The first thing visitors to Seattle will notice is the thin, futuristic-looking tower that soars above the other skyscrapers in the city skyline.Measuring 184 metres in height, the Space Needle was built as the showpiece of the 1962 World’s Fair that was held in the city and it has become an icon of the Emerald City. Its unique design has been compared to a flying saucer from outer space balanced on an irregular set of legs!Surrounded by the grounds of the Seattle Center, the tower attracts millions of visitors a year, drawn by the promise of dizzying heights and unbeatable views. “The Needle” is just a 1.6 kilometre walk from the city centre but a popular way to get there is on the Monorail, which departs Westlake Center mall at Fifth Avenue every 10 minutes and will bring you right to the base of the giant structure.The Space Needle elevator will whisk you up to the top in a matter of seconds. The views from above are naturally pretty impressive but if you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear day then you’ll get a 360 degree panorama of the city, surrounding waterways and looming Mount Rainer that will take your breath away. There are free telescopes around the observation area too if you want to get a closer look at the city’s sights.Book a table at the Sky City Restaurant for some high-altitude fine dining. Down below, the Seattle Centre has lovely green areas, a fountain and plenty of street vendors to keep the kids happy. There’s also the nearby Pacific Science Center and Willard Smith Planetarium for a fun and informative few hours and if you get peckish, the Center House has a huge food court. There’s also a gift shop on site to pick up some souvenirs of your visit. The Space Needle is open all year round.