Over the past decade or so, Seattle has transformed from an under-the-radar travel destination to one of the most popular cities to visit on the west coast (if not the western United States). The city is the birthplace of both grunge music and Microsoft, which is a lovely dichotomy that illustrates the trajectory of Seattle’s evolution over the past few decades.
There are loads of things to do in Seattle. If you’re in town on a sunny summer day, where the weather is warm and the days are long, you’ll join thousands of people who have fallen head-over-heels in love with Seattle. It’s not hard to understand why the city has seen a population boom over the past few decades.
While it’s true that winter and spring see a lot of gray skies and drizzle, Seattle is still worth a visit even if it’s outside of the peak summer season.
Between the vibrant arts and culture scene, the innovative food and drink landscape, and the sheer natural beauty that surrounds the city, it’s a great place to spend a day, a weekend, or a lifetime.
In this guide, we’ll cover the important things you’ll need to know to plan your trip, like how to get to Seattle, where to stay, and some of the things you shouldn’t miss on your trip.
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Getting To Seattle
If you’re coming from somewhere that requires a flight to arrive in Seattle, you have one main option when it comes to airports in the Seattle area.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – known as “SeaTac” – is the main airport that serves the Seattle area. It’s about twenty miles south of the city, and it’s a busy airport.
You’re likely to find the best selection of flights going in and out of SeaTac. It’s connected to the city via Light Rail, which takes about an hour to get from the airport to Downtown Seattle. Oftentimes, traffic going into the city is so bad that it’s not much faster to take a taxi or rideshare.
There’s also Paine Field (PNE) which is north of the city center. While it’s a nice experience, there are two main problems flying in and out of Paine.
First is the flight selection – there are very few direct flights, and they’re mostly only from nearby smaller cities. Second is the transit connections – there are none (or there are very few). You’re more than likely going to be flying into SeaTac.
Amtrak has routes connecting Seattle to places south of the city – like Portland and San Francisco – and east – like Spokane.
Trains move slowly, but they’re comfortable, and by the time you count all the time spent in security lines and waiting at the gate, it’s about the same amount of time to fly from places like Portland and Vancouver as it is to take the train.
Where To Stay In Seattle
There are three central neighborhoods that are the best places to stay in Seattle for just about everyone visiting. They form the downtown core, and are within walking distance of most of the best things to do in Seattle – including the Space Needle and Seattle Center, and Pike Place Market.
The first is Downtown Seattle, specifically the area around Pike Place Market. This is probably the least “authentic” neighborhood of the three – very few residents of Seattle live here, or even really go here – but the convenience in terms of attractions and transit connections is hard to beat.
The State Hotel and its rooftop deck would be an excellent place to base yourself if you want to stay downtown. They are also located close to some of the iconic things to do in Seattle.
Belltown is one of the best places to stay at if you want to catch all the things to do in Seattle.
The second is Belltown, which is just north of downtown and is a great neighborhood in terms of food and drinks. It’s packed with some of Seattle’s best bars and restaurants, and there are a few cool hotels here too. Hotel Andra is a good choice for a special occasion (and the restaurant in the lobby, Lola, is excellent too), while Hotel Five is one of the best values in Seattle.
Last is South Lake Union, which is the home of Amazon and is full of glass-paneled high rises. Whatever your feelings about Amazon might be, it’s a good location to base yourself, and the CitizenM Hotel in South Lake Union is the best hotel in the neighborhood.
Don’t miss a drink on the rooftop at Mbar, which overlooks Lake Union and the Space Needle. It is one of the cool things to do in Seattle that you shouldn’t miss!
Best Things To Do In Seattle
There are so many amazing things to do in Seattle.
If you only have a relatively short time in the city – like a weekend in Seattle – there are three things to do in Seattle that you really shouldn’t miss.
And going up to the top of the Space Needle isn’t one of them. It’s expensive, it’s crowded, and the view from the top is missing a key aspect of Seattle’s skyline – the Space Needle.
Instead, head up to Kerry Park, which is a 15 minute walk up the hill from the Space Needle, and includes the Space Needle in the view. Plus, it’s free!
Anyway, those three things you shouldn’t miss are Pike Place Market, the Seattle Center, and Capitol Hill. In addition, you’ll also find a few other things to do in Seattle in the list below.
Oh and don’t forget to check out the Seattle City Pass. You can 44% or more on the top 5 things to do in Seattle.
Also consider booking a 3 hour bus tour or a ticket on the hop on and hop off bus tour.
1. Explore Pike Place Market
Would you believe catching a coffee from Starbucks is one of the things to do in Seattle?
Pike Place Market is simultaneously a huge tourist trap and a worthwhile place to visit while you’re in Seattle. In a way, it is has become a tourist trap mainly because it is one of the popular things to do in Seattle.
The key here is knowing where to go – there are some really great places to eat and drink… and some not so good places too.
First, wander the market floor, checking out the bounty of local produce, fresh caught fish, and blooming flowers (mostly in the spring and summer). Then head down to the Gum Wall, which is gross. The real reason you’re here is for coffee at Ghost Alley Espresso, a fun little coffee window in the alley under the market.
Which brings us to an important thing to know about Pike Place Market. Many people talk about the “first Starbucks” at the market like it’s the holy grail of coffee. But there are two things that are true about that location.
One, it’s not actually the first Starbucks (it may be the oldest standing location, though it’s hard to say). Two, it’s no different than any of the other 20 Starbucks locations within a four block radius.
If you really want Starbucks, skip the huge line here and head to one of those locations instead. If you’re looking for good coffee, head to Ghost Alley.
There are a staggering number of places to eat and drink at the market, and it would be impossible to include them all here.
These are the must-stop places: Beecher’s for their cheese (and Mac & Cheese!), Rachel’s Ginger Beer for… ginger beer. Piroshki Piroshki for … piroshkis. Are there plenty of other great places to eat and drink at the market? Yes. It’s worth exploring for yourself!
2. Do Some Learning At Seattle Center
Seattle Center is the complex at the base of the Space Needle. In case you missed it above, the Space Needle is overrated. Highly overrated.
However, Seattle Center is home to three great staples in Seattle’s art and culture scene. You can see why visiting it is one of the top things to do in Seattle.
The most interesting and unique is the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), which is a weird looking building that houses a museum dedicated to Seattle’s music and pop culture scene. Want to learn about Pearl Jam and Nirvana? This is the place to do it.
The second attraction here is the Chihuly Garden and Glass, which is dedicated to Dale Chihuly, a famous artist from Seattle. Come here for the intricate and impressive stained glass fixtures, and to learn about Dale and his artistic process.
If you have kids, you’ll want to head to the Pacific Science Center, which is a great rainy day activity in Seattle with kids. It’s an interactive Science Museum, and has all sorts of fun rotating exhibits. It’s probably not the choice for adults, but families will likely love it.
3. Spend Some Time in Capitol Hill, Seattle’s Coolest Neighborhood
Visiting Capitol hill is one the coolest things to do in Seattle.
Capitol Hill is the coolest neighborhood in Seattle. Whether you’re a foodie looking for some of Seattle’s best bars and restaurants, or you’re in the mood for some shopping at local small businesses, Capitol Hill is the place to go.
It’s adjacent to downtown Seattle, which makes it an easy place to spend a few hours, even if you have a limited amount of time.
If you have more time in Seattle, it’s also worth visiting Fremont and Ballard, but they’re both further away and harder to get to from the downtown core.
Capitol Hill is an excellent place to be at just about any time of the day. Which is why it is one of the things to do in Seattle that few people miss.
In the morning, grab coffee at Victrola and walk up Pike Street to Elliott Bay Books, the best bookstore in Seattle. Next door is Oddfellows, which is a good brunch spot, and that section of Capitol Hill is full of small boutiques to poke your head into and grab a souvenir or gift.
In the afternoon or evening, you’ve got plenty of options. Obviously, Elliott Bay Books and shopping are still on the table regardless of time of day, but Capitol Hill is known for nightlife. There are tons of bars here – check out Tavern Law for fancy cocktails, Rumba for fun rum-based cocktails, and Footprint for wine exclusively served on tap to reduce waste associated with wine bottles. In terms of dinner, it’s never a bad idea to go to 8oz Burger.
At any time of day, don’t miss Molly Moons – the best ice cream in Seattle. If you’re gluten and/or dairy free, head to nearby Frankie and Jo’s for delicious plant-based, gluten free ice cream.
4. Learn About Seattle’s History
Another one of the interesting things to do in Seattle is to learn about city’s iconic history.
If you’re interested in learning about Seattle’s history and getting more context for the city it is today, there are two places to add to your list.
First is the Museum of History and Industry, which is in South Lake Union (which, fittingly, is home to Amazon). It chronicles Seattle’s history over the centuries, which gives you a nice backdrop to help you understand how it became a tech powerhouse in the 21st Century. It’s a small museum, and will only take you an hour or two to see it.
Second is the Seattle Underground Tour, which is a quirky, fun way to learn about Seattle’s history. You’ll join a guide and go on a journey beneath Seattle’s streets, where you’ll learn about how the city was built and transformed from a raucous port city to a leader in technology.
It is one of the highly recommended things to do in Seattle.
5. Escape the City to Bainbridge Island
If you are looking for things to do in Seattle that take you away from the crowds, head to Bainbridge island.
Seattle is perched on the Puget Sound, which connects to the Pacific Ocean. In the sound, you’ll find a series of islands that are a unique aspect of this slice of the Pacific Northwest.
While there are many islands in the Puget Sound that are worth a visit (with more time, Vashon, Whidbey, and Orcas are a great place to spend a couple of days), the easiest one to tackle as a day trip from Seattle is going to be Bainbridge Island, which is a short ferry ride away, and is accessible whether or not you have a car.
And, to be clear, that short ferry ride is very much a part of the attraction here. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Rainier to the south, Mount Baker to the north, and the Olympic Range across the Puget Sound to the west. It’s a magnificent ferry ride.
Once you’re on Bainbridge, you’ll disembark the ferry in downtown Bainbridge, which is where you’ll spend most of your time if you don’t have a car. It’s worth strolling the entire promenade here, but definitely don’t miss Blackbird Bakery (for the handmade pastries), Mora Ice Cream (for the handmade ice cream), and Proper Fish for the excellent fish and chips, British-style (served in newspaper and with a side of mushy peas).
If you have a car, make sure to journey up to Bloedel Reserve, which is a magical sanctuary full of all sorts of plant life. It is one of the things to do in Seattle that requires your own transport but definitely worth visiting!
About The Author
Matt Hansen is a travel writer from the Pacific Northwest whose not-so-hidden superpower is travel planning. He grew up in the Seattle area, and has since migrated south to Portland, Oregon, which is the city he now calls home. He writes detailed travel guides based on personal experience for the Pacific Northwest and beyond at Wheatless Wanderlust, and strives to give readers the important details that make the difference between a good trip, and an unforgettable one.
