Location: Downtown
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The 10 Best Things to do in Downtown, Washington (WA)
In Seattle you simply can’t skip the Central Public Library – a modern architectural marvel of glass grids, unusual shapes, and a “book spiral” that climbs four stories. Stroll over to Pike Place Market to visit the original Starbucks and play catch with a fishmonger. In the heart of the city lies Chihuly Garden and Glass, which will dazzle you with its colorful and delicate works. Glide to the top of the Space Needle for panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Puget Sound.
Restaurants in Seattle
1. Benaroya Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 520 reviews
The new home of the Seattle Symphony.
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
We spend a few months each year, living in Seattle, and Benaroya Hall is one of our favorite places to go. Home to the Seattle Symphony, this Downtown building also hosts other groups in both its 2,479-seat S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium and the 536-seat Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall. I can attest to the fact that the Auditorium offers excellent acoustics, superb sight lines and comfortable seats. But our most recent visit in November took us to the Recital Hall for a performance by Casa Pata Flamenco from Spain. The Recital Hall offers the same features as the Auditorium but in a more intimate setting on the second floor. The show, titled "Raiz de 4," featured two dancers, a guitarist and a percussionist. All proved to be superb, especially the male dancer, Rafael Peral. I have never seen such footwork, even in Spain, where I lived for a while and often went to flamenco performances. This production was typical of the consistently excellent offerings that I have attended at Benaroya Hall. But performances and lectures by notables are not the only draws at the Hall. The modern structure, which opened in 1998, holds some outstanding artwork. My favorite is "Crystal Cascade," a sculpture by glass artist Dale Chihuly, which consists of two 3-ton chandeliers, each suspended from opposite ends of the block-long corridor at the front of the building. Visitors can enter this section of Benaroya Hall to see Chihuly's work or stop at a coffee kiosk whenever the building is open. They can also take one of the infrequent, free public tours of the Hall, which present an opportunity to see some of the other artwork without attending a performance. With so many changes in Seattle because of COVID-19, however, I recommend checking on-line or calling to learn if there are restrictions in effect for entering the building. Though many parking garages exist nearby, we never take our car Downtown, because of heavy traffic. Buses stop directly in front of the building and Sound Transit light rail has a stop below the Hall at University Street Station. Restaurants abound close-by. I especially like Wild Ginger, which specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine, and is located next door at 3rd and Union.
2. Vetri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Vetri is a premier art gallery in Seattle offering a curated presentation of contemporary sculpture and well-executed handmade objects. At the core of our presentation are unique pieces that celebrate materials, an excellence in craftsmanship and the process of design. We believe beauty is an essential part of life, and that artists grant us access to beauty in new and unexpected ways; ways that educate our emotions and enhance our everyday lives. Founded in 1996 by the Traver family, Vetri began as a gallery dedicated to the young Studio Glass artists of the Pacific Northwest. Many prominent artists, such as Preston Singletary and Nancy Callan, had their first show at Vetri. Over the course of 20 years, we have exhibited hundreds of artists working with glass, and we have developed a reputation as being a launching pad for artists working in the medium. We have recently expanded to include interesting work by emerging ceramics artists, and intriguing sculptural jewelry by independent designers. Visit our gallery and rediscover handmade. We are located one block south of the historic Pike Place Market, across the street from the Seattle Art Museum and the Four Seasons Hotel.
3. Seattle Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,542 reviews
SAM has been the center for world-class visual arts in the Pacific Northwest since 1933. Visit SAM to see a museum carved into the city, as much a part of Seattle's landscape and personality as the coffee, rain, mountains, Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle. Our three distinct locations celebrate the region's position as a crossroads where east meets west, urban meets natural, local meets global. Our collections, installations, special exhibitions, and programs feature art from around the world and build bridges between cultures and centuries.
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a world class museum in a sleek and contemporary building in downtown Seattle. SAM’s digs are as artful as the works that inhabit it. As an institution of Seattle’s art scene, it’s a must-see for any visiting art lover. The multi-level space is expertly curated, with a permanent collection, rotating exhibits, a library, and restaurant.
4. Elliott Bay Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
A wide walkway lined with old buildings and shops.
Reviewed By D2dhwhitejr - Astoria, United States
My fav places on Elliot bay boardwalk are Ivar’s & I as. Solo used to go into restaurants and just order a great gourmet Clam Cowder, yummy???? There is an awesome buffet place by the ferry ⛴ loading area as well as some shoe ???? stores to find something special. At Pike St market you name it & you’ll as visitor to Seattle will find it there gifts & community & food & pastry & the flowers ???? are the best deal in Washington. Just up the hill is a Nordstrom Rack & a couple of blocks further the first original Starbucks cafe & the at Westgate Mini-mall they have a chocolate store that sells mochas that have THE best chocolate taste in this universe. Under Westgate is the underground bus that will take to Seattle Center East & China town West & on the top floor is the Monerail that takes you to Seattle Center with a great overview of Seattle either direction you find a basket load of things to do & if your blessed they just might have an food event in the water park area. I used to walk that direction during my lunch break so I would miss out on an food event. This review was written by Pastor David from Healing Rooms Astoria Church. Viewing Elliot Bay every morning inspire me to retire in Astoria where the Ocean is a ten minute driveway & I’m surrounded by Youngs Bay. ????????????♂️
5. Pike Place Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,511 reviews
One of the few authentic farmer's markets in the United States, this hub of delicious scents, delectable eats and delightful personalities attracts nine million visitors a year.
Reviewed By mhughes17 - Seattle, United States
Whether you live in Seattle, or are visiting, Pike Place Market is an awesome experience for every sense. You'll be surrounded by color, food, flowers, art, artisan cheeses, meats, flying fish (!), local arts and crafts, street musicians, and a great selection of restaurants from casual to one of the best kept secrets in Seattle - Maximillen's French Restaurant - tucked away behind the fish market on the south end of Pike Place on the top level. A wine list to die for, and fabulous French cuisine.
6. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
This national park is really a free museum that documents Seattle history, from the fire that burned it down to the gold rush that helped build it up.
Reviewed By robertM865 - Seattle, United States
The story of the Klondike Gold Rush told here is wonderfully interesting for all ages. This Seattle museum is one half of the Klondike Museum. If you want to see the other half you have to travel to Skagway, Alaska where the twin museum is located. With plenty of exhibits to keep all ages occupied and interested, the admission tariff is quite reasonable - it is free. ! Donations are accepted and not required. The friendly staff is there to answer any questions and to make your visit as complete as possible. An activity involves getting stamps in a passport book at many exhibits. This makes the younger guests anxious to see all the museum contains. Even the location of the Museum is significant as the Cadillac Hotel housed many of the "Stampeders" when they traveled to and from the gold fields.
7. Frye Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
A free art museum with a historical Founding Collection, showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art of the region and beyond.
Reviewed By terryLCO - Garland, United States
My wife and I had an hour or so to spend before our reservation at the space needle restaurant, so we went to the Frye. Surprised how nice it was, a lot of German and European scenes. Typical Venitian looks from the Grand Tour period, bucolic scenes. Pretty.
8. Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
More than a museum, The Wing is an experience. Step back in time into the living quarters of Asian pioneers and learn how they shaped Seattle. Check out exhibitions of real life stories, including Day in the Life of Bruce Lee, detailing the personal habits of global icon Bruce Lee and his local connection. And plan for a tour of the Chinatown-International District neighborhood - Seattle’s second Chinatown location – to get an insider look at its history, sights and foods. A must-do for anyone who wants the local experience.
Reviewed By B5921PZjasonw - Key West, United States
Wanting to learn more about Chinatown and the International Dist., we signed up for the 90 min walking tour which included admission to the museum. The museum itself is rather small, as others have noted, but the exhibits are well done and exceptionally representative of the international districts very diverse population. The walking tour was just us four, and one other fellow, it began within the museum showing theater curtain painted with ads for local businesses, from about 100 years ago. What an outstanding artifact to show what was once there. We then headed out into the alley next to the museum to see stores and apartments, these had been lived in for several generations, only recently (within the past 10-15 years) being converted to museum space. Then it was off to a real life Fortune Cookie factory (we found no one trapped inside), this was neat! Then several several blocks of historical buildings and shops, some more interesting than others. The overall area is undergoing vast change, like most cities, so there is a mix of what was there for decade until just a few years ago with what is there now. I wish I had taken to same tour in 2008, 10 years ago it would have been like traveling back in time 50 years, today one can catch small reminders of that time, but change has largely overtaken the travel back in time aspects. On the whole, if you wish to learn a great deal about Chinatown, the International Dist., its people, and this aspect of life in Seattle or the Northwest more broadly, GO! You will be happy you did, I know I am.
9. Seattle Symphony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Take a break and take in some Bach or Berlioz here.
Reviewed By LascassasTraveler - Lascassas, United States
Beautiful venue. Great acoustics. Wonderful evening of spectacular music. Audience needed symphony manners. Man over 65 behind me let his phone ring (and ring and ring) for over a minute. Even after people turned to look at him. His wife kept kicking my chair and as a result, my back. Repeatedly. Thankfully, I was able to change chairs at intermission. People in front of me talking over the music when they weren't making out. An employee had to come talk to them. It was a shame, because it marred what would have been a perfect symphony experience. Ironically, I had a 5-6 year old sitting next to me whose manners were perfect!! Cudos to her dad who accompanied her!
10. Smith Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Enjoy Smith Tower like you've never seen it before. Immerse yourself in new exhibits that take you on a journey through the past one hundred years. Make your way to the top of the tower for an amazing vantage point from the Observatory, including an open-air deck that will give you 360-degree views of Seattle and beyond. Then take a moment to indulge in a Prohibition-inspired craft cocktails and shareable plates with a group of friends or your loved ones. And don't forget to make a wish in the Wishing Chair. It's the perfect selfie to post of your visit to Smith Tower.
Reviewed By 685deborahz
Great self guided tour of the tower provided a glimpse of life during the prohibition.We had the opportunity to select a "character" & follow them through the tower. The views from the observatory were great! We had a fantastic lunch while viewing the sites of the city.
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