Famous as being the place that gave birth to Starbucks, Amazon, and Nirvana, there’s much more to Seattle than just those big names. It’s a vibrant, friendly, and innovative city with plenty of cultures to explore, plus has the added benefit of a wealth of stunning natural beauty spots right on its doorstep. Don’t be put off by its reputation for rain, because the Emerald City has an amazing variety of attractions to keep you entertained whatever the weather.
From foodie delights and artistic attractions to iconic landmarks and epic views, here’s a quick overview of some of the best things to do in Seattle.
Top Attractions in Seattle
One of the reasons Seattle makes such a fabulous vacation destination is that there’s something here to suit every type of traveler. Be sure to include at least some of the following on your itinerary:
Space Needle
Marvel at the views from the 605-foot-tall Space Needle. Arguably the most iconic landmark in the city, this dramatic tower offers panoramic views of Seattle’s distinctive skyline and the rugged natural beauty that lies beyond it. One top tip is to get your space needle tickets in advance and visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds
Pike Place Market
Tuck into delicious local delicacies at Pike Place Market. One of Seattle’s most popular attractions, this bustling maze houses dozens of stalls selling everything from flowers to fresh seafood (which is flung between fishmongers). Be sure to visit on an empty stomach.
Museum of Pop Culture
Embrace your cool and creative side at the epic Museum of Pop Culture. Housed in an architectural marvel inspired by the look of a smashed-up guitar, it offers exhibitions on music, movies, science fiction, and fantasy, video games, and much more. Other museums in the city that are worth a visit include the Seattle Art Museum, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, and the Museum of History and Industry
Discovery Park
Escape the city at Discovery Park. Offering 534 acres of green space, it boasts serene meadows, lush forests, sandy beaches and coastal bluffs to explore. These are laced with well-maintained walking paths and biking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels to ensure you don’t get lost. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife too, including birds, chipmunks and seals.
Coffee Scene
Explore the local coffee scene. Seattle may be the birthplace of Starbucks, but there is also a wealth of independent local coffee shops where you can get your caffeine fix. There’s even a Barista Academy that will teach you how to brew the perfect cup and even get started with latte art. Prefer something a little stronger? The city is also home to numerous craft beer breweries where you can relax with a cold one after a day of sightseeing
Lake Union
Get out on the water at Lake Union. This aquatic playground offers the chance to try water sports, such as standup paddle boarding and kayaking, or you can take a boat or seaplane tour of the area if you’d rather not get wet. For something truly unique, try renting a hot tub boat and taking in the scenery while relaxing in a floating spa with Bluetooth speakers.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
Related Categories: Travel, Reviews