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Discover the best things to do in Seattle! From iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, explore the Pacific Northwest’s most captivating city now!

I’ll never forget my first glimpse of Seattle from the plane window – Mount Rainier towering in the distance, the Space Needle piercing the skyline, and water seemingly everywhere. I thought I was prepared for the Emerald City, but Seattle absolutely blew me away.

Since that first visit five years ago, I’ve been back to Seattle seven times. Each trip reveals something new – a hidden coffee shop in Capitol Hill, a breathtaking viewpoint I’d never heard of, or a neighbourhood that completely changes my perspective on the city.

Seattle isn’t just about the Space Needle and Pike Place Market (though those are brilliant). It’s about the laid-back Pacific Northwest attitude, the stunning natural surroundings, and this perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

In this blog post, I’ll share my favourite spots in Seattle – both the famous landmarks you absolutely must see and the lesser-known places that make this city truly special. So if you’re planning a trip to Seattle soon, keep reading. I promise at least a few of these will surprise you!

Pike Place Market

I know, I know – Pike Place Market is the most obvious Seattle attraction ever. But honestly? It deserves every bit of hype it gets.

The first time I visited, I spent three hours just wandering through the maze of vendors. There’s something magical about watching the fishmongers throw massive salmon across the stalls while crowds gather and cheer. It’s pure theatre, and I never get tired of it.

What most tourists miss is exploring the lower levels. While everyone clusters around the fish stalls on the main floor, the underground levels hide incredible vintage shops, antique dealers, and the most amazing magic shop I’ve ever stumbled into. Last time I was there, I bought a pocket watch that’s now my favourite travel accessory.

Top tip: Come early (before 9 AM) if you want to see Pike Place without the overwhelming crowds. The vendors are just setting up, you can actually move around, and the morning light is absolutely perfect for photos.

Getting Around Seattle Without the Stress

Here’s something nobody tells you about Seattle until it’s too late – the geography makes getting around surprisingly complicated. I learned this the hard way on my second visit when I tried navigating from the airport to my hotel in Belltown with two massive suitcases.

The city sits on hills (lots of them), surrounded by water, connected by bridges that get insanely congested. Public transport works brilliantly if you’re staying near downtown, but if you’re heading to neighbourhoods like Fremont or Ballard, it’s a different story.

After multiple trips fumbling with ride-sharing apps during surge pricing and dragging luggage up steep hills, I discovered that pre-arranging airport transportation in Seattle completely transformed my travel experience. Instead of the usual arrival stress, I now walk out of baggage claim, meet my driver, and start enjoying Seattle immediately.

It’s especially brilliant for early morning flights or when you’re traveling with family. The last thing you want after a cross-country red-eye is figuring out public transport with cranky kids in tow!

Kerry Park Viewpoint

If there’s one viewpoint in Seattle that will absolutely take your breath away, it’s Kerry Park. This tiny park in Queen Anne offers THE postcard-perfect view of downtown Seattle with Mount Rainier in the background.

I’ve been to Kerry Park at least ten times now, and it never gets old. Sunset is obviously the most popular time (prepare for crowds), but I actually prefer visiting just after dawn. The light is incredible, there’s barely anyone there, and the city waking up below you feels almost meditative.

Fair warning though – it’s literally just a small park on a hill. There’s no cafe, no facilities, nothing except that stunning view. But that view is worth planning your entire day around.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

I’m not usually one for museums, but Chihuly Garden and Glass absolutely captivated me. Dale Chihuly is a Seattle native, and this exhibition of his glass sculptures is mind-blowing.

Walking into the glasshouse feels like stepping into another world. There’s this massive installation of red and orange glass tendrils overhead that looks like frozen fire. Outside, the garden blends these incredible glass sculptures with Pacific Northwest plants, and honestly, I could’ve spent hours there.

The best part? If you combine your ticket with the Space Needle (which is right next door), you save a decent amount of money. I’d definitely recommend doing both in one afternoon.

Fremont Neighbourhood

Fremont calls itself “The Center of the Universe,” and after spending time there, I kind of believe it. This neighbourhood has the most wonderfully weird vibe I’ve ever encountered in a major city.

The Fremont Troll is the obvious draw – this massive sculpture of a troll crushing a VW Beetle under a bridge. But what I love about Fremont is just wandering around. There’s a statue of Lenin (yes, that Lenin), a rocket on top of a shop, and the most eclectic collection of vintage stores, breweries, and quirky cafes.

Sunday is the best day to visit because the Fremont Sunday Market sets up with food trucks, local vendors, and street performers. Grab a coffee, browse the stalls, and soak up that uniquely Seattle creative energy.

Discovery Park

When I tell people Seattle has a 534-acre wilderness park within city limits, they always look shocked. Discovery Park is absolutely massive, and it feels like you’ve left the city entirely.

The Loop Trail is my favourite walk in Seattle – 2.8 miles through forest and meadow that eventually opens up to stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Last time I was there, I saw a bald eagle. A BALD EAGLE. In the middle of a major city!

The beach at Discovery Park is another highlight. It’s pebbly rather than sandy, but there’s something incredibly peaceful about sitting there watching ferries cross the sound with the mountains in the background.

Pack water and snacks though – there’s nothing inside the park itself.

Capitol Hill

If you want to experience Seattle’s creative, diverse, and vibrant side, Capitol Hill is where you need to be. This neighbourhood has incredible energy – especially after dark.

Pike-Pine Corridor is lined with indie boutiques, record shops, and some of the best bars and restaurants in Seattle. I have a favourite hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese restaurant here that I visit every single trip. The pho is incredible, and it’s open until 2 AM.

Capitol Hill is also Seattle’s LGBTQ+ hub, and the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere is palpable. During Pride, this neighbourhood absolutely explodes with colour and celebration.

For coffee (because this is Seattle, after all), head to Café Allegro. It’s one of the oldest coffeehouses in the city and has this wonderfully authentic, unpretentious vibe that newer places lack.

Ballard Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (everyone calls them Ballard Locks) are genuinely fascinating. This is where boats transition between freshwater Lake Washington and saltwater Puget Sound, and watching the lock system work is surprisingly captivating.

But the real magic happens underground. There’s a fish ladder with viewing windows where you can watch salmon swimming upstream during migration season (July-November). The first time I saw this, I stood there for 45 minutes just mesmerised by these determined fish fighting their way home.

Best part? It’s completely free. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it – there are lovely gardens surrounding the locks perfect for relaxing.

Seattle Coffee Culture

I can’t write about Seattle without talking about coffee. Yes, Starbucks originated here, but honestly, that’s the least interesting part of Seattle’s coffee scene.

The city is absolutely packed with incredible independent roasters and cafes. My personal favourite is Victrola Coffee in Capitol Hill – their espresso is phenomenal, and the atmosphere is perfect for people-watching.

If you’re serious about coffee, do the coffee tour of Capitol Hill and Fremont. You can hit 5-6 amazing cafes in a few hours, and the caffeinated buzz combined with exploring neighbourhoods is brilliant.

Local tip: Ordering a “Seattle-style latte” (with ristretto shots) shows you know your stuff and genuinely tastes better than standard espresso shots.

Snoqualmie Falls Day Trip

Just 30 minutes from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is an absolute must-visit. This 270-foot waterfall is spectacular year-round, but it’s particularly impressive in spring when snowmelt increases the water flow.

There’s an easy viewing platform at the top (you can see it from the car park), but I highly recommend taking the trail down to the base. Yes, you have to hike back up, but standing at the bottom with that massive waterfall thundering in front of you is incredible.

If you’re a Twin Peaks fan, you’ll recognise Snoqualmie Falls from the show’s opening credits. There’s a hotel at the top (Salish Lodge) where you can grab lunch with waterfall views, though it’s definitely on the pricey side.

Alki Beach

When Seattle gets those rare sunny days (they do happen!), locals flock to Alki Beach in West Seattle. This 2.5-mile stretch of beach offers absolutely stunning views back across to downtown Seattle.

It’s brilliant for a sunset stroll or bike ride. Last summer, I rented a bike and cycled from one end of Alki to the other, stopping at various points to take in the views. There are loads of beach volleyball courts, fire pits (first come, first served), and casual seafood restaurants.

The bike path connects to other trails too, so if you’re feeling energetic, you can cycle for miles along the waterfront.

Seattle Art Museum

For culture lovers, the Seattle Art Museum (everyone calls it SAM) is excellent. The collection spans ancient to contemporary art, with particularly strong Native American and Asian sections.

What I really appreciate about SAM is how manageable it is. You can see the highlights in 2-3 hours without feeling exhausted, which is perfect when you’re travelling and want to pack multiple things into a day.

First Thursday of every month offers free admission from 5-9 PM, though it gets absolutely packed. If you can visit midweek during the day, you’ll have a much more peaceful experience.

The Waterfront and Great Wheel

Seattle’s waterfront has been completely transformed over the past few years. The removal of the old elevated highway opened up the entire waterfront, making it much more pedestrian-friendly.

The Seattle Great Wheel is Seattle’s version of the London Eye – climate-controlled gondolas that give you stunning views over Elliott Bay. At 175 feet tall, the views are magnificent, especially at sunset.

I was skeptical about it being touristy, but I actually loved it. The 12-minute rotation gives you plenty of time to take in the views, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Range all at once.

Gas Works Park

Here’s something uniquely Seattle for you – Gas Works Park is built on the site of an old gasification plant, and they’ve incorporated the industrial ruins into the park design. It’s wonderfully bizarre and totally works.

The hill in the centre offers fantastic views of downtown Seattle across Lake Union, and it’s a popular spot for kite flying. Last time I was there, some locals were having an impromptu drum circle, and it just felt so quintessentially Pacific Northwest.

Bring a blanket and some snacks, and spend an afternoon watching seaplanes take off from Lake Union. It’s properly relaxing and totally free.

Underground Tour

Pioneer Square’s Underground Tour is touristy, yes, but it’s also genuinely interesting. After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city rebuilt one story higher, leaving the original storefronts and sidewalks underground.

Now you can tour these underground passages with guides who mix history with humour. It’s particularly good on rainy days (which, let’s be honest, is many days in Seattle).

Book in advance though – tours fill up quickly, especially during summer.

Final Thoughts

Every time I visit Seattle, I’m reminded why I fell in love with this city in the first place. It’s the perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, with a creative, welcoming spirit that makes you feel at home immediately.

Seattle isn’t trying to be anything other than itself – a bit rainy, wonderfully weird, coffee-obsessed, and absolutely stunning. That authenticity is rare in major cities, and it’s what keeps bringing me back.

Whether you’re spending a weekend or a week, Seattle will surprise you. Just remember to pack layers (the weather changes constantly), embrace the coffee culture, and don’t stress too much about the rain – locals barely notice it!

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