Seattle is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, located in the Pacific Northwest region. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains, lush green forests, and sparkling waters, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Besides, Seattle is also famous for its vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and some of the most famous landmarks in the world.
In this travel article, we will take you on a journey to discover the best of Seattle. From the top-rated attractions to the hidden gems, we will guide you through the city’s top spots and help you make the most of your trip.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Seattle
Before we move on to the detailed guide, here’s a list of the top 10 tourist attractions that you must visit in Seattle:
1. Space Needle – The iconic Seattle landmark that provides breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.
2. Pike Place Market – The oldest continually operated public market in the United States, famous for its fresh seafood, produce, and crafts.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass – A museum dedicated to the works of the famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly.
4. Seattle waterfront – A picturesque waterfront that offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.
5. Museum of Flight – One of the largest air and space museums in the world, featuring an extensive collection of aircraft and artifacts.
6. Seattle Art Museum – A world-class art museum that showcases a diverse range of artworks from different parts of the world.
7. Pioneer Square – The historical heart of Seattle that boasts of beautiful architecture, art galleries, and restaurants.
8. Kerry Park – A public park that offers postcard-perfect views of the city’s skyline.
9. Fremont Troll – A quirky public sculpture that has become an unofficial symbol of Fremont.
10. The Gum Wall – A unique Seattle attraction where visitors stick their gum to the wall creating a colorful but controversial display.
Now, let’s dive into a detailed guide of The Best of Seattle: A Guide to the City’s Top Spots.
1. Space Needle
Since its completion in 1962, the Space Needle has been an iconic symbol of Seattle. Located in the heart of Seattle Center, the Space Needle stands at 605 feet tall and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Seattle’s skyline, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay. The observation deck is the perfect spot to take in the scenic beauty of Seattle while enjoying a meal at the revolving restaurant.
Cost: Adults $32, Youth (5-12) $24, Children (0-4) Free.
2. Pike Place Market
One of the oldest continually operating public markets in the United States, Pike Place Market, was established in 1907. Located in the heart of Seattle, the market features dozens of shops selling fresh seafood, produce, flowers, crafts, and much more. The market’s vibrant energy and atmosphere make it an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll or a quick snack.
Cost: Free admission.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum that showcases the works of the world-renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly. The museum is located at Seattle Center and features a collection of Chihuly’s glass art from different time periods, including large-scale installations and sculptures. The outdoor garden features some of the most impressive glass art installations that are illuminated at night, providing a unique and breathtaking experience.
Cost: Adults $32, Youth (5-12) $24, Children (0-4) Free.
4. Seattle waterfront
Seattle’s waterfront offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can stroll along the pier, take a ferry across the sound, visit the Seattle Aquarium, or enjoy some seafood at one of the many restaurants in the area. During the summer months, there are numerous outdoor concerts and festivals that take place on the waterfront, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the local culture.
Cost: Free admission.
5. Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, featuring an extensive collection of aircraft and artifacts. The museum’s collection includes historic planes, spacecraft, and artifacts from aviation history. Visitors can also explore the many interactive exhibits and activities, making it an excellent spot for families with children.
Cost: Adults $25, Youth (5-17) $16, Children (0-4) Free.
6. Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is a world-class museum that features art from around the world. The museum’s collection includes art from different time periods and regions, including Asia, Africa, and Europe. Visitors can enjoy a range of exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art. The museum also offers various programs and guided tours that make it an excellent spot for art lovers.
Cost: Adults $19.99, Youth (14-18) $14.99, Children (0-13) Free.
7. Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is the historical heart of Seattle, featuring an array of beautiful architecture, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum, and the Smith Tower Observation Deck, making it an excellent destination for history buffs.
Cost: Free admission.
8. Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a public park that offers postcard-perfect views of Seattle’s skyline. The park is situated on the south side of Queen Anne Hill, making it an ideal spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or a quick photo opportunity. The park’s location also makes it a popular venue for wedding and engagement photoshoots.
Cost: Free admission.
9. Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is a quirky public sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The giant troll, made of steel and concrete, is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can climb over the art piece or take a photo with it, making it a must-see attraction in Seattle.
Cost: Free admission.
10. The Gum Wall
The Gum Wall is a unique Seattle attraction, located in the Pike Place Market. The wall is covered in thousands of pieces of gum, covering an area of about 50 square feet. Visitors can add their gum to the wall or admire the colorful but controversial display. Despite the controversies surrounding the wall, it has become a popular attraction and a part of Seattle’s culture.
Cost: Free admission.
FAQs
Q. When is the best time to visit Seattle?
A. Seattle’s climate is mild throughout the year, making it an excellent destination to visit any time of the year. However, summer, from June to September, is the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events.
Q. How do I get around Seattle?
A. Seattle has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars. Visitors can also rent a car or use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.
Q. What is the Seattle CityPASS?
A. The Seattle CityPASS is a discounted pass that provides access to Seattle’s top tourist attractions, including the Space Needle, Aquarium, and Museum of Flight.
Q. What are the must-try foods in Seattle?
A. Seattle is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly salmon, crab, and clams. The city is also known for its coffee culture and craft beer scene. Other foods to try include chowder, oysters, and the iconic Seattle hot dog.
Q. What are some of the most family-friendly attractions in Seattle?
A. Seattle has many family-friendly attractions, including the Museum of Flight, Pacific Science Center, Children’s Museum, and Woodland Park Zoo.
Conclusion
Seattle is a city that has something for everyone, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent cuisine make it a must-visit destination for travelers from all over the world. We hope this guide to The Best of Seattle helps you explore the city and discover what makes it such a special place.