Smith Tower

We had a wonderful experience visiting the Smith Tower in Seattle, and a big part of that was thanks to our tour guide Spencer. Spencer was incredibly knowledgeable about the building’s history and shared fascinating stories about Seattle’s early days, the tower’s construction, and the cultural significance behind many of the details inside the building. He explained everything in a way that was engaging, clear, and full of personality. What made the experience special was how passionate he was about the history — you could really feel that he enjoyed sharing it with visitors. He was also very friendly and welcoming, happy to answer questions and make sure everyone in the group felt included. If you’re planning to visit Smith Tower, I highly recommend joining a tour with Spencer. He truly brings the history of this iconic Seattle landmark to life!

— "Micca" Dan Cao

This was actually my second time visiting the Smith Tower, but it was my boyfriend’s first and since he’s already been up the Space Needle, I wanted to show him that this historic spot also offers some seriously cool views of Seattle. What’s even more impressive is that at one point, Smith Tower was actually the tallest skyscraper in the West! One thing I love about this place is how well they’ve preserved its old-school charm, especially the elevators. They still have an operator who manually controls the lift, and there’s even a display of the original green Otis elevator motor in the lobby, the same kind that powered the elevators for over a century! The operator told us there’s a tenant who lives above the observatory, which blew my mind. The rent was originally a whopping $17,000 a month, but the tenant apparently negotiated down to $14,000 since there’s no A/C up there. Talk about living in style with a historic discount! Once you reach the top, there’s a bar where you can grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. As you walk around the observatory deck, there are plaques pointing out different Seattle landmarks, so you can easily spot everything from Mt. Rainier to Lumen Field and Lake Washington. It makes the 360 deg view even more interactive and helps you appreciate just how much of the city you can see from up there. Pro tip: They don’t open until noon, so if you’re planning to go early, you’ll end up waiting downstairs. Otherwise, grab a drink, take your time, and soak in one of the best vintage views Seattle has to offer.

— KHAIE

The Elevated Afternoon Tea at Smith Tower is not just about sipping tea, it’s about savoring history, views, and hospitality. Even though others may have walked away unimpressed, I thought the food and service were excellent. With the included beverage, skyline views, and museum exploration, it’s an experience that feels indulgent yet surprisingly good value for Seattle. I left full, happy, and eager to recommend it, and those I sent loved it too! At $100 per person, it may sound steep, but for Seattle it’s actually a steal it’s a sad reflection of the city’s costs, but the experience itself was worth every penny. Alongside the tea, you get a beverage of your choice included in the price. Service was warm, professional, and thoughtful, enhancing the overall experience. Artisanal loose-leaf teas paired with a three-tier tray of finger sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. While some reviews online mention disappointment with the food, I found everything to be perfect. Each bite was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We walked away full and happy. The views were worth lingering over. After tea, strolling around the observatory offered surprising perspectives of Seattle. The Museum was a delight. The small but engaging museum inside the tower added a cultural layer, making the outing more than just about food.

— Holly

This was quite the experience! I went up here with my best-friend, and we had an amazing chat while treated with food, and amazing drinks. We went right before the sun was going down the see the daytime and night time view. Speakeasy style historic site, go see for yourself!

— Chloé M.

Some of the best customer service for a marriage proposal I have ever experienced!! Everyone on staff was incredibly friendly, generous, and helpful. 10/10 thank you so much! My friend said yes btw and is now engaged!

— Megan Waskom