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.

Plan a trip to see Seattle Center

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Hyatt Regency Seattle
1 Hotel Seattle
Fairmont Olympic Hotel

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Reviews of Seattle Center

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1437
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
1014
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
206
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
26
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
33
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Dont rent a car just use ride sharing or public trans !!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Space Needle restaurant currently closed, Arena under renovation, so it's a different experience walking around.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We passed on the Space Needle as if would have been $150 for our party of 4 to visit and it just didn't look that impressive from the outside. Not that tall really. We did go to the POP museum and it was really fun and well done. Passed on the Chiculy Glass gardens as we've seen his work at the botanical gardens in AZ. Easy light rail ride which was kind of fun and ever so slightly like a roller coaster.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It does not take so much effort to reach any point. It’s all within reach from the hotel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you're going to the Center I would highly recommend Chihuly's Garden and Glass which sits at the base of the Space Needle. Unique and amazing!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Didn't know the annual Bumber Shoot Festival was going on. Very crowded area. Would avoid that in future.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Seattle Center

Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Mediterranean Inn
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown 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
Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA
Mayflower Park Hotel
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
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 art galleries, theater performances, and unique shopping experiences. Don't miss the lively nightlife, where you can enjoy local bars, music venues, and restaurants that showcase the city's creative spirit. Whether you're interested in cultural attractions or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Seattle Center has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

Pike Place Market, only 0.9 miles from Seattle Center, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local vendors and unique gifts. Westlake Center, also 0.9 miles away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options for family fun. Nordstrom, located 1 mile away, is perfect for high-end shopping.

Recreation

T-Mobile Park offers an energetic atmosphere with live sports events, perfect for those seeking excitement. Showbox SoDo provides a vibrant music scene, ideal for entertainment lovers. For a tranquil retreat, Seward Park features peaceful trails and beautiful scenery, promoting relaxation and wellness amidst nature.

Adventure

The UW Waterfront Activities Center offers thrilling water sports, perfect for adventure seekers, located 3 miles from Seattle Center. Camp Long, situated 5 miles away, invites you to explore its beautiful outdoor landscapes. For a unique indoor experience, Mini Mountain, 9 miles away, provides skiing and family-friendly fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Seattle Center. Catch a show at the Paramount Theatre for a touch of culture and romance, then ride the Seattle Great Wheel for some thrilling views. End the night with live music and city vibes at The Crocodile, a local favorite nightclub.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Seattle Center

Seattle Center offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, art museums, and churches, perfect for travelers seeking culture and family experiences. Nearby attractions include the scenic Seattle waterfront, popular local spots, and iconic Seattle Stadium, all just steps away from the center. Whether you're exploring art or enjoying the outdoors, Seattle Center has something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

  • Space Needle: Experience breathtaking views from this iconic modern tower that stands tall at 605 feet. Located a short walk from Seattle Center, the Space Needle offers panoramic vistas of the city, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains. Don't miss the glass floor for a thrilling view beneath your feet.
  • Seattle Waterfront: Stroll along the picturesque harbor that features stunning views and beach vibes. Just a mile from Seattle Center, the waterfront is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Seattle Aquarium. Enjoy fresh seafood while watching ferries and sailboats glide by.
  • Seattle Convention Center Arch Building: This impressive event venue, located a mile from Seattle Center, showcases striking architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for business travelers, it hosts a variety of conferences and events, making it a bustling hub of activity.

Best time to go to Seattle Center

The best time to visit Seattle Center is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly 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

To save money on your trip to Seattle Center, consider visiting between December and February when hotel prices are lower. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly options. Look for package deals to combine your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the center to make the most of your visit.

  • 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 most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Seattle Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Seattle Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Seattle Center hotel reservation with your flights and activities through 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia