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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Seattle must see attractions

1. Space Needle

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle rises 605 feet (184 meters), like a beacon towering over the city. Erected in 1962, this unique building resembles a futuristic flying saucer set on irregular legs.

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Puget Sound which includes modern architecture

2. Pike Place Market

Street performers and vendors vie for attention on the pleasantly busy cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market. It’s home to some 200 stalls and shops, some of which have been family-operated for generations. Amble among the wide aisles in the main arcade taking in the cornucopia of sounds, smells and sights. Sample seasonal fruits, smell the fresh bouquets of flowers, and admire handmade jewelry and art.

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Pike Place Market featuring a city, signage and night scenes

3. Seattle Waterfront

Seattle’s western border ends at the waterfront where the views across Puget Sound to islands and mountains are enhanced by elegant yachts, ships, cruise boats and ferries. Walk along the 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch and browse quaint shops, explore the public spaces and piers, and enjoy the smells of the ocean air and freshly cooked seafood from the dozens of restaurants along the piers.

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4. Lumen Field

When the Seattle Seahawks play a home game, Lumen Field fills with about 70,000 fans. Noise from supportive cheering in the stadium is so loud that the enthusiastic fans are often referred to as the “12th man” on the Seahawks roster, providing important inspiration. Visit the site for an exciting event or tour.

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5. University of Washington

With its libraries, fountain and a campus routinely described as one of America’s most beautiful, the University of Washington is an urban oasis. Tour this 1861 institution, set on 634 acres (257 hectares) a few miles north of downtown Seattle.

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University of Washington showing heritage elements

6. Washington State Convention Center

Seattle is sometimes called the Emerald City for its devotion to environmental conservancy. Washington Convention Center lives up to the city’s green reputation. As one of Washington’s largest event spaces, it attracts people from around the world for myriad events. Plan your next event here for excellent facilities in a fascinating city.

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Washington State Convention Center showing a city

7. Seattle Center

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.

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Seattle Center featuring modern architecture

Recommended things to do in Seattle

Number of things to do	264
Things to do from	$6
Cheapest thing to do	Historic Ballard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Seattle's Quirky Histo...
Top 5 things to do	Seattle CityPASS®: Admission to Top 5 Attractions Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour Harbor Cruise of Elliott Bay & Seattle Skyline Seattle Chihuly Garden and Glass Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour
Under $25	Sky View Observatory Tickets Space Needle Park Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Historic Ballard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Seattle's Quirky Histo... Seattle: National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket Seattle: Time Travel Quest Experience
With kids	Seattle CityPASS®: Admission to Top 5 Attractions Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour Harbor Cruise of Elliott Bay & Seattle Skyline Daytrip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper City Sightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras

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?

When the weather is good, these outdoor activities promise a great time:

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?

Keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket with these fun and frugal activities:

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

Space Needle

4.5/5(4,579 reviews)

Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Pike Place Market

4.5/5(6,560 reviews)

Climb the steps from the waterfront to discover Seattle’s fresh food hub, the oldest farmers’ market in the U.S.

Seattle Waterfront

4.5/5(3,984 reviews)

A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

Lumen Field

4.5/5(1,027 reviews)

Watch football, soccer or an impressive live music performance at this large stadium located within walking distance of downtown Seattle.

T-Mobile Park

4.5/5(862 reviews)

Catch an event at T-Mobile Park during your trip to Seattle. Experience the acclaimed art scene and great live music in this vibrant area.

University of Washington

4.5/5(1,574 reviews)

Prospective students, academics and Seattle visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the city’s premier public university, located north of the city center.

Washington State Convention Center

4/5(637 reviews)

Thanks to its wood paneling, ancient fir tables and locally produced food, this conference center lets you experience the beauty of Seattle even when you’re inside.

Seattle Center

4.5/5(2,716 reviews)

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

Westfield Southcenter Mall

4.5/5(91 reviews)

During your visit to Tukwila, you can enjoy retail therapy at Westfield Southcenter Mall. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Seattle

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.