Best things to do in Seattle

When you step foot in the Emerald City, you’ll know you’re not in Kansas anymore. Seattle offers the best of an American metropolis with the verdancy of a National Park – hence its enticing nickname.

When you’re looking for the best things to do in Seattle, you have a huge range of options to choose from. Do you want to stick in the city or take to the lake? Whatever you’re in the mood for, Seattle is the city that keeps on giving. Discover our guide to Seattle’s finest attractions, put on your ruby slippers and start planning your trip to the real-life Emerald City.

Space Needle

400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA 98109

More than just an iconic opening sequence for Frasier, the Space Needle is probably Seattle’s most emblematic monument, having towered over the city since 1962. Standing at 605-feet tall, this is a must-visit attraction for first-time tourists to Seattle. Head to the observation deck for 360° panoramas of the city – perfect for an unforgettable vacation snap. Plus, thrill-seekers may want to look down through the glass floor and get a truly unique perspective on the ground below.

Then, head into The Loupe Lounge for a drink and a bite to eat in the Space Needle’s iconic revolving restaurant – boasting the world’s only revolving glass floor. This attraction will make your head spin in more ways than one.

Pike Place Market

85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101

If you love the hustle and bustle of city life, then Pike Place Market is where it’s at. Spanning an entire Seattle neighborhood, this covered market offers everything you could want. Over a century old, Pike Place Market can feel overwhelming at first glance. However, step foot inside this eclectic forum and you’ll soon become part of the dance.

From fresh fish to farmer’s markets, artisanal handicrafts to cut flowers – whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find someone selling it within. Why not grab a bite at one of the many restaurants or street food stands before browsing for that perfect souvenir to take back home?

Discovery Park

3801 Discovery Park Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98199

The largest park in Seattle, Discovery Park is a 534-acre slice of natural wildlife overlooking the Puget Sound. For an escape from the city’s urban sprawl, heading to the sound for a hike or a coastal stroll is one of the best things to do in Seattle.

Discovery Park offers mini beaches and coastal features as well as woodland and meadows, so there’s bound to be a landscape that appeals to you within the boundaries of the park. Plus, it’s nestled in the Seattle neighborhood [CH(S1] of Magnolia – an attractive residential part of the city that offers a village feel to its visitors.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Chihuly Garden & Glass is an innovative museum concept that entices visitors with its commitment to beauty – both artificial and natural. Whether it’s a sunny spring day or you’re experiencing the trademark Seattle drizzle, there’s plenty to explore both indoors and outdoors at this intriguing museum.

Showcasing the impressive works of esteemed glass blower and artist Dale Chihuly, a visit to Chihuly Garden & Glass is one of the best things to do in Seattle for art aficionados and nature lovers alike. Watch live glass demonstrations by local glass blowers and marvel at both the power and the delicacy of working with glass to create art. Then, step outside into the gardens and witness the very same juxtaposition in nature.

Seattle Grunge Tour

The Gum Wall, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101

Seattle is the self-proclaimed birthplace of grunge. With the Seattle scene giving rise to bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains, both youthful angst and teen spirit are huge parts of the city’s cultural identity.

From Bellevue to Tacoma, the misunderstood kids of Washington State would head from all over to Seattle’s coolest clubs and bars to watch this edgy new movement grow. If you want to step back in time to a moodier era, you can pay a visit to some of Seattle’s grungiest hotspots, such as The Gum Wall, the Museum of Pop Culture and London Bridge Studio, as well as haunts frequented by the bands themselves. Or why not join an organized Seattle grunge tour?

Olympic Sculpture Park

2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121

Located in the grounds of the Seattle Art Museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park spans nine acres along the waterfront and is home to an abundance of award-winning sculpture and design. Boasting gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains behind it, paying this modern park a visit is one of the best things to do in Seattle when you want to take in the sights and stretch your legs.

Stroll through and gaze over the placid waters of the Puget Sound while stopping to admire the range of challenging and striking structures in the park. Have your camera ready – this park was made for Instagram memories.

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA 98104

Pioneer Square is one of Seattle’s most historic and fascinating neighborhoods and is well worth a visit when you’re exploring the city. The original site of Seattle’s downtown, this part of the city is characterized by its redbrick buildings and 1800s charm.

History buffs will be in their element here, delving into the circumstances of the ’Great Fire’ of 1889, which lead to the area’s redevelopment, as well as the Square’s significance in the Gold Rush era. Not that into the past? Don’t worry – you’ll find shops filled with curios and alluring cafes to welcome you in with some famous Seattle coffee here, too.

Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island, WA

One of the best things to do in Seattle is to take one of their iconic ferry boats out to somewhere beautiful and remote. You’re in Seattle – it’s only right that you make like McDreamy and live out your Grey’s Anatomy fantasy (without the tragic consequences). Bainbridge Island is a hub of natural beauty and tranquility when you want some urban respite.

Ferries across the Puget Sound are frequent between Seattle and Bainbridge Island, and only take around 35 minutes. Soak in the exhilaration of the open water before stepping foot on the island for a day of exploration. The island is home to plenty of delicious restaurants and coffee shops, as well as parks, beaches and hiking trails.

Ready to explore Seattle? With so much to experience, see and do, you’re truly spoiled for choice. A city filled with history, culture and beauty, once you land in Seattle you’ll be swept away.

Learn more about Seattle

Now you’ve settled on your destination, learn more about the best things to do in Seattle.

• Best hotels in Seattle
• Best restaurants in Seattle
• Seattle neighborhoods