Welcome to the best things to do in Seattle!
I recently spent the weekend in Seattle, and immediately fell in love with the Pacific Northwest.
Does anyone else visit a new city, then immediately start looking up houses on Zillow??
Just me?
Anyways, my trip was so much fun I wanted to share all the best things to do in Seattle!
Let’s dive in.
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Seattle Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours In Seattle
- Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
- Mt. Rainier Day Trip From Seattle
- Seattle Harbor Cruise
- Chef-Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: 2 Hours
- Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour
Where To Stay In Seattle
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
How To Get Around Seattle
If you’re just planning to explore within Seattle, you don’t really need your own car.
Having to find (and pay for) parking can be a nuisance inside the city.
Instead, I recommend staying at a hotel downtown to be near all the best things to do.
That way, you can walk or Uber anywhere you need to go.
However, if you’re planning on combining your time in Seattle with other adventures in the area, you definitely DO need a rental a car.
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
1. Explore Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a Seattle treasure.
It’s one of the oldest running farmer’s markets in the country, dating back to 1907!
Here, you can shop locally sourced seafood, produce, flowers, art, and other souvenirs.
In addition to shopping, there are sooo many great eats.
Bakeries, fine dining, and restaurants from all over the world will keep you fed all day!
Where To Eat In Pike Place Market
I highly recommend grabbing breakfast at Lowell’s.
They source their seafood and produce from vendors right within Pike Place- you seriously can’t get any more fresh than that!
If you can snag a window table, you’ll also get beautiful views of Puget Sound.
Although the Dungeness Crab Omelet is their most famous dish, I found the Salmon Benedict was the real star.
Sleepless In Seattle
Pike Place Market was featured in the 1993 movie Sleepless In Seattle, when Tom Hank’s character meets a friend for lunch, and they famously discuss dating and tiramisu.
The pair met at the Athenian Inn (next-door to Lowell’s), a fantastic Greek restaurant that has been in business since 1909.
Related: Seattle Instagram Captions
Original Starbucks
Located in Pike Place Market, the Original Starbucks opened in 1971.
This put Seattle on the map as the coffee capital of the US.
As a coffee lover, I think it’s so cool to see where Starbucks all began!
Gum Alley
Seattle’s Gum Wall, located in Post Alley, is a unique and interesting street tucked away in Pike Place Market.
With its colorful array of chewing gum stuck to every surface along the walls and sidewalks, Gum Alley has become a popular attraction.
The alley was once used by sailors who would stick their chewed-up gum onto the walls as a sign of friendship.
Today, it’s an ever-changing canvas for artistic expression – with new pieces popping up all over on any given day.
From abstract designs to portraits of celebrities or cartoon characters, this quirky alley is worth a visit if you’re in Pike Place.
2. Sample at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery
If you want a more dramatic Starbucks experience, visit one of the few Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in the world!
Described in its own words as, “if Willy Wonka had built the ultimate coffee shop instead of a chocolate factory,” the 15,000 square foot, industrial-chic space is both warm and impressive.
Witness the entire coffee-making process, sample rare coffees, and enjoy an exclusive menu.
Coffee & Cocktails
Inside the roastery, the upscale Italian cafe Princi expands the selection even further.
Their menu includes flatbreads, pastries, charcuterie boards, and more.
Princi also offers a full bar as well as signature Starbucks-infused cocktails! *swoon*
Related: Cocktail Instagram Captions
3. Explore Discovery Park
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure without leaving the city, this is the place.
Discovery Park is a 534-acre park on the shores of Puget Sound, in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood.
There are lots of scenic walking trails, as well as the beautiful West Point Lighthouse.
Related: Travel Instagram Captions
4. Ascend the Space Needle
The Space Needle was built in 1962, the year Seattle hosted the World’s Fair. (Very mid-mod!)
It stands at 605 feet tall, complete with an observation deck and rotating restaurant.
The 360° views of Seattle and Puget Sound are seriously amazing.
And on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Rainier!
Once at the top, sip on a glass of wine at the cafe, and take in the city views.
Or, try walking across the newly-added rotating glass floors.
(It’s trippy!)
You can buy tickets ahead and schedule your time here.
5. Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
Right next to the Space Needle, you’ll find the fantastical Chihuly Garden and Glass.
This exhibition showcases the work and inspiration of Dale Chihuly, renowned glass artist.
Here, you can explore eight galleries, a lush garden, and the centerpiece Glasshouse.
This spot will totally up your Instagram game!
Related: 21 Best Things To Do In Washington State
6. Find the Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is a fun public sculpture created in 1990 by local artists.
The art piece was commissioned by the Fremont Arts Council to help clean up the area under the bridge.
Since then, it’s transformed the location into an iconic attraction.
If you’re looking for the troll, it lives in the Fremont neighborhood, under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge.
Kids will especially love climbing up on top of the troll!
Related: Photography Instagram Captions
7. Watch a sunset at Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a small park on the slope of Queen Anne Hill.
Despite its small size, it’s the perfect place to catch a sunset over the quintessential view of Seattle’s skyline.
It’s one of the most popular photo spots in the city, so try to get there early!
Related: Aesthetic Instagram Captions
8. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture
This eclectic, non-profit museum features a fun array of exhibits spanning music, movies, gaming, sports, and more!
Where else could you visit a Nirvana exhibit and a Minecraft exhibit in the same place?
After a day of exploring the museum, grab a bite to eat at Culture Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, located on the first floor.
Related: Art Instagram Captions
9. Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry
Bainbridge Island makes for an easy escape from the urban jungle of downtown Seattle.
The ferry leaves from Seattle’s downtown docks, and crosses the beautiful Puget Sound.
Just 35 minutes later, you arrive at the charming village of Winslow on Bainbridge Island.
Here, you’ll find charming shops, beautiful gardens, forests and beaches to explore!
Related: Adventure Instagram Captions
10. Visit The Amazon Spheres
The Amazon Spheres are a marvel of modern architecture and engineering.
Located next to Amazon’s headquarters, the three interconnected glass domes are an icon for the city’s tech culture.
On the inside, Amazon has created a botanical paradise that’s open to the public during regular business hours.
The Spheres are home to more than 40,000 plants from around the world, each carefully selected and arranged to create an immersive experience.
From towering trees and colorful blooms, to hidden pathways and secret nooks, the Spheres are a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Plus, they’re free to visit!
Just be sure to make your reservation in advance on their website.
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