Seattle is a high-tech hub in a spectacular setting surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, forested islands, and the wave-lapped beaches of Puget Sound. It’s also Washington State’s undisputed cultural capital, with a vibrant art scene and cosmopolitan dining that draw creative transplants from around the globe. Whether strolling Pike Place Market, sipping coffee at the Original Starbucks, gliding up the Space Needle, or taking a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, the best things to do in Seattle are yours to discover.
Here, get your guide to Seattle’s best attractions, tours, and more.
You don’t get an Emerald City without plenty of rain, but summer is downright gorgeous and usually sunny. The driest season stretches from July through early August, coinciding with events including the Seafair Weekend Festival, the Seattle Art Fair, and Summer Fest. Nice weather holds through early fall, when September brings crowds to the Bumbershoot cultural festival and Seahawks’ football games.
Getting around via public transit is easy and saves you the hassle of dodging traffic or searching for parking. The Seattle Center Monorail travels between downtown’s Westlake Center and the area where the Space Needle and other top sights are located.
Additionally, there are two above-ground streetcar lines, South Lake Union and First Hill. Sound Transit’s Link light rail connects Northgate and downtown. And King County Metro Transit buses go everywhere else.
From the Seattle Art Museum to Chihuly Garden and Glass, the city has world-class art destinations worth planning a trip around. One of the most locally beloved art spots, however, is free. The 9-acre (3.6-hectare) Olympic Sculpture Park contains a huge collection of monumental artwork on the waterfront and is the largest green space in downtown. It’s also within easy walking distance of top landmarks, including Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PST (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 56 | Tours 398 | Reviews 37,866 |
No. While Seattle is no stranger to chilly weather, it's rare for temperatures to drop below freezing, and summers in the city are generally warm and sunny. However, because it gets a lot of rainfall, especially between October and April, it often feels colder than it actually is outside.
...MoreConsider devoting day one of a 2-day trip to downtown attractions such as the Central Waterfront, Pike Place Market (home to the first Starbucks store), and the art museum. On day two, head to the Seattle Center, home to the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the famous Space Needle.
...MoreSeattle is known for its lush surroundings. It’s easy to get out into nature without straying too far from the city—just be prepared for a bit of rain. The Emerald City is also the birthplace of Starbucks and Amazon, and the grunge music movement of the 1990s has long been associated with the city.
...MoreWhen it comes to having fun, locals have plenty of things to do in Seattle. Football fans can check out Seahawks games, while those more fond of the arts have access to ample museums and concert venues. The city is also popular with outdoorsy folks, and its proximity to trails, forests, and waterways makes it easy to get out and explore.
...MoreThe most popular things to do in Seattle include Pike Place Market—the site of the first Starbucks—and the iconic Space Needle. There are also tons of great museums, including the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. It’s also worth exploring subterranean Seattle on the famous Underground Tour.
...MoreSeattle has plenty of neighborhoods worth exploring, each with its own unique charm. Downtown is great for history and big-city vibes, while uptown features a large concentration of attractions. Ballard is the place to go for dining and shopping, while up-and-coming SODO is celebrated for its large concentration of wineries.
...MoreReigned over by the super-sleek Space Needle, Seattle is a city that offers nature and culture in equal measure. You’ll certainly need to be sleepless here if you want to pack in all of its highlights; get your guide to give you an overview of the main attractions and provide insider tips to maximize your stay.
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