online?

Yes. Booking online in advance is recommended because it helps secure your entry time. Tickets are also sold at the box office, but walk-up availability is not guaranteed.

Are pets or outside food allowed?

Only service animals are allowed inside Smith Tower. Outside food and drink are not permitted, but the Observatory Bar serves craft cocktails and light bites.

Do I need a ticket for the Observatory Bar?

Yes. A ticket is required to enter the Observatory Bar, and the same ticket covers the exhibits and the observatory. The bar is first come, first served and does not take reservations.

What are the opening hours of Smith Tower?

Smith Tower is open daily from 12 PM. It closes at 7 PM on Monday and Tuesday, 8 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. The last elevator up leaves one hour before closing, and hours can change by season and for private events.

Are group visits or private events available at Smith Tower?

Yes. Groups can reserve daytime or evening visits, and the observatory can host small weddings, proposals and corporate meetings.

How long does a typical visit last?

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 2 hours. The exhibits and the observatory are self-guided, so you can set your own pace, and elevator waits can add time during busy periods.

Where is Smith Tower located?

Smith Tower is at 506 Second Avenue in Pioneer Square. Pioneer Square Station on Link light rail is about two blocks away, and the waterfront and downtown landmarks are a short walk from the tower.