Explore the Best of Seattle: Things to Do and Places to Visit

In the early 20th century, Seattle became a center for shipbuilding and aircraft manufacturing. Later in the 60s, it became a hub for the counterculture and music scenes and 30 years later grunge music rised and cemented the city’s reputation as the birthplace of the grunge.

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I’ve been catching connection flights at Seattle-Tacoma airport for quite some time now, and I’ve always asked myself “Why haven’t I visited yet?” But a few months ago, I had a dream about Seattle and it was like a sign that I just had to go. So, I woke up and started checking out airplane ticket prices. Four hours later, I had a plane ticket, a train ticket for my return (I really wanted to get on this Coast Starlights Amtrak with the panoramic car that goes all the way from Seattle to Los Angeles), accommodation booked, and a full 4-day itinerary planned out. And let me tell you, it was one of the best spontaneous decisions I’ve ever made!

Seattle might actually be the best solo trip I’ve ever taken. Every minute of it was just so amazing and I was totally blown away. And you know what’s crazy? I actually left with the desire to come back, which is pretty unusual for me because I usually like to explore new places instead of revisiting ones I’ve been to before. But Seattle just had this special something that made me want to return and experience more of its unique charm.

Things To Do And See In Seattle

Let’s talk about the most popular places to see and things to do! I’ve put them in a random order, so let’s start!

Space Needle

The Space Needle in Seattle is an iconic landmark and a synonymous one for the city’s skyline. Built just in one year and finished back in 1962, Space Needle is 605 feet tall and has a rotating restaurant on top. The fancy diner completes a full rotation every 47 minutes, providing breathtaking views from every side.

Upon entering Space Needle you will be taken a picture of and later on you can go on their website and download it for free. You can use different backgrounds and print it out yourself. This is a pretty cool perk, considering souvenirs like that usually go up to $30.

There’s a coffee vendor on the top floor and also a couple of cameras outside at the terrace. After scanning your ticket they take pictures of you from a high point that you can never achieve by yourself, even with a selfie stick. Later on the photos are available on their website for free downloading. 

The lower floor (which embarrassed or not, I almost missed because I didn’t know it existed), was an amazing and terrifying experience at the same time. For someone who’s afraid of heights, this part of the building was literally horrific. However, after 20 minutes of debating with myself I walked on the glass and even dared to take a look down there. Proud of myself!

Enjoy a 360-view of Seattle, get some free photos, and grab a souvenir from the huge gift store on the ground floor!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass is an art museum dedicated to the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. There are eight galleries, all extremely impressive and beautiful, a glasshouse, and a garden filled with Chihuly’s colorful glass sculptures.

The museum was opened in 2012 and its location near the Space Needle makes it really easy and convenient for visits as you can combine both iconic Seattle experiences. 

Check the hours for their demonstration in the garden- you will be able to see how they make glass items live and you will learn about the whole process.

Walk around Seattle Center and check out the International Fountain!

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Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is located in the heart of Seattle, really close to the waterfront and you just can’t say you’ve been to Seattle if you haven’t visited it. Always crowded and full of fresh produce, seafood, flowers, crafts, and local goods, this iconic market deserves at least a few hours of your time in the city. There are a few floors with over 500 vendors which people often miss because they have no idea there’s an underground part.

Pike Place Market is truly one of the best free things you can do in Seattle, as you get to see the real city vibe. Don’t forget to take a picture of Rachel- the bronze pig placed at the front side of Pike Place Market and the fishmongers who famously throw fish to customers.

Seattle Great Wheel

Located on the waterfront near Pike Place Market, Seattle Great Wheel offers views of Elliott Bay and the city skyline from one of its 42 fully enclosed gondolas. The wheel was built just 11 years ago (in 2012) and it’s 175 feet tall, making it one of the largest ferris wheels on the West Coast. Later when it’s dark you can enjoy the 500,000 LED lights that turn it into a stunning show.

Being by myself, I had the whole 8-person gondola just for me. The ticket is $17 and it doesn’t require a specific day or time to visit, which gives you more freedom if plans change. In my case, the first day I arrived in Seattle, the weather was so nice and warm, so I decided to go straight to the places I wanted to see and experience with no rain. The Great Wheel was one of those attractions. There’s just something much better in clear blue skies and contrasting water. The ride actually surprised me, as it took longer than I expected. The wheel made at least 3 full spins and I believe the whole duration was about 15 minutes.

The Gum Wall

The Gum Wall in Seattle is a unique and also controversial attraction that has become a popular tourist destination. Located in Post Alley under Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall is exactly what it sounds like- a wall covered with chewing gum. Layers on layers. This weird trend of sticking gum to the wall started in the 1990s, when people waiting in line for the nearby theater would leave their gum on the wall. Soon the entire wall was covered in colorful pieces of gum. In 2015, the wall was cleaned for the first time in 20 years, but it didn’t take long for people to start sticking gum back up again. Despite its somewhat unsanitary reputation, the Gum Wall continues to be a unique and quirky symbol of Seattle’s culture.

And yes, I did leave my gum there too, I just couldn’t help it.

Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture (a.k.a. MoPOP) is a nonprofit museum in Seattle that celebrates pop culture in all its forms. The museum was founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and was originally called the Experience Music Project. The museum now also includes exhibits on science fiction, fantasy, horrors, and more. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece with its colorful metallic exterior that reflects the surrounding skyline. 

In the Museum of Pop Culture you can see around 80,000 artifacts, such as costumes, instruments, and props from famous movies, TV shows, and musical acts. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including concerts, film screenings, and workshops. Don’t miss the last floor’s Sound lab- you can play different musical instruments and even create and record your own song!

Kerry Park

Kerry Park is a popular public park located in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, and is known for its stunning views of the city and Mount Rainier. The park is small but offers spectacular panoramic views of downtown Seattle, including the Space Needle and Elliott Bay. Kerry Park is also a popular spot for photographers, who come to capture the iconic Seattle skyline in all its glory. One interesting fact about Kerry Park is that it was featured in the opening credits of the TV show “Frasier,” which was set in Seattle.

Seattle Public Library

Okay… Whoever knows me at least a little bit is aware of the fact that I love reading and book stores/libraries are heaven for me. And I’ve got to say, Seattle Public Library is without a doubt one of the most impressive book places I’ve been too! Their collections are enormous and along with that- the design of the whole building is just admirable. Even if you’re not much of a reader, it’s worth it to just stop and take a stroll in between the aisles. Peaceful and quiet.

Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll is a large, concrete sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The sculpture represents a troll holding a Volkswagen Beetle in one hand- a message from the artists who created it as they purposely wanted to relate it to the neglected and crime-ridden area under the bridge.

Olympic Sculpture Park

The Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle is a nine-acre public park that features large-scale contemporary sculptures and stunning views of Elliott Bay. The park was opened in 2007 and there you can find the small Pocket Beach, a perfect place for a moment away from the hustle and bustle.

Amazon Spheres

The Amazon Spheres is a unique workplace located in Seattle and it has become more and more popular recently. The Spheres are a set of three glass domes designed to serve as a botanical garden and workspace for Amazon employees. The collection of over 40,000 plants from around the world creates a relaxing environment for workers to gather and collaborate.

This place is only open for the public on every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.

Sky View

Located on top of Columbia Tower, Sky View is the most popular observatory after Space Needle and the highest spot in Seattle. Just like Space Needle, Sky View provides a 360-degree view to the city but there’s no outdoor space. You can enjoy the small restaurant and grab a drink or a salad/wrap at a reasonable price. Probably my only disappointment from the whole trip was that I didn’t get to see Seattle’s skyline from the top of Sky View after sunset. I purposely bought a ticket for 7pm so I could see the city from above when bright and dark, but they closed at 8pm (at least in April). Price of the ticket- $28 (before taxes).

When I was doing my research for Seattle, I saw different opinions on which observation deck is better- Space Needle or Sky View. I feel like more people were recommending Sky View, but I as usual decided to see both and decide for myself. Well, I definitely enjoyed Space Needle more as there were basically two floors to explore- top one with the outdoor part and lower one with a restaurant and glass floor. The free photos kind of added up to my experience as well.

Original Selfie Museum

Although the idea of a selfie museum didn’t really sound like something I would do, I came across some cool photos and, going on this trip solo, I decided to check it out. I don’t really like taking selfies, but I had so much fun! The place was cool, different and I snapped some really good pictures.

The place has tripods placed in front of almost every decor, so it’s really easy to take pictures (honestly, I thought that since it’s a selfie museum you would really have to take selfies yourself but I was nicely surprised).

The Original Selfie Museum is a fun activity that can easily be completed in under an hour (unless you get really inspired by the decorations and you stay longer). Price of the ticket: between $25 and $29 depending on the day.

Pro tip: Go early, right when they open so you can have the decors for yourself without rushing through them.

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More to visit:

Seattle Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction especially among the ones with kids. It’s located on the waterfront and it features a variety of marine exhibits and interactive educational programs.

Seattle Art Museum in downtown is showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary and classic art from around the globe. You will quickly recognize the spot by the installation at the front entrance- “Working Man” is a sculpture of a man carrying a toolbox, representing the contribution and struggles of blue-collar workers.

Beneath the streets – This popular underground tour in Seattle takes visitors on a journey through the city’s history and hidden passageways. This fascinating glimpse into the forgotten underground world of Seattle’s early days, is in top 20 of the things in the city you should do.

Harbor Cruise – A harbor cruise in Seattle offers a unique view of the city, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful skyline, the mountains, and the water while relaxing on the boat.

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Food and Drinks

Here’s a few things you must try while in Seattle:

Seattle-style hot dogs

These hot dogs are typically served with cream cheese and grilled onions, and can be found at local hot dog stands and food trucks throughout the city. Shame on me for missing that, as I literally found out about it my last evening, when everything was already closed. As someone who appreciates hotdogs a lot, I genuinely got mad at myself for not knowing it earlier!

Pacific Northwest seafood

Seattle is a heaven for seafood lovers. Located on the Puget Sound, the city is home to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the world, including salmon, oysters, Dungeness crab, and more.

Coffee

The city is known for its love of coffee so there you will find many coffee shops, from small independent roasters to large chains. Yes, people from Seattle take their coffee seriously.

One must-visit spot for coffee lovers is the original Starbucks store in Pike Place Market, which opened in 1971 and has become an iconic landmark in the city. Don’t get scared by the line! No matter which day you go, it will be long (about at least a 100 people) but go for it! Make sure to ask the baristas for something unique or really specific for this location and try a new flavor! Check their souvenirs and grab a mug or a bottle with the original Starbucks logo.

Visit also the Starbuck Reserve Roastery where you can see different brewing methods along with a unique menu!

Handmade cheese

Go visit a local artisanal cheese company that produces a variety of delicious cheeses. You can watch the cheese-making process and try flavors that you probably have never tried before. One of the most popular cheese places is Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Pike Place Market.

Pho

Having a large Vietnamese population, Seattle offers plenty of authentic pho restaurants to choose from. Some popular options include Pho Bac and Than Brothers.

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More To See/Walk Around:

• Pioneer Square – A historic district with restaurants, shops, and galleries.

• Occidental Square – Public park located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of downtown, home of a statue of firefighters titled “Fallen Firefighters Memorial” which honors the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

• Smith Tower – Iconic for Seattle’s skyline building that was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.

• Gas Works Park – A park with industrial ruins, a hill for kite flying, and views of Lake Union.

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How To Get To Downtown From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)?

The cheapest option to get from Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Downtown Seattle is to get on the Link Light Rail which you can easily catch just by following the signs at the terminal. Link Light Train goes all the way to University District and the price per ride is between $2.25 to $3.25, depending on where you’re going to drop off. It will take you to Downtown Seattle for approximately 40 minutes and this trip will costs $3. Alternatively, you can take a cab, shuttle, or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, which are available outside the baggage claim area.

How To Move Around Seattle?

Single bus ride costs $2.25 and you can pay with cash or debit/credit card. You can also get an ORCA card (ORCA stands for One Regional Card for All) and keep reloading it.

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Where To Stay In Seattle?

I had an amazing time staying in a hostel for a first time! I met great people and I got to join some of their evening activities, such as karaoke and a bar crawl. Staying at places like this (especially when you travel solo) is perfect for meeting new people and experiencing things you didn’t plan! Aside from that, hostels are also budget-friendly and you get to save money for more cool stuff!

Seattle is such an awesome place full of exciting things to see and do that I’m already thinking of going again or at least making a long layover through Seattle-Tacoma Airport so I can hang out in the city for a few hours.

You could easily spend four fun-filled days exploring all that Seattle has to offer! To help you make the most of your time, I’ve put together an itinerary that combines the best attractions I gave you above organized by areas, so you won’t have to circle around and can save some precious time! Seattle is not that big, it’s pretty walkable and easy to get places. Most of the interesting spots are situated around Pike Place Market, Downtown, Bell Place and Capitol Hill, so get comfortable shoes and let’s go!

Have you ever been to Seattle? What’s your favorite place there and why? Let me know in the comments below!