Seattle is one of those beautiful cities where modernity meets nature in a balanced way. Located in the state of Washington, Seattle is home to some of the most iconic attractions, picturesque parks, cultural experiences, and unique activities for all kinds of travellers. There are many sightseeing spots and hidden gems waiting to be explored.  

Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, between the saltwater Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a stunning destination for weekend escapes and fun-filled long vacations. Also called the Emerald City, Seattle is known for its lush green landscape, vibrant neighbourhoods, live music venues and hip-hop culture. It is an ideal place to enjoy water recreation and sightseeing cruises. With its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to both mountains and the sea, the city is an enchanting destination that will leave you longing to return. Here is a guide to the best things to do in Seattle. 

• Visit Pike Place Market 

• Get Breathtaking Views from the Space Needle 

• Explore Seattle Art Museum 

• Discover the Magical World of Chihuly Garden 

• Visit the Museum of Flight 

• Oceanic Adventure at Seattle Aquarium 

• Relax at Alki Beach 

• Go for the Seattle Underground Tour 

• Catch a Sunset at Kerry Park 

• Enjoy Nature at Discovery Park 

Visit Pike Place Market 

One of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, the Pike Place Market is historic and continuously operating since 1907. It is probably the first stop most tourists visit on their trip to Seattle. Located at the waterfront, the market is a lively hub where locals and tourists alike gather to sample fresh seafood, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. Here, you can watch the famous fishmongers throw fish across the counter and enjoy the charming street performances that happen throughout the day. The market is home to a variety of eateries offering everything from fresh oysters to world-renowned clam chowder. A visit to the Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a must, where you can watch cheese being made right in front of you.  

• Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM 

• Entry fee – Free 
• Distance - Within walking distance from the main city 

Visit early in the morning if you want fewer crowds and fresher produce. 

Get Breathtaking Views from the Space Needle 

No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the world-famous Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it quickly soared into a symbol for Seattle. This observation tower offers panoramic views that stretch for miles in every direction. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier to the southeast, the calm waters of Puget Sound, and the stunning city below. The experience of climbing the Space Needle is as thrilling as the views themselves. The newly renovated glass floors and rotating glass panels on the upper deck allow visitors to enjoy an immersive experience that feels almost like floating above the city.  

• Opening hours: 9 AM to 9:30 PM 

• Entry fee – $37.50 - $49.00, based on day and time 
• Distance - 1–2 km from downtown Seattle 

For a unique experience, visit the Space Needle at sunset. The city’s skyline is beautifully lit up, and the view is simply magical. 

Explore Seattle Art Museum 

For those with an appreciation for art, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is among the best places to visit in Seattle. The museum’s collection spans over 25,000 works, with everything from contemporary art to ancient artefacts. Do not miss the African and Native American collections, which offer a captivating understanding of the culture and history of different peoples. For something truly distinctive, head to the Olympic Sculpture Park, a free outdoor extension of the museum. The park is home to an array of sculptures set against the backdrop of Puget Sound, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle.  

• Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (Except Monday and Tuesday)  

• Entry fee – $12–20 (free for children up to 12 years for all exhibitions) 
• Distance - 1–2 km from downtown Seattle 

Visit the free Olympic Sculpture Park for art with a view.

 

Discover the Magical World of Chihuly Garden   

For art lovers, Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the best sites to visit in Seattle. The museum showcases the world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s stunning installations that push the boundaries of colour, form, and scale. Inside the museum, you will find spectacular glass sculptures, each more intricate and beautiful than the last. The highlight, however, is the Glasshouse, where a suspended 100-foot-long glass chandelier dominates the space, creating a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour. The garden is also striking, combining Chihuly’s glass sculptures with the natural beauty of the garden’s plants. 

• Opening hours: 10 AM to 5:30 PM   

• Entry fee – $18–29 
• Distance – Within walking distance to downtown Seattle 

Buy a combo ticket or a CityPASS that includes both the Space Needle and other Seattle attractions. 

Visit the Museum of Flight 

For aviation enthusiasts, something interesting to do in Seattle is to visit the Museum of Flight. Located just south of the city, this museum is home to a vast collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and aviation collectables. The highlight is the opportunity to explore the Air Force One plane that once carried U.S. Presidents. You will also find historic planes from World War II, the Vietnam War, and beyond. If you are travelling with children, do not miss the chance to attend the interactive exhibits, including flight simulators and the chance to step aboard a real Boeing 747. The museum’s Space Gallery is also worth checking out, especially if you are interested in space exploration. 

• Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (All days)   

• Entry fee – $29 for adults, $21 for youth (5-17) and $25 for seniors (65+) 
• Distance – 25 minutes by car from downtown Seattle 

Check the museum’s calendar for special events like aircraft fly-ins or astronaut talks for an added layer of excitement. 

Oceanic Adventure at Seattle Aquarium 

The Seattle Aquarium is one of the most interesting places to go in Seattle. Situated right on the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is a perfect family-friendly destination. The aquarium showcases the rich marine life, including sea otters, seals, and a dazzling array of fish species. The touch tanks offer hands-on experiences where visitors can interact with starfish, sea cucumbers, and other marine creatures. One of the most appealing exhibits is the Window on Washington Waters, a large tank that gives you a glimpse into the underwater world of Puget Sound. Watching the resident sea creatures swim by is a calming and immersive experience. 

• Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM (All days)   

• Entry fee – $27.95 to $ 32.95 (Adult (13+) and Free for children up to 3 
• Distance – 1.9 km from Seattle main city 

Arrive earlier in the day to avoid crowds. 

Relax at Alki Beach 

One of the best things to visit in Seattle, Alki Beach is an ideal spot to soak up the sun and relax by the blue water. Located across Elliott Bay in West Seattle, Alki offers gorgeous views of the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and the Puget Sound. The beach is a popular spot for locals to go for a run, ride bikes, or simply enjoy a picnic. There are several waterfront cafes where you can grab a bite to eat while watching the ferries cross the bay. If you are someone looking for some adventure, try kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm waters. 

• Opening hours: 4 AM – 11:30 PM daily (beach park hours). 

• Entry fee – Free 

• Distance – About 20 minutes by car or 15 minutes via water taxi from Pier 50 

Take the West Seattle Water Taxi to enjoy a scenic and fun ride that drops you right near the beach.  

Go for the Seattle Underground Tour 

Under the Seattle streets, there is a hidden world of forgotten alleys and abandoned storefronts. One of the top Seattle tourist attractions, Seattle's Underground is a reminder of the city's turbulent past and proof of its resilience. Seattle’s history is both rich and unusual, and there’s no better way to explore its past than by taking an Underground Tour. After a devastating fire in 1889, much of Seattle’s downtown was rebuilt on top of the original structures, creating a hidden underground world beneath the city. During the tour, you will get the chance to discover these forgotten streets, learn about Seattle’s early days, and hear amusing stories about its eccentric pioneers.  

• Opening hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily (tours run hourly). 

• Entry fee – Adults $22, Youth (7–12) $10, Under 6 Free. 
• Distance – 1.2 km south of downtown core (in Pioneer Square). 

Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking through narrow and uneven tunnels.  

Catch the Sunset at Kerry Park 

One of the top things to do in Seattle is to catch the picturesque view of sunset at Kerry Park. Located on the slopes of Queen Anne, Kerry Park itself is an absolute vibe, overlooking downtown Seattle. It is a small yet beautiful park that offers the picture-perfect views of the downtown skyline and the Space Needle. On a clear day, you can also see the majestic Mount Rainier in the distance, making this one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. The surrounding neighbourhood is also worth a stroll if you are in the mood for charming boutiques and cafes. Sunset is the best time to capture some amazing photos at Kerry Park. 

• Opening hours: 6 AM – 10 PM daily  

• Entry fee – Free 
• Distance – 3.3 km (10-minute drive from downtown) 

Visit early in the morning for a peaceful, crowd-free experience or in the evening to catch the city’s skyline lit up against the night sky.  

Enjoy Nature at Discovery Park 

City’s largest public park at 534 acres, Discovery Park is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil escape away from the city. Situated on Magnolia Bluff, at the shores of Puget Sound, Discovery Park boasts spectacular views of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges. The quiet site includes protected tidal beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, open meadow lands, active dunes, and forest groves. It is a lovely spot for a walk and a perfect place to snap a few scenic photos. It is among the top places to see in Seattle for a walk and to snap a few scenic photos. 

• Opening hours: 4 AM – 11:30 PM daily  

• Entry fee – Free 

• Distance – 9 km northwest of downtown 

Pro Tip: 

The park can be a bit tricky to navigate, so make sure to pick up a trail map before heading out. 

Seattle is a city of contrasts with innovation, nature and sunshine. With so many things to see and do in Seattle, you need to plan your vacation right away! Veena World offers a wide range of all-inclusive Seattle tour packages that you can choose from. 

FAQs 

Q1. What’s the best secret spot to get a panoramic view of Seattle without the crowds? 

Instead of the Space Needle, try the Kerry Park viewpoint on Queen Anne Hill for stunning views of the skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Space Needle itself, without the crowds! It’s a hidden gem known mostly by locals. 

Q2. How can I see the iconic Seattle skyline from the water without a boat tour? 

Hop on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island Ferry for a scenic 35-minute ride across Puget Sound. It’s an affordable and relaxing way to see the city skyline from the water without paying for a formal tour. 

Q3. What’s a cool, quirky museum to check out in Seattle? 

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a must-see for any fan of music, movies, or pop culture. From exhibits on Jimi Hendrix to Star Trek and even Marvel Comics, this museum is a blend of history and pop culture, with a truly unique design. 

Q4. Is there a place in Seattle to experience the city’s brewing history? 

Yes! The Seattle Beer Museum is tucked inside the Pike Brewing Company at Pike Place Market. Here, you’ll learn about the region's craft beer culture, Seattle’s brewing history, and even sample some local brews right at the source. 

Q5. Where can I experience Seattle’s culinary diversity in one spot? 

The International District (Chinatown-International District) is a great place to experience Seattle’s culinary diversity. You can wander from Vietnamese pho shops to Cantonese dim sum spots, all while taking in the local markets and shops.