Space Needle - $30-$42.50

The Space Needle was built as part of Seattle's 1962 World's Fair, along with many of the other buildings that comprise the area known as Seattle Center. It was designed by Edward E. Carlson and John Graham and stands at a height of 605 feet. It was officially declared a historic landmark on April 9, 1999. Along with the observation deck, the upper area originally comprised two restaurants. In 2000, however, the restaurants were closed and combined into one. The restaurant actually rotates, giving diners a 360 degree view of Seattle. The restaurant completes it's rotation every 47 minutes.

The Space Needle is the symbol of Seattle. It's one of those places you inevitably need to go to at least once. The designers of the current observation deck did an excellent job with the displays. They are interactive in a fun way, and really informative. The actual view is decent, but personally I think Columbia Center gives you more bang for your buck. Columbia Center is $5 and is much higher up. The Space Needle has two main advantages: it is far more visitor friendly and you can go up at night. The night views from the top of the Space Needle are amazing. I've never been to the restaurant, so I can't really judge that. All I know is that it's expensive.