Top 10 Things To See And Do In Seattle
What is GAFFL?

GAFFL connects solo travelers with similar itineraries to explore destinations together. Whether you are backpacking in Asia, road tripping in Australia, or exploring national parks in the US, simply type the destination you are traveling to, find travelers who are going there at the same time as you, connect with them, plan trips, meet, and travel together.

GAFFL
23rd Nov | 6 min read

Table of Contents

    Wondering how to plan your next trip to Seattle? You can stroll through parts of the city, marvel at skyscrapers and historic buildings, or visit one of the many museums scattered throughout the city. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and take a walk around the charming downtown area. Visit Pike Place Market to immerse yourself in the area's diverse culture, or the Space Needle for panoramic views of the city. Stop by Pioneer Square for a delicious lunch or an impromptu performance at Volunteer Park. Whatever your interests are, this article will help you in determining the best things to do in Seattle!

    Tips For Getting Around The City

    If you're flying in from out of town, we'd suggest renting a car to get around or taking Amtrak. The airport is well connected by train and provides easy access to attractions like the Space Needle and Harbor Park. Washington State Ferries delivers passengers to Bainbridge Island from Seattle's downtown areas at a competitive rate. For more local information, check out the Seattle Tourism website.

    Seattle Monorail

    Join The GAFFL Newsletter

    Join our subscriber list to receive the best tips on solo travel, helpful travel guides, inspirational travel stories, and more. You can unsubscribe anytime with just one click.

    SUBSCRIBE

    Visit The Space Needle


    The Space Needle is one of Seattle's most recognizable landmarks. With a height of 605 feet, this modern marvel is the pinnacle of elegance and sophistication, as well as the ideal location for stunning photographs. This iconic tower, located in the heart of Seattle, is close to numerous shopping malls, as well as the Key Arena and CenturyLink Field. Summer light shows and other festive events are held here every year. The nearly 3,000 people who visit the Space Needle daily enjoy various viewing platforms that provide a 360-degree view of the city and mountains around them.

    Explore Pike Place Market

    Pike Place Market

    Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's most popular attractions. As you explore the downtown area, it's a great place to get a taste of the local culture and food scene. As you stroll through the historic Pike Place Market, you'll find art galleries, shops, restaurants, and live entertainment to indulge in. If you venture further east along First Avenue, you'll find a number of restaurants and coffee shops that are ideal for grabbing a bite to eat or watching a show. Pike’s Place is also the location of the first Starbucks, which is a very popular tourist attraction.  

    Visit The Different Museums & Exhibits

    Chihuly Garden and Glass

    Seattle and nearby Tacoma are jam-packed with museums and exhibits for you to enjoy. Some of the most notable include The Seattle Art Museum, The Museum Of Pop Culture, The Museum Of History & Industry, The Museum Of Flight, The National Nordic Museum, The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, and Tacoma’s Museum District.

    Chihuly Garden and Glass

    The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, one of the most beautiful places in the city, showcasing the work of world-renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly with a series of breathtaking glass blown sculptures.  

    Seattle Art Museum

    The Seattle Art Museum is a must-see for anyone who appreciates art and history. The museum has a large collection of contemporary art from various styles and eras. The Seattle Art Museum technically has three locations, but all are worth a visit. The main branch is located downtown and houses many impressive collections from various cultures. The other two are the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park.

    Olympic Sculpture Park

    Located along the banks of the Seattle River, near The Seattle Art Museum, is the Olympic Sculpture Park. Over 100 sculptures are featured in the park, many of which have a deeper historical or philosophical context. The entire park is free to the public; simply show up at one of the many entrances to enjoy a stroll through local history.

    MoPOP (Museum Of Pop Culture)

    Tourists from all over the country flock to the Museum Of Pop Culture which features exhibits on everything from comic books to sports, music, science fiction and so much more. 

    Some other notable museums in the area include the MOHAI (Museum of History & Industry), the Museum Of History & Industry, the Museum Of Flight, the National Nordic Museum, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, and if you drive 30 minutes from Seattle you can explore the museum district in Tacoma which include six major museums showcasing some of the world’s best collections and unique artwork. 

    Explore Pioneer Square

    Pioneer Square

    The buildings in Pioneer Square were rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 nearly destroyed the entire city, making it the city's oldest neighborhood and, as a result, one of the best places to visit to learn about Seattle's history. There is plenty to see and do in and around this richly historic area known for its Renaissance Revival architecture. First Thursday art walks, delicious restaurants, and quirky boutiques are all available for you to explore. Waterfall Garden Park, Smith Tower Observatory, the Klondike Gold Rush, are all interesting places to visit as well, but if you only had the chance to do one thing in Pioneer Square, we would highly recommend doing the Seattle Underground Tour.

    Bainbridge Island


    A day trip to Bainbridge Island can be a great way to get away from the busy streets of Seattle. The island is only a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle and serves as the gateway to Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Bainbridge Island is extremely easy to navigate, and you can get around by car, foot, or bike with ease. You can explore the charming bookstores, cafes, and clothing stores along Winslow Way, or you can visit the various museums on the island, such as the Bainbridge Island Art Museum, which features works by local artists, or the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, which highlights the island's rich timber history. Nature lovers will have a great time soaking in the beautiful Puget Sound views while taking an easy hike along the shore at Waterfront Park and City Dock.

    Ride The Seattle Great Wheel


    This new attraction, which debuted in 2012, has quickly become an iconic part of Seattle's skyline. There is no better way to take in the entirety of the city's stunning surroundings than from the top of this ferris wheel. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the city, the water, and the mountains on the horizon.

    Take A Stroll Through Volunteer Park


    If you visit Volunteer Park during the summer, you will almost certainly be greeted with free live music and theatre. The Asian Art Museum and the Volunteer Park Conservatory, which houses a variety of rare plants such as cacti and orchids, are also worth a visit within the park.

    Enjoy The Water


    There are numerous ways to enjoy the water that surrounds Seattle. You can visit Alki Beach in Puget Sound, Denny Blaine on Lake Washington, or rent a kayak, canoe, or motor boat to get right in the water. The Harbor Cruise Tour is a popular way to explore the city's various bodies of water and get stunning views of the skyline. The Elliott Bay Water Taxi from Downtown to West Seattle is a cost-effective way to explore the water; it's only a 15-minute ride, but you'll get great views of the city along the way.

    Visit Kubota Garden


    This 20-acre Japanese garden, tucked away in the Rainier Beach neighbourhood of South Seattle, has a stunning array of native Northwest plants and is the perfect place for a peaceful walk in the midst of nature. Stroll through the lush hills and valleys, admiring the hidden waterfalls, colourful bushes, pristine streams, as well as the bright red bridges that distinguish this area from the rest of Seattle.

    Have A Few Drinks And See How They’re Made


    There’s a lot of alcohol being made and consumed in and around Seattle. Wineries, breweries, and distilleries are all inextricably linked to the city's culture. Wine enthusiasts can rejoice in Woodinville, which is about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Seattle. Chateau St. Michelle is the area's most established winery and it offers a variety of tours and tastings. Beer enthusiasts should love touring the Pike Brewing Company's facility. If you prefer something stronger, the Westland Distillery produces American Whiskey and offers a $5 tour as well as complimentary tastings.

    Join The GAFFL Newsletter

    Join our subscriber list to receive the best tips on solo travel, helpful travel guides, inspirational travel stories, and more. You can unsubscribe anytime with just one click.

    SUBSCRIBE