What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: The wheel offers affordable single tickets, short wait, solo riders can get private gondola seats, panoramic photos, and waterfront access makes it an easy, flexible stop for lone travelers.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows one 12-minute gondola ride and time to explore the pier walk and LED show without hurry.
Standard Gondola Ride:
Ride alone in a climate-controlled gondola with views of Elliott Bay and downtown.
Tip: Buy your ticket early to avoid lines and pick a window seat for best views.
LED Night Light Show:
Watch the Wheel’s LED light display from the pier at night.
Tip: Visit Fri–Sun 8–10pm for the full color show and find a bench near the railing.
Photography Session:
Use the slow rotation to capture skyline and waterfront shots.
Tip: Bring a small tripod or brace your camera on the gondola wall to steady your shot.
Miner’s Landing Stroll:
Walk the pier before or after your ride to see ferries and Olympic Mountains.
Tip: Head north along Alaskan Way on clear days for the best mountain views.

Andrew Hansen
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 e...
Ajit Kumar K
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 experien...
Marcin Przeworski
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 tr...
Casey Grady
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.
Tabitha Heckman.
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!
Arrive pre-sunset in summer for day-to-night views. In winter, gondolas stay warm, but dress in layers for the pier. Catch full LED shows Fri–Sun 8–10pm.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Gondola Ticket | USD 17 |
| Coffee or Snack | USD 7 |
| Total Estimated | USD 24 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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