Attractions
Discover Seattle
Seattle is a city that thrives on creativity, innovation, and diversity. Nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, its scenic landscapes are matched by its rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban environment. Known for its tech industry, coffee culture, and music scene, Seattle invites visitors to explore its history, art, and natural wonders.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Seattle is from May to October when the weather is mild and the city hosts numerous festivals and outdoor events. While summer offers the warmest temperatures and longest days, spring and early fall provide a pleasant climate with fewer crowds.
How to Get There
Most attractions in Seattle are easily accessible from the city center via public transportation, including buses, light rail, and streetcars. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available for convenience.
Contact Information
For general information about Seattle and its attractions, you can contact the Seattle Visitor Center:
- Phone: (206) 461-5840
- Website: visitseattle.org
Description: The Space Needle is Seattle’s most iconic landmark, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from its observation deck.
History: Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle symbolizes Seattle’s forward-thinking spirit and architectural innovation.
Unique Features: The rotating glass floor, known as The Loupe, provides a thrilling view of the ground 500 feet below.
Practical Information:
- Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 11 PM
- Admission: $35 adults, $26 youth, discounts for seniors and children
- Parking: Available at Seattle Center
- Restrooms: Located on-site
- Dining: SkyCity Restaurant offers dining with a view
Good for: Families, first-time visitors
Safety Tips: Secure belongings on the observation deck; follow staff instructions for safety.
Nearby Attractions: Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass
Description: Pike Place Market is a bustling public market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique crafts, along with the famous fish-tossing tradition.
History: Established in 1907, it is one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States.
Unique Features: Home to the original Starbucks, vibrant street performers, and an eclectic mix of shops and eateries.
Practical Information:
- Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Market Garage available
- Restrooms: Located throughout the market
- Dining: Numerous cafes and restaurants, including the famous Pike Place Chowder
Good for: Foodies, culture enthusiasts
Photography Tips: Best shots are early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Nearby Attractions: Seattle Aquarium, Waterfront Park
Description: This stunning exhibition showcases the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, featuring vibrant glass sculptures and installations.
History: Opened in 2012, it celebrates Chihuly’s contributions to the art of glassmaking.
Unique Features: The Glasshouse is a must-see with its 100-foot-long sculpture and natural light that enhances the colors of the glass.
Practical Information:
- Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 6 PM
- Admission: $32 adults, $19 youth, discounts available
- Parking: Available at Seattle Center
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Collections Café offers a themed dining experience
Good for: Art lovers, photographers
Photography Tips: Visit in the late afternoon for the best light through the Glasshouse.
Nearby Attractions: Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture
Description: The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) houses an impressive collection of art from around the world, including modern and contemporary pieces.
History: Founded in 1933, SAM has been a key player in Seattle’s cultural landscape.
Unique Features: The museum offers diverse exhibitions, including ancient art, indigenous works, and contemporary installations.
Practical Information:
- Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
- Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Admission: $20 adults, free for children under 14, first Thursday of the month free
- Parking: Nearby public parking garages
- Restrooms: Available on-site
- Dining: TASTE Café inside the museum
Good for: Art enthusiasts, families
Cultural Insights: SAM offers guided tours for a deeper understanding of exhibits.
Nearby Attractions: Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront
Description: MoPOP is a modern museum dedicated to contemporary pop culture, music, and science fiction.
History: Designed by architect Frank Gehry, MoPOP opened in 2000 and has become a hub for pop culture aficionados.
Unique Features: Exhibits dedicated to Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
Practical Information:
- Address: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Admission: $28 adults, $19 youth, discounts available
- Parking: Available at Seattle Center
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: CULTURE KITCHEN by Wolfgang Puck
Good for: Music lovers, pop culture fans
Photography Tips: Capture the unique architecture of the building’s exterior.
Nearby Attractions: Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass
Description: The Seattle Aquarium offers an underwater journey featuring marine life from the Puget Sound and beyond.
History: Opened in 1977, it focuses on marine conservation and education.
Unique Features: The Underwater Dome and the Giant Pacific Octopus are highlights.
Practical Information:
- Address: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- Admission: $30 adults, $20 youth, discounts available
- Parking: Waterfront parking available
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Aquarium Café
Good for: Families, marine enthusiasts
Safety Tips: Follow instructions for hands-on exhibits to ensure safety for visitors and marine life.
Nearby Attractions: Pike Place Market, Seattle Great Wheel
Woodland Park Zoo
Description: Woodland Park Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing 300 species in naturalistic habitats.
History: Established in 1899, the zoo is a leader in wildlife conservation and education.
Unique Features: The zoo offers a variety of exhibits, including the African Savanna, Tropical Rainforest, and the Zoomazium for kids.
Practical Information:
- Address: 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 6 PM (summer hours)
- Admission: $22 adults, $13 youth, discounts available
- Parking: Paid parking lots available
- Restrooms: Throughout the zoo
- Dining: Various cafes and food stands
Good for: Families, animal lovers
Flora and Fauna: The zoo features botanical gardens that complement the animal exhibits.
Nearby Attractions: Green Lake Park, Fremont neighborhood
Seattle Center
Description: Seattle Center is a 74-acre urban park and cultural hub that hosts events, festivals, and attractions like the Space Needle and MoPOP.
History: Developed for the 1962 World’s Fair, Seattle Center remains a focal point for cultural and recreational activities.
Unique Features: The International Fountain and seasonal events such as Winterfest and Bumbershoot.
Practical Information:
- Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free entry to the grounds, attraction fees vary
- Parking: Multiple parking garages available
- Restrooms: Throughout the center
- Dining: Numerous eateries and food stalls
Good for: Families, event-goers
Cultural Insights: Explore the diverse range of cultural festivals held throughout the year.
Nearby Attractions: Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass
Description: This outdoor park, part of the Seattle Art Museum, features large-scale sculptures set against the stunning backdrop of Elliott Bay.
History: Opened in 2007, the park transformed a former industrial site into a vibrant cultural space.
Unique Features: Sculptures by renowned artists such as Alexander Calder and Louise Bourgeois.
Practical Information:
- Address: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Limited street parking available
- Restrooms: Visitor pavilion
- Dining: Café at SAM
Good for: Art lovers, nature enthusiasts
Photography Tips: Capture sculptures with the sunset over Elliott Bay for dramatic photos.
Nearby Attractions: Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle Waterfront
Description: Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering 534 acres of forests, meadows, and beaches with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
History: The park was established in 1973 on the site of the former Fort Lawton.
Unique Features: West Point Lighthouse, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
Practical Information:
- Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
- Opening Hours: Daily, 4 AM – 11:30 PM
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Multiple lots within the park
- Restrooms: Located throughout the park
- Dining: No on-site dining; picnic areas available
Good for: Families, outdoor adventurers
Flora and Fauna: Spot eagles, owls, and marine life along the shore.
Nearby Attractions: Magnolia neighborhood, Ballard Locks
Description: The Ballard Locks are a complex of locks at the west end of Salmon Bay, connecting Puget Sound to Lake Union and Lake Washington.
History: Opened in 1917, they are an engineering marvel and a vital part of Seattle’s maritime operations.
Unique Features: Fish ladder for salmon migration and beautiful botanical gardens.
Practical Information:
- Address: 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107
- Opening Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 9 PM
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Limited street parking available
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Nearby eateries in Ballard
Good for: Families, history buffs
Photography Tips: Capture the locks in action as boats pass through.
Nearby Attractions: Ballard neighborhood, Discovery Park
Fremont Troll
Description: The Fremont Troll is a quirky public sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood.
History: Created in 1990 as part of an art competition, the troll has become a beloved local icon.
Unique Features: The troll clutches a real Volkswagen Beetle and offers a fun photo opportunity.
Practical Information:
- Address: N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Street parking available
- Restrooms: None on-site
- Dining: Nearby cafes and restaurants in Fremont
Good for: Families, art lovers
Cultural Insights: Fremont is known for its artistic and eclectic atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions: Fremont Brewery, Woodland Park Zoo
Description: Gas Works Park is a unique public park on the site of a former gasification plant, offering panoramic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.
History: Opened in 1975, the park preserves remnants of its industrial past, creatively integrated into the landscape.
Unique Features: The iconic Gas Works towers and a kite-flying hill.
Practical Information:
- Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
- Admission: Free
- Parking: On-site parking available
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Picnic areas available; nearby eateries in Wallingford
Good for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
Photography Tips: Best views are during sunset for capturing the city skyline.
Nearby Attractions: Lake Union, Fremont neighborhood
Description: Volunteer Park is a 48-acre park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and cultural landmarks.
History: Designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1904, it is a historic park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Unique Features: The Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Practical Information:
- Address: 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
- Admission: Free; museum admission applies
- Parking: Limited street parking
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Nearby cafes in Capitol Hill
Good for: Families, art lovers
Cultural Insights: The park hosts numerous cultural and community events throughout the year.
Nearby Attractions: Capitol Hill neighborhood, Lakeview Cemetery
Description: Alki Beach Park is a long sandy beach in West Seattle, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline.
History: Alki Point is where the first white settlers landed in Seattle in 1851.
Unique Features: The Alki Point Lighthouse and a vibrant boardwalk with shops and restaurants.
Practical Information:
- Address: 1702 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
- Opening Hours: Daily, 4 AM – 11:30 PM
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Street parking available
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Numerous beachfront restaurants and cafes
Good for: Families, beach lovers
Photography Tips: Capture the Seattle skyline during sunset for dramatic photos.
Nearby Attractions: West Seattle Junction, Schmitz Preserve Park
Description: The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel located on Pier 57, offering stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline.
History: Opened in 2012, it is one of the largest Ferris wheels on the West Coast.
Unique Features: Climate-controlled gondolas provide comfort and safety year-round.
Practical Information:
- Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 10 PM
- Admission: $16 adults, $11 youth, discounts available
- Parking: Nearby waterfront parking
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: The Fisherman’s Restaurant on the pier
Good for: Families, couples
Safety Tips: Follow instructions for boarding and exiting gondolas.
Nearby Attractions: Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market
Seattle Public Library
Description: The Seattle Public Library is an architectural marvel designed by Rem Koolhaas, offering a vast collection of books and multimedia resources.
History: Opened in 2004, it has become a landmark for its unique design and community services.
Unique Features: The “Books Spiral” and stunning views from the top floors.
Practical Information:
- Address: 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Sunday, 12 PM – 6 PM
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Nearby public parking garages
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Chocolati Café inside the library
Good for: Book lovers, architecture enthusiasts
Photography Tips: Capture the geometric lines and light of the building’s atrium.
Nearby Attractions: Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall
Description: Columbia Center is the tallest skyscraper in Seattle, offering breathtaking views from the Sky View Observatory.
History: Completed in 1985, it remains a prominent feature of Seattle’s skyline.
Unique Features: The observatory provides a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Practical Information:
- Address: 701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 8 PM
- Admission: $20 adults, $14 youth, discounts available
- Parking: On-site parking garage
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Columbia Tower Club (members only)
Good for: Sightseers, photographers
Photography Tips: Visit at sunset for the best lighting conditions.
Nearby Attractions: Pioneer Square, Smith Tower
Description: Smith Tower is a historic skyscraper that offers a glimpse into Seattle’s past and panoramic views from its observation deck.
History: Completed in 1914, it was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi.
Unique Features: The Chinese Room and a vintage Otis elevator.
Practical Information:
- Address: 506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 10 PM
- Admission: $19 adults, $15 youth, discounts available
- Parking: Nearby public parking
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Smith Tower Observatory Bar
Good for: History buffs, sightseers
Cultural Insights: Learn about Seattle’s early 20th-century history through interactive exhibits.
Nearby Attractions: Pioneer Square, Columbia Center
Description: A short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers charming shops, scenic parks, and cultural attractions.
History: Originally inhabited by the Suquamish people, the island has a rich cultural and maritime history.
Unique Features: The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and Bloedel Reserve.
Practical Information:
- Address: Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
- Opening Hours: Accessible by ferry, runs daily
- Admission: Ferry fare applies
- Parking: Available at ferry terminal
- Restrooms: At ferry terminal and throughout the island
- Dining: Numerous cafes and restaurants in Winslow
Good for: Families, nature lovers
Flora and Fauna: Explore diverse ecosystems at the Bloedel Reserve.
Nearby Attractions: Poulsbo, Suquamish Museum-
Seattle Japanese Garden
Description: The Seattle Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis within the Washington Park Arboretum, featuring traditional Japanese landscaping.
History: Designed by renowned landscape architect Juki Iida, it opened in 1960.
Unique Features: The garden includes a koi pond, teahouse, and stone lanterns.
Practical Information:
- Address: 1075 Lake Washington Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Opening Hours: March-November, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Admission: $8 adults, $4 youth, discounts available
- Parking: Available at the arboretum
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Nearby eateries in Madison Park
Good for: Nature enthusiasts, peace seekers
Photography Tips: Capture the vibrant colors of the garden in spring and fall.
Nearby Attractions: Washington Park Arboretum, University of Washington
Description: This expansive park features a diverse collection of trees and plants, with miles of walking trails and scenic vistas.
History: Established in 1934, it is managed by the University of Washington and the City of Seattle.
Unique Features: The arboretum includes a Japanese Garden and the Pacific Connections Garden.
Practical Information:
- Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Opening Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
- Admission: Free; Japanese Garden admission applies
- Parking: Available throughout the park
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Picnic areas available
Good for: Families, nature lovers
Flora and Fauna: Spot native and exotic plants, as well as birds and small wildlife.
Nearby Attractions: University of Washington, Seattle Japanese Garden
Description: The University of Washington campus is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and vibrant academic community.
History: Founded in 1861, it is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast.
Unique Features: The Suzzallo Library, Drumheller Fountain, and cherry blossoms in the Quad.
Practical Information:
- Address: Seattle, WA 98195
- Opening Hours: Campus open to the public
- Admission: Free
- Parking: On-campus parking available
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Numerous campus cafes and eateries
Good for: Students, history enthusiasts
Cultural Insights: Attend public lectures, art exhibits, and cultural events hosted by the university.
Nearby Attractions: Washington Park Arboretum, University District
Description: This expansive park features a diverse collection of trees and plants, with miles of walking trails and scenic vistas.
History: Established in 1934, it is managed by the University of Washington and the City of Seattle.
Unique Features: The arboretum includes a Japanese Garden and the Pacific Connections Garden.
Practical Information:
- Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Opening Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
- Admission: Free; Japanese Garden admission applies
- Parking: Available throughout the park
- Restrooms: On-site
- Dining: Picnic areas available
Good for: Families, nature lovers
Flora and Fauna: Spot native and exotic plants, as well as birds and small wildlife.
Nearby Attractions: University of Washington, Seattle Japanese Garden
Final Thoughts
Seattle is a city that captivates with its diverse attractions, from iconic landmarks and cultural institutions to serene parks and hidden gems. Whether you’re exploring the bustling Pike Place Market, admiring art at the Seattle Art Museum, or enjoying the tranquility of Kubota Garden, Seattle offers a wealth of experiences to suit every interest.
To make the most of your visit, plan your itinerary around your interests, take advantage of public transportation, and consider guided tours for deeper insights into Seattle’s history and culture. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community, Seattle is a destination that invites exploration and leaves a lasting impression.
We hope this guide inspires you to discover the best of Seattle. Share your experiences and recommendations with fellow travelers, and enjoy the unique charm of the Emerald City!
