Seattle Center Tours

Seattle Center featuring modern architecture
Seattle Center which includes modern architecture
Seattle Center showing a city, modern architecture and signage
Seattle Center featuring modern architecture and night scenes
Seattle Center featuring street scenes, a fountain and a square or plaza


A product of the 1962 World Fair, this cultural precinct is where sports, theater, film and fine dining come together in Seattle.

Seattle’s famous cultural and entertainment precinct is a must for any visitor to the city. The Seattle Center is home to many local major sporting teams, and some of the key performing arts institutions are also based within the large complex. Throw in some of Seattle’s major cultural institutions, a range of upscale restaurants and bars and a choreographed water show, and you’ll see why its easy to keep coming back to the Seattle Center.

Covering more than 74 acres (30 hectares) of the popular Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, the Seattle Center was originally built for the 1962 World Fair. The center is immediately recognizable from afar because it features the 605-foot- (182-meter-) tall Space Needle, a tower which has become a symbol of the city.

Catch an ice hockey match or watch a Women’s National Basketball Association game at KeyArena. The 17,000-person-capacity venue also hosts boxing and music concerts and is one of the largest arenas in the state. Learn about the local history at the Pacific Science Center, watch a movie at one of two IMAX theaters or see 20 spurts of water perform in time with a musical show at the International Fountain.

The center is home to the Seattle Shakespeare Company, the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Opera, who use the many theaters and halls in the complex each week. Learn about the best contemporary pop culture has to offer at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), or take the elevator to the top of the Space Needle for amazing views across Seattle. Ground level dining is available at the lively Seattle Center Armory, along with a number of bars offering attractive discounts during their Happy Hour.

The Seattle Center is located just north of the city center and can be reached on foot, by bus, monorail or car. Ample parking is available in the area for a small fee. The Seattle Center is open daily and entry is free. Note that many organizations and shows housed in the center do charge admission fees.

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The Inn at Virginia Mason
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

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Best Lodging Options Near Seattle Center

Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Mediterranean Inn
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

4 out of 5
201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

3 out of 5
110 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Seattle Center

Seattle Center offers a vibrant mix of activities, including excellent theater performances and unique shopping experiences. Visitors can enjoy a short walk around the area, taking in various arts venues that showcase local talent. With plenty of entertainment options available, it's an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the cultural scene of Seattle.

Food and drinks

Visit the Original Starbucks, the iconic coffee spot only 0.9 miles from Seattle Center, perfect for a caffeine fix. For a taste of local brews, check out Fremont Brewing, 2 miles away, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Don't miss Chateau Ste. Michelle, 12 miles away, for exquisite wines.

Shopping

For shopping near Seattle Center, visit Pike Place Market, just 0.9 miles away, offering unique gifts and local crafts. Nordstrom is also nearby at 1.0 mile. If you're up for a drive, explore Bellevue Square, located 7 miles away, featuring a mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Lumen Field, located 2 miles from Seattle Center, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Broadmoor Golf Club, 3 miles away, provides a scenic outdoor setting for golf lovers. For a more calming experience, Golden Gardens Park, 6 miles distant, invites relaxation with its stunning waterfront and natural beauty.

Adventure

At UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 3 miles from Seattle Center, enjoy exhilarating water sports amid a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. For karting enthusiasts, K1 Speed Seattle, 10 miles away, offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. Meanwhile, iFly Seattle, 12 miles from the center, provides a thrilling indoor skydiving adventure.

Nightlife

In Seattle Center, the Paramount Theatre enchants with cultural performances just a mile away, while the Seattle Great Wheel offers family-friendly thrills and stunning views. For a vibrant nightlife experience, The Crocodile, only half a mile away, pulses with romance and entertainment, making it a perfect spot to unwind.

Find the best attractions near Seattle Center

Seattle Center offers a variety of attractions for every type of traveler, including urban parks, modern universities, and nearby beaches. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. Don't miss iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of Seattle Center, where you can immerse yourself in the city's unique offerings.

  • Space Needle: This iconic modern tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seattle and its surrounding mountains. Standing at 605 feet tall, it’s a symbol of the city's skyline and provides an exhilarating observation deck experience.
  • Seattle Waterfront: A picturesque harbor that boasts stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, explore local shops, and savor fresh seafood at various dining spots.
  • University of Washington: This beautiful modern university campus features impressive architecture and lush greenery. Stroll through the cherry blossom trees in spring, visit the notable Suzzallo Library, and soak in the vibrant student atmosphere.

Best time to go to Seattle Center

Visitor numbers around Seattle Center is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Seattle Center can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Seattle Center falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Seattle Center falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seattle Center

Visiting Seattle Center can be budget-friendly with various free activities like Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market nearby. To save on accommodation, plan your trip between December and February when prices are lower, and book about a month in advance. Consider last-minute deals on Expedia, and use their filters to find eco-friendly hotels. Bundling your hotel, flight, and activities can also lead to savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Always check for good availability and compare prices to find the best rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Seattle Center are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Seattle Center about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will help you find sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To view the best deals and lowest prices, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Seattle Center with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.