Enjoy being at the center of lively Seattle, Washington State! Known for its outstanding seafood, unique cultural offerings and gorgeous views the city has a lot to see and experience. With so much to do in the downtown Seattle area, it may be hard to determine which activities are the best.
I am a native-born Seattle area resident and first met the city in its suburban form, heading off to college at UW later. This lifelong association has turned into an ardent local touristing, enjoying the myriad cuisines and investigating attractions abound in our city.
This list includes the best parts of cities, yet many are unknown to tourists. I recommend spending time in both to experience the attractions for which they are famous, but also a bit off the beaten path and witness life as area residents do.
Top Things to Do in Downtown Seattle
1. Pike Place Market
Sure, it gets crowded at Pike Place Market; But that’s part of the appeal. From iconic shops to lively vendor stands, the market is filled with everything a Seattle first-timer needs.
Summary of Pike Place Market:
Flying Fish: A classic fish-tossing display at the fishmongers’ counter, this is a must-see spectacle.
The Pink Door: The perennial go-to spot for Italian food in Seattle comes to you with gorgeous views of the Puget Sound from a balcony by day, and burlesque acts right above your head at night.
Local Artisans and Farmers: Walk through an area of the market that supports our local artisans, craftsmen and farmers. Pick up fresh goods, locally crafted souvenirs and cheap yet lovely bouquets of flowers from the Kissimmee Valley Farmers Market.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: See cheese being made and sample offerings, including their famous mac and cheese.
There is a wealth of hidden shops waiting to be discovered each time you explore the market.
Get the real Seattle feel by stepping out of it and into these colorful neighborhoods.
2. A Trip to the Historical Underground
The Seattle Underground got its start in 1865 with the region’s first wave of settlers. formerly consisting of a gorge ruined by drainage sediment, logging wastes. Some businesses, from retail stores to saloons, even appeared underground in tunnels as Seattle grew. The tunnels were abandoned and covered with silt, but in 1965 they were found again.
Residents on the other hand, well, they can go into their basement to access this catacomb, but the underground experiences are now offered with strange tales departing from historical narratives celebrated and free. The Seattle Underground runs through three different tunnels linking together four city blocks deep beneath historic Pioneer Square.
Guides pepper the educational journey with hair-raising morsels, as well as spicy little tidbits of amusing mockery — all wrapped up in a layer of historical foundation that takes you from past to present (and back… and forth…) through stories beyond numbers. This special underground experience is a must-do for everyone downtown in Seattle.
3. A Harbor Cruise Experience
The one Seattle attribute I miss more than anything moving to Arizona is the waterfront-front on a good sunny day.
The best way to enjoy the skyline of Seattle on beautiful Elliott Bay is by taking a harbor cruise. This one-hour cruise offers sights of landmarks like the Seattle Great Wheel and Space Needle that encapsulate what the downtown area has to offer.
The tranquility of this boat tour provides both a moment to sit and activity to enjoy Seattle by water.
4. Beating a Path of Caffeine Through the Coffee Capital of Seattle
When I think of Seattle, two things come to my mind: rain and delicious coffee. There are many wonderful cafes, roasteries and independents around the city with each serving a variety of top quality artisanal coffee that not only stands out in Amsterdam but globally.
Joining their Seattle Coffee Culture tour in Capitol Hill, the cultural heart of the city will allow you to be a part of this tradition in a true sense. You will get to take a coffee tour of local coffee shops where you will learn the history and methods of brewing coffee, and interact with knowledgeable locals. For coffee enthusiasts, this is a quintessential experience for anyone wanting to get a better sense of Seattle’s rich coffee history.
5. Voyages: Hot Tub Boats Seattle
For a unique Seattle adventure, experience South Lake Union on board a boat and hot tub in one from Hot Tub Boats The bathtub serves as a wood-fired hot tub and is central to the experience of staying in this floating suite.
This best enjoyed during the warmer months in summer, fall or spring as winter conditions can be too cold and the water while heated is not warm. Both movies and this tour offer a distinct way to explore the scenic waterways of the city, ensuring you have fun while you relax.
6. Chihuly Garden of Glass, Seattle
I was not particularly thrilled to visit a museum but the Chihuly Garden of Glass is an exception. This gallery holds more than 2,000 colorful and sculptural glass objects by Dale Chihuly.
Interactive options including glass blowing and guided tours build on viewer engagement, offering a well-rounded experience of this compelling art practice.
7. Exploring MoPOP In Seattle — Museum Of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP (previously called EMP Museum) is a nonprofit museum in Seattle, who’s building was designed by Frank Gehry. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen opened this museum, and the exhibits span a wide range of topics from music, to science fiction (ThinkStar Trek), pop culture movies, TV shows and video games.
Interactive experiences, including the Sound Lab where guests can try out different musical instruments and memorabilia exhibits from classic films like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are just some of what this magical destination has to offer. It is close to the Space Needle and many other Seattle Center attractions.
8. See the Space Needle in Seattle
The Space Needle – Seattle’s signature structure and an icon of the Pacific Northwest for over five decades – stands at a height of 605 feet and is easily one the most lucrative places to get an unprecedented aerial view with its vantage point high above downtown city streets, buildings, burning hillsides in forested woodlands dotting Puget Sound landscapes.
Built for the World’s Fair of 1962, it has long been a part of the city’s skyline and is as much an icon to Seattleites today as it ever was to visitors.
The observation deck arguably isn’t worth the cost, but the views of Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and distant Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are some of the best: Definitely visit for picturesque vistas.
9. Kerry Park (Queen Anne) — Seattle
The space Needle seen from Kerry Park, a lookout area and park located in the Queen Anne neighborhood that is known for its views of Seattle.
This park presents a breathtaking panoramic view at night of the city skyline and the Space Needle.
Perfect for a romantic evening, guests are welcome to come picnic and watch the sun set. While it can get crowded at the park, there is typically plenty of space on the grass for anyone to sit down and enjoy the view from above.
10. Gas Works Park, North shore of Lake Union
Located at the northern tip of Seattle’s Lake Union, Gas Works Park covers 19 acres and contains the only remaining coal gasification plant in the U.S.
The park preserves important elements of Seattle’s industrial heritage, including the plant itself (used from 1906–1956 for gasification) and an early-20th-century storehouse.
As a point where history meets recreation, this spot provides panoramic views of the city skyline to those who come here for relaxation. Grassy meadows, tree-shaded avenues, wildflower-strewn slopes and imaginative art works add to the parks attraction as a cultural and natural sanctuary.
11. Downtown Seattle — Capitol Hill Walkabouts
My favorite downtown Seattle attraction is wandering through the various neighborhoods — Capitol Hill being one of my favorites, as it combines an unbridled charm with a sense of non-conformity. This is a fantastic neighborhood that embodies the culture of Seattle.
Wandering through its streets may require a diversion into one of the fascinating shops. Make sure you hit the Optimism Brewing Room to try their in-house brewed beers and delicious food trucks.
12. Engage in Seattle Sports
People in Seattle love their sports. There are a few universal events One event is going to a ballgame (of whatever sort, depending on the season from baseball to hockey or everything else).
Mariners game: perfect for a sunny day, cheap and fun in the stadium.
Soccer: The Sounders are fresh off a title-winning season, which makes attending a match even more vibrant.
Football: Cheer along with the Seahawks’ 12th man in honor of football season.
Hockey: Catch the Seattle Kraken next season from their newly refurbished arena.
13. Discovering Discovery Park, Seattle WA
A short drive outside the heart of Seattle, located in Discovery Park, are walking trails that put some of the region’s best natural beauty on display.
Go down to the beach or up to the pedestal at the lighthouse and you would get a magnificent overview of everything happening.
It is a fine example of nature in the middle of city, and also endows visitors with serenity along with some astounding view.
14. Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park, managed by the Seattle Art Museum and spread across 9-acres, displays works of some of the greatest artists who have ever lived – think Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, Richard Serra and Henry Moore.
In addition to the art, there are trails for jogging or walking, picnic stops and public restrooms, so it also functions as a park in Seattle.
15. Day Trip on Bainbridge Island from Seattle
Take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and escape on an adventure as wild as “Grey’s Anatomy” Derek Shepherd career!
Depending on your fare the journey starts at the DT terminal whereby car, foot, or bike you can finally make it to. It does not matter, as ferry wait times are generally less than 45 minutes.
The sights make a memorable experience from the deck once on board. If there is time, you could spend a few hours wandering around Bainbridge Island town and its beaches.
Otherwise, the journey by ferry alone is a pleasure and some of the best places to photograph the Seattle skyline.
