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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].
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Smith Tower
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
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].
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].
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].
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].
Local tips
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Visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience [5].
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Check the Smith Tower website for current hours of operation, as they can vary [2].
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Take advantage of the $10 food and beverage credit with a $20 purchase at the Observatory Bar [26].
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Consider visiting close to dusk to experience both daytime and nighttime views of the city.
Discover more about Smith Tower
Completed in 1914, Smith Tower was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi, an iconic symbol of Seattle's burgeoning prosperity [4, 19]. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved reminder of the past, offering a unique visitor experience in the heart of Pioneer Square [5, 12].
The journey begins as you step into the lobby and board one of the original, hand-operated Otis elevators [5, 16]. Ascend to the 35th floor, where you'll find a speakeasy-style bar with Prohibition-era inspired food and drinks, and the open-air observatory [5, 6]. The observatory provides stunning 360-degree views of Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding mountains [5, 6, 16].
Explore exhibits detailing the tower's rich history, including its connections to rum-running, early radio broadcasting, and the story of its namesake, Lyman Cornelius Smith [6]. Don't miss the Wishing Chair, a relic from the tower's original Chinese Room, said to grant good fortune to those who sit upon it [4, 6]. Smith Tower offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and unparalleled city views [5, 23].
While visiting, take note of the building's fireproofed structural steel frame, a testament to early 20th-century construction techniques [15]. Smith Tower has been designated as a Seattle landmark since 1984 [4].
A brief summary to Smith Tower
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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