Not the complete and comprehensive list of everything there is to do in Seattle, but a great start!
Planning a tour of Seattle’s top rated attractions?
Start right here, with our list of the top 10 attractions and things to do in Seattle.
The 10 most popular Seattle attractions
Discovery Park
The Space Needle
The Seattle Center (and its Monorail)
Pacific Science Center
Pike Place Market
Pioneer Square Historic District
The Central Library of the Seattle Public Library
Seattle Aquarium
Woodland Park Zoo
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Discovery Park
Image credit: seattle.gov
Located on the shores of Puget Sound, Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle. With spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park, it is easily one of the best places to explore in Seattle.
A veritable haven of lush green spaces, natural shorelines and walking trails, the Park offers you the chance to take part in a number of activities - from enjoying a relaxing siesta under the trees to going on a hike and even spending time at the beach.
Is Discovery Park Seattle free? Yes, it is free. However you can consider leaving a donation at the Cultural Center.
A little more on the trails. The Park has over 12 miles of trails, including the Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop, the South Beach and Hidden Valley Loop, the North Beach and Hidden Valley Loop, and the Birds Nest and Lookout Beach.
Any historical and cultural attractions in the Park? Yes. The Park was home to Fort Lawton, a World War II era military installation. Many of the military buildings are still standing.
It’s also home to the Daybreak Star Cultural Center, dedicated to Native American culture.
Website: Visit its webpage on the City website
Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
Phone (Visitor Center): (206) 386-4236
The Space Needle
Image by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash.
Built as a landmark - a ‘dominant central structure’ - for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle has since become a cultural landmark of our city.
Reach the observation level via a 43 second elevator ride, see Edward Carlson’s original ‘doodle’ (check below), and catch stunning views from the top including the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay.
And if you’re in the market for an even more exclusive experience, have a shot at the Loupe Lounge!
Why do they call it the Space Needle? Edward Carlson, the chief organizer of the 1962 World’s Fair, was inspired by a broadcast tower with a restaurant that he saw in Germany. He planned a similar structure for Seattle (he doodled it on a napkin) and called it the Space Needle.
3 facts about the Space Needle. The Needle itself is 605 feet tall. The Loupe Lounge, the world’s only rotating glass floor, is 500 feet above ground. The Needle was officially designated as a landmark in 1999.
How much is the Space Needle? For ticket prices and other booking information, visit their tickets portal.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page
Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 905-2100
The Seattle Center (and its Monorail)
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The Monorail at the Museum of Pop Culture. Image by Hester Qiang on Unsplash.
Another creation of the 1962 World’s Fair, the Seattle Center has since become a top cultural and entertainment complex, and a popular destination in Seattle.
The complex houses a number of attractions including…
The Armory, a former base for the 146th Field Artillery and converted into shopping mall and entertainment complex for the World’s Fair, and afterwards.
The Museum of Pop Culture (which offers the ‘world’s most immersive pop culture experiences’),
The Chihuly Garden and Glass (a museum/exhibit of the work’s of Seattleite Dale Chihuly, a globally acclaimed glassblower), and
The KEXP Studio, Seattle’s most popular radio station.
And no talk of the Seattle Center would be complete without mentioning the Seattle Monorail, an elevated monorail line originally made for the 1962 World’s Fair, and now operating as a convenient link between the Center and downtown Seattle.
To learn more about the Monorail, visit their website.
What is the Seattle Center known for? To quote from their website, the Center has ‘transformed into a treasured hub for arts and culture, sports, and community gatherings’, reflecting changes from around the world.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page
Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 684-7200
Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is a great place to grow an interest in science. Their motto is ‘Be Curious’, and their exhibits are all planned to try to instigate an interest in science and scientific inquiry among visitors.
Explore galaxies in the planetarium, be amazed by our winged friends at the Tropical Butterfly House, and don’t forget to check out the IMAX theaters.
When did the Pacific Science Center open? On October 22nd, 1962, as a temporary science pavilion during a fair whose name I think you’re tired of hearing by now (the World’s Fair). The pavilion proved so popular that it was decided that it should be turned into a permanent center.
How long does it take to go through the Pacific Science Center? Obviously, it depends on how fast you walk, how much time you spend at the exhibits and shows, and so on…but a good rule of thumb is four or more hours.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page
Address: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 443-2001
Pike Place Market
Image by Jason Leung on Unsplash.
Ah, you were wondering when this was going to come up, weren’t you? Pike Place Market, one of the most famous farmers’ markets in the country, and a place for ‘locally sourced, artisan and specialty foods’.
Apart from that it has a whole range of shops ranging from antique dealers, family-owned restaurants, collectibles dealers, and various craft shops.
Apropos of nothing, it is a great place to celebrate your birthday in Seattle.
Why is Pike's market place so famous? There are many reasons the market is so famous, like being the oldest farmers’ market in the USA that’s still in business. A top draw is the fishmongers flinging their catch in the air to the counter for packaging.
What's really in the Pike Place Market? It’s built on top of a steep hill and has several levels. Each level houses a variety of unique shops.
What is the best day to go to Pike Place Market? According to their website, the market is fullest Thursday through to Monday; and on any day the crowd starts building from noon.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page (inquiry form)
Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 682-7453
Pioneer Square Historic District
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s original downtown, described as our city’s ‘first neighborhood’. It’s known for its historical buildings and architecture.
One of the most popular places to visit with your friends is the 42 floor Smith Tower. It is a historic skyscraper, the oldest one in Seattle and one of the tallest buildings outside New York City when it was built.
For a truly unique experience, book a spot on Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour (phone: (206) 682-4646), a guided tour through ruins of Seattle streets that were buried after an 1889 fire.
Why is it called Pioneer Square? The name comes from Pioneer Place, a plaza at the corner of First Avenue and Yesler Way.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page (inquiry form)
Email: info@pioneersquare.org
The Central Library of the Seattle Public Library
Image by Yiyang on Unsplash.
You don’t need to be a ‘book lover’ to visit the library. You can visit it just to gaze at the marvelous architecture. It’s said to have enough glass to cover more than five football stadiums!
There’s a reading room on the 10th floor that also offers views of Elliott Bay.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page
Address: 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Email: info@pioneersquare.org
Phone: (206) 386-4636
Seattle Aquarium
Would you like to touch a sea anemone like this? Image by Yiyang on Unsplash.
Located on Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium is a top draw for anyone that’s interested in watching and experiencing marine life up close.
They also feature a lot of exhibits and information on our impact on marine life and conservation.
If nothing else, visit to watch scuba divers feed the fish, meet a few cute otters, and so on.
Why is the Seattle Aquarium famous? It provides visitors with a treasure trove of experiences like watching various sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean ranging from giant clams to salmon and sharks first hand. You can also touch creatures like sea anemones at the touch pool.
How long does it take to go through the entire Aquarium? This will vary from person to person, and on whatever shows and events they have going. It may take anywhere from 30 minutes to over 2 hours.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page
Address: 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
Email: contactus@seattleaquarium.org
Phone: (206) 386-4300
Woodland Park Zoo
Image by Joani Dorse on Unsplash.
Well, if you visit the Aquarium, you better check out the zoo as well, right?
This 92 acre facility features numerous threatened species from across the world. It might interest you to know that Woodland Park Zoo was the first to feature naturalistic exhibits.
Before visiting, check their website for animal feeding times, any programs that might be ongoing, and the hours for the solar-operated carousel.
How long does it take to go through the Woodland Park Zoo? As long as you want it to. However, if you don’t stop too long at any exhibit, you’d take three to four hours to cover it all.
Can people take their own food to the Zoo? Yes you can, but you can eat only in certain designated areas. Alcohol is prohibited.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page
Address: 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Email: contactus@seattleaquarium.org
Phone: (206) 548-2500
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Mohai chronicles Seattle’s rise as a port city, and celebrates our rise as a top center for innovation and technology.
Catch a glimpse of historical events like the Klondike Gold Rush.
Enjoy 360 degree views of the city through a real World War II periscope at the maritime exhibit.
And for some water travel and activities, drop in at the The Center for Wooden Boats next door!
Is there parking at Mohai? You can park in the Republic Parking lot at the AGC building. Ask the front desk (at Mohai) for discounted validation tickets.
When did Mohai open? February 15, 1952.
Website: Visit its website
Contact page: Visit its contact page (inquiry form)
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 324-1126
Planning your itinerary through Seattle’s top attractions
Hope our list helps you plan your visit. If you’re looking for a more thrilling activity featuring teamwork, quick thinking and real-life adventures, do check out Seattle’s best escape room.
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Featured image by Robert Ritchie on Unsplash.
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