This Rainy Metropolis Has a Skyline Icon You Can Dine In — and a Museum Dedicated to Rock Legends

The top things to do in Seattle, such as seeing the Space Needle and whale watching, are incredibly fun. Enjoy memorable experiences, history, nightlife, and cuisine in this popular West Coast destination. 

Seattle, Washington, is a popular tourist destination and hub for creativity, science, and technology. Almost 40 million visitors came to the city in 2023, and it continues to be one of the country’s top destinations. 

You’ll experience historical places such as Pike Place Market and downtown museums. There are also endless natural wonders like Lake Union and the Olympic National Forest. 

We compiled the best experiences and sights from Google reviews, tourist numbers, and our own experiences. Below are the top things to see and experience in Seattle so you can have the vacation of a lifetime.

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Top Hotels

• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
• Midrange: Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
• Budget: College Inn Hotel

Top Experiences

• Eat at Pike Place Market
• Tour the Space Needle
• Hike in Olympic National Forest

Eat at Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is the perfect destination to start your Seattle vacation. Located on Seattle’s historical waterfront, this bustling market offers everything from tasty bites to historical monuments. 

It started in 1907 and is now one of the country’s oldest continuously operating markets. You’ll find local products, including fresh fish, crafts, produce, and local beers and spirits. You’ll also enjoy the best people-watching in the city. 

Dine at a local restaurant and watch the anglers unload their catches. Check out the original Starbucks, and don’t miss the market’s famous fish-tossing. You can easily spend the entire day relaxing, eating, and taking in the sights. 

Travel Tips

• Try Local Samples: Many vendors offer free samples of their products, especially at the fish market.
• Check Out the Secret Garden: If you need a break, visit the Secret Garden located in the southwest corner of the market.

Read also: Most Expensive Cities To Live in the US

Hike Olympic National Forest

Olympic National Forest is a wonderland of temperate rainforests, wildlife, and beautiful sights. It’s less than two hours from Seattle and worth spending several days exploring. 

Begin your trip at the Mt. Walker Viewpoint. Take the popular hiking trail into the forest to see the peaks of Mt Constance and Warrior Peak. You’ll look out over endless forests, bays, and rural landscapes. 

Next, take the 101 north to see trails and destinations such as Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rain Forest. Bring your hiking boots and rain gear because this region is wet and wild. Try camping or enjoy a multi-day glamping adventure. 

Travel Tips

• Check Trail Conditions: Before heading out, check the trail conditions on the Olympic National Park website or local ranger stations.
• Bring a Map and Compass: While many trails are well-marked, it’s always a good idea to carry a physical map and compass.

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Take the Seattle Center Monorail

The Seattle Center Monorail is a relic from Seattle’s past. It opened in 1962, just before the city hosted the World’s Fair. It quickly became one of the city’s most popular landmarks, attracting riders from around the world. 

Two trains take you from downtown Seattle to Westlake Center. The journey isn’t very long, but the sights and views are stunning. Bring your camera to capture the views from this iconic train ride. 

You’ll travel 40 mph over the city center and between concrete buildings. Take in the sights and get off at sights such as Westlake Center Mall. Take the train early in the morning for the best light for photos. 

Travel Tips

• Use an ORCA Card for Easy Payment: This card allows for seamless payments across various transit systems in Seattle, including the Monorail.
• Enjoy the Views from the Front Car: This gives you a clearer perspective of the city as you glide above the streets.

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Enjoy the Pacific Northwest Ballet

The Pacific Northwest Ballet is the creme de la creme of American ballet performances. Since 1966, it has been a staple of Seattle’s dance and theater community. Today, it’s regarded as one of the country’s top ballet companies. 

Visit during a special performance and see classics such as The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet. There are also popular performances of Sleeping Beauty and several new shows added annually. 

Get your tickets early because this venue fills up quickly. The company also runs a famous ballet school and hosts fun events throughout the year.

Travel Tips

• Look for Discounted Tickets: Keep an eye out for special ticket offers, such as “Pay What You Want” nights or discounted tickets for students and seniors.
• Explore the Gift Shop: It offers ballet-themed products, including souvenirs and books.

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Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

The Museum of Pop Culture is a unique destination that preserves the legacy of pop culture around the world. Architect Frank Gehry designed the guitar-like museum space. It’s made up of over 3 thousand panels and aluminum shingles that glitter in the sun. 

You’ll step into a world of global pop culture with film, music, art, and TV exhibits. You’ll see the entire evolution of American pop culture and enjoy stunning interactive displays.

This being Seattle, you’ll come face to face with musical instruments and clothes that once belonged to Seattle legends. From guitars belonging to Jimi Hendrix to flannel shirts from iconic bands, there’s plenty to see in this exciting space. 

Travel Tips

• Plan for Nearby Attractions: MoPOP is located near other popular sites like the Space Needle, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. 
• Take Advantage of the Sound Lab: Don’t miss the interactive Sound Lab, where you can play instruments and create music.

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Admire Fine Art at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

The Seattle Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the Pacific Northwest and a must-see if you love art. You’ll step inside a huge collection of modern and classic art. There are world-famous collections from multiple countries and periods. 

You’ll see Jackson Pollock’s Sea Change and Andy Warhol’s Double Elvis. Over 25,000 works rotate throughout the museum. 

The SAM also runs the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Inside are priceless collections of modern and ancient Asian art spanning centuries. The company also curates the Olympic Sculpture Park near the Space Needle. 

Travel Tips

• Plan for Free Admission Days: The Seattle Art Museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month and free entry for seniors on the first Friday.
• Explore the SAM Shop: The shop features locally crafted items, art books, and home decor.

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Check out the Views from the Seattle Space Needle

The Seattle Space Needle rises over 600 feet from downtown Seattle. The iconic building overlooks the city like a floating UFO. It’s the city’s most photographed monument, making it on social media reels, postcards, and coffee-table books. 

It was built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair and has since become a symbol of the city. Visit the monument and take the elevator to the top observation deck. Here, you can see the original concept art for the building that was drawn on a napkin. 

From the top, you’ll get stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, downtown Seattle, and Mt. Rainier. Visit in the morning or evening for stunning views and great light for photos. 

Travel Tips

• Buy Tickets Online in Advance: This can save you time and guarantee entry, especially during peak tourist seasons
• Enjoy the Loupe Lounge: Consider reserving a spot at the Loupe Lounge, which has a revolving glass floor. 

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Spend the Afternoon at the Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is a one-of-a-kind science center dedicated to, well… science! Seattle’s history with science and technology runs deep, and this amazing destination captures it. 

It was founded in 1962 as the US’ first center for science and technology. It has a planetarium, IMAX theater, and several amazing galleries and spaces. 

Enjoy interactive exhibits, including galactic explorations and in-depth tours of the human body and cells. There’s a tidepool, butterfly garden, and other permanent exhibits for the entire family. Check the center’s website for events and special lectures throughout the year. 

Travel Tips

• Plan Your Visit Around Shows: Check the schedule for planetarium shows and live demonstrations before your visit. 
• Explore the Outdoor Exhibits: The Water Works area offers interactive water play features that are fun for kids and a great way to cool off in the summer.

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See the Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is one of the country’s largest and most popular aquariums. You’ll see various tropical and cold-water fish and experience the region’s biodiversity. 

This popular venue is located on Pier 59 and has interactive exhibits, tanks, and educational information. You’ll see everything from endangered sharks to corals and strange marine life that feels otherworldly. 

Visit early to avoid the crowds and school field trips. After your visit, check out the Ocean Pavilion for views and more exhibits. 

Travel Tips

• Attend Feeding Times and Talks: Check the schedule for feeding times and special talks throughout the day. 
• Utilize the Touch Pools: Don’t miss the touch pools where you can gently interact with sea creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers.

Read also: Amazing West Coast Beach Towns

Learn About Planes at The Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight is one of Seattle’s most spectacular museums and is worth visiting if you love history and aviation. You’ll see military and public aircraft and learn about how they work. 

Step inside a Space Shuttle Trainer or see the engines of a Blackbird. There’s an Air Force One aircraft and several artifacts from the original days of flight. 

Try using a flight simulator and landing in an airport, or explore the museum’s interactive displays. Plan on spending several hours in this popular museum.

Travel Tips

• Explore the Aviation Pavilion: Walk through larger aircraft like the Concorde and Air Force One. 
• Plan for Interactive Experiences: The flight simulators available at the museum allow you to pilot various aircraft.

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See a Game at T-Mobile Park

T-Mobile Park is the home of the Seattle Mariners baseball team and one of the country’s most iconic stadiums. It encompasses almost 20 acres of downtown Seattle and hosts games and events throughout the year. 

Time your visit with a game and root for Seattle. Or, take a guided tour of the stadium to learn about the team and the stadium’s history. 

When you tour the stadium, you’ll see the locker rooms and bleachers and step onto the field. This tour is a must if you love baseball and sports or want to learn about the city’s history. 

Travel Tips

• Check for Value Games: Look for “Value Games,” which typically occur on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
• Explore Food Options: Check out local favorites like Ivar’s clam chowder and other offerings from different vendors throughout the stadium.

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Explore Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square is Seattle’s original downtown. During the logging and gold rush days, this section of the city grew into a bustling city center. Then, in the 20th century, the city built streets and buildings several floors above the original downtown. 

Today, you can tour the original buried downtown and see the original buildings and artifacts. Besides the historical monuments, there are many restaurants, bars, and museums. Go to Damn the Weather for cocktails and to Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub for fish and chips.

See the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Then, check out Occidental Square for live events, markets, and boutiques. After shopping, relax at Waterfall Garden Park and see a striking waterfall in the middle of the city. 

Travel Tips

• Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: The visitor center offers information about Seattle’s history during the Gold Rush. 
• Check Out the First Thursday Art Walk:  This event allows you to visit multiple galleries and meet artists.

Read also: Historical Cities in the US

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