Planning a trip to Washington’s Emerald City? Look no further! Here are my picks for the best things to do in Seattle.
I’ve spent some time in Seattle, even choosing the city one year to celebrate my anniversary. While Seattle has mostly gained its reputation as a rainy city, the start of Starbucks, and the Space Needle, there’s plenty more to this popular place (like the icky, but cool gum wall!). And here are 30 of them. I’ve included all my favorite spots and more that you’ll love to help plan your trip to Seattle.
Short on time? Here are my recommendations for the best things to do and hotels:
Where I Stayed and Recommend
- Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center Seattle ($$, where I stayed!), best location for walking to the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle ($$$$), best for couple’s luxury
- The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown ($$$$), best choice in Belltown neighborhood
- The State Hotel ($$$), best for a downtown location
- Populus Seattle ($$$$), for the best contemporary hotel
- Hotel Sorrento ($$), for the best budget-friendly stay
Things to Do in Seattle Washington
- Evening Colors Sunset Sail Tour in Seattle
- Pike Place Market Tasting Tour
- Seattle City Highlights Tour
- Mt. Rainier National Park Highlights Tour
➞ Note: For the best attraction prices and deals grab a City Pass where you can save almost half on 5 Seattle attractions.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Seattle Washington Trip:
Planning a trip to Seattle? Start with my How to Spend One Day in Seattle (for First-Timers) if you’re short on time, or pair your city visit with The Ultimate Solo 3-Day Itinerary for Bellevue, WA for a more relaxed Pacific Northwest getaway. If you have a few extra days, don’t miss my 4-Day Roadtrip: Seattle to Olympic National Park, which takes you through charming waterfront towns, scenic ferry rides, and one of Washington’s most spectacular national parks.
Quick Tips for Planning Your Seattle Trip
Getting Around Seattle
Getting around Seattle is easy thanks to its excellent public transportation. The Link light rail, taxis and buses make it simple to explore popular neighborhoods and attractions without a car. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available for added convenience.
If you plan to take day trips to places like Mount Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park, renting a car is a good option. My favorite place to check the best pricing for car rentals is on Expedia.
Best Time to Visit Seattle
The best time to visit Seattle is from June through September, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing. These months offer the clearest skies, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor attractions. The other months will have less crowds, but may be cold, cloudy and rainy.
How Many Days Do You Need in Seattle
Three to four days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Seattle. This gives you enough time to visit iconic attractions like Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront, explore neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, and enjoy museums or a ferry ride. You’ll also have time for a day trip to nearby mountains, islands, or national parks, making for a well-rounded Seattle experience without feeling rushed.
The Best Things to do in Seattle
Take a Harbor Cruise
If you’re looking for a different way to see Seattle, then I’d recommend seeing the city from the water on a Harbor Cruise. There’s something about viewing Seattle from Elliott Bay that gives you a completely different perspective. You’ll cruise past the downtown skyline, the bustling waterfront, working shipping terminals, and, on a clear day, even catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier in the distance.
The narrated cruise lasts about an hour, making it an easy activity to fit into your day. Along the way, you’ll learn about Seattle’s maritime history, its working waterfront, and the landmarks you’re passing, so it’s more than just a boat ride.
Visit Chihuly Garden And Glass
Even if you don’t consider yourself an art museum person, I think Chihuly Garden And Glass has a way of winning people over. Located at Seattle Center, this stunning exhibit showcases the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly through a series of immersive galleries, vibrant outdoor gardens, and one truly unforgettable Glasshouse.
What I love most is that every room feels completely different. One moment you’re admiring delicate, intricate glass pieces, and the next you’re standing beneath massive installations that seem almost impossible to create by hand. The Glasshouse is the showstopper. A 100-foot-long sculpture in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows stretches overhead beneath a soaring glass ceiling.
Outside, colorful glass sculptures are woven among the plants and flowers in a way that feels thoughtful rather than overdesigned. If your timing works out, stay for the live glassblowing demonstration.
TIP: Book Chihuly tickets here or save a little money by booking the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket.
Grab Cocktails at a Speakeasy
What’s more fun than having a drink to relax after a day full of exploring the city? Having that drink in a secret spot only the selected few know about! And Seattle sure has numerous of these joints; although they may not actually be as secret any more as they were once upon a time, they may still be tricky to get into unless you know the secret way how to. Here are my picks for some of the best:
Day Trip to The Woodinville Wine Country
If you love wine as much as I do, make time to escape the city for an afternoon. Just over 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, Woodinville Wine Country is home to around 130 wineries and tasting rooms.
When friends ask where to start, I usually recommend JM Cellars, Latta Wines, DeLille Cellars, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery (Washington’s oldest winery). Or for a super easy experience, just pop onto the Woodinville wine tasting tour from Seattle that takes you on a mix of large and boutique wineries.
Leave a Deposit at Gum Wall
I’ll admit it. The first time someone told me about Seattle’s Gum Wall, I thought it sounded completely disgusting. Then I visited, and somehow it became one of my favorite quirky stops in the city. Hidden in Post Alley beneath Pike Place Market, the wall is covered with thousands upon thousands of colorful pieces of chewing gum that visitors have been adding for decades.
Every time I’m in Seattle, I add my own little contribution. On my most recent visit, it was a piece of sugar-free peppermint gum that I proudly pressed onto the wall before snapping a few photos. It’s a silly tradition, but that’s exactly why I love it.
*If you forget to bring gum, don’t worry. Ghost Alley Espresso next door sells it, so you can officially leave your own tiny mark on Seattle history.
Check Out the Fish at The Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium sits right on Elliott Bay, it’s home to ten different exhibits and welcomes nearly a million visitors every year. Beyond simply displaying sea creatures, the aquarium focuses on educating visitors about ocean conservation and the impact we all have on protecting marine ecosystems, which makes the experience feel much more meaningful.
I especially like attractions that are entertaining while also teaching me something new, and this one does exactly that.
Don’t forget to purchase a Seattle CityPASS® in advance to save almost half on five top Seattle attractions, including the aquarium!
Explore Pike Place Market
If it’s your first visit to Seattle, Pike Place Market should be one of the first places you explore. I’ve visited several times, and every trip feels different. One visit, I completely missed the famous flying fish. On another, I finally watched the fishmongers toss salmon through the air three times in a row. Sometimes travel reminds you that a little patience pays off.
Come hungry because you’ll be tempted at every turn. My must-stops include Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for their famous mac and cheese and crispy breadzel, Hellenika Cultured Creamery for marionberry gelato, Tiny’s Organic for fresh apple cider, and Chukar Cherries for chocolate-covered cherries. If you’re still hungry, grab a beef piroshky from Piroshky Piroshky or a bowl of clam chowder from Pike’s Place Chowder. If food is one of the reasons you travel, I recommend taking the Pike Place chef guided food tour that has 9 stops.
See The Pretty Snoqualmie Falls
If you have time for a short trip outside the city, Snoqualmie Falls is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Less than an hour from Seattle, this stunning 270-foot waterfall attracts more than a million visitors each year, and it doesn’t take long to understand why.
The viewing areas are easy to access, making this an excellent option even if you aren’t looking for a strenuous hike. While you’re there, take time to browse the gift shop or enjoy the views near the Salish Lodge.
You can easily drive to Snoqualmie Falls, but there’s also some great tours that will take you there from Seattle. I recommend the Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour or the Snoqualmie falls and Twin Falls Hike
Day Trip to Olympic National Park
If you have an extra day in your itinerary, I can’t recommend a trip to Olympic National Park enough. Covering nearly a million acres, it’s one of those places where every turn seems to reveal another incredible landscape. From rugged Pacific coastline to lush rainforest trails, the scenery feels completely different from what you’ll experience in downtown Seattle.
To reach the popular rain forest part of the park, the drive can take more than three hours, so renting a car is the easiest option if you want the flexibility to explore at your own pace. If driving isn’t practical, just book the Olympic National Park Small-Group Tour that will pick you up at your hotel.
Tour The Museum of Flight
Even if you don’t consider yourself an aviation enthusiast, the Museum of Fligh has a way of drawing you in. It’s one of the country’s largest collections dedicated to air and space, with more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft on display. Walking among these historic machines gives you a real sense of how quickly aviation has evolved over the years.
Some of the highlights include a retired Concorde, the original Air Force One used by U.S. presidents, and a NASA Space Shuttle trainer.
Take The Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Sometimes the journey is just as memorable as the destination, and that’s exactly how I feel about taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. As soon as the boat leaves the dock, you’re treated to beautiful views of Seattle’s skyline with the surrounding mountains.
Once you arrive, slow the pace down and explore the island on foot. Wander through the downtown shops, stop for lunch (I loved Hi-Life) and see the giant troll sculpture known as Pia the Peacekeeper.
Check out my 4-day Seattle to Olympic National Park road trip that includes a stop at Bainbridge Island and shares a few things to do there.
Pet The Felines at Neko Cat Cafe
I’ll be honest. Even though I prefer dogs, it’s almost impossible for me to walk past a cat café without wanting to go inside, and NEKO Cat Cafe is one that’s absolutely worth visiting. Beyond serving as a cozy place to relax, it provides a safe sanctuary for rescue cats while helping many of them find permanent homes through adoption.
Even if you aren’t planning to adopt a furry travel companion, spending time with the cats is surprisingly therapeutic after a busy day of sightseeing. There’s something calming about sitting with a cup of coffee while curious cats wander over to investigate you.
Go to The Top of the Space Needle
You simply can’t visit Seattle without seeing the Space Needle up close. Standing 605 feet tall, it’s the city’s most recognizable landmark and one of those attractions that lives up to the hype. I always recommend going all the way to the top because the panoramic views are what make the experience so memorable.
From the observation deck, you can admire downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, Lake Union, and, if the weather cooperates, the surrounding mountains that make the Pacific Northwest so beautiful.
➞ Note: this is another attraction where you can get a discount by purchasing the Seattle CityPASS® in advance!
Enjoy The Exhibits at The Museum of Pop Culture
Whether you’re passionate about music, movies, science fiction, or video games, the Museum of Pop Culture has a little bit of everything. Better known as MoPOP, it’s filled with interactive exhibits that celebrate the creative worlds many of us grew up loving. I especially enjoyed how hands-on many of the displays are, making the museum feel lively rather than simply educational.
Some of the most popular exhibits explore Seattle’s connection to Nirvana, while others dive into science fiction, fantasy, and other corners of pop culture. The collection changes regularly, so there’s usually something new to discover even if you’ve visited before.
If you’re planning to see several attractions around the city, purchasing a Seattle CityPASS® beforehand can also help you save money since MoPOP is included.
Pop by The Spheres
Even if you never step inside, The Spheres are worth seeing. These three giant glass domes were built by Amazon as an office space filled with plants from around the world, creating a peaceful oasis right in the middle of downtown Seattle.
If your trip falls on the first or third Saturday of the month, try to reserve a public tour well in advance because spots disappear quickly. If you can’t get inside, don’t feel disappointed. You can still admire the unique architecture from outside and visit the free Understory exhibit on the ground floor for a glimpse into the lush environment hidden inside the domes.
Go to The Seattle Art Museum
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to mix a little culture into your itinerary, set aside a couple of hours for the Seattle Art Museum. Better known as SAM, it’s home to more than 25,000 works of art spanning different countries, cultures, and time periods. One gallery might have works by Monet, while the next introduces you to contemporary artists like Barbara Earl Thomas, making every visit feel varied and engaging.
Throw Axes at Blade & Timber
Want to do something unique while in Seattle? Forget bowling, check throwing axes off your bucket list instead! Blade & Timber is an axe throwing facility with 18 lanes and a cooler full of beer. Don’t worry, you’ll get some expert training before taking to the target yourself. Then you can just directly aim for the bulls-eye or play one of the many fun axe throwing games like horse or landmine. I only hit the bulls-eye a couple of times but it was so much fun trying.
Visit Sky View Observatory
If panoramic views are your thing, don’t stop at the Space Needle. Seattle Sky View Observatory offers an entirely different perspective from nearly 1,000 feet above Seattle, making it the tallest public observatory in the Pacific Northwest. Standing this high above the city gives you an entirely new appreciation for just how beautiful Seattle’s setting really is.
One of my favorite parts is identifying landmarks from above. You’ll spot the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, the waterfront, and, on clear days, both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Mount Rainier often steals the show in the distance with its snow-covered peak rising above everything else. It’s also one of the best places to appreciate Seattle’s skyline as a whole, making it an excellent stop for photographers or anyone who simply enjoys taking in an incredible view.
Hike the Lighthouse Loop at Discovery Park
Whenever I need a break from busy city streets, Discovery Park is where I’d go. Covering more than 500 acres, it’s one of Seattle’s most peaceful places, with forests, open meadows, beaches, sea cliffs, sand dunes, and incredible views across Puget Sound toward the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. It’s hard to believe somewhere this quiet exists so close to downtown.
The Lighthouse Loop Trail is only about 2.8 miles long with very little elevation gain, making it an approachable hike even if you’re not an experienced hiker. I love that it takes you through several different landscapes instead of feeling repetitive. Start near the Visitor Center, where you’ll find trail maps and helpful information before setting off.
Take Pics at The Seattle Selfie Museum
A different kind of museum than the others on the list, the Seattle Selfie Museum is tailor-made for those loving a good, Instagrammable portrait of themselves. Every room is designed with colorful, interactive sets that encourage you to step in and have fun. While admission is a little more expensive than some attractions, and your visit is limited to an hour, it’s plenty of time to work your way through the exhibits.
Get The Best View of Seattle at Kerry Park
If you’ve ever seen one of those classic postcard photos of Seattle with the Space Needle perfectly framed against the skyline, there’s a good chance it was taken from Kerry Park. Perched on Queen Anne Hill, this small viewpoint delivers one of the city’s most iconic panoramas, especially when Mount Rainier makes an appearance in the background.
It can be a bit of a hike (or a semi-expensive Uber ride) to get to Kerry Park, so you might want to consider just taking the 3-Hour City Highlights Tour that makes a stop there.
Take a Seattle Seaplane
To experience Seattle from above, hop on a Seattle Seaplane! Although the flight only lasts some 20 minutes, it covers some of the best attractions and things to see in Seattle, giving you a new perspective on all the sights. Just imagine a birds-eye view of the Space Needle!, even if you’ve already seen them from ground up before. There’s also a great 3 Hours San Juan Island Seaplane Tour from Seattle!
Take a Ride on The Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel has become one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront attractions, because it rises 175 feet above Pier 57. Taking a ride on it will give you beautiful views of Elliott Bay, the downtown skyline, and the bustling waterfront below. It’s one of those attractions that’s just as enjoyable during the day as it is after dark when the city lights begin to sparkle.
The ride lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery.
Take a Photo With The Fremont Troll
One thing I love about Seattle is that it never takes itself too seriously, and nowhere is that more obvious than the Fremont Troll. Hidden beneath the Aurora Avenue Bridge, this enormous concrete sculpture has become one of the city’s most famous roadside attractions and one of its quirkiest photo stops.
It’s impossible to miss once you arrive. The troll looks like it’s climbing out from beneath the bridge while clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle in one giant hand. Even if you only spend fifteen minutes here, it’s a fun stop.
Stroll Through Kubota Garden
Whenever a trip starts feeling busy, I look for somewhere peaceful to slow down, and Kubota Garden is exactly that kind of place. Located in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, this 20-acre Japanese garden combines winding paths, ponds, bridges, and beautifully landscaped greenery into a space that feels calm from the moment you arrive.
Originally created in 1927 by Japanese immigrant Fujitaro Kubota, the garden has been welcoming visitors as a public park for decades. It’s open year-round, making it an easy stop no matter when you visit Seattle.
Play Games at The Seattle Pinball Museum
Walking into the Seattle Pinball Museum instantly brought back memories of weekends spent playing pinball with my dad when I was younger. If you have even a little nostalgia for classic arcade games, this place is a lot more fun than you might expect. Plus, instead of simply looking at vintage machines behind glass, you actually get to play them!
The museum features pinball machines from several different decades, including models dating back to the 1950s. I loved seeing how the games have evolved over the years while still keeping that satisfying challenge that makes you want to play “just one more round.”
Pay Your Respects at The Bruce Lee Grave Site
Bruce Lee was one of the most notable martial artists slash actors out there, with his life sadly having a tragic ending to it. He has a brain edema at the young age of 32. He was buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Seattle, and visiting the gravesite is an excellent way to show your honor and respect towards the man. His son Brandon Lee, who met an even more tragic end to his life’s story (he died on set by defective blank ammunition at the age of 28), is actually buried by his side.
Get a Photo at The Original Starbucks
Even if you’re not someone who starts every morning with a Starbucks coffee, it’s hard to ignore the history behind the company’s original store. Located near Pike Place Market, this is where the global coffee brand first opened its doors in 1971, making it a fun stop for coffee lovers and curious travelers alike.
I enjoy visiting places that have shaped a city’s identity, and this one certainly has. The line can be long, especially during busy travel seasons, so I recommend arriving earlier in the day if possible. Whether you order a drink or simply snap a photo outside, it’s one of those classic Seattle experiences that many visitors enjoy checking off their list.
Explore Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is one of those places that proves great parks don’t have to look like every other park. Built on the site of a former coal gasification plant, it combines wide open green space with preserved industrial structures, creating one of Seattle’s most unique public parks. Instead of removing the old machinery, it was creatively incorporated into the landscape, giving the park its distinctive character.
I love coming here for the panoramic views across Lake Union toward Seattle’s skyline. Bring a picnic, stretch out on the lawn, or simply watch sailboats drift across the water. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll enjoy exploring the colorful Play Barn, while photographers will appreciate the unusual contrast between the historic industrial equipment and the beautiful city backdrop.
Take a Walk Through The Olympic Sculpture Park
Whenever I want to slow down without spending money, the Olympic Sculpture Park is one of my favorite places to wander. Created by the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre waterfront park that combines large-scale sculptures, beautifully landscaped walking paths, and great views of Elliott Bay into one relaxing outdoor experience. I like that there’s no right or wrong way to explore it. You can casually stroll from one artwork to the next, stop to admire the views, or simply find a bench and enjoy being outdoors.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
Flying International?
Get Cell Data Before You Arrive: I recommend using airalo for international travel. Also, book an airport transfer in advance (I use Kiwi Taxi). Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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Saving this list for later this summer now that the border is open! I have been living in Vancouver for 2 years and looking forward to exploring nearby Seattle!
Loved your content, will try some of these fun things next time with my kids.
I haven’t been to Seattle, but one of my favorite memories as a child was getting Italian ice during the summer and walking along the docks with my family looking at all of the yachts and houseboats on long island.