Without a doubt, the most iconic building in Seattle is the Space Needle. Standing 605 feet tall, for 50 years it has been a defining landmark, identifying the Seattle skyline at a mere glance. A one minute elevator ride takes you to the top of the spire, where the observation deck provides 360 degree views of the city. The Space Needle is in the heart of Seattle Center, an area also home to the Museum of Pop Culture, the Children’s Museum, the Chihuly Garden and the Pacific Science Center. We decided not to venture to the top of the Space Needle this time because we knew we wanted to visit another landmark with commanding views of the city later in the day, the Smith Tower. But that just means we’ll need to come back to Seattle and visit the top next time!

Fun Fact: The Space Needle was built for the 1962 world’s fair. In 2018, a 100 million “Spacelift” on the Space Needle completed. The observation deck now features multi-level floor to ceiling glass panels, and is home to a first of its kind rotating glass floo