What to do in Seattle, WA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Seattle

Types of activities

Where to stay

Seattle travel guide

Pike Place Market showing night scenes, a city and signage

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Top places to visit

1. Space Needle

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle rises 605 feet (184 meters), like a beacon towering over the city. Erected in 1962, this unique building resembles a futuristic flying saucer set on irregular legs.

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Puget Sound which includes modern architecture

2. Seattle Waterfront

Seattle’s western border ends at the waterfront where the views across Puget Sound to islands and mountains are enhanced by elegant yachts, ships, cruise boats and ferries. Walk along the 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch and browse quaint shops, explore the public spaces and piers, and enjoy the smells of the ocean air and freshly cooked seafood from the dozens of restaurants along the piers.

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Seattle Waterfront which includes cbd, boating and a marina

3. Pike Place Market

Street performers and vendors vie for attention on the pleasantly busy cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market. It’s home to some 200 stalls and shops, some of which have been family-operated for generations. Amble among the wide aisles in the main arcade taking in the cornucopia of sounds, smells and sights. Sample seasonal fruits, smell the fresh bouquets of flowers, and admire handmade jewelry and art.

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4. Seattle Center

Seattle’s famous cultural and entertainment precinct is a must for any visitor to the city. The Seattle Center is home to many local major sporting teams, and some of the key performing arts institutions are also based within the large complex. Throw in some of Seattle’s major cultural institutions, a range of upscale restaurants and bars and a choreographed water show, and you’ll see why its easy to keep coming back to the Seattle Center.

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Seattle Center featuring modern architecture

5. Seattle Convention Center Arch Building

Seattle is sometimes called the Emerald City for its devotion to environmental conservancy. Washington Convention Center lives up to the city’s green reputation. As one of Washington’s largest event spaces, it attracts people from around the world for myriad events. Plan your next event here for excellent facilities in a fascinating city.

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Washington State Convention Center featuring a city

What to do in Seattle

Popular places to visit

Space Needle

4.5/5(85 reviews)

Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Seattle Waterfront

4/5(85 reviews)

A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

University of Washington

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Walk around the campus of University of Washington, a top university in Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Pike Place Market

4.5/5(103 reviews)

Climb the steps from the waterfront to discover Seattle’s fresh food hub, the oldest farmers’ market in the U.S.

Seattle Center

4.5/5(58 reviews)

A product of the 1962 World Fair, this cultural precinct is where sports, theater, film and fine dining come together in Seattle.

T-Mobile Park

4/5(9 reviews)

Catch an event at T-Mobile Park during your trip to Seattle. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and great live music in this vibrant area.

Lumen Field

4/5(14 reviews)

Catch an event at Lumen Field during your trip to Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building

4/5(9 reviews)

Thanks to its wood paneling, ancient fir tables and locally produced food, this conference center lets you experience the beauty of Seattle even when you’re inside.

Westfield Southcenter Mall

During your trip to Tukwila, you can enjoy retail therapy at Westfield Southcenter Mall. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Explore areas of Seattle

Downtown Seattle

4/5(177 area reviews)

A clean, walkable city center with tree-filled public spaces, shopping, boutique bars and restaurants, and views across the Puget Sound.

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Experience the leafy green parks, world-class art gallery and electric nightlife of this up-and-coming Seattle neighborhood.

Belltown

Seattle’s ultra-modern side is evident in this neighborhood, where an active arts and partying scene thrives amid its shining skyscrapers.

University District

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

As you stroll through the collection of urban shopping and historic homes, mix in with students rushing between classes or relaxing when their work is done.

South Lake Union

4/5(13 area reviews)

One of Seattle’s most scenic neighborhoods, this district houses fascinating museums along the tree-lined banks of its beautiful lake.

Kerry Park featuring landscape views, mountains and a city

Lower Queen Anne

While you're in Lower Queen Anne, take in top sights like Space Needle and jump on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station to see more of the city.