The Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is one of the best attractions on the waterfront! The ride offers incredible panoramic views of Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Mountains—especially beautiful at sunset or after dark when the wheel lights up. Each gondola is enclosed and climate-controlled, so it’s comfortable no matter the weather. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the whole experience feels safe and well-run. It’s a little on the pricey side, but the views and memories make it totally worth it. Whether you’re a local showing off the city or a visitor exploring for the first time, the Seattle Great Wheel is a must-see landmark!

The Seattle Great Wheel is a fun experience and a great way to see the city from a new angle. The views of the waterfront and mountains are awesome, especially at sunset. The ride feels smooth and safe, and the cabins are surprisingly comfortable. It is a bit pricey for how short the ride is, but you’re really paying for the view and the novelty of it. Overall, it’s a solid 4-star stop if you’re exploring the pier.

This is a fascinating attraction that offers stunning views of the city’s beautiful infrastructure and the picturesque bay. It’s an excellent spot for anyone interested in urban design, architecture, or simply enjoying scenic vistas. The vantage point provides a unique perspective of the city's skyline, with its impressive buildings and thoughtfully planned layout, perfectly complemented by the tranquil beauty of the bay. I highly recommend visiting this place to all those who have a passion for beautiful infrastructure and scenic landscapes. The views are especially breathtaking on a clear, sunny day, when the sunlight highlights the architecture and creates a vibrant, lively atmosphere. It’s an ideal location for sightseeing, photography, or just relaxing while taking in the impressive scenery. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, this attraction offers a great opportunity to appreciate the harmony between urban development and natural beauty. I suggest planning your visit for a sunny weather forecast to fully enjoy the picturesque surroundings and make the most of this remarkable spot. Overall, this is a must-see for anyone who appreciates well-designed cities and stunning coastal landscapes.

I visited in mid-October so there was not much of a line. We bought tickets at the venue and waited about 25 minutes before stepping onto the wheel. This is located right on the pier and gives you a good view of Puget Sound and the Market Place areas of Seattle. We were a little surprised by how fast the wheel turned, but we did go around 5 times before exiting the attraction. We had clear skies and mild temperatures on the day we were at the Seattle Great Wheel. The views were stunning and the value for the ride was worth the price of admission. We paid $23 per adult. The individual cars can fit up to six people; we were fortunate to have only the two of us in the car.

The Seattle Great Wheel was such a fun experience! The views of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and the mountains were absolutely breathtaking. The ride felt smooth and safe, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. It’s a perfect way to see Seattle from a new perspective, whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local enjoying a day out. Highly recommend it, especially around sunset!

Little pricey, but it's a tourist destination so the wife and I had to do it while visiting Seattle and cheaper than Navy Pier. We went around 5 rotations allowing you to take in all the sights and plenty of time for pictures. Your group is able to get a cabin to yourselves, up to 6, which is nice for some time away from other tourists. We all know how that can be.

This spot’s definitely a must-see if you’re in downtown Seattle. Just know that if you come later, it can feel a little quiet. Grab your tickets online and show up early — the wait is limited to 60 minutes. There’s not a ton to interact with since things move pretty fast, but it’s still a cool place to grab some Instagram-worthy shots with that classic Seattle backdrop

We really enjoyed the wheel – it was wonderful seeing the beautiful Seattle skyline from above. We did it during the day and I much preferred it that way. It was a bit crowded, but the lines moved quickly and the staff were very helpful. It's definitely a must-visit if you're in Seattle.

Sure, it's a tourist trap but it's one you won't regret! We bought tickets in person. The employee wasn't the friendliest, but meh...didn't dull my excitement to go high! We were the only ones in the car (but the car can fit 4-6 comfortably). It went around 4 times, gorgeous views....and I'm sure it's even more beautiful at night. There's a little kiosk right before you get on the ride...so if you happen to crave a rum and coke, you can order one. It comes in an adult sippy cup that's reusable. Take note, if you haven't finished your adult beverage on the ride, you must finish it in the roped area before exiting the great wheel. Not a big deal, just something to note. Go once, enjoy the views, and check it off your bucket list.

We visited the Seattle Great Wheel at night, hoping to enjoy the city lights and a unique experience in the VIP Glass Bottom Cabin. While the views outside were stunning, the overall experience didn't justify the $50 per person price tag. The gondola was a major letdown. It was dirty, with leftover mess from the previous riders, the "luxurious, leather bucket seats" were noticeably worn, the stereo system didn't work and the glass floor, which should have been the highlight, was so scratched and dirty that it was impossible to see anything below. For something marketed as a luxury experience, this felt poorly maintained and underwhelming. The staff interaction didn't help matters either. They were friendly during ticketing and boarding, but at the end of the ride, the attitude came across as almost rude, which left a sour note to an already disappointing experience. While the city views at night were beautiful, the state of the VIP gondola and the lack of attention to detail made this feel far from a premium experience. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend the VIP cabin or choose to pay for that option again.

I'm sorry that I'm only giving the Seattle Great Wheel a 4 star. It's still good, but not a 5 star rating. The only thing that didn't give them the extra star for me was because the ride was about 10-15 minutes. Maybe if it was about 20 minutes I'll be more satisfied for that $20 ticket. Other than that, I love the views from all angles. Really nice to experience it with that special person!

Riding the Seattle Great Wheel is one expensive ride ($50 for two). The Ferris wheel takes you on four rotations, and it's a smooth ride, which helps if you're afraid of heights. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, and I went mid-day on a Saturday. The line wasn't too long, and my partner and I decided to purchase alcohol for the ride. He ordered an IPA and I ordered a huckleberry Bellini ($8 per drink). Both came in souvenir cups, and the trick is finishing it before the ride ends. We had a great time capturing pictures from new heights, but this is an attraction you'd only need to experience once.

Got another tourist attraction in Seattle you can go way up in. It certainly isn't as iconic as the Space Needle, but it still manages to bring in lots of money from tourists. The Great Wheel is one of the main attractions downtown close to Pier 57 and whatever. Kind of pricy for a quick ride around. You get a few turns, but the best thing is the views. Cool history about how it came to be. It's located in a pretty touristy area with big ass crowds. The wheel is 175 feet high, which made it the tallest one in the West Coast when it opened. A unique thing is that it's over water, so you spin over Elliott Bay. It was opened in 2012 and has been popular ever since. Has these climate controlled gondolas. The wheel rotates a few times. Has to be one of the things a tourist does around here. It's open daily but can close when there's not enough riders. This is located pretty close to many other popular attractions like Pike Place Market and whatever.

It's a wheel, what can I say?? $20 per person to go around a wheel like 5 or 6 times and I seriously had a blast! Everyone should get on it once while visiting Seattle. They have drinks and snacks you can purchase on your way to the wheel and have awesome music playing leading up to the ride. I love that its such a gorgeous view of the entire city when you're on it. I would even do it again. Loved it.

Always love a good Ferris wheel, and this one is a good pick. Right at the edge of Piet 57, you'll get beautiful views over the water and of downtown Seattle. Each gondola is per party, so if you're only a group of two, you don't have to worry about anyone being sat with you. Tickets are a little pricey at about $23 after fees - so it can definitely add up if you have a larger group. Best time to go? Plan for sunset. You'll get all the views with the bonus of seeing it bathed in the setting sun. Absolutely beautiful.

Came here with some friends and that's the only reason I'd do something touristy like this because it's pricey at around $22 or $24 (I can't remember which). Nice views and if you're with friends, it's a nice, fun way to take in some of the scenery. The line moves pretty quickly and even though you get just three rotations, it lasts a while because of the loading and off loading. The wheel moves slowly and usually I don't like rides that are suspended in the air, but the slowness of the rotation helped me to relax. Each car has two benches, so one faces the water, the other the city and both offer nice views. If you want to see both sides, but trade seats so you get a chance to shoot both views. We went on a clear day with some clouds a little after sunset and it was still pretty.

Enjoyed every bit of the great wheel: the view was breathtaking , nice view of the entire city . Highly recommended

A real pretty view at night! The staff is a bunch of teenagers which was so nostalgic for me. They definitely didn't want to be working on a Friday night, but they did their job. No one fell out of our their seats. Lol The seats inside of the spheres are compact and you'll be really cozy with your friends or family because it's a small space. Overall fun activity and awesome views.

First time coming to Seattle so of course I wanted to do the Great Wheel! It's $20 per person for adults and they have a bar so you can bring a drink on the wheel with you but you have to finish it before coming off the wheel. You get to go around three times and the views are so pretty. I thought it was nice and worth it!

This was my first time on a ferris wheel and I had such a fun time! My colleagues and purposefully dined at The Fisherman Restaurant because it was directly next to this Seattle Great Wheel so that we could ride it after dinner. Prices: Adult 12-64: $18 Youth 3-11: $13 Senior 65+: $16 Child 0-2: Free VIP: $50 I thought $18 was a bit steep, but was happy that we got to ride a total of 4 loops. We had a very nice view of Seattle at night time with all the pretty lights. This was the highlight of my trip to Seattle! Definitely check it out!

Since we had time to kill, we decided to get on the Great Wheel. It was $18 per person and it goes around 3-4 times. Definitely worth experiencing if you have the time. If you get lucky with the weather, it's a nice spot to catch the sunset. I also liked that the cabins are enclosed which I guess makes sense since it rains often in Seattle

We went at sunset and would recommend. We could see Mt Rainier so clearly! They said Mt Rainier is really only viewable a quarter of the year. We go so lucky. We had a great sunset! They let us go around an extra time.

Cool activity to do if you want to kill some time. Tickets are $20 per adult. The ride is pretty short so I think it's a bit overpriced but totally worth it if you're visiting and want to catch some views. There's also a bar at the bottom of the wheel where you can purchase drinks.

Fun stop to kill some time down by the market. Gives you a good chance to see some sights while resting your legs. Not super expensive, not much of a wait.

Just in town and stopped by the pier windy day here today. You need to pay for parking wherever you go. $18 for the ferris wheel. Nice place to walk around.

Visited on a Sunday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by the short wait time--under 5 minutes for tickets and boarding. The price is reasonable at $20 per adult and $15 for youths. The ride was smooth, the gondola was clean, and the views were nice, though I wished it went a bit higher to capture more of Seattle's cityscape elevation. The ride lasted around 10 minutes, but a longer duration would've been ideal. Overall, a decent activity if you're in the area, but not necessarily a must-do.

Pretty fun little wheel. I'll call it little, because I am from Las Vegas. Still, real neat to go over the water like they do. The cabins are very small, only enough to comfortably seat four adults. Your average height adult cannot stand up in the cabin. It was nice and cool outside, but the sun was beating through the cabin with no air conditioning, so it got pretty hot. There are some tiny windows at the top that say open for emergency ventilation. So, I did, even though I didn't feel it was an emergency, I merely wanted to be comfortable. However, even with those vents open, it still got kind of warm in there. I'm talking about mid-April! I can't even imagine how it is during the summer. I don't think I would want to try.

I had such a fun time at the great wheel. My friend and I came to Seattle for the weekend and immediately did this once we got into the city. It's 20$ per person which is a bit overpriced but it's a fun experience. Definitely a tourist trap but so cute for couples or families with little kids. We were anticipating a line but when we got there we barely had to wait. I would estimate the whole ride was maybe 15 minutes. Great ocean/city views but skip if you're looking to save money or have limited time and need to prioritize other attractions during your trip.

I have been to Seattle many times and always admired The Seattle Great Wheel from afar. So when we planned another trip back to the Pacific Northwest, we made it a point to check it out. The line wasn't long and the weather was ideal for the day! The Great Wheel is located at the waterfront of Elliot Bay, just behind the iconic Pikes Place Market. There was a lot of construction when we were there so you had to work your way through the construction zone to get to the booth. The cost to ride The Great Wheel wasn't bad at all, considering how comfortable the ride was and how long you'd be on it. We paid $18 per person for a view of the bay! Not bad at all! As we walked down the path to The Great Wheel, we were in awe as to how big it was. Each car is equipped with bench seats that can accommodate 4 people. Each car on the Ferris wheel is enclosed in heavy duty glass/plastic allowing for a clear view for the duration of your ride. Also, what I really liked was that they had ac blowing on you from time to time and that there was a small opening on top. This ensured that fresh air was always flowing through! As the ferris wheel began its rotation, we noticed how smooth the ride was. The cars were stable, not swaying or giving any feeling of instability. The blue, clear skies made visibility ideal as we could see The Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the skyline of Seattle. The sun reflected off of the ocean as boats cruised by. You could even catch a whiff of the ocean as a light breeze flowed through. Some people wonder if $18 is a lot for a ride on The Great Wheel. It was absolutely worth it because we made 4 rotations around the wheel and it was quite relaxing. The ride was slow enough for people to snap beautiful photos. It was just perfect all the way round! If you're in Seattle for business or pleasure, don't hesitate to go for a ride on The Great Wheel. As long as the weather is ideal, your ride should be enjoyable! We definitely want to go back for an evening ride on the ferris wheel because the city is so pretty at night.

Definitely a tourist attraction. It could be worth the price tag If you are into capturing touristy moments. I might want to invest in a boat ride instead. GLOWS: -There is a bar to get a drink before boarding the wheel. -Photo ops for purchase with various backgrounds to choose. I Didnt care for any of my pictures. GROWS: There was so much construction going on in the area, the view from the top wasn't that great. The wheel goes around a total of 3 times and then you just hang out waiting to get off... which is actually nice

We love the Great Wheel. We've been a few times, and every time is fun! The lights looked like they were malfunctioning before summer 2023, but they fixed them just in time for the holidays and until now. Ngl, I was scared to go up the first time since heights are a little scary for me, but after a few trips, I'm used to it. The attendants seem very young, but they're doing a great job! This last time, we had a few drinks at their bar stand and were able to take some beers to go in their collectible cups, it was a nice touch! I highly recommend going in a group, it's so fun! Will be back for date night next time.

Great experience! Why the five star rating for such a common tourist attraction? Here are a few reasons. 1) Risers are allowed to bring drinks aboard if purchased at the Seattle Great Wheel's bar located near the line. Drinks can be ordered while waiting in line and without loosing your place. Most Ferris Wheel attractions DO NOT allow drinks aboard (when comparing to specifically the one in Santa Monica, CA, and Chicago, IL). 2) The attraction was generally much cleaner and operated by friendlier staff. 3) Tickets were easy to purchase in person. Other things to know... there are NO Ferris Wheel cabins with clear floors, there is a total of 4 rotations, and the cabin has a table fixed within and perfect for 4 average sized passengers. More than 4 will get a bit cramped. Moreover, tickets are NOT available through CityPass purchases. Around the area, there are many picture opportunities of the Wheel when walking around the city.

The drink was $22.50 & they don't let you know that you have to drink it before leaving. We only went around 3 times in the wheel before the ride was over after spending $20 per ticket. The view was okay. Honestly coming from the Bay Area the ride wasn't worth the money but we did it as a tourist attraction.

Decent views, but only 4 slow trips around the wheel. Touristy, which makes us want to do it! Did it near sunset, so it was a nice time of day to see the suns reflection off the water and the buildings downtown.

We got back on the great wheel as we was waiting for the Aquarium. It was a fun ride but the only thing is we wasn't offered a photo but oh well we had fun on here and it killed time for us before we went to the Aquarium.

This was so cute, my bff and I decided to randomly come on a rainy Friday and it was so much fun . We had a drink before the ride . It was nice scenery even with all the construction and rain . I wish it had music though we had to blast our own classic of "back that azz up" for $18pp it was def a cute experience we even took a cute couples photo ahaha

In April we got the VIP gondola. It would of been helpful to have pre-ride instructions on how to program the sound system. Or it should come w/extra rotation since you spend 1 trip figuring out how to use it. Also the attendants didn't ask what size T-shirts or which pictures we wanted. When the ride was over, they just handed us a bag with 2 shirts & 2 pictures. We had no say in the selection. We did enjoy the ride through.

It's touristy but whatever. I'm a tourist. The views are very nice and the ride was super smooth. We got five revolutions and the entire ride probably lasted 15 min. It was very relaxing and I wouldn't have minded staying on longer. The line can be long. We probably waited about 20-25 minutes. The capsule is fairly small but it was nice inside and felt clean and secure. I've been on a few other wheels like this (I'm looking at you, Orlando) which weren't quite as nice. It's something to do once. I was happy with our experience.

The experience itself was great. Employees were super friendly. I just have a hard time understanding how spending $80 for a family of 4 for a 10 minute ride can be justified. The views are wonderful. You get 3 full rotations, which is nice, but it's quite a hit to the wallet.

This is nice but, you must try the Flyover Washington @20.00 the very best excitement and value. #1 attraction on the waterfront, beside the boat tours.

It is an amazing experience to sit in the great wheel. It is very pleasant to enjoy the views from varying height - one side is downtown and one side natural sunset.

I wanted to go on the great wheel when I visited Seattle. I am in a mobility scooter and didn't think I would be able to. These guys treated me so good. They took the time to get me onto the Wheel. They had a little ramp that allowed me to ride my scooter right into the the compartment. It was amazing! Super enjoyed the sunset during our ride. I had a great time.

All the times I've visited Seattle never got to try going on this but finally decided why not? The reason why was knowing the line would be horrendous. After planning which times would be best and less waiting, eventually i had good experience and being able to see Seattle from high up at night was beautiful! Now I definitely would like to go again but this time during the day.

Get your tickets on the website it's faster and easier Here is the Sight: tickets.minerslanding.com The line is long to purchase the tickets You can purchase drinks or head right in and wait in line. The drinks are pricy for a can of Cutwater, you get it in a nice cup though. Husband got a virgin slushy since he doesn't drink. They check ID's even if you don't drink. Both our drinks were $25 We waited in line for about 5 mins and the employees were friendly. We stopped a couple times but it kept going afterwards without interruption. Totally recommend if you are playing tourist and want to see the views

I am not a huge fan of Ferris wheels but this one wasn't too bad. I loved seeing the city and puget sound views from the top. They told us it would go around 3 times and we actually went around 5. The fifth time when we got to the very top they stopped us in assuming to let new people on. The pods rock but we were fortunate enough to have a pod to ourselves so we didn't have to worry too much about that. It was pretty pricey, I'm not entirely sure it's worth it but it was a fun one time experience with good views.

I really enjoyed the daytime ride for the views but honestly the night view would have been beautiful too! ( I saw it from a distance at night) A tourist attraction but one worth the experience. The music they put on before you get on the ferris wheel is also on point.. it's like bossa nova meets electropop. We bought our tickets online but you can easily buy them in person. Super clean as well.

Not as big as the one in London or Las Vegas but still a nice lil ride. You get to go around three times before having to get off. The line was quick. Buy online or in person. There's no discount for buying online.

This was a fun view of Seattle and definitely worth it. I would go right around sunset for the absolute best views! You are allowed to bring drinks (as long as you order them from this bar). Easy to purchase tickets Gorgeous photos Friendly staff IG: QueenOfAdventureNYC

It's a ferris wheel... Night time was cool and probably not so scary for people scared of heights. There is a heater inside so you don't freeze in this weather we get here. Not sure how it is in the rain. We had 6 people with us and it was a pretty snug fit. Maybe one day in the summer time we can convince these people scared of heights to go.

The thing about this is that you aren't going to have anything more than a Ferris wheel but the benefit of that is that you get a really wonderful view of the city and you spend a good deal of time on it. If you don't mind the 20 dollars, it's a really nice visual experience if you are in the area!

We got off our cruise ship and needed to kill a few hours before our flight, so this was one of the things that we did. The nice thing is you can buy tickets but they are good for a year, so you don't have to use them right away. This is fairly close to Pike Place Market (a little under 10 min walk), so we were able to buy the tickets, go do a couple things at Pike Place, and then head back here to catch a ride. There was a crowd but it was only a 10 minute wait to get on, so it wasn't bad. They do let you drink in line and on the cart, but the beers are $12 (yikes) and you have to finish it once you leave the pod. So, it might not be worth it. They were fine with regular non-alcoholic beverages, so no worries if you got your water bottle handy like me! The ride itself is cool. We got a pod by ourselves (just me and my husband) so we were able to see the city and the water by switching sides. We could even see our cruise ship that hadn't left yet for the next crowd, so that was pretty cool. You go around 3 times and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Since I live in Vegas, it's hard not to compare this to High Roller, which costs slightly more, but is longer. I think this worked well for our limited schedule, and you can see quite a bit. I feel like the High Roller is a little more of an experience, and you can do it at night. So I think it depends on how much time you need to kill. The weather was pretty nice in Seattle when we rode the wheel, but I wouldn't recommend it if the weather is crappy.

A beautiful way to see the city and the water. I've been on the wheel in the daytime and at night and enjoyed both trips immensely. The line was expectedly longer for the daytime ride in the summer, but moves at nice pace as many folx can get on the wheel at the same time. You get to go around a few times, definitely long enough to appreciate the view and spend a little qt with your special someone.

Seattles Great Wheel, a must on your to do list. I went with my bestie at night so we can see the great view of Seattle. The wheel goes around 3-4 times. The ticket prices are $19 for general. But, they also offer the Vip experience with a table for a little more. Definately fun experience. Would highly recommend!

I was able to take pictures of Seattle's great wheel but I was unable to ride it. We had so much going that day... will try next time

One of the most touristy things in Seattle. I won't go as far as to say it's overrated but manage your expectations. I visited and checked the box, though better options indeed exist. It's a giant Ferris wheel with water, waterfront, and city views. You go around two times (maybe three?) and then once more with stops to let out other passengers, and eventually you. ~ The view is good but doesn't hold a candle to the Space Needle. There are other observatories also that I'm confident have better vistas.

I love this stop! My guy and I go for impromptu date fun and make full use of the dock's curiosities; carousel, waterside bar, ice cream, cotton candy, jt almost feels like a scene out of Big. The wheel is Huge! And it feels like you actually go around enough times to make it worthwhile. One of my fav Seattle stops.

OK, so there is literally nothing 'wrong' with this attraction, but for me it wasn't exactly what I expected. Stand in one line to buy tickets. Then stand in a separate line to get into the enclosed car. They play upbeat music to get you in a fun mood while waiting your turn. We took the ride with a person who does not in any way like heights. They had decided, in the company of persons they trust, to face their fear and plunge in. Good golly. The fear was real, and honestly, I was putting on a happy face to try to keep them calm 'cause I did not really like this ride and I have been on plenty of these wheels before. It's very similar to a standard carnival Ferris wheel only in an enclosed car. Seattle, is quite windy right there on the waterfront. While the car is moving around the circuit, you don't really notice the car is rocking too much, but once the wheel stops to load/unload, it rocks in the wind. That. Sucks. There *is* an emergency button you can push to get off the ride so if you are not sure this is for you, they do give you an out which is very reassuring. The views from the top are pretty good. The seats are OK. For a fee they have a car with super comfy high back seating. Maybe that car would feel safer? We went around three full turns before they began to unload at the three and half turn point. This is where we got to 'enjoy' the rocking in the wind. (I was just hoping we would be getting off soon and tried to be chill) I was so happy to get off this ride. It just did not give me a sense of well being, but that's just me. It was different than the other similar experience I have been on. Not as 'sturdy'. While it was moving around it was fine. You can still feel the wind pushing on the cars, but when it stopped to unload. . . I was not a fan of the wind rocking the car. Maybe choose a calm day if you are unsure. I'm here to tell the tale, so it's all good.