Smith Tower, Seattle (must see)

Smith Tower is one of Seattle’s most enduring landmarks and a reminder of the city’s early ambitions. Its story begins with Lyman Cornelius Smith, an inventor and entrepreneur who arrived in Seattle at the end of the 19th century. Already wealthy from firearms manufacturing later associated with Smith & Wesson and from the development of a successful typewriter business that became Smith Corona, Smith invested heavily in downtown real estate. After constructing the L.C. Smith Building in 1901, he set his sights higher, planning a tower that would rival the tallest buildings of its era.

Completed in 1914, the 42-story Smith Tower was, at the time, the tallest building outside New York City. For decades it dominated Seattle’s skyline, retaining its status as the city’s tallest structure until 1962, when the Space Needle was completed. Although no longer the tallest, the tower remains a local favorite, valued for its early steel-frame construction and its role in shaping Seattle’s vertical growth. Before ascending, visitors pass through a small interactive museum that introduces the social and architectural context of the period in which the tower was built.

The observation level offers sweeping views in all directions, including the waterfront, Pioneer Square, and the mountains surrounding the city. The experience feels notably different from newer observation towers, with an outdoor walkway around the perimeter and an interior lounge and bar that preserve an early-20th-century atmosphere. One of the highlights is the Chinese Room on the 35th floor, known for its carved wood details, porcelain ceiling, and traditional Chinese furnishings. Even the historic elevators contribute to the experience, making a visit to Smith Tower a distinctive way to view Seattle while stepping into a piece of its past.

Tip:
Buy advance tickets online or look out for the "happy hour" visiting times – or if you do the nearby Underground Tour, keep the ticket for discounted entry.