Seattle is a vibrant, dynamic city set between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, known for its iconic skyline, waterfront views, creative food scene, rich arts and culture and beautiful natural spaces. Whether you have just an afternoon or a few days, there’s something for everyone!
Iconic Sights and Landmarks
- Space Needle: No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to this defining landmark. Take in 360° panoramic views of the city, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains from the observation deck.
- Pike Place Market: A must-see historic market overlooking Elliott Bay — explore fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, seafood stalls and street performers. Don’t miss the famous fish throwers and the original Starbucks!
- Chihuly Garden and Glass: Next to the Space Needle, this stunning exhibition showcases the vibrant and immersive glass art of Dale Chihuly — a feast for the eyes.
- Museum of Pop Culture: Engaging and interactive museum celebrating music, science fiction and pop culture — great for all ages.
- Seattle Art Museum: World-class museum with a diverse collection that spans local Northwest artists to international masterpieces.
Seattle by Sea and Shore
- The Seattle Great Wheel: Ride this waterfront Ferris wheel for spectacular views of Elliott Bay and the city skyline.
- Seattle Aquarium: Explore marine life native to the Pacific Northwest — from otters to octopus — in interactive exhibits.
- Overlook Walk: A fresh pedestrian promenade linking Pike Place Market and the waterfront — perfect for scenic walks with water and mountain views.
- Pier 55: Enjoy harbor cruises and narrated tours around Elliott Bay for a different perspective of the city skyline.
Parks, Peaks & Picture-Perfect Views
- Kerry Park: Small but famous lookout offering iconic skyline views — especially gorgeous at sunset or nightfall.
- Olympic Sculpture Park: Free waterfront park combining large-scale sculpture with Puget Sound views — ideal for art lovers and strolls.
- Gas Works Park: Unique industrial-turned-public park with great grassy hills and skyline views — popular for picnics and kite flying.
- Discovery Park: Seattle’s largest park with forests, beaches, and trails — perfect for nature escapes without leaving the city.
- Washington Park Arboretum: Beautiful botanical gardens with seasonal blooms and scenic paths — a serene retreat in the city.
- Green Lake Park: Great for walking, jogging, paddling, or relaxing around a scenic lake inside the city.
Quirky Stops & Must-See Moments
- Beneath the Streets: Explore Seattle’s underground history with guided tours under Pioneer Square — a fascinating dive into early city life.
- Smith Tower: Historic skyscraper with a classic observatory and speakeasy — an atmospheric way to see the city’s past and present.
- The Gum Wall: A quirky and colorful alley art installation in Post Alley — a fun spot for photos.
- Museum Of Illusion: Interactive and mind-bending exhibits — perfect for playful photos and surprises.
- Original Selfie Museum: Creative and immersive photo spots throughout — great for social sharing and unique memories.
Just Beyond the City Limits
Seattle also makes a great base for day trips to nature:
- Mount Rainier National Park: An iconic volcanic peak with hiking and wildflower meadows (day trip from Seattle).
- Ferry to Bainbridge Island: A scenic ride across Puget Sound with boutique shops and cafés.
- Woodinville Wine Country: Offers over 100 wineries and tasting rooms in a short drive from the city.
Eat, Sip & Savor Seattle
Seattle is nationally recognized for its seafood, coffee culture, and innovative dining — from fresh-caught shellfish along the waterfront to award-winning coffee shops and world-class restaurants.
Need More Ideas?
Visit the official Visit Seattle website.
Getting Around
Bus: King County Metro Transit operates an extensive bus system throughout Seattle and surrounding areas, making it an affordable and reliable way to get around the city.
Light Rail: Sound Transit provides Link Light Rail service, including direct service from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to downtown Seattle. Light rail is ideal for traveling between the airport, downtown, and nearby neighborhoods.
Streetcar: Seattle also offers streetcar lines connecting popular areas such as South Lake Union and First Hill.
Walking: Seattle is a walkable city, especially in downtown areas, near the convention center and along the waterfront. Many restaurants, shops and attractions are within easy walking distance of major hotels.
Ride Share: Ride share services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available across Seattle and are often the most convenient option for point-to-point travel, especially during evenings or when traveling in groups.
Taxis: Traditional taxis are available throughout Seattle and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone or accessed at designated taxi stands at hotels and major attractions, including the airport.
Car Rentals: Rental cars are available at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and throughout the city. While parking in downtown Seattle can be limited and costly, a rental car may be helpful for day trips outside the city, such as Mount Rainier or Woodinville wine country.
Ferries: Seattle’s Washington State Ferries offer a unique way to travel across Puget Sound. Popular routes include ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, providing scenic views of the city skyline and surrounding waterways.