Enjoy artisanal teas, delicious pastries, and skyline views with Elevated Afternoon Tea at Smith Tower. Add sparkling wine or cocktails for a memorable, luxurious afternoon in Seattle.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Smith Tower, completed in 1914, was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi and remains a symbol of Seattle's early 20th-century growth.
Conservation
Smith Tower supports sustainability by encouraging low-impact tourism and using locally sourced ingredients for its tea menu.
Smith Tower
Enjoy artisanal teas, delicious pastries, and skyline views with Elevated Afternoon Tea at Smith Tower. Add sparkling wine or cocktails for a memorable, luxurious afternoon in Seattle.
Smith Tower stands as one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic 360-degree views from its 35th-floor open-air Observatory.
Smith Tower blends historic character with curated visitor experiences, including self-guided Observatory Tickets, the guided 45-minute Talking Tower Tour, hands-on Cocktail Classes, seasonal rooftop pop-ups and private group bookings. Guests ride the historic Otis elevators, explore stories about local history and Prohibition-era lore, and finish visits at the Observatory Bar and Lookout Lounge for food and drinks. Tour formats range from intimate 10-person Talking Tower Tours to group-friendly Observatory and Group Tickets, while special programs include Boozy Afternoon Tea, Sip & Spirits rooftop events, Pride pop-ups and game-day rooftop tailgates. Straight Up to Golden Hour tickets provide express entry for late-afternoon and sunset visits. Ticketing is experience-specific and reservations are recommended for limited-capacity events. Staff follow safety and preservation guidelines to protect both guests and the building’s heritage. Smith Tower works with local spirit brands and culinary partners to create elevated rooftop programming. For history seekers, skyline photographers, date nights and group outings, Smith Tower delivers curated high-elevation experiences rooted in authenticity and local culture. Advanced booking and flexible ticket options make Smith Tower accessible to visitors year-round, with staff on-site to assist with accessibility requests.
Observation Deck
35th Floor
360° views of Seattle and Puget Sound
Tour Length
45 minutes
Talking Tower guided tour duration
Group Options
Group & Private
Tickets for families and groups
Event Variety
Cocktails & Pop-ups
Classes, tea, Pride and tailgates
Reserve Observatory access, cocktail classes or private group experiences now — limited capacity and popular weekend events.
Book in Advance
Smith Tower’s Elevated Afternoon Tea is popular, so make your reservation early to guarantee your preferred time and seating.
Dress Smart Casual
While no formal dress code is required, dressing smart casual enhances the elegant atmosphere of the tea experience.
Arrive Early
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and enjoy unobstructed views before your tea service begins.
Check Dietary Restrictions
Inform the staff ahead of time if you have allergies or dietary restrictions to customize your menu accordingly.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Helpful for cooler spring afternoons or evenings while enjoying views near open windows.
spring
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes during sunny daytime visits at Smith Tower’s sky lounge.
summer
Umbrella
Fall showers are common, so an umbrella helps with comfort arriving and departing.
fall
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the breathtaking cityscape and elegant tea presentation.