Seattle is a city that feels alive with endless possibilities. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll discover something new every time you explore. From the glittering waterfront setting to lush parks, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems, the city is packed with prime destinations that leave a lasting impression.
If you’re wondering what to do in Seattle, this guide takes you through the attractions you won’t want to miss. Each one shows a different side of the city and gives you reasons to return again and again.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is at the heart of Seattle’s identity. Locals come here for fresh produce, unique goods, and creative finds, while tourists arrive to discover the many wonders. The energy of the market is contagious. Every corner offers something unexpected, from small flower stands bursting with color to street performers adding rhythm and energy to the day.
Walking through the market, you can try everything from hand-crafted chocolates to locally made cheeses. If you want to take in the full experience, start at the upper level, where you’ll find specialty shops and eateries, then make your way down to the lower levels for collectibles, handmade art, and quirky treasures. It’s not just a shopping trip; it’s an adventure through Seattle’s creative spirit.
One of the most notable draws is Rachel the Piggy Bank, a bronze pig statue that has become the unofficial mascot of Pike Place. Snap a photo here, then head to the gum wall nearby, where thousands of visitors have left their colorful marks. Quirky, messy, and oddly artistic, it’s an only-in-Seattle moment.
Walking through the market, you can try everything from hand-crafted chocolates to locally made cheeses. If you want to take in the full experience, start at the upper level, where you’ll find specialty shops and eateries, then make your way down to the lower levels for collectibles, handmade art, and quirky treasures. It’s not just a shopping trip; it’s an adventure through Seattle’s creative spirit.
One of the most notable draws is Rachel the Piggy Bank, a bronze pig statue that has become the unofficial mascot of Pike Place. Snap a photo here, then head to the gum wall nearby, where thousands of visitors have left their colorful marks. Quirky, messy, and oddly artistic, it’s an only-in-Seattle moment.
The Space Needle
No trip to Seattle would be complete without the Space Needle. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Locals still marvel at it on clear days, and visitors can’t resist the chance to ride up to the top.
The newly renovated observation deck makes the experience even more breathtaking. Glass walls stretch floor-to-ceiling, while a rotating glass floor lets you look straight down at the city below. From this height, you can see Mount Rainier in the distance, the shimmering waters of Puget Sound, and the downtown skyline all at once.
Dining at the Space Needle is a memorable event in itself. The restaurant offers stunning views that change with every passing moment as the platform slowly rotates. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just taking in the amazing city from above, the Space Needle makes your trip unforgettable.
The newly renovated observation deck makes the experience even more breathtaking. Glass walls stretch floor-to-ceiling, while a rotating glass floor lets you look straight down at the city below. From this height, you can see Mount Rainier in the distance, the shimmering waters of Puget Sound, and the downtown skyline all at once.
Dining at the Space Needle is a memorable event in itself. The restaurant offers stunning views that change with every passing moment as the platform slowly rotates. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just taking in the amazing city from above, the Space Needle makes your trip unforgettable.
Chihuly Garden And Glass
Right next to the Space Needle is another must-see destination: Chihuly Garden and Glass. This exhibit celebrates the artistry of Dale Chihuly, one of the most influential glass artists in the world. His pieces are bold, colorful, and unlike anything else you’ll find.
Inside, you’ll walk through rooms filled with massive installations that twist and flow like waves of glass. Each space is lit to highlight the detail and brilliance of the art. The Glasshouse is a favorite, featuring a 100-foot-long sculpture that seems to float under a glass ceiling. On sunny days, the natural light pours in and makes the colors glow even brighter.
The outdoor garden ties the whole experience together. Sculptures rise among plants and flowers, blending art with nature in a way that feels magical. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, this exhibit makes a lasting impression.
Inside, you’ll walk through rooms filled with massive installations that twist and flow like waves of glass. Each space is lit to highlight the detail and brilliance of the art. The Glasshouse is a favorite, featuring a 100-foot-long sculpture that seems to float under a glass ceiling. On sunny days, the natural light pours in and makes the colors glow even brighter.
The outdoor garden ties the whole experience together. Sculptures rise among plants and flowers, blending art with nature in a way that feels magical. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, this exhibit makes a lasting impression.
Seattle Art Museum
For anyone who loves art in all its forms, the Seattle Art Museum is a destination worth exploring. Known simply as SAM, it offers an impressive collection that covers everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits that reflect creative endeavors from around the world. Rotating installations keep the experience fresh, so there’s always something new to discover. The museum also engages with the city’s identity, often featuring works by Pacific Northwest artists. It’s a place where you can spend hours getting lost in thought, finding inspiration, and seeing the world from new perspectives.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits that reflect creative endeavors from around the world. Rotating installations keep the experience fresh, so there’s always something new to discover. The museum also engages with the city’s identity, often featuring works by Pacific Northwest artists. It’s a place where you can spend hours getting lost in thought, finding inspiration, and seeing the world from new perspectives.
Museum Of Pop Culture
Seattle has a strong connection to music and innovation, and the Museum of Pop Culture — often called MoPOP — celebrates it all. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building itself is a work of art with its bold, flowing design. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that dive into music, film, gaming, and everything that pop culture touches.
One of the major highlights is the guitar gallery, which showcases instruments from legends like Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Seattle’s music history runs deep, and this museum honors that legacy. Interactive exhibits let you try out instruments, mix your own tracks, and feel like part of the creative process.
Film and fantasy fans will also love the sections dedicated to science fiction and horror. Costumes, props, and memorabilia bring iconic movies and shows to life. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of music or just want to experience something immersive, MoPOP keeps the energy high and the creativity flowing.
One of the major highlights is the guitar gallery, which showcases instruments from legends like Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Seattle’s music history runs deep, and this museum honors that legacy. Interactive exhibits let you try out instruments, mix your own tracks, and feel like part of the creative process.
Film and fantasy fans will also love the sections dedicated to science fiction and horror. Costumes, props, and memorabilia bring iconic movies and shows to life. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of music or just want to experience something immersive, MoPOP keeps the energy high and the creativity flowing.
Seattle Aquarium
For those who love marine life, the Seattle Aquarium brings the underwater world right to the waterfront. This attraction connects visitors to the creatures of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The underwater dome is one of the most popular features, where you can step inside and see fish, sharks, and other marine animals swimming all around you. It feels like you’re standing on the ocean floor without leaving the city.
You’ll also find touch pools that let you interact with tide pool creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers. These hands-on experiences make the aquarium memorable for all ages. With ongoing research and conservation efforts, the aquarium also inspires people to care about marine ecosystems long after their visit.
The underwater dome is one of the most popular features, where you can step inside and see fish, sharks, and other marine animals swimming all around you. It feels like you’re standing on the ocean floor without leaving the city.
You’ll also find touch pools that let you interact with tide pool creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers. These hands-on experiences make the aquarium memorable for all ages. With ongoing research and conservation efforts, the aquarium also inspires people to care about marine ecosystems long after their visit.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering more than 500 acres to explore. It feels like an escape from the city while still being close to downtown. Locals often come here for the trails, open meadows, sea cliffs, and scenic views, while visitors are drawn to the park’s natural splendor.
One of the highlights is the West Point Lighthouse, located at the edge of the park. From here, you can see Puget Sound stretching into the horizon. On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains rise dramatically in the distance. The park’s trails take you through forests, sandy bluffs, and beaches. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, birdwatching, or just finding a quiet place to take in the scenery.
One of the highlights is the West Point Lighthouse, located at the edge of the park. From here, you can see Puget Sound stretching into the horizon. On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains rise dramatically in the distance. The park’s trails take you through forests, sandy bluffs, and beaches. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, birdwatching, or just finding a quiet place to take in the scenery.
Explore Seattle Today
Seattle is a city that rewards curiosity. Every attraction offers something special, whether it’s history, art, nature, or simply a new perspective on the skyline. Locals know there’s always more to discover, and visitors quickly see why the city leaves such a fantastic impression.
Seattle is not just a destination; it’s an experience that keeps you coming back. Reach out to The Greely Group if you’re ready to explore your real estate options in Seattle and start the next chapter.
Seattle is not just a destination; it’s an experience that keeps you coming back. Reach out to The Greely Group if you’re ready to explore your real estate options in Seattle and start the next chapter.
