Seattle is a vibrant, diverse city that offers visitors the convenience of a modern city and the beauty of a natural surrounding landscape. Lovers of outdoor adventures, rich coffee, and unique art flock to the Emerald City all year round. This urban haven in the Pacific Northwest is wonderfully historic and undeniably interesting; anyone who hasn’t paid it a visit yet should definitely put it next on their adventure list.
However, with a stunning city that has so much to offer, where do you begin? Thankfully, Seattle has a vast array of options for visitors of all ages and interests. Check out the list below for some of the best things to do in Seattle.
Seattle’s Best Attractions
Seattle Aquarium
When deciding what to do in Seattle, going to the aquarium is one of the most popular options. Great for children, teenagers, and adults alike, the Seattle Aquarium is host to puffins, jellyfish, a giant octopus, and so much more. With six different zones to explore, the aquarium also contains a 400,000-gallon tank that offers visitors a 360-degree view into the lives of countless sea critters.
Better yet, if you purchase a Seattle CityPASS, you can get nearly 50% off the regular cost of Seattle Aquarium tickets plus other popular Seattle attractions and unbeatable perks like discounts at gift shops.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place is one of the most delicious and exciting choices when it comes to the top things to do in Seattle. Home to a vast array of market stalls full of food from local chefs, grocers, and bakers, Pike Place Market is a great place to explore when you’re on the hunt for a scrumptious meal or even just a satisfying snack.
Plus, Pike Place overlooks the Puget Sound, so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the water while you nibble. Because there’s so much ground to cover in the market (and potentially long lines), it’s a great idea to book a tour that offers you the chance to receive a special tour of Pike Place from a real chef, including free samples and line skips!
Space Needle Tour
Perhaps one of the most common things that comes up when you explore your options of what to do in Seattle, the Space Needle shouldn’t be missed. A distinctive icon of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle provides panoramic views of the city and the landscape beyond. With both a restaurant and observation deck on the top, visitors have the chance to satisfy their hunger and admire the view at once.
One of the best ways to take advantage of your trip to the Space Needle is to book a combination ticket. This ticket will grant access to the Space Needle and the nearby Chihuly Glass Garden at a lower rate than if you purchased tickets for each attraction separately. Why not take advantage of a deal like that and maximize your Seattle experience?
Mount Rainier Park Tour
For those with an adventurous spirit, one of the best things to do in Seattle is take a day trip to Mount Rainier Park. Depending on the time of year, gives you a guided walk or snowshoe wander on Mount Rainier. The tour lasts for most of the day and includes a lunch stop.
It’s highly recommended to book a tour guide when exploring Mount Rainier because it will give you a great chance to learn about things you might not notice on your own, like local ecology, fascinating history, and secret trails. Then, once the tour is over, you can return to Seattle and look out at the noteworthy mountain peak with familiarity and fondness.
Museum of Pop Culture
For lovers of pop culture, this museum is an attraction that cannot be missed. Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture walks you through decades of the art and music that has exemplified pop culture throughout the years. Enjoy interesting facts and figures about popular trends and events, and walk out of the museum a bonafide expert on what’s been in fashion over the course of contemporary history.
The museum is also home to a delicious cafe and fascinating gift shop, so you’ll be able to refuel during your visit and leave with awesome souvenirs.
Woodland Park Zoo
Also included in the Seattle CityPASS is a trip to this zoo. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Seattle. Not only is it award-winning, but it’s also focused on wildlife conservation. The Woodland Park Zoo recreates a variety of climates and habitats, including the savannah and the jungle, so that visitors can get a chance to see fascinating animals without traversing the globe.
This attraction is great for all animal lovers no matter what their age might be. It provides the opportunity to learn about species of creatures from all corners of the globe, all from a 92-acre campus in Seattle. Save money on your entry ticket by purchasing a CityPASS and gain access to countless other things to do as well.
Culture, Art, and Music Tour
Seattle is one of the best cities for lovers and fanatics of culture, art, and music. That’s why it’s a great place to go on art and music-themed tour. The greatest thing about a tour like this is that it gives you the chance to personalize your experience with a selection of expert tour guides.
Stops on this tour include the Music Project Museum, the Frye Art Museum, various locations of notable street art, and a sculpture garden. It’s a unique and varied experience, leaving the person purchasing the ticket in charge of what they want to see.
Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine Tour
For appreciators of the sweeter things in life, visit the flagship Starbucks roastery for a delicious cup of coffee. Then, go to Fran’s Chocolates, where rich and delectable sweets are produced every single day.
Finish your day off by visiting the Browne Family Vineyards and enjoy a unique wine and cheese tasting experience. Seattle will satisfy your need for a caffeine fix, your sweet tooth, and your love of wine.
Seattle Chinatown and International District
Seattle’s Chinatown and International District is bustling with multiethnic culture. It’s also one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, boasting countless museums, monuments, and restaurants that can connect you with worlds that are thousands of miles away. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat, whether you’re in the mood for dim sum or banh mi.
One of the best times of year to visit Seattle’s Chinatown is either during the Lunar New Year or during another festival time, such as Bon Odori in July. However, this part of the city is thriving year-round. In fact, there is so much to see in Seattle’s Chinatown.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
For visitors of Seattle who simply have too many things on their list of things they want to do, we highly recommend booking a ticket with a hop-on hop-off bus. It is a great opportunity to take a drive around Seattle and see everything it has to offer.
When the bus reaches a point of interest that tickles your fancy, simply hop off the bus and explore to your heart’s content. When you’re finished, wait for the next bus stopping by that location and hop right back on to continue your adventure around Emerald City.
Conclusion
All in all, Seattle is an unmissable city to visit. It’s not only the birthplace of popular coffee roaster Starbucks, but it’s also the origin of world-famous rock bands like Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam. Delicious food, popular culture, and grunge music abound in Seattle. Furthermore, the surrounding wild terrain offers stunningly beautiful views and the chance to go on countless adventurous day trips.
Whatever your travel goals are, there’s no doubt that Seattle can satisfy them. Be sure to check out the aforementioned tours and ticket packages so that you can save money and maximize your Seattle experience to the fullest extent.
