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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 Reviews from Our Customers

Jun 2026

Joshua C.

Staff was great. Not to mention the scenery! Great views and the history on the building is definitely amazing.

Aug 2025

Omar R.

Loved chillin at the bar after the tour, so cozy

Jul 2025

Elena P.

Wow the views from Smith Tower are realy something else!!

Jun 2025

Ravi S.

Really enjoyed chillin at the observatory bar overall a nice vibe

Jun 2025

Yuki T.

Loved sitting in the Wishing Chair, felt magical and a bit nostalgic

May 2025

Kwame N.

self guided tour was super cool, got to go at my own pace and learn loads!

May 2025

Samuel O.

Obs deck has beats city views, def worth a visit!!

May 2025

Lucas F.

Epic views from the top, totally recommend!!!

Visit the Observatory at Smith Tower

Smith Tower is a neoclassical skyscraper in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, completed in 1914. A ticket covers the history exhibits, the open-air observatory on the 35th floor, and access to the Observatory Bar, a speakeasy-style bar with craft cocktails and light bites. From the deck you can see Elliott Bay, the downtown skyline and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. Booking online in advance helps secure your entry time.

About Smith Tower

Smith Tower opened on July 4, 1914, in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. It was commissioned by typewriter manufacturer Lyman Cornelius Smith, who died before construction began. The tower has a granite base and a white terra cotta exterior, and for nearly half a century it was the tallest building on the West Coast, until the Space Needle in 1962. Today it holds history exhibits, an open-air observatory and the Observatory Bar on the 35th floor.

Key facts about Smith Tower

- Address: 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104
- Observatory: 35th floor, with an open-air deck and the Observatory Bar
- Opened: July 4, 1914

Why Visit Smith Tower?

Historic observatory deck

The open-air observatory on the 35th floor has 360-degree views of Elliott Bay and the downtown skyline. On clear days, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range are visible in the distance.

Prohibition-era Observatory Bar

The Observatory Bar is on the 35th floor and serves craft cocktails and light bites in a speakeasy-style room inspired by Seattle’s Prohibition history. A ticket is required to enter.

Architectural heritage

Smith Tower has a granite base and a white terra cotta exterior, topped by a pyramid with a glass dome. The dome is lit blue at night and turns green in December. The tower’s seven elevators were operated by hand for 103 years, until a modernization that began in 2017.

History exhibits

The self-guided exhibits cover the tower’s history, from L.C. Smith’s typewriters to Prohibition-era rum-running, and its early years as one of the tallest buildings in the country.

Pioneer Square location

The tower stands on Second Avenue in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown. The waterfront and downtown landmarks are a short walk away, and the neighborhood has galleries and restaurants.

Opening hours

Smith Tower is open every day from 12 PM. The closing time depends on the day of the week.

Monday: 12 PM to 7 PM
Tuesday: 12 PM to 7 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM to 8 PM
Thursday: 12 PM to 8 PM
Friday: 12 PM to 9 PM
Saturday: 12 PM to 9 PM
Sunday: 12 PM to 8 PM

The last elevator up leaves one hour before closing. Hours can change by season and for private events.

Getting to Smith Tower

Address
Directions

Smith Tower is at 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104, in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The Directions tab covers getting there by bus, light rail, train, car or on foot.

Things to Know Before Visiting Smith Tower

Smith Tower is open daily from 12 PM, with closing times that vary by day.

A ticket includes the exhibits, the 35th-floor observatory and the Observatory Bar.

Book online in advance to secure your entry time. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed.

Smith Tower is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card.

The visit is open to all ages.

The observatory and bar are reached by elevator, so strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

Only service animals are allowed inside the building.

Outside food and drink are not allowed inside Smith Tower.

Sunset and golden hour are the busiest times, so arrive early to avoid elevator waits.

Pioneer Square Station on Link light rail is a short walk away, and garages are nearby.

Smith Tower Facilities and More

Facilities
Souvenir shop
Special events

The Observatory Bar on the 35th floor serves craft cocktails and light bites, with vegetarian, vegan and some gluten-sensitive options. Caffe Vita is inside Smith Tower. Nearby in Pioneer Square, Shawn O’Donnell’s is steps from the lobby, and MOTO Pizza serves Detroit-style pizza with a Filipino twist. The observatory is reached by elevator and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Smith Tower is cashless, and outside food and drink are not allowed.

The History of Smith Tower

Typewriter manufacturer Lyman Cornelius Smith bought the lot at 2nd and Yesler in 1899 and died in 1910, before construction began. His son, Burns Lyman Smith, pushed for a taller tower. Smith Tower opened on July 4, 1914, and was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River until 1931. It remained the tallest on the West Coast until the Space Needle in 1962. A group of local investors led by GT Capital bought the tower in 2024.

More About Smith Tower

Smith Tower history: Seattle’s first skyscraper

Frequently Asked Questions About Smith Tower

What is Smith Tower?

Smith Tower is a neoclassical skyscraper in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, completed in 1914. Its 35th floor holds an open-air observatory, history exhibits and the Observatory Bar.

When was Smith Tower built?

Construction began in November 1911, and the tower officially opened on July 4, 1914. It was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River until 1931.

Where is Smith Tower located?

Smith Tower is at 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, in the Pioneer Square neighborhood.

What can visitors see from the observatory?

The open-air observatory on the 35th floor has 360-degree views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay. On clear days, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range are visible.

Is there an observatory bar at Smith Tower?

Yes. The Observatory Bar on the 35th floor is a speakeasy-style bar serving craft cocktails and light bites. A ticket is required to enter.

Are guided tours available at Smith Tower?

The exhibits and the observatory are self-guided. Smith Tower also runs a guided Talking Tower Tour of about 45 minutes, covering the exhibits, elevators, observatory and main lobby.

What should I know about the elevators in Smith Tower?

Smith Tower’s seven elevators were operated by hand for 103 years. A modernization that began in 2017 automated them while keeping their historic look.

Can visitors access the observatory deck without a tour?

Yes. The observatory ticket is self-guided and includes the history exhibits, the open-air deck and access to the Observatory Bar.

What type of architecture does Smith Tower feature?

The building is neoclassical, with a granite base and a white terra cotta exterior above it. A pyramid with a glass dome crowns the tower.

Is Smith Tower a designated landmark?

Yes. The City of Seattle designated Smith Tower a landmark in 1984.

Does Smith Tower host private events?

Yes. The observatory can host small weddings, proposals, engagement photos, corporate meetings and group reservations.

What is the Chinese Room in Smith Tower?

The Chinese Room was a 35th-floor space with a carved teak ceiling and blackwood furniture, built in the style of a Chinese temple. Legend says the carvings came from the Empress of China as thanks for a typewriter. The space has since become the Prohibition-themed Observatory Bar.

Is the Smith Tower roof visible at night?

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

Are pets allowed inside Smith Tower?

Only service animals are allowed inside Smith Tower and the observatory.

Is Smith Tower accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes. The observatory and bar are reached by elevator. The historic architecture may limit access to a few areas of the building.

Are there dining options within Smith Tower?

Caffe Vita is inside the building. Shawn O’Donnell’s is steps from the lobby, and the Observatory Bar serves craft cocktails and light bites. Outside food and drink are not allowed.

Can group tours be arranged at Smith Tower?

Yes. Smith Tower offers group reservations for daytime and evening visits.

Is cash accepted at Smith Tower?

No. Smith Tower is cashless and accepts major credit and debit cards for tickets, food and drinks.

Is parking available near Smith Tower?

Pioneer Square has street parking and several garages. Smith Tower recommends the Butler Garage at 114 James Street, which can be reserved in advance through ParkWhiz.