Seattle’s Must-See Attractions
Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions are well-known, and if you’re visiting the city—or even if you’ve lived here and haven’t explored the sights that make the Emerald City famous—you should see the main highlights. However, Seattle offers much more than $Pike Place Market$ and the $Space Needle$. This vibrant city boasts an incredible park system, rich maritime heritage, and innovative architecture.
Below is a list of popular tourist attractions along with lesser-known spots where visitors can experience not only what tourists see but also what locals enjoy. Most local activities tend to be much less crowded than tourist spots.
Checking out the Usual Offenders
Space Needle
Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109-4607, USA
Get directions | Visit website
If you haven’t visited the usual round of tourist attractions, be sure to stop by and check out the excitement. The Space Needle offers splendid views of the city (though other viewpoints provide similar sights for a fraction of the cost), and it’s perfect for a quick photo op. Seattle Center features many attractions, including the EMP Museum and the Pacific Science Center, or catch a dinner show at Teatro Zinzanni.
The Seattle Waterfront area is also essential. Located near the water, Pike Place Market is a natural pairing. Enjoy lunch at the market, stroll among the vendors, and explore the waterfront where you can visit the Seattle Aquarium or take a ride on the Great Wheel.
Many visitors also include one of Seattle’s prestigious museums in their itinerary; they are all worth a visit. Explore world-class art and exhibitions at the Seattle Art Museum, delve into Asian art and history at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, or the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) for a closer look at Seattle’s uniqueness. After experiencing the common highlights, branch out to discover what else makes Seattle so remarkable.
Go See A Game
Snecoup
Address: 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USA
Get directions | Phone: +1 206-346-4000 | Visit website
Enjoying a game can be an unforgettable experience in Seattle. Witnessing the enthusiasm of Seattleites for their sports is unparalleled. The Seattle Mariners play at Safeco Field, while both the Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders have their home games at CenturyLink Field.
Visit A Park
Discovery Park
Address: Seattle, WA 98199, USA
Get directions | Phone: +1 206-684-4075 | Visit website
Parks may be underrated tourist hotspots, yet the Northwest is renowned for its stunning nature. Seattle has several large parks perfect for exploration. Discovery Park offers trails meandering through woodlands and along natural shorelines. Meanwhile, Washington Park Arboretum provides a similar experience. Volunteer Park, while well-groomed, includes attractions like the Seattle Asian Art Museum and a water tower that offers excellent views of the city for free.
Explore Alki Beach and West Seattle
Alki Beach
Address: 2665 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
Get directions | Phone: +1 206-684-4075 | Visit website
A trip to West Seattle is enhanced by taking a ferry. This affordable option allows you to enjoy the water while visiting a less touristy part of the city. You can catch the West Seattle Water Taxi at Pier 50 along the Waterfront. Once you arrive on the West Seattle side, you can explore the area on foot or by using local shuttles and buses, including Alki Beach Park.
See the Fish and Boats at Ballard Locks
Ballard Locks
Address: 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Get directions | Phone: +1 206-780-2500 | Visit website
Located in the vibrant Ballard neighborhood, the Ballard Locks manage boat traffic between the Ship Canal and Puget Sound. Watching boats navigate the locks can be surprisingly entertaining. You can even walk to the far side of the locks to view salmon swimming upstream via a salmon ladder during various salmon seasons throughout the year.
Get Lost in Seattle Public Library
Seattle Public Library
Address: 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-1109, USA
Get directions | Phone: +1 206-386-4636 | Visit website
The Central Library is indeed a library, but it’s also an architectural marvel. Designed by Rem Koolhaus and Joshua Prince-Ramos, it features a unique and futuristic design. Venturing through its boldly painted hallways and escalators is quite an adventure, while also offering fantastic views of the city from the top. Photographers will find plenty of photogenic opportunities within and around this stunning structure.
Wander the University of Washington Campus
University of Washington
Address: 1410 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Get directions | Phone: +1 206-543-2100 | Visit website
Known locally as UW, this stunning campus is perfect for a leisurely walk. Few venture here outside of students or those with legitimate purposes, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the buildings and fountains. Seasonal highlights include the awe-inspiring cherry blossoms in spring!
Stroll through Capitol Hill
Exploring a neighborhood can be immensely enjoyable. Capitol Hill stands out as one of the best areas to experience authentic Seattle life. Volunteer Park, with its many attractions and scenic views, is a must-visit. Next door is a cemetery that serves as the final resting place for Bruce and Brandon Lee. As you wander through the neighborhood, you will discover delightful bakeries, intriguing bookstores (don’t miss The Elliott Bay Book Company), cafés aplenty, and vibrant nightlife when the sun sets.
