11 Best Things to Do in Seattle

It’s safe to say that, when you think of Seattle, you probably picture the Space Needle. Recently renovated with a revolving glass floor, the Needle is now even more architecturally impressive, with visitors able to experience 360-degree views and look 520 feet downwards through glass panels.

You can find a bench and take a picture of the glorious Seattle skyline, from an incredible 184 meters high. The gorgeous city vistas are just as spectacular at night as they are in the day. Don’t forget to stop by the restaurant to combine those views with the finest of Seattle dining.

Containing 20 piers, the Seattle Waterfront is a tourist hotspot and its attractions and views across Elliott Bay to the Olympic Mountains make visiting a must. There are plenty of souvenir shops here, which are perfect for finding something for the home or as gifts. The walk from Pike Place Market towards the Olympic Sculpture Park takes you past Seattle’s Great Wheel, which has nice views of the city, depending on the weather.

If your interest lies in exploring more of Elliott Bay, there is a harbor cruise from Pier 55 that offers a ride along the bay, with a guide adding details about the maritime history of Seattle. You might even glimpse a whale.

A large historic shopping complex, Pike Place Market boasts delicious seafood and is home to Seattle’s original farmers’ market. It’s worth picking up a coffee on your way at the world’s first Starbucks and snapping a picture of the vintage storefront.

Throughout the market itself you’ll find seafood galore, with stalls dedicated to the freshest clams, salmon, and crab. Stalls selling artisan food and handcrafted jewelry and wares usually open around mid-morning, and you’ll be sure to find quirky giftshops and cozy bookstores. If you’re not up for a little seafood in the morning, grab a buttery almond croissant from Le Panier or delicious carrot napa tofu dumplings from the Seattle Dumpling Co.

Truly a must-do in the Emerald City, the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park holds impressive artworks by contemporary A-list artists such as Alexander Calder and Louise Bourgeois. The sculptures stand in 9 acres of parkland adjacent to the Puget Sound with the Space Needle and the Olympic Mountains as a spectacular backdrop. 

A special nod goes to Jaume Plensa’s mesmerizing Echo, which is a 46-foot-high head that gazes towards the Olympic Mountains. No matter the weather, the park should be visited, especially since it’s free. 

The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a museum experience quite different to most others. It looks at the different times when risk-taking among society has resulted in new trends and pop culture as we know it today. The museum is very much interactive and depends on its visitors to engage with the exhibits and collections.

Starting from the rock ‘n’ roll movement, it looks at pivotal pop culture icons such as Jimi Hendrix, who is a Seattle native, the Marvel Universe, and game revolutions amongst many others. It’s definitely a place that makes you think about what drives our world today.

The Fremont Troll is an icon of Seattle that’s linked to Norway. The unique sculpture lies under the George Washington Memorial Bridge and finds its roots in the Norwegian folklore that depicts a troll living under a bridge. The sculpture is a unique landmark in the city as it’s located in an unusual spot just off the freeway.

The Troll lives in the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe, Fremont. This quirky, counter-cultural area houses some of the best coffee shops in Seattle; Fremont Coffee Company and Milstead & Co. are particular favorites. The Sunday farmers’ market stretches to Ballard and is a very pleasant way to spend your afternoon once you’ve finished checking out this very photogenic troll.

On one of Seattle’s rainy days, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a wonderful source of color and cheer. A fascinating exhibition of local glass sculptor Dave Chihuly, the venue showcases his best work. Like something out of a dream, the gardens are filled with vibrant and striking colors, and each plant was carefully chosen to perfectly complement the art.

A mixture of indoor and outdoor exhibits, each display is unique and memorable in its own way. The 8 galleries show the artist’s avant-garde approach to glasswork, while the true showstopper is the 40-foot-tall fiery sculpture inside the Glasshouse. The gift shop should not be missed either should you want a replica of Chihuly’s work for yourself.

The charming neighborhood of Ballard is one of the most interesting parts of Seattle. Norwegians chose to settle here because of its salmon fishing opportunities, and the Nordic influence in the area can still be strongly felt today. The historic Ballard Avenue houses a stream of boutiques, cafes, and nightlife spots. Ballard Coffee Works’ craft espresso blends are worth a stop.

To experience what initially attracted the Nordics years ago, head over to the Ballard Locks. During salmon season, you can watch the fish jumping out of the canal, and you may even be able to see salmon battling the current if you look towards the ladders. Nearby, Golden Gardens Park offers a stunning sunset from its waterfront.

Lake Union is an urban oasis that attracts people from around the city who need a quick escape. Seattle in summer is a marvelous sight, and it’s made all the better by this sparkling, giant lake in the middle of the city. This freshwater lake can be explored by hiring an electric boat, or kayak if you’re more adventurous.

While soaking up the sunshine, admire Seattle’s breathtaking skyline. Don’t miss a visit to Gas Works Park, an old gasification plant that’s been repurposed into a steampunk-style playground. For a memorable occasion, you can even book a seaplane tour, which takes you around the city and offers stunning views of Seattle’s scenery.

Seattle has countless beautiful parks to offer, and Woodland Park can easily make the top 5. Woodland is a magical zoological garden that is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. One side of the park features a skate park, BBQ sites, and lovely open areas that are perfect for games of soccer or other sports in the summer.

The other side of Woodland Park houses over 800 animals, including some of the world’s most endangered species. From African lions and one-horned rhinos to Malayan tapirs and Saki monkeys, they’re all waiting to meet you. Families will love the Zoomazium, an indoor playground of interactive exhibits and sensory experiences.

Come to Belltown and you’ll find young crowds heading toward the hottest clubs and bars. This lively neighborhood has hosted many noteworthy musicians and is still the home of the city’s indie music scene. Independent music venue The Crocodile has seen bands like Nirvana, R.E.M., and Cheap Trick grace its stage.

Though filled with high-rise condos, affordable accommodations in this area attract backpackers and budget travelers. Look out for street vendors selling their wares outside the bars and try a legendary Seattle dog. This famous variation on a typical American hot dog adds fried onions and cream cheese, which will sound especially enticing after a night of bar-hopping.