Seattle, WA is a city that blends natural beauty, rich culture, and modern charm all in one place. From the stunning views at the Space Needle to the lively streets of Pike Place Market, Seattle offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, this guide highlights the top 10 places to visit and things to do. Explore iconic landmarks, enjoy local food, and experience the unique vibe of the Pacific Northwest – all in one unforgettable trip!
Seattle is a natural port harbor and is a huge tourist attraction in itself. Seattle is one of the major cities in the Northwest region of the USA. You can make a 3-day tour plan of Seattle so that you have enough time on hand to visit all the major tourist attractions. Seattle has a rich cultural scene that exudes entertainment, recreation, adventure, and relaxation. The tourist attractions in Seattle range from museums and art galleries to farmer’s markets and green spaces. You can visit iconic Seattle landmarks and architectural marvels. We have curated the top 10 places to visit and things to do in Seattle, WA in this blog post.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Seattle
Seattle is full of exciting places that show off the city’s beauty, culture, and history. Whether you’re looking for amazing views, fun attractions, or peaceful parks, there’s something for everyone. In this section, we’ll explore the top 10 places to visit – from iconic spots like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to hidden gems that locals love. These must-see destinations will help you make the most of your time in the Emerald City.
Space Needle
The Space Needle has become an icon of Seattle. No other monument defines Seattle more than the Space Needle. This monument has architecture that is iconic in itself. The Space Needle was originally inaugurated to be part of the 1962 World’s Fair. But gradually, it became an icon of Seattle. Tourists particularly enjoy the elevator ride to reach the Needle Observation Deck. The deck is 520 feet high and offers the most panoramic views of the bays and cityscape of Seattle. Another attraction here is the rotating restaurant. Attractions also include theaters, entertainment parks, sports facilities, and restaurants.
Space Needle – Iconic Seattle Observation Tower
- Offers 360-degree views of the skyline, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound
- Glass floor experience for a thrilling view beneath your feet
- Features the rotating Loupe Lounge with cocktails and small bites
- A must-visit for panoramic photos and sunset views
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Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is a hub of shopping and dining. It is one of the oldest farmer’s markets in the USA. You will find a whole range of foods to eat in coffee shops and restaurants. The original Starbucks store is located here. Pike Place Market is a live market where fishermen sell fresh seafood such as lobsters, salmon, and other marine produce. You will find craft stores selling local handicraft items. There are boutique shops, bookshops, cafes, antique shops, and bakeries that you can visit in this market. Artists can be seen performing and entertaining visitors with their skills. Pike Place Market is in the downtown area of Seattle. It is close to other attractions of Seattle, like the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Great Wheel, and Seattle Art Museum.
Pike Place Market – Seattle’s Historic Public Market
- Home to the famous flying fish and fresh seafood stalls
- One of the oldest farmers’ markets in the U.S.
- Great place for local crafts, flowers, and handmade goods
- Don’t miss the original Starbucks store nearby
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Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass come under this list of the top 10 places to visit and things to do in Seattle, WA. This museum houses the art collection of the glassblower Dale Chihuly. The artwork consists of glass exhibits, which are the largest collection of glass artwork. You can visit every gallery and wonder at the glass art of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Every installation is brilliant in itself. They seem to change their colors with the moving sunlight falling on them. You can sit and see the actual process of glass blowing at the Art Plaza and Collections Café.
Chihuly Garden and Glass – Stunning Glass Art Exhibit
- Features incredible glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly
- Glasshouse with a 100-foot long suspended sculpture
- Outdoor garden mixes colorful glass art with natural plants
- A favorite for art lovers and photographers
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Seattle Great Wheel
A ride on the Seattle Great Wheel is one of the most essential things to do in Seattle. We have included this iconic symbol of Seattle in our top 10 places to visit and things to do in Seattle, WA list. The Ferris wheel is 175 feet in height. A typical ride on the Seattle Great Wheel takes 20 minutes. The ride gives you scenic views of Elliot Bay and the downtown area of Seattle. Along with your ride, you can also shop around in boutique stores and grab a juicy bite in restaurants.
Great Wheel – Waterfront Ferris Wheel Ride
- 175 feet tall with enclosed gondolas for year-round rides
- Beautiful night light displays with vibrant colors
- Offers sweeping views of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle
- Great for couples, families, and sunset photos
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Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Aquarium is a must-visit if you are interested to learn more about aquatic creatures. Located near the Seattle Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium has exhibits featuring seals, sharks, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and many other forms of marine life. This Aquarium has a very scenic waterfront location. Visitors get treated to dive shows where seals and otters perform various playful antics. Divers can be seen feeding marine mammals. Visitors can view marine creatures through the underwater dome and even touch them in touch tanks.
Aquarium – Explore Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest
- Hands-on tide pool experiences for kids and adults
- See otters, seals, jellyfish, and more in themed exhibits
- Learn about Puget Sound’s unique ecosystem
- Located right on the waterfront for easy access
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Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is one of the top 10 places to visit and things to do in Seattle, WA. You will find such wonderful animals as elephants, rhinoceros, jaguars, lemurs, bears, and other creatures from many countries. You will find rare and endangered animals here. The Woodland Park Zoo conducts many shows like animal feedings, lectures, and educational tours. Tourists can watch the animals in their natural habitats, which are created to look just like the real environment in which they live.
Woodland Park Zoo – Family-Friendly Wildlife Adventure
- Home to over 900 animals from around the world
- Award-winning naturalistic habitats
- Popular exhibits include African Savanna and Tropical Rain Forest
- Great educational programs and kids’ play areas
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Seattle Art Museum
The best museum experience you will get in Seattle is at Seattle Art Museum. This museum is huge, and the exhibits are spread over four floors. There are all the right reasons why we have listed the Seattle Art Museum in this list of the top 10 places to visit and things to do in Seattle, WA. Visitors will come to know a little bit more about art after visiting this museum. There are exhibits ranging from Native American art, Contemporary Art, to Islamic art, and European art.
Art Museum – Explore Global and Local Art
- Diverse collection from African, Asian, European, and Native American artists
- Rotating special exhibitions and interactive galleries
- Located downtown near other major attractions
- Free entry on the first Thursday of each month
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Washington Park Arboretum
You will love the greenery and the relaxing tranquillity of Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle. This park is free to enter and is one of the best parks in Seattle. This park has abundant green spaces, which consist of gardens, parks, and ponds. There are plants and trees from New Zealand, Japan, and many other parts of the world. You will find rhododendrons, maple trees, azalea shrubs, and cherry blossom trees, beside walkways, ponds, streams, and a botanical park.
Washington Park Arboretum – Peaceful Nature Escape
- 230-acre green space with rare plants and seasonal flowers
- Beautiful walking trails and scenic views all year round
- Don’t miss the Japanese Garden (separate admission)
- Perfect spot for picnics, birdwatching, and photography
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Washington State Ferries
Getting a ride aboard a ferry is an exciting thing to do in Seattle. Washington State Ferry is a ferry service that will take you to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The passenger ferry service gets all the top reasons why we consider it in this list of the top 10 places to visit and things to do in Seattle, WA. You can catch a passenger ferry to places like Vashon Island, Bainbridge Island, Southworth, and many such exciting places. There are many routes on which these ferries ply. The 4th of July is the best day to take the ferry, as you will witness the fireworks on the occasion of Independence Day in the USA.
Washington State Ferries – Scenic Ride Across Puget Sound
- Offers trips to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and more
- Enjoy amazing views from the water
- Great for spotting marine life like seals and seabirds
- A relaxing, unique way to explore the area
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Ballard Locks
There is so much to do at Ballard Docks. Most tourists prefer the guided tour so that they can get some information about this place. You can visit museums like the National Nordic Museum and learn about the history of the Nordic seafaring industry. You can also visit botanical gardens and take a relaxing stroll among the greenery. And if you are hungry, you can eat at the many restaurants. Besides, you can visit the Ballard Farmer’s Market.
Ballard Locks – Engineering Marvel and Salmon Viewing Spot
- Watch boats pass between Lake Union and Puget Sound
- Visit the fish ladder to see migrating salmon (best in summer/fall)
- Lovely botanical gardens and picnic spots nearby
- Educational visitor center with historical exhibits
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Conclusion:
From thrilling views and world-class art to peaceful nature walks and marine adventures, these top 10 places offer a mix of fun, beauty, and culture. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or discovering hidden gems, each stop brings something special to your journey. With so much to see and do, your trip will be filled with unforgettable moments and new experiences around every corner.
FAQ
The Space Needle and Seattle Center are the top attractions in Seattle, WA.
You can make a tour plan of 3 days to completely visit every attraction in Seattle, Washington.
First-time visitors should start with the city’s most iconic attractions. Visit the Space Needle for amazing views, explore Pike Place Market for local food and crafts, and check out Chihuly Garden and Glass for stunning art. Don’t miss a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel and a stroll through the waterfront. A visit to the original Starbucks and the Seattle Aquarium also adds to the perfect first-time experience.