Columbia Center observation deck to get 360-degree view (Seattle, Bellevue: price, land)

[phoenixmike11]

Columbia Center observation deck to get 360-degree view - seattlepi.com

I have never been here-is the view as good as the Space needle? when is a good time to go to avoid long lines? thanks

[kanhawk]

The observation deck is only open during business hours for Columbia Center so it isn't open on the weekends , but when I was there a few months ago, there was no line and part of the time I was there, I was completely alone.
It is a very good view, but different than the space needle. I wouldn't say it's better because the space needle has large windows and a more panoramic view, but Columbia Center is higher and the view of the downtown business district is better IMO.

[Botev1912]

It's a lot better than Space Needle and much cheaper.





Bellevue

[JasR30]

WOW! Is that Bellevue in the 3rd picture? I haven't been there in many years now but it looks like a major city over there. There are some major US cities that don't have skylines like that.

[Backstrom]

Originally Posted by JasR30

WOW! Is that Bellevue in the 3rd picture? I haven't been there in many years now but it looks like a major city over there. There are some major US cities that don't have skylines like that.

That is indeed Bellevue. Skyline has definitely exploded, but there is still SO much developable land in the downtown core.

[Backstrom]

Concerning the Columbia Center observation deck expansion, the news is great, but wow are tickets expensive now. I remember it used be $3 for students and $5 for adults back in 2004.

[Botev1912]

What is so expensive? The ticket is twice cheaper than Space Needle and the view is a lot better. Students and seniors pay even less and there is no tax. It's worth every cent.

[SitoUK]

I think the view being better is slightly subjective. Firstly you can't see a big chunk of the city because it's not 360 degrees and secondly you are surrounded by other big buildings which somewhat obstructs the view. Personally I prefer the Space Needle view but I agree it's too expensive. I'd say do it once, ideally on a sunny day, and then there's no need to do it ever again

btw...I am almost certain I have been in the Columbia Tower on a weekend, I think it is open at least on Saturdays...also there's a Starbucks a few levels below the deck which is free (or the price of a coffee) and gives you pretty good views too. The SBUX was closed though when I was there.

[atler8]

Read the linked article please! The view is going to be improved out to a full 360 degrees, as is noted in the article.
Plus, the tower is significantly taller than anything else right around it which gives a mostly unobstructed view.
I'm a skyscraper trivia & observation deck fan & this is the real Seattle deal!

[SitoUK]

Originally Posted by atler8

Read the linked article please! The view is going to be improved out to a full 360 degrees, as is noted in the article.
Plus, the tower is significantly taller than anything else right around it which gives a mostly unobstructed view.
I'm a skyscraper trivia & observation deck fan & this is the real Seattle deal!

Yes, I get that...I am sure it'll be awesome when this work it's done. My post was in reply to Botev's claim above that Columbia Center view is better than Space Needle right now, as things are today.