Seattle is well-known as the home for many industry superpowers that populate its hectic business-oriented downtown. However, this beautiful city has a lot more to offer – and you’ll love it.
Several pubs bring you to Europe with a friendly atmosphere, while you can relax and dream by walking on the Seattle waterfront. The music scene in town is colorful and attracts artists from all over the world. Not enough, you find a perfect mix of museums and modern exhibitions.
And then, neighborhoods like Capitol Hill witness fascinating stories through art and cafes. You’ll ride the monorail, a piece of history that leads you to the majestic Space Needle – from where you’ll view Seattle in a nutshell.
Honestly, my expectations weren’t that high before the trip. However, Seattle showed me that wherever we travel, there are human footprints – either ancient or recent – which make you love this world even more.
If you’re interested in planning the budget for your trip instead, feel free to check out my cost overview and tips!
Whether you’re not sure yet or you wonder what you could do there, read ahead and check the best to experience in Seattle. You won’t regret it!
Disclaimer: activities are not in order of importance – they are all equally immersive in my opinion!
Grab a coffee at the Original Starbucks
One of the biggest attractions is the Original Starbucks, located in the cobblestone streets near the public market (more on this later). Its history started in 1971 when people began to taste foreign coffee beans and tea. The current address is actually not the original one because the first store operated for five years at 2000 Western Avenue.
Although the shop doesn’t sell tea and other spices for retail anymore, you can still purchase whole-bean coffee nowadays. On the other hand, the exterior has been trying to keep its original appearance – you’ll notice the old-fashioned sign!
Once in, you’ll have the opportunity to grab a souvenir and witness some history. This shop is one of the three locations belonging to “The Heritage Market”, which Starbucks uses to remember the icons of its success. Whether you go in the morning or the afternoon, the Original Starbucks hosts huge crowds during the day. Be ready to stay in line for a while!
Catch some vibes at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is another must-visit piece of history. It has been operating since 1907, making it one of the long-lived farmers markets in the entire US. Craftsmen, merchants, and small farmers: you can buy from anyone and anywhere here.
The market splits into different levels. On the main floor – located on the street – you’ll find fresh food, flowers, and amazing artisans. I’d recommend being in front of the fishermen’s area at lunchtime because you’ll listen to the classic “merchants’ screams” that used to attract customers! Don’t forget to explore the lower levels, too. You’ll find antique memorabilia, comic shops, and family-owned restaurants.
The variety of vendors is somewhat astonishing, and you can spend hours sailing through this market. While traveling back in time, remember to grab some food and sit outside in front of the ocean – it’ll be the perfect end for your Pike Place tour!
Discover Seattle underground
Looking to know more about the city’s back story with some goosebumps? You must have a ride through the alleyways of Seattle underground! This will definitely be a thrilling and immersive experience for you.
The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 required rebuilding the business district almost entirely, bringing it to an upper level. And then, the fear of bubonic plague in 1907 condemned Seattle underground to be forgotten.
Today, just a portion of the area lying underneath Pioneer Square is safe to access. You have two options to visit this landmark. Firstly, thanks to a local citizen the “Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour” was born in 1965, and is still operating.
The more recent tour company Beneath The Streets instead explores different sections of Seattle’s underground network. If you’re passionate about local history, they also offer customized guided tours about the turbulent past of this evocative location.
Tours last one hour and cost around 26 USD plus taxes. Special tours are available for two more dollars. Personally, I’ve subscribed for the standard tour – it was an incredible experience and worth the price!
Enjoy live music at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
Whether you’re staying in town just for a couple of days or you’re planning a longer vacation, you must taste Seattle’s exceptional music scenery. And the best place to do so – in my opinion – is Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley.
Opened in 1980, this intimate place has hosted many incredible jazz figures throughout the years. With an amazing weekly schedule, you will remember and live every night at its fullest. In addition to the artists, you’ll find soft lights, great drinks, and a semi-rounded layout. This incredible combination makes the alley a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I’d recommend you booking your ticket in advance – especially during the weekends! Although the price depends on the musicians playing at the club, you are probably going to spend around 60 USD per person on average. The seats on the main floor are the most expensive ones. If I were you, though, I’d reserve a table on the balcony – the view from above is wonderful and the acoustic is still fantastic!
Witness European inheritance at St. James Cathedral
Seattle offers attractions in every neighborhood, and First Hill is no exception. For more than one hundred years, St. James Cathedral has been the point of reference for Catholics in Washington State. Completed in 1907, the church underwent a few restorations while keeping its original aspect and purpose.
You’ll be astonished by sculptures, paintings, and an impressive collection of stained glass. Once inside, the ornaments and messages on the walls will remind you of Europe and its millenary religious traditions.
The building is open during the day and free of charge to visit – worth the uphill!
Roam around the business district
It’s time to stroll down again, and you’ll find yourself in the core of Seattle: the business district. You should know that the city is vibrant and hectic on workdays, but “just” a tourist attraction otherwise.
The area is limited by Interstate 5 up North and it extends until Cherry St towards the East. This does not include the cobblestone streets around Pike Place, as they belong to the “old” town side.
Here you’ll pass by five-star hotels, the Museum of Illusions together with the Art Museum, and towers offering exciting city landscapes (more on this up next). There are many live plays at night time too – for example at Benaroya Hall. Once again, Seattle surprises you with dynamic culture – just let yourself go and explore!
Travel back in time at the Smith Tower
One place I’d recommend to stop by while roaming around downtown is the Smith Tower. It might not be the best viewpoint, but paying a fee is definitely worth it to witness this historical landmark.
Standing since 1914, the skyscraper now offers guided tours through its story of radio connections, rum-running, and more. Adult tickets start at 26 USD plus tax, which includes the self-guided tour (you have to pay 13 bucks more for the guided one, unfortunately) from the main floor until the 35th and full-day access to the Observatory deck.
This area hosts a bar and many events throughout the year. The tower sometimes advertises special prices with combos and beverage credit – don’t miss them out!
Despite being kind of expensive for what you receive, I see the Smith Tower as an opportunity to learn about the men who built it and the life back then (isn’t it interesting?). Anyway, if you are just looking for a great view of the city you should go straight to the Space Needle – I’ll talk about it in a few!
Union Station is a beautiful piece of history
Before going to the other side of the city, though, you should check out a few things. Since you’ve just been to the Smith Tower, you can follow 2nd Avenue until you are in front of King Street and Union Stations.
While King Street Station is still operating as the main train station in Seattle, Union Station has been a piece of forgotten history since around 1971. The building was first built in the early 1910s to serve passengers on the Pacific and Milwaukee Roads. After fifty years of service, the latter was interrupted – followed by the other one ten years later.
What is interesting about this place is that it was expansively renovated in the ‘90s, without losing its identity. Walking in the interior of Union Station will bring you back in time – can you remotely imagine how many people departed from and arrived in that hall? So exciting!
Have a bite at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
It’s time to eat some food, but where? Well, remember how Seattle shows both contemporary and ancient sides? The former will lead you to Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, located in front of the Art Museum.
This dining franchise has just opened in 2014 and rapidly expanded across the States. You will have the opportunity to have a taste of the famous Maine lobster in a “fast-food” way. Interesting, isn’t it?
At the same time, don’t expect the classic cheap food chain (I mean, you’re eating lobster after all). I had a lobster roll for around 25 USD and believe me, it was totally worth it! And if this doesn’t appeal to you – but you are looking for seafood – remember that you have the entire Pike Place Market at your disposal! Fresh fish and many restaurants, it’s like being in a candy store lol.
Feel horrified in front of the gum wall
Yes, that’s exactly what I said. Why in the world Seattle has a gum wall, and why should you stare at it? Give me a chance to explain.
Located in the Post Alley of the market, this “wall” originated in the 1990s without a real meaning. When the Market Theatre started hosting several improv classes and shows throughout the years, the patrons began to encapsulate pennies in chewed gums and attached them to the bricks. Despite the community service removed the coins, the gums remained and the Pike Place Market allowed this spontaneous phenomenon to live as a tourist attraction in 1999.
The walls became thick and wide until the city council decided it was time to clean them up in 2015. Not surprisingly, people started to recreate this piece of “art” right after! It’s basically considered a landmark for Seattle now – it’s honestly incredible.
I’d recommend to double check the wall cleanings, which are now executed once every few years. The last one has been made in November 2024, so it might be a little early for you to visit!
Hang out at Waterfront for the sunset
I do believe that after being surrounded by chewed gums, you’d like to breathe some fresh air. The best place to do so is Seattle Waterfront.
You have many activities waiting for you. Whale watching is pretty common here, and if you’re lucky enough you can also spot some orcas while cruising on the water! You’ll pass by the Seattle wheel and the Aquarium (fun for families!).
There are many dining places too, but take a look at the advertised prices – it might not be the cheapest area to have a bite. Walking on the pier gives you a stunning view of the city’s skyline and the breathtaking Mount Rainier.
What I did was spend some time hanging out here leaning towards the sunset: it’s simply majestic.
Ride the monorail
Whenever you are planning to visit the Space Needle, there is a best way to reach it. It’s the monorail! The 1962 World Fair was the opportunity for Seattle to build this landmark and the tower.
The railway extends for a bit more than one mile from downtown to the Space Needle area. You can ride either the Blue or Red train, which have dedicated lanes. The ticket costs 3.50 USD and you can purchase it at one of the stations. Your starting point is going to be Westlake Center in Pine Street.
This is one of the funniest and most amazing experiences you can have in Seattle – exploring and viewing the city from another perspective, even just for a few minutes, makes you wonder how life was back at the 1962 World Fair.
Besides, this is a transportation masterpiece that has been running for more than sixty years! You can learn about the history and technical details of the monorail by reading the signs on the barricades before hopping on the train – a great way to kill time!
Walk in the air on the Space Needle
This is probably the moment you’ve been waiting for the whole trip, isn’t it? Your journey across Seattle’s World Fair history comes to an end at the Space Needle – the futuristic landmark of the city!
First of all, I’d recommend planning your visit to the tower in advance. Tickets can run out quickly – especially during weekends. Adult prices range between 35 USD and 42.5 USD depending on the time of the day, in which the morning is the less expensive one. You can buy tickets either online or at the vending machines under the Space Needle.
The building offers two levels of sky view: the Loupe and the upper observation deck. The former is the first and only revolving glass floor, which means that you’re going to have a 360-degree perspective on Seattle’s skyline without even moving! You can walk on the glass (I jumped on it too lol) and spend some time sipping good cocktails.
Yes, that is why the afternoon is slightly pricier. Many tourists look forward to having a drink at sunset while sitting on a rotating deck, which will also give you a spectacular view of the city lights. Romanticism, history, and modernity: the Space Needle includes everything that Seattle owns.
For the record, I planned my visit for the sunset – I couldn’t have missed those emotions!
Believe me: you’ll remember this experience forever.
Play and interact at the Museum of Pop Culture
One thing I’d like to suggest is to spend a full day in the area where the Space Needle is located. Not only many attractions are awaiting but also you’re not likely to hang out here during your trip again. Let’s say that you’re aiming for the sunset at the tower – what could you do earlier in the day? The MoPOP is the answer.
The Museum of Pop Culture was founded in 2000 as a music experience project. Although the main focus of this place is still celebrating musicians and hosting related exhibits, the collaboration with Seattle’s Film Festival brought many costumes and scenes objects usually belonging to science fiction.
You’ll find different floors and sections, each one funnier than the others. You’re going to be scared in the horror section (there’s a cabin where you can take a picture while screaming, no kidding). Then, you’ll re-live all the best science fiction movies – from “Back To The Future” to “Star Trek”. Eventually, you’ll have the opportunity to learn many music stories and how to play instruments in one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to. There are many music rooms with a timer where you can jam, even with other people if you’d like!
In a nutshell, I must say that I was happily surprised by the amount of information and how it was presented at the museum. It’s so fun and interesting learning about our creative culture, in my opinion.
I’d highly recommend visiting the MoPOP, and if you have children by your side they’re going to have a blast! Tickets are around 30 USD and not time-limited – check the website for more info!
Dominate the city’s skyline from Kerry Park
Are you more towards exploring the city on foot, perhaps not aiming for staying on the Space Needle at sunset? Don’t worry; there is an option for you too!
Once you reach the tower and you’re done with your tour, you can walk up North around the Queen Anne neighborhood. This is a quiet area, with small shops here and there. If you follow the main avenue, you’ll meet Prospect Street: just a few stairs and you’ll find yourself at Kerry Park.
Here you have magnificent views of Seattle’s skyline, Mount Rainier, and the ocean. There are some benches, and you can take awesome pictures.
To be honest, I haven’t been here at sunset – but I do believe it’s a valid alternative to admire the beauty of Seattle from above.
Don’t forget about Capitol Hill
There is one last unmissable attraction you should include in your trip: Capitol Hill. Among the many neighborhoods in Seattle, I’d say this is the most colorful and emblematic.
Located northeast of downtown, you can reach it by taking Line 1 – it will take you just around 20 minutes. Once there, you’ll be surrounded by cafes, street art, and history. Even more, you can walk in the “Millionaire’s Row” (14th Ave, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in town) and enjoy the green of Volunteer Park. And exactly here you can bring your greetings to Bruce Lee, whose grave is located in the Lake View Cemetery.
Talking about happier things, the nightlife is vibrant around here. The music scene is extremely multicolored, and it has been closely related to many genres since the 1990s. Just look around and find a place to spend the evening – there are plenty of options, including fringe theatres!
Speaking of colorful streets, Capitol Hill is where the LGBTQ community found its home starting in the mid-20th century. With Pioneer Square starting to decline, people figured that these streets were the perfect choice to welcome the West Coast’s counterculture.
Capitol Hill’s openness helped activists to rise and introduce street art masterpieces where they can express everything. Racial equality and police reforms are just samples of the fights people have been supporting around here. There is too much to learn, and every corner teaches you something: if I were you, I wouldn’t miss this opportunity!
Give me some advice!
Once again, this is what I think is worth exploring (and what I actually visited in three days) in Seattle. However, I’m sure there are many interesting spots I didn’t have the time to check out. This is why – as always – I’d like to encourage you to explore every angle, street, museum, and whatever the city offers. For instance, I’d have loved to roam around the Art Museum, but I didn’t make it, unfortunately.
Hit me up if you find anything not mentioned in this article – I’d like to hear about your story!