When you arrive at the Space Needle, you can see that it really is one of the most popular attractions for tourists in the city. The ticket queues were teeming with eager families ready to see one of the most impressive sights in the city. The gift shop just through the main doors was packed with excited kids looking at all the very cool, vintage, and retro merchandise ready to be taken home.
Straight away, you can see it’s best to reserve tickets ahead of time. You book a ticket for a specific time, but if you end up arriving a little later, you can still gain entry with no problem. It’s a way they control the crowds, and there are a lot of crowds to control!
When you enter the doors, you automatically are taken into the gift shop. We have to say it was one of our favorite gift shops to date! Alongside the general merchandising and gifts you would expect, a sea of nostalgic games, electronics, and toys await. We loved the vintage record player and phones! In the center of the gift shop are the elevators, where you wait your turn to be taken up to the skies.
Make sure you have your camera ready for the elevator journey because, with its glass wall, it’s a super fun view as you ascend to the observation deck!
As of the time of writing, the Space Needle was undergoing a huge renovation. The main restaurant was closed, with just a small popcorn stand feeding the eager kids (the smell was delicious!) Surrounded by construction plastic and panels, we went straight onto the outside platform where you can take in the views of Seattle, and they really are stunning. You get a great view of the skyline and surrounding forests and lakes, and it is worth just taking a moment to take it all in.
Normally with this kind of adventure, we might have spent some time enjoying a drink, a meal, and wondering along the entire perimeter. However, because of the construction, our activities were limited. It was slightly chaotic, with queues for the elevators meandering around sheets of fabric.
The Space Needle is, in our opinion, a must-see when in Seattle. The history is fascinating, it’s iconic, and the views are second to none. If you are only in Seattle for a short time, then make a visit but be prepared. However, for the admission fee, we recommend if you can wait until the renovations have been completed to fully enjoy the most of what it can offer. Come Memorial Day, the results sound amazing, and we can’t wait to visit again once we can see it in all its glory.
Find out more at their official website
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