Mobile Navigation menu control

Seattle's Top 25Things to Do

DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEATTLE. WE DARE YOU TO SEE THEM ALL!

In no way is this a comprehensive list of all the incredible experiences to explore in Seattle, but it’s a start. Let’s go!

THINGS TO DO AT SEATTLE CENTER

Seattle Center is a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. Whether you’re into art, science, or history, Seattle has something for everyone.

At its heart stands the iconic Space Needle, offering breathtaking city views. Nearby, the Museum of Pop Culture celebrates music and pop culture in a striking building.

Science enthusiasts will love the hands-on exhibits at the Pacific Science Center. For a unique experience, ride the historic Monorail. Or, marvel at the colorful glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass.

View of the Space Needle from below against a bright blue sky with white clouds. Among the top things to do in Seattle, this iconic structure towers above, showcasing its unique design and observation deck. Photo: David Newman

1. Space Needle

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle quickly became an icon of the city that today is recognized far and wide. On the observation level, which you can reach via a 43-second elevator ride, see the doodle-on-a-napkin concept that led to the Space Needle design. Views from the top feature Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mount Rainier.

A monorail glides along a track in front of a colorful, metallic building with curved shapes—one of the must-see things to do in Seattle. The structure features vibrant orange and blue panels against a partly cloudy sky, while passersby enjoy the iconic scene.

2. Seattle Center Monorail

Another World’s Fair relic, the Seattle Center Monorail links Seattle Center—home of the Space Needle and several other notable attractions—to downtown’s Westlake Center along an approximately one-mile route. The designated historic landmark can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour and weaves between skyscrapers above the city streets.

Mannequins dressed in iconic blue and beige uniforms stand in a sci-fi themed exhibit, featuring a chair and various control panels with colorful buttons, evoking a classic starship bridge setting. Photo: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) | Brady Harvey

3. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Music, science fiction, and pop culture all come together at the fascinating Museum of Pop Culture. The Frank Gehry-designed building looks like a smashed guitar from above, while inside, its colorful exhibits cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and more.

Aerial view of a futuristic building with tall, white arch structures in the vibrant cityscape of Seattle. Surrounded by lush trees and a stunning skyline under a clear blue sky, it's one of the best things to do in Seattle for architecture lovers. Photo: Pacific Science Center

4. Pacific Science Center

This family-friendly museum is where science lessons come to life. At Pacific Science Center, explore galaxies near and far in the planetarium, get up close and personal with colorful creatures in the Tropical Butterfly House, maneuver a two-ton granite ball, find out what it means if you can roll your tongue, and much more.

Colorful glass sculptures resembling flowers, primarily in vibrant orange and yellow hues, dazzle against a glass ceiling. Above, the iconic Space Needle stands majestically against a clear blue sky. A must-see for those exploring things to do in Seattle. Photo: David Newman

5. Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is dedicated to the work and career of locally born, world-renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly, who was introduced to the craft while studying at the University of Washington. It is the most comprehensive collection of his art to date, with interior galleries featuring a variety of his work in the medium. The pièce de résistance is the glasshouse, with a vibrant 100-foot-long sculpture in hues of red, orange, and yellow suspended from the ceiling.

In a mesmerizing display, two ballet dancers in white costumes captivate the audience on stage, silhouetted against a black backdrop. As part of the must-see things to do in Seattle, the male dancer lifts his partner effortlessly, her arm extended gracefully in an elegant pose. Photo: Pacific Northwest Ballet

6. Pacific Northwest Ballet

Among the top echelon of dance companies in the world, Pacific Northwest Ballet performs a variety of classical and modern shows in Seattle Center’s beautiful McCaw Hall. Under the creative direction of renowned dancer Peter Boal, Pacific Northwest Ballet offers transformative performances that are sure to impress. Don’t miss its recently revamped version of The Nutcracker, an annual holiday tradition.

THINGS TO DO IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

Downtown Seattle buzzes with life. It offers a vibrant mix of culture, commerce, and urban charm. From towering skyscrapers to hidden gems, there’s always something to discover.

Explore world-class shops, savor fresh seafood at historic markets, or take in stunning Puget Sound views. Art lovers will find inspiration in museums and galleries. While history buffs can uncover the city’s rich past.

Experience the heart of the Emerald City, where excitement and adventure are around every corner.

Night view of a bustling public market with illuminated signs reading "Public Market Center" and "Farmers Market." Historic buildings surround the area, and light trails from passing vehicles add dynamic movement to the scene. Photo: Tiffany Von Arnim

7. Pike Place Market

From the iconic market sign and Rachel the Piggy Bank to the gum wall, the original Starbucks cafe, well over 225 local artisans selling their wares, the famous fish-tossing tradition, and music-playing street performers, there are enough sights and sounds at Pike Place Market to pack a day (or more). The market added its historic MarketFront expansion in 2017, featuring an open-air plaza and fantastic views of Elliott Bay.

Silhouette of a large sculpture of a man tipping his hat in front of a modern high-rise building against a bright blue sky. The sculpture is positioned in the foreground, giving a dramatic contrast to the glass architecture behind it. Photo: SAM Exterior | Hayden Campbell

8. Seattle Art Museum – three ways

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is the city’s largest museum dating back to the 1930s and housing a varied collection of artwork that spans multiple eras and geographic regions. Take the time to visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor extension of the museum that’s open to the public for free about a mile away at the waterfront. And don’t miss exploring SAM’s Asian art collection at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, located just east of downtown in Capitol Hill.

A modern, angular building in Seattle boasts a unique geometric glass facade with diamond-shaped patterns. Cars and traffic lights fill the foreground, while towering skyscrapers surround it on a cloudy day, making it an architectural highlight among things to do in Seattle. Photo: Jan Uy

9. Central Public Library

You’ve never seen a library quite like this—Seattle Central Library’s architecturally distinct structure boasts enough glass to cover more than five football stadiums. Head to the 10th floor for a light-filled reading room with peekaboo views of Elliott Bay, or take a self-guided cell phone tour by dialing 206-868-8564*.

Aerial view of a bustling cityscape featuring a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings. Streets lined with trees weave through the urban environment, echoing the vibrant essence of things to do in Seattle, while distant hills are visible under a clear blue sky. Photo: Smith Tower

10. Smith Tower

Visit the city’s first skyscraper, built in 1914, and ride the historic, manually operated elevators to the 35th-floor observatory, where 360-degree views await. Displays tell the tale of characters who made Smith Tower what it is today, while the tower’s Prohibition-themed Temperance bar serves themed cocktails.

People are silhouetted against a large aquarium window, observing sea creatures swimming by. Among the top things to do in Seattle, this dimly lit room highlights the bright blue water and vibrant marine life. Photo: Joe Mabel

11. Seattle Aquarium

Down at the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront’s Pier 59, learn all about salmon, meet a few adorable sea otters, and greet the various sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean, from puffers to giant clams. Watch scuba divers feed the fish, gawk at sharks swimming overhead in the underwater dome, and even touch a sea anemone.

As the ferry sails toward the sunset-drenched horizon, surrounded by calm waters, with a smaller boat trailing in its wake, consider it as one of those unique things to do in Seattle. The sky's gradient of orange and pink paints a perfect backdrop against silhouetted mountains. Photo: Tiffany Von Arnim

12. Washington State Ferries

A ride across Puget Sound aboard one of 22 Washington State Ferries vessels is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the bow of the boat as you cruise to the nearby communities of Bainbridge Island or Bremerton. This is one of those cases where the journey is as much fun as the destination.

A low-angle view of a large Ferris wheel with several gondolas against a blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds captures one of the must-see things to do in Seattle. The perspective emphasizes the wheel's structure and the impressive height of this iconic amusement ride. Photo: Stuart Mullenberg

13. Seattle Great Wheel

Although it was only built in 2012, the Seattle Great Wheel has quickly become a fixture of the city’s skyline—plus it adds an entirely new sightseeing perspective, thanks to its location perched on the end of Pier 57. Enjoy three revolutions around in one of the air-conditioned gondolas to see the city, water, and mountains on the horizon.

A front view of a sleek, black jet aircraft with sharp angles and a pointed nose is displayed indoors, reminiscent of one of the thrilling attractions on a list of things to do in Seattle. The plane's streamlined design suggests high-speed capabilities against the backdrop of the large window. Photo: Dave Nakayama

14. The Museum of Flight

Aviation buffs, take note: The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space collections in the country, with an overwhelming number of things to see—like a Boeing lunar rover and an Air Force One from the Eisenhower era—and do, including NASA space shuttle trainer tours and flight simulators.

Experience one of the top things to do in Seattle with a wide-angle view of a bustling baseball stadium during a daytime game. The stands are packed with fans, and the city skyline graces the background under a partly cloudy sky, creating an unforgettable scene. T-Mobile Park

15. T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field

Cheer on the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, one of baseball’s prettiest ballparks (with gourmet food, to boot!), or root for the Seattle Seahawks, Sounders FC, and Reign FC at neighboring Lumen Field, known for its boisterous atmosphere. Both stadiums offer behind-the-scenes tours during the offseason and when the teams are away.

a light blue viewfinder points in the direction of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle prominently front and center. Photo: Kerry Park | David Newman

16. Kerry Park

This picturesque Queen Anne spot looks down at the Seattle skyline from the north. It’s the ideal place to get the quintessential view of the city, featuring the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, downtown skyscrapers, and (on clear days) Mount Rainier.

A colorful totem pole stands proudly before the ornate brick and stone facade of the Pioneer Building in Seattle—a perfect snapshot for those exploring things to do in Seattle. The entrance is framed by arched windows, with the Underground Tour sign visible, while leafless trees grace the scene. Photo: Bjørn Giesenbauer

17. Pioneer Square

Seattle’s original downtown is full of beautiful old buildings in Romanesque Revival style, underground tours that take you beneath the streets to see the remains of the city’s first buildings, and an ever-growing slate of hip shops and restaurants. Take an afternoon or more to explore Pioneer Square‘s ivy-covered buildings and pop into bars, boutiques, and hidden gems, like Waterfall Garden Park.

A vibrant Chinese temple roof with intricate designs and red, green, and blue details stands proudly against Seattle's clear blue sky. The architecture features ornate carvings and traditional Chinese motifs, showcasing the cultural artistry among the must-see things to do in Seattle. Photo: Helen Cook

18. Chinatown-International District

The ornate Chinatown Gate welcomes you to this diverse neighborhood, where the food scene is incredible. After eating your fill of everything from pho to sushi, visit Wing Luke Museum, dedicated to the Asian Pacific American experience; practice your pinball game at the Seattle Pinball Museum; and shop for Japanese snacks and cute gifts at the Uwajimaya supermarket.

Aerial view of a canal with boat locks, reminiscent of those found among the things to do in Seattle, surrounded by greenery and industrial buildings. Boats are docked nearby, trees are scattered across the area, and a residential neighborhood forms the picturesque backdrop. Photo: Civil Air Patrol

19. Ballard Locks

In Lake Washington’s Ship Canal sits the century-old Ballard Locks, where you can watch the water levels rise and lower to create a “boat elevator” for boats and even kayaks passing between freshwater lakes and the salt water of Puget Sound. The on-site botanical garden and fish ladder are also worth a visit.

A group of people kayaking on a calm urban waterway, a must-do activity among the things to do in Seattle. They wear life jackets while paddling yellow and orange kayaks. The city skyline, green hills, and a cloudy sky during early evening form the stunning backdrop. Photo: GaHoward

20. South Lake Union

The always bustling Lake Union, located just northeast of downtown, hosts a variety of seaplanes and boats of all kinds, including the floating home from Sleepless in Seattle. Get out on the water at The Center for Wooden Boats, which offers rentals and tours. And explore the area’s burgeoning restaurant and bar scene.

 

A seaplane glides over Seattle, with a stunning view of downtown skyscrapers in the distance. Below, the cityscape offers a mix of buildings, roads, and the shimmering Puget Sound surrounded by lush green shorelines. The sky is clear—a perfect day to explore endless things to do in Seattle. Courtesy Kenmore Air

21. Kenmore Air

If you want to get a better look at the city, the views from Kenmore Air’s Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour are unbeatable. Board the floatplane at Lake Union for an exhilarating takeoff, leisure flight, and gentle landing back on the water.

Against a backdrop of city lights at dusk, a waterfront building with bright white lights offers a captivating view—a must-see among things to do in Seattle. A boat is moored nearby, while the deep blue sky and water reflect the luminous scene perfectly. Ed LaCasse

22. Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

Known as MOHAI, this museum on the shores of Lake Union encapsulates what Seattle is all about, with a dash of smart history, a dose of technology, and quirky artifacts around every corner (think a pink truck with toes). Permanent exhibits showcase everything from the city’s maritime history to modern tech innovations.

Two workers in aprons handle large burlap sacks inside a distillery near large copper tanks and industrial equipment. This modern space, with exposed beams and warm lighting, is a hidden gem among the things to do in Seattle for those seeking unique local experiences. Photo: Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room

23. Starbucks Reserve Roastery

You won’t have trouble finding a Starbucks here in the company’s hometown, but you’ll want to seek out this special Starbucks experience on Capitol Hill. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a Willy Wonka–esque coffee wonderland, where you’ll find exclusive beverages, various brewing methods, a coffee library, and more.

WHAT TO DO OUTSIDE OF SEATTLE

Beyond Seattle’s city limits lies a world of adventure. Lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling waters beckon explorers. You can hike scenic trails, spot wildlife, or kayak in crystal-clear lakes.

Charming small towns offer a taste of local life. Breathe in the fresh air as you discover hidden waterfalls. Sip wine at picturesque vineyards. Or enjoy the peace of a quiet beach.

The natural wonders surrounding Seattle will amaze you. Get ready to experience the Pacific Northwest’s wild beauty outside the city limits.

A tree-lined pathway leads to a large, elegant white house with a gray roof and charming windows. Manicured lawns and shrubs frame the scene, reminiscent of one of the captivating things to do in Seattle, as people enjoy the sunny day in the garden. Photo: David Newman

24. Woodinville Wine Country

Western Washington’s wine outpost is in Woodinville, a charming town just a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle. There are more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms pouring there (including Chateau Ste. Michelle, the state’s first winery), ensuring something for every palate.

The bustling interior of a large aircraft manufacturing facility offers a unique glimpse into Seattle's vibrant industrial side, with airplanes in various assembly stages. Amidst machinery and scaffolding, workers thrive under bright lighting—an intriguing addition to the list of things to do in Seattle. Photo: Boeing

25. Boeing Future of Flight

Boeing Future of Flight is one of Washington state’s premier aerospace attraction and experiences, 25 miles north of downtown Seattle. It is located in Mukilteo at Paine Field. Guests are welcome for the Gallery, Sky Deck, and Boeing Store.

Instagram

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST

Seattle’s best every month in your inbox

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book Your Trip

Advertisements