Location: Seattle
Top Things to do in Seattle
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The 10 Best Things to do in Seattle, 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. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24,263 reviews
Located in the heart of Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Through the exhibition’s eight interior galleries, lush outdoor garden and centerpiece Glasshouse visitors will experience a comprehensive look at Chihuly's most significant series of work. With both day and night experiences, and full-service dining in the adjoining Collections Café, this long-term exhibition offers a unique experience rain or shine.
Reviewed By KLanicek - Austin, United States
This was an amazing privelege to witness the remarkable talent of Mr. Chihuly and his team of artists. From the amazing and gravity-defying displays to the glass-blowing demo in the courtyard, this place is fantastic! I would like to shake the hand of every member of the cleaning crew, too. Not a speck of dust marred the breathtaking sculptures with their thousands of glass pieces! I'd add that this place was fantastic for my friend and I (grown-ups) and my teenage son appreciated the artwork (and the the glass blowing demo), but I wouldn't risk bringing toddlers or young kids in unless their temperament is calm and obedient. This is a great place to bring older kids, though, to truly marvel at the talent and artistry that goes into making each piece and then putting all those pieces together into a sculpture (landscape, etc.) that is really magical. The gift shop has some unique pieces, too (lots of great gifts). I'm glad my spendy teen was at home or I'd be broke for sure! Another tip is that the gardens outside were just as beautiful as the displays inside. I'd recommend timing your visit with nicer weather (I'm told we got lucky) so you can maximize your experience. You can probably put your hood up and deal with raindrops, but the outdoor gardens are best when you're not rushed by rain. We also had the privelege of seeing the gardens from the Space Needle at dusk (lit up) and wish we had been able to go back into the gardens when it's lit up. From what we could see through the thick hedges (not much) and from above, it looked fantastic! Side note: We got a CityPass and were able to pair it with the Space Needle and MoPop and do all 3 in one day. That alone made it worth the cost of the CityPass.
2. 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.
3. The Museum of Flight
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,675 reviews
Walk the aisle of JFK's Air Force One and climb aboard the West Coast's only Concorde. Revel in the history and heroics of WWI and WWII. Barrel-roll a Mustang, land on the moon, and soar over Puget Sound in a simulator. Experience the excitement of the space race and sit at the controls of the world's fastest jet. From the Wright brothers to the exploration of Mars, you'll find it at The Museum of Flight!
Reviewed By Jaretr1 - Miami, United States
Being an airplane geek, I had to check this out, and it was worth it! Its a fantastic museum that goes into the history of Boeing, as well as how aircraft contributed to both world wars, and then a display of aircraft in two locations, including my favorite, the prior Air Force one! Several of the planes can be walked through, like the Concord and the first 747 test plane.
4. Space Needle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,059 reviews
Seattle’s “must see” is now a “must do” following the Space Needle’s multimillion-dollar renovation. Glide onto The Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor, for never-before-seen views of the structure and the city. Lean into tilting glass walls on the open-air deck and float over Seattle on one of 24 angled Skyriser glass benches. Sip and sample the Pacific Northwest’s best while savoring the thrilling views. The future. Now open.
Reviewed By janinep851
We went on a Thursday and there was no line to access the Space Needle. A very fast elevator ride took us to top levels, which offered stunning views of Seattle and its surrounding countryside plus the ocean and Mt. Rainier. This is a super way to get your bearings on the city. The "glass" floor takes a little getting used to but you quickly learn to love it and the views it affords. We didn't eat at the restaurant but saw an accessible area for grabbing drinks. It's well worth the short time it takes to do this activity.
5. Sky View Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,538 reviews
Private View Packages Now Available! Experience Sky View Observatory exclusively for 1-Hour for yourself and up to 4 people - 5 People total! * Temporarily Closed for General Admission.* Sky View Observatory in downtown Seattle is the ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City. Here you can map out your entire Pacific Northwest experience! Sky View is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center. At 902 feet, it offers the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. The 360-degree panoramic view includes Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Baker, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Space Needle and the city of Seattle.
Reviewed By mabinho - Seville, Spain
We visited the Columbia Center on a Sunday afternoon, when the weather had improved, and were pleasantly surprised by the absence of a queue and went pretty much straight up to the Sky Observatory . A fantastic view with great facilities and helpful explanations of the city's landmarks and their history.
6. Woodland Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,042 reviews
Nationally award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre zoological garden dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. Featuring more than 1,000 animals representing nearly 300 species from around the world, a visit to Woodland Park Zoo will make your day and a difference.
Reviewed By BrooklynRider
I visited the Zoo pre-COVID and post-COVID. My "pre" visit was on a damp day and the park was empty. I visited alone, so I was able to spend all the time I wanted virtually alone at exhibits I found particularly interesting. I have visited many zoos in the United States and this is one of the best in the country. The exhibits are state-of-the-art and offer great viewing of the animals in enclosures that recreate the natural environments of each animal. Stand out exhibits were Penguins, Gorillas, Orangutans, Grizzly Bears, Hippos, Serengeti Plain, Komodo Dragons, and Rhinos. The grounds are lush and landscaped in a way that creates a wilderness setting along pedestrian paths with animal exhibits tucked along trails off the main path. On my pre-COVID visit, I wandered at my own pace and in any direction I wanted. Post-COVID the park has a set path direction for walking and controlled entry into exhibits to avoid crowding. The limited timed-tickets and directional flow actually allowed for a very enjoyable experience. This is the third zoo I visited post-COVID. All employed timed-entry, limited attendance, and strict path directions and I find that this works very well. It might create challenges for parents of children under six, otherwise it is quite enjoyable. The park does have a few restaurants, only one was open this last visit. It also has a decent gift show. The carousel and children's zoo area were closed. The Woodland Zoo is renowned and only the Bronx Zoo in NYC has won more awards. I encourage visitors to buy a Woodland Zoo membership as it is an investment in the conservation and endangered species projects they operate world wide.
7. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,196 reviews
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike.
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, especially during the sunny months. The grounds also feature a fish ladder and the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden — one of the most beautiful park settings in Seattle. Completed in 1917, the locks link the Puget Sound with Lake Union and Lake Washington. Once boats heading towards Puget Sound are in the locks, the water level drops as much as 26 feet to bring the boats even with Puget Sound. The fresh water is exchanged with salt water. The locks are also a critical link for salmon and steelhead heading upstream to spawn. A fish ladder with 21 steps or “weirs” allows spawning fish to climb to the freshwater side. Young fish, or “smolts” then return down through the locks out to Puget Sound.
8. T-Mobile Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,348 reviews
Reviewed By dbwbear - Citrus Heights, United States
A wonderful addition to my baseball park visit collection. Great stadium food and beer was perfect addition to the winning baseball game by the Mariners. Bought a cute moose mascot as a souvenir.
9. Washington State Ferries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,465 reviews
Reviewed By kazlynp - Bathurst, Australia
This is an excellent (and cheap!) way to get out on the water in Seattle, as well as fantastic views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound, the trip gives you the opportunity to explore the shops and streets on the island. The ferry itself is huge and very clean. As a walk on passenger, I only had to pay on the Seattle side.
10. Kerry Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,411 reviews
For one of the best views of Seattle head to Kerry Park, a small park located on the south side of Queen Anne Hill. A photo from here is Seattle postcard-perfect, featuring ferries crossing Elliott Bay, the city skyline with the Space Needle in the forefront and, if weather conditions are favorable, a view of Mt. Rainier.
Reviewed By mooresy2 - Champaign-Urbana, United States
Easy walk up from the Space Needle to this viewpoint which on a clear day with Rainier in the background makes for a postcard moment and the optimal Seattle selfie
