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Columbia Center Sky View Observatory

701 Fifth Ave, Columbia Street, Seattle, WA 98104 (Formerly Bank of America Tower)
206-386-5564
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Ranked #14 of 189 attractions in Seattle
Type: Observation Decks/ Towers, Architectural Buildings
Traveller Description: Columbia Center (formerly Bank of Ameria Tower) and also known as Columbia Tower is located between 4th & 5th Avenues between Columbia and Cherry... more »
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194 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    133
    43
    14
    4
    0
Date Rating
Denver
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

We enjoyed a cup of coffee at the Starbucks in the Columbia Center on the 42 floor. It is free to that floor. Our free walking tour guide told us about this. Starbucks is open from 5a-5pm. The views were ok. It was a cloudy morning the day we went so I'm sure on a clear day the view is... More

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See 2 more reviews by Jena P for Seattle
Newcastle, Australia
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Informative elevated view of the city and surrounds. The lift up is a bit daunting for the faint hearted as it travels up the outside of the tower.

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See 3 more reviews by Gemlister for Seattle
Irvine, California
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

Although the Space Needle is the icon of Seattle to me, it's height can't compare to the Columbia building (the tallest building in Seattle). While the Columbia viewing area isn't a full 360 degrees like the Space Needle, it definitely has a bigger impact, especially if it's a nice and clear day. The cost is about half that of the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by emcee24 for Seattle
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
96 helpful votes 96 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

The view is quite good, but clouds and weather can often hampen the view in Seattle. You are indoors here, so photos are through glass, but the glass was quite clean when I was there. Suggestions: 1. Parking in the basement is very expensive. I went downtown on the bus to avoid that. 2. The ticket allows you in that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Trapped in Maryland
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

The observation deck is three floors down from the top of the tallest building in Seattle. And much higher than the space needle. $9 vs. $19 for the space needle. And a lot less crowded, too. I went on a Sunday around lunch time and there were only two other small groups there at the same time. It was a... More

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See 3 more reviews by kanling for Seattle
Ohio
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

We did this in lieu of the Space Needle. The views of the city are great, and the elevator ride was high enough to make our ears pop. If I went back to Seatlle, I'd probably try out the Space Needle since it's such an icon of Seattle, but it was a nice way to see good views for cheap.

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See 2 more reviews by razzledazzle12 for Seattle
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013 via mobile

We found this on trip advisor and happy we did. The views of the city are amazing and the $9.00 entrance fee was extremely nice. On the day we went only six to eight people were there. Great aerial views of the puget sound and the sports stadiums.

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Seattle, Washington
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

Yeah, your higher than the Space Needle and you stay warm and dry but its boring and not as fun as the iconic Space Needle. You pay for an elevator ride and a non engaging person taking money. Views are good but just can't seem to get excited about this lame thrill ride. Skip it, go to the Needle and... More

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See 22 more reviews by Keoni13 for Seattle
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

An incredible view; especially good to look down on the Space Needle! Much better value, and a far more peaceful observatory experience. Heavily recommended to any Seattle tourists, especially those more budget conscious.

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Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
82 reviews 82 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

Much better views than the space needle, less crowded, and cheaper! You're nearly twice as high as the space needle.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by PaulieT253 for Seattle

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