Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space within the United States. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides guests limitless issues to see and do.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even in case you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend trip, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most of the sights in nature or within the metropolis. There’s no scarcity of nice locations to go to in Seattle.
I’ve been to cities throughout my house nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and plenty of extra), and after residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few occasions, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly amongst my favorites.
This put up was up to date to incorporate new Seattle sights and actions for 2023.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the prime issues to do in Seattle together with a lot of sensible data that will help you plan an important journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and has the Olympic Mountains to the west and Cascades to the east, making for some postcard-worthy surroundings round each nook.
Sadly, it’s true that it rains very often right here. Don’t let it rain in your parade, although — there are tons of nice museums and different indoor actions to maintain you busy when it will get a bit moist. There are many issues to do in Seattle when it rains.
Seattle can also be well-known for its music and sports activities. The grunge period began right here with bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, and it’s now a hub for indie music and underground hip-hop.
Seattle sports activities followers are a number of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering help for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders.
It truly is wonderful how one can get pleasure from all of the facilities of an enormous metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Finest Issues To Do in Seattle
Right here’s my record of the highest 15 issues to do and locations to go to in Seattle. After residing within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many occasions over time, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for one of the best Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
Surely, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Honest, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The remark deck is 520 toes (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see your entire metropolis together with pure wonders akin to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t let you know what number of occasions I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the Area Needle has at all times been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some critical renovations.
A latest multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground on the earth. Additionally they added wall-to-ceiling glass and the brand new Skyrisers, that are tilting glass benches that present for some unreal views of town.
The Space Needle is open every day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $34-37.50 for adults and $25-30 for youngsters. This is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you’ll be able to see the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Handle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Center. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you could possibly simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime Seattle sights you’ll discover right here is the International Fountain. At totally different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an important present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also be house to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and way more right here. This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d deliver guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s way more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the wonderful Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s at all times free to go to.
Along with all of the totally different sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health courses, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely test their event calendar to see what’s occurring.
Handle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work may be seen in over 200 museums all over the world.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however make sure to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll undoubtedly need to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour afterward the weekend.
Tickets price $30-35 for adults and $19-21 for youngsters. Entrance to the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is included within the Seattle CityPass, on this 3-hour “highlights tour” of Seattle, or this ticket which incorporates the Area Needle as effectively.
Lastly, in case you choose to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make certain to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Handle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be part of a Meals Tour
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your manner throughout town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.
Alongside the best way, you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling all the wonderful meals on supply.
One other strong choice that I’ve gone on a number of occasions is the Pike Place Market Walking Food tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Becoming a member of a meals tour is without doubt one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must be in your record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often known as the EMP (Expertise Music Undertaking), the Museum of Pop Culture is without doubt one of the greatest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need to take a while to admire the beautiful constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture referred to as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You’ll be able to even channel your interior rockstar of their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers of their On Stage space.
That’s not all, although. MoPop additionally has reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, way more.
I’ve been to a variety of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. You should definitely add it to your record of cool issues to do in Seattle.
MoPOP is open Monday-Friday from 10 AM-6 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM-6 PM. Tickets price round $35 for adults and $21 for youngsters.
Entrance tickets to MoPOP are included within the Seattle CityPass. Click here to get instructions.
Handle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: Probably the most well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the best way again to 1907, this is without doubt one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in america.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off the most effective Seattle sights. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as effectively!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you just’ll need to be sure to come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of procuring luggage to take house with me.
Along with the farmers’ market and crafts market, there are 80 eating places and over 200 distinctive retailers. With so many choices, it may be a bit intimidating, however for positive it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s way more than only a market, truly. It’s a neighborhood with a lot of glorious initiatives, akin to a senior heart, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some additional love, pay a go to to Rachel the Piggybank. Rub her snout and make a donation, and legend has it you’ll have good luck.
The market is simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you’ll be able to come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in case you’re an early riser.
Head over to their website to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. Yow will discover Pike Place Market on the map here.
Handle: 85 Pike Road, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the following spot on my record of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to take a seat down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 totally different platforms the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get a fair higher take a look at the environment. You should definitely try the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience on the Seattle Great Wheel. This big Ferris wheel is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-11 PM and Sunday from 10 AM-10 PM.
Tickets price $16 for adults and $11 for teenagers. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.
Waterfront Park is a good spot to unwind after an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s situated between Pier 57 and 59. Click here to get instructions.
Handle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If in case you have some additional time in Seattle, contemplate doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an energetic stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park. That is my private favourite spot for mountaineering within the space.
This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m), and within the nationwide park, you’ll discover quite a few actions on supply, together with mountaineering, tenting and mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. In the course of the winter months, you’ll be able to commerce your mountaineering boots for present footwear and nonetheless benefit from the trails.
The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.
Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To be taught extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click here.
Should you’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, check out this fun tour! Get pleasure from a hike within the park, an natural picnic outdoors, and wine tastings at native vineyards. In fact, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Study extra here.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle seems to be nice on land, it seems to be even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well one of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for cruising vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways. On these journeys, I’ve noticed quite a few sea birds, seals, and even dolphins.
On the funds finish, you’ll be able to merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant option to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are an important alternative for Seattle sightseeing.
They’ve seven totally different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbor the place you’ll get pleasure from a completely narrated journey, wonderful views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier.
A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityPass in case you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly one of the stunning Seattle sights to go to. It’s my go-to alternative for a quiet afternoon.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a residing assortment of crops. It’s a primary instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a extremely popular time to go to the park due to the azaleas which might be in bloom. Come right here within the fall and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry timber, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open every day from daybreak to nightfall and is without doubt one of the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of totally different excursions and courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their website for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s effectively price it to pay the doorway charge for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for youngsters). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you may also get pleasure from a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!
Click here to get instructions to the arboretum. The Japanese Backyard is within the southwest nook of the park. You should definitely add a cease right here to your record of locations to go to in Seattle.
Handle: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will need to expertise the Seattle Art Museum, which truly consists of three totally different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the important museum, you’ll discover a formidable assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s recognized for its intensive collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 totally different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, you may also pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s situated only a mile away (click here for instructions), so it’s straightforward to go to each. As soon as an industrial website, it’s now a free public park stuffed with distinctive sculptures.
The artwork museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday-Sunday. It’s closed on Tuesday however stays open till 9 PM on Thursday.
Tickets are $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for students and youths ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and beneath. Should you occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click here for instructions.
Handle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
Should you’re excited by air and area, you’ll need to embody the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with 1000’s of artifacts and pictures.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so it is a good thing to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly ceaselessly!).
A significant spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a formidable assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Power One. You’ll be able to even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating reveals to take a look at, which change ceaselessly. Click here to view a listing of present reveals and see what’s arising.
For these airplane fanatics, you may also go to the Boeing Future of Flight on the Boing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and the most effective factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an important and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing unit with an area information and see planes at numerous levels of meeting. Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the reveals and shows.
The Museum of Flight is open every day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets price $25 for adults and $16 for youngsters.
On the primary Thursday of each month, the museum stays open from 5-9 PM and it’s completely free to enter. Click here to purchase your tickets on-line for the most effective Seattle sights. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map here.
Handle: 9404 East Marginal Means S., Seattle, WA 98108, United States
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Folks in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, and so they categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In truth, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a specific playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Field. The stadium can also be house to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out house video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. Should you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for an excellent time.
In the course of the summer season months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s an excellent likelihood they’ll be on the town in case you’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL team, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it obtained began later that yr.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many glorious inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the biggest park in Seattle and is house to round 12 miles of wonderful trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest guess is to start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by means of the middle of the park and branches out to different trails in case you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some unimaginable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, click here for instructions. It’s undoubtedly one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is effectively well worth the effort to succeed in.
Handle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my record of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is without doubt one of the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that had been constructed on prime after the Great Fire of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting again to the Eighteen Nineties. I can nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and reasonably priced at $29. This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t need to miss. Click here to be taught extra concerning the tour.
FAQs About Seattle
Solutions to a few of your ceaselessly requested questions on visiting Seattle.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle! Whether or not you’re into nature, museums, meals, or sports activities, there’s one thing for you. The highest enjoyable actions are day-tripping to Mt. Rainer for some mountaineering and epic views, testing the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to stay music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the Area Needle. This ticket consists of the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That manner, you’ll be able to spend a full time out at Mt. Rainer, and one other day having fun with a lazy day on the waterfront and at Pike Place Market. Different days could possibly be spent testing the principle sights (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and at last, your final full day could possibly be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals you must attempt in Seattle, lots of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you must attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup). Take a look at this post for extra.
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods outdoors of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is important.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a number of the many fascinating issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more occurring within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you may also reap the benefits of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a couple of hours, you will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d fairly go visit a waterfall or soak in a scorching spring. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months residing in Seattle and plenty of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled one of the best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply. Should you’ve been there and have an important advice for what to do in Seattle, please depart a remark under.
*Photos on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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