Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Standing apart from the rest of Seattle's skyscrapers, the Needle often looks taller than
it actually is. On its completion in 1962, it was the highest structure west of the Missis-
sippi River, topping 605ft, though it has since been easily surpassed (it's currently the
sixth-tallest structure in Seattle). The part of the Needle that's visible above ground
weighs an astounding 3700 tons. Most visitors head for the 520ft-high observation deck
on zippy elevators that ascend to the top in comfortably less than a minute. The
360-degree views of Seattle and its surrounding water and mountains are suitably fab-
ulous.
Visiting
To avoid the queues, purchase your ticket from one of the self-service machines outside
the Space Base (tourist shop) and proceed up the ramp. You'll undergo a friendly bag
search and then enter the gold capsule elevators, where an attendant will give you a
quick-fire 41-second précis of the Needle (basically, the time it takes to ascend). The el-
evators dock at the
observation deck
. To get to the
SkyCity Restaurant
you have to
descend one level by stairs (or another lift). The observation deck has a reasonable cafe
(with drinks and sandwiches), plenty of wall-mounted facts, free telescopes and some
interesting touchscreens. One, a collection called 'local voices,' shows various
Seattleites talking with affection about their city. Another is a high-powered telescope
that you can move around and zoom in and out to see close-up images of the street be-
low flashed up on a screen. It's all a little nosy and voyeuristic!
The alfresco part of the observation deck (open the same hours, weather permitting)
is guarded by a Perspex screen and an enclosed wire fence, presumably to deter the
overly depressed or the overly adventurous from jumping (there have been two illegal
base jumps and four suicides in Needle history). The view is broad. On clear days, you
can see three Cascade volcanoes (Mts Rainier, Baker and St Helen's), the Olympic
range, the jagged coastline of Puget Sound and the sparkling surfaces of Lakes Union
and Washington fanning out in the haze. Equally interesting is the complex topography
of Seattle and its splayed neighborhoods that lie beneath you.
LUNCH AT 500FT
If you decide to ascend the Space Needle, it's more economical to tie it in with
lunch. Standard Space Needle tickets cost $19 (just for the view). However, if you
