Things to Do

Things to do in Seattle

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest! Seattle is a vibrant city with iconic landmarks, distinct neighborhoods, and bustling cultural sites. From snowcapped mountains to modern cityscapes, the Emerald City offers endless fun things to do both indoors and outdoors. Come to Seattle and experience beautiful nature, diverse arts and culture, and cuisine from around the globe in Puget Sound.

Pikes Place Market

Free

Since 1907, this bustling market near the downtown waterfront has been the go-to place for local produce. Today, you can find almost everything, from local artwork to vinyl records. Plus, the flower market and fish tossing are particular must-sees. Though Pike Place Market is one of the most tourist-heavy attractions in Seattle (plan to run into crowds, especially on the weekends) that's no reason to scratch it off your to-do list. Recent visitors said the abundance of vendors and lively atmosphere make it an experience you shouldn't pass up, no matter how busy it gets. 

View their website for information.

Chihuly Garden and Glass   

General Admission $29.00 - $37.50

Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass brings together all the elements of artist Dale Chihuly’s work, including Drawings, iconic glass creations, large architectural installations, and personal collections. This long-term Exhibition features indoor galleries, the Glasshouse, and an ever-changing Garden, along with live glass demonstrations, a Theater, and The Bar at Chihuly, which features items from Chihuly’s personal collections.

Visit their website for information.

Space Needle

General admission $35.00 - $42.50

One of the most photographed and recognized structures in the world, the Space Needle was built as a cultural centerpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair, whose theme was “The Age of Space.” At 605 feet tall, the landmark was constructed to symbolize humanity’s Space Age aspirations, and since its grand opening on April 21, 1962, continues to represent the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. The tower’s 520’ saucer-shaped “top house” offers visitors Seattle’s only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges.

Visit their website for more information.

Capitol Hill

Free

During the day, stroll amid eclectic bookstores (pay a visit to the Elliott Bay Book Company), coffee shops and retro clothing boutiques. By night, immerse yourself in the evening scene with craft cocktails, live music and dancing. In between, seek respite in the 50-acre Volunteer Park in the northern part of the neighborhood, and revel in scenic views of the city skyline and the distant Olympic Mountains.

See Visit Seattle's website for more information. 

Museum of Flight

General admission $29.00

The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world! With over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, dozens of exhibits and experiences and a world-class library, the museum and its people bring mankind's incredible history of flight to life.

See their website for more information.

Seattle Great Wheel

Tickets $23.00 for adults. 

This colossal, 175-foot-tall Seattle Great Wheel punctuates the city’s skyline and has become an iconic landmark in downtown Seattle since its opening in June 2012. A single ride in one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas involves three full revolutions of the wheel, lasts up to 20 minutes and offers unobstructed views over downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. Illuminated by over 500,000 LED lights, the Seattle Great Wheel hosts vibrant light shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from sundown to 10 p.m. during summer evenings.

Visit their website for information.

Seattle Aquarium

Admission varies by day. Currently listed from $35.00 to $45.00.

The region’s premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education, the Seattle Aquarium offers fun, exciting ways to discover more about the amazing Puget Sound and our world’s one big ocean.

View their website for information.

Seattle CityPASS

Seattle CityPASS offers savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Choose from options which can include the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, and more. 

Visit their website for information.

Seattle City Sightseeing Bus Tour

City Sightseeing offers a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Seattle. Sites include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Historic Chinatown Gate, Seattle waterfront, aquarium, and the Great Wheel. 

Visit their website for information.

Eater Seattle

Find great places to eat depending on your mood and budget by visiting Eater Seattle's website