Things to do in Seattle

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Seattle Waterfront featuring boating, sailing and city views

Seattle Attractions

Seattle is replete with iconic symbols, from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market . If you’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a great place to start. Things to do in Seattle, WA range from the culinary to the adventurous, and everything in between. Whether your heart is set on fresh seafood, visiting the original Starbucks®, or kayaking, you can find a way to stay busy in the Washington city. Seattle tours by land or sea are also available to help you cover more ground in less time than exploring on your own will allow.


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Most popular activities in Seattle

What to do in Seattle

Free Things to Do in Seattle

Some say the best things in life are free. Check out the following around Seattle:

Frye Art Museum - Brimming with artifacts and displays, this place is a paradise for knowledge-hungry minds.

Hammering Man - When you want to get cultured, stop by and enjoy the creativity on display.

Luther Burbank Park - If you're looking to ramp up the fun factor during your getaway, this is a great place to do it.

International Fountain - If you're impressed by modern-day architecture and design, add this attraction to your schedule.

Times Square Building - Get ready to feel like you've stepped back in time while discovering the secrets of this historic attraction.

Seattle Central Business District - This is a bustling place where you can soak in the vibe and join in on the local way of life.

Foster Island - Spend a while by the water to rest and recharge your batteries.

Pike Place Market - If you'd love to see some of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a good place to start.

First Presbyterian Church - Take a moment for some prayer or meditation at this sacred site.

Madison Park Beach - Skip stones on the water, watch the sun rise or simply take in the views from the foreshore.

Duwamish Head - Kick back and let the natural surrounds here revitalize your mind.

Victor Steinbrueck Park - Work on your green thumb and marvel at the beautiful and diverse plants on display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Seattle

Seattle is more than its notable skyline and stereotype as a rainy destination. In fact, the Emerald City is brimming with art, culture, and lots of food. Whether you are interested in some of the best seafood in the country or soak in the independent spirit of local shops, there is a neighborhood aiming to please.

Downtown — The downtown district holds the key to seeing many of the best things to do in Seattle, Washington. This hip, crowded district has tons of fresh food, art, and culture. Watch fish being thrown at the famous fish market or buy some artisan cheese and flowers from a local vendor.

Fremont — Set aside time for a trek to Fremont to take a look at the public art installations, including and the famous troll under the Aurora Bridge.

Capitol Hill — Anyone with a heart for vintage will want to put Capitol Hill on their itineraries. In this Seattle district, independent clothing stores and eateries abound .

Chinatown — The Chinatown International District is not only historic, but also host to a huge amount of culture and food. Grab some of the best dim sum in the region and take a peek at the fortune cookie factory.

What to See in Seattle

If you want to enjoy panoramic views of Seattle, you are spoiled for choice. Take a trip to the top of the Space Needle to get an unparalleled view of the city via the observation deck, or give the Columbia Tower’s observation deck a chance. Don’t miss the hat and boots art installation in Oxbow Park, and make time for important historical sites like the Museum of History and Industry and the Log House Museum.

Landmarks & Attractions

It’s not hard to find fun things to do in Seattle any time of year. You can get up close and personal with creatures at the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Great Wheel is a must-see attraction for anyone with a love of heights and amusement rides. Tons of restaurants, the open-air Pike Place Market, and Seattle Art Museum are all begging for you to visit. You’ll also find the first Starbucks® downtown, where you can get a taste of the place where it all began under the original sign. Fine dining in Seattle is also a treat if you’re into do-it-yourself, go to the Fremont Sunday Market to pick up some fresh ingredients. Downtown Seattle is just a 30-minute drive from Woodinville, WA, which is the wine capital of the state. If a trip to a world-class winery, brewery, or distillery has a place on your ideal itinerary, consider a day trip to Woodinville.

Things to Do in Seattle with Kids

Seattle is a fantastic place for a family escape. Bring the little ones along and try these popular family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Seattle? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Seattle on a sunny day?
What to do in Seattle on a rainy day?
There’s no need to squelch your way through a soggy day when there are wonderful indoor activities to try:


What is Seattle famous for?
Pike Place Market and Space Needle should be at the top of your bucket list in Seattle.
What should I not miss in Seattle?
If you’d like to experience the best of this place, slot these attractions into your itinerary:

  • University of Washington
  • T-Mobile Park
  • Lumen Field
  • Seattle Center

Are there cheap things to do in Seattle?
What can you do in Seattle for free?
You’ll hardly have time to take your wallet out of your pocket with so many fantastic free things to do:

  • Pike Place Market
  • Seattle Center
  • Northgate Mall
  • Seattle Waterfront


Discover the most popular places to visit in Seattle

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Seattle

Downtown Seattle featuring street scenes and central business district

Downtown Seattle

4.5/5(9,584 area reviews)

A clean, walkable city center with tree-filled public spaces, shopping, boutique bars and restaurants, and views across the Puget Sound.

Downtown Seattle
Queen Anne showing a city and landscape views

Queen Anne

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Tour some of Seattle’s greatest sights in a neighborhood that encompasses spectacular architecture, colorful art and swaths of green parkland.

Queen Anne
Capitol Hill showing heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Experience the leafy green parks, world-class art gallery and electric nightlife of this up-and-coming Seattle neighborhood.

Capitol Hill
Belltown which includes night scenes, street scenes and central business district

Belltown

Seattle’s ultra-modern side is evident in this neighborhood, where an active arts and partying scene thrives amid its shining skyscrapers.

Belltown
South Lake Union which includes a bay or harbor, a coastal town and boating

South Lake Union

4/5(513 area reviews)

One of Seattle’s most scenic neighborhoods, this district houses fascinating museums along the tree-lined banks of its beautiful lake.

South Lake Union
University District

University District

4/5(493 area reviews)

As you stroll through the collection of urban shopping and historic homes, mix in with students rushing between classes or relaxing when their work is done.

University District

Popular day trips from Seattle