SeatacSeatac Connection
Things to do in Seattle

Smith Tower

An open-air 35th-floor observatory and speakeasy-style bar in Pioneer Square's landmark 1914 tower, with views all the way around.

Get a ride therePlan a Seattle trip with itTickets and tours
Illustration of Pioneer Square with the white Smith Tower above red brick buildings and the iron pergola

The useful answer

Should this fit your day?

Best for
History lovers, and anyone who wants an open-air view with a cocktail, a couple of blocks from the Underground Tour.
Time to protect
Allow about an hour for the exhibits, the deck and a drink; add 45 minutes if you book the guided tour.
Cruise-day fit
Pioneer Square is at the south end of downtown, south of Pier 66 and far from Pier 91. It pairs well with the Underground Tour on a free day before or after a sailing; with an entry time to keep, leave it off a tight embarkation morning.
From the terminals
Pier 66 is the closer terminal, a short ride north along the waterfront. Pier 91 is a longer road trip, so plan a ride and a bigger buffer.
Before a flight
Pioneer Square is on the south side of downtown, the way you're heading for SEA, so it can be a last stop on a flight day. Pick an entry time that leaves a comfortable buffer for the drive and your airline's deadline.

What to know before you go

  1. 01

    Smith Tower opened to the public on July 4, 1914. Your ticket covers the history exhibits on the way up, the open-air observatory on the 35th floor and the Observatory Bar.

  2. 02

    Booking ahead is recommended to get the entry time you want. Walk-up tickets are sold at Observatory Check-in on the first floor, next to Caffe Vita.

  3. 03

    The bar serves speakeasy-inspired cocktails and light bites, first come, first served. You need an observatory ticket to get in, and the experience is open to all ages.

  4. 04

    You go up by elevator, and strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, though the historic building limits access in a few spots and staff will help. It's cashless, with no outside food or drink.

  5. 05

    Groups only go up once the whole party has arrived. For the full story, a combination ticket adds the 45-minute guided Talking Tower Tour.

Hours change with the seasons and private events. Check the official site for current hours and tickets before you go.

Tours and activities

Tours and tickets for Smith Tower

Well-reviewed tours and tickets, with current prices. Check a date to see open start times, then book with Viator.

Tours are sold and run through Viator; booking opens viator.com in a new tab, and Viator confirms the final price and time. Seatac may earn a commission.

Book tickets and tours

Pick a ticket time that leaves room for the ride back. Timed entry, guided tours and city passes all work; check the live price and times for your date.

  • Tickets and tours

    Smith Tower Observatory entry

    Entry to the open-air 35th-floor observatory and its bar, with a self-guided tour.

    See times and tickets

  • Tours and activities

    Seattle tours and tickets

    Guided tours, attraction tickets and day trips around Seattle, including options near Smith Tower.

    See tours and tickets

Opens a booking partner in a new tab; Seatac Connection may earn a commission. You can also buy direct on the Smith Tower Observatory and Bar page.

Get a ride there

Drop-off: Smith Tower Observatory, 506 2nd Avenue

Starting from

Your fare is worked out for the exact trip on the next step, before you pay. Want the car to wait while you visit? Book by the hour.

Cruise day: Smith Tower between the ship and your flight

Off the ship with a few hours before your flight? Book the ride from the pier and the ride on to the airport now, so each driver knows where you are going.

  1. Step 1

    Ride from the pier

    Pier 66 is the closer terminal, a short ride north along the waterfront. Pier 91 is a longer road trip, so plan a ride and a bigger buffer.

    From Pier 66From Pier 91

  2. Step 2

    Visit Smith Tower

    Allow about an hour for the exhibits, the deck and a drink; add 45 minutes if you book the guided tour.

    Tickets and tours

  3. Step 3

    Ride on to Seatac Airport

    Pioneer Square is on the south side of downtown, the way you're heading for SEA, so it can be a last stop on a flight day. Pick an entry time that leaves a comfortable buffer for the drive and your airline's deadline.

    Smith Tower to the airport

Big bags

  • Pier 66: Same-day bag storage is available. Pick bags up by 3 pm to avoid a late fee.
  • Pier 91: Same-day bag storage in the Crew Center, north of the Ground Transportation Center. Pick bags up by 3 pm to avoid a late fee.

Stored bags mean a stop back at the pier before the airport. To keep them with you instead, book a car by the hour and the driver waits with your luggage.

Planning the whole cruise trip? Keep Smith Tower on it with the rides around it.

Plan the whole cruise trip

Not sure which pier? Find your ship and pier or compare Pier 66 and Pier 91.

Compare another stop