Downtown Tours

Seattle Skyline: History, Context & Culture

[Formerly known as the "Greatest Hits" tour]

Join us as we explore Seattle through the history, context, and culture that shaped our skyline, from the college gone missing on University Street to the newest spires that vie for attention and airspace in our dense downtown core. This tour is not centered on one architectural style, but rather showcases these buildings in their larger context of time, place, and people. On this tour, you'll see a cross-section of Seattle's modern history and how architecture is a snapshot of our city's evolving look and character.

This tour meets in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle, WA 98101.

Photo: ZGF Architects

BUY TICKETS

Map highlighting the Central Business District in Downtown Seattle, bordered by Union St, 5th Ave, Cherry St, and 1st Ave. Nearby landmarks include Westlake Center and Pioneer Square—ideal starting points for a Seattle Skyline Tour.
Skyline view of a city with modern skyscrapers, including a prominent glass tower with a triangular peak, surrounded by other tall buildings under a clear blue sky—experience this breathtaking scene on a Seattle Skyline Tour.

Downtown Tours

Our Downtown tours begin in various locations.

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Tours are approximately two hours in length, unless otherwise noted. Tickets purchased in advance cost $25 for General Admission, $20 for SAF Members, and $22 for Students and Seniors over 65. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Walk-ups are limited to space available and cost $30. Ticket sales close at 9:00am the morning of the tour. Online registration is handled through Bold Type Tickets. For our tour policies or to learn about booking a private tour, visit our Tours FAQ page.

Please note: A minimum of three people must be registered for tours to take place. Tours with fewer than three registered attendees on the Thursday before the tour will be cancelled. SAF may cancel tours in cases of extreme weather. We do not cancel tours due to rain. If you purchased a ticket for a cancelled tour, you have the option of transferring the ticket to a future tour date or being issued a refund.