Smith Tower: Seattle's Pioneer Skyscraper
Experience Seattle's history from above at the iconic Smith Tower, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's vibrant past.
Smith Tower, a historic skyscraper in Seattle's Pioneer Square, offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past with its early 20th-century architecture and panoramic views from the 35th-floor observatory [4, 5]. Ride the original Otis elevators to the top and experience Seattle's history [5, 6].
A brief summary to Smith Tower
- 506 2nd Ave, Seattle, Pioneer Square, Washington, 98104, US
- +1206-624-0414
- Visit website
- Monday 12 pm-7 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-7 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
- Friday 12 pm-9 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-9 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience [5].
- Check the Smith Tower website for current hours of operation, as they can vary [2].
- Take advantage of the $10 food and beverage credit with a $20 purchase at the Observatory Bar [26].
- Consider visiting close to dusk to experience both daytime and nighttime views of the city.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Smith Tower is easily accessible via public transportation [3, 7, 8]. Several bus lines stop near the tower, including the 3, 17, 62, and E Line [7, 8]. The Pioneer Square Station, served by multiple light rail lines and the Seattle Streetcar, is also a short walk away [7, 25]. A single bus or light rail fare within Seattle typically costs $2.50 - $3.25 [7, 8].
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Walking
Located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Smith Tower is easily reachable on foot from many downtown Seattle locations [3, 5]. From the Seattle Waterfront, head east towards 2nd Avenue [24]. From the Pioneer Square light rail station, walk two blocks north on 2nd Avenue [7, 8]. The entrance to the Smith Tower Visitor Experience is located at 506 2nd Ave [22, 18].
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach Smith Tower [7, 8]. A short ride from downtown Seattle to Smith Tower typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand [7, 8].
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Parking
While Smith Tower does not have on-site parking, several parking garages are available in the Pioneer Square area [13, 21]. The Butler Garage, located at 114 James St, is a recommended option [2, 3]. Expect to pay around $12 for 3 hours of parking [2, 3]. Street parking is also available, but it can be limited [2, 3]. Closest free parking is located at 161 South Washington Street, Seattle [13].
Discover more about Smith Tower
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