Oh, Seattle, home to the first Starbucks store and dozens other incredible places and things one should see and do when in Washington...
Last updated: July 30, 2025
Traveling to Seattle, Washington
Seattle has been on our family bucket list for a while. Yet since it’s relatively close to Los Angeles, we always chose other destinations, leaving the Emerald City for later. It seemed right to use longer vacations for faraway places. Seattle, in our opinion, was perfect for a weekend getaway.
This year, we finally decided to make this trip happen. Initially, the long Memorial Day weekend was set as the ideal time to see and try all the favorite things one shouldn’t miss in Seattle. Yet as the prices for air tickets skyrocketed at the last moment, we had to postpone the trip once again, but not for long.
Places to Stay in Seattle
Setting aside a tight budget for the trip, we stayed in Kent. The city is located about 15 miles (20 minutes) away from downtown Seattle and is considered a part of the Seattle metropolitan area.
16 THINGS TO DO IN SEATTLE
We started our first day by exploring the outskirts of Seattle. Our adventures here would’ve probably lasted longer, but the cold weather and rain forced us to drive back to the Emerald City.
The Best Things to Do in Seattle: Attractions
1. Space Needle
Once in Seattle, you need to see the Space Needle. The iconic observation tower is one of the symbols of Seattle. It was built near Seattle Center for the 1962 World’s Fair and has been attracting millions of visitors a year ever since. Besides its unique design – a big plate atop a narrow tower – the Space Needle offers breathtaking views of the city.
2. Seattle Center
The Seattle Center and the Space Needle share the same location. Like the Space Needle, it was built for the 1962 World’s Fair.
Today it’s a famous art, education, tourism, and entertainment center. The place is popular with adults and kids alike. On top of its famous museums and exhibitions, the Seattle Center includes a playground with big slides for its little visitors.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the most extravagant things to do in Seattle Center. Opened in 2013, this popular exhibit features the studio glass of Dale Chihuly.
4. MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture)
The Seattle Center is also home to the Museum of Pop Culture, one of the best things to do in Seattle for contemporary culture enthusiasts. During its some twenty-year existence, the nonprofit museum has organized multiple exhibits. More than a dozen of them have toured across the country and internationally.
5. Seattle Aquarium
Within a short walk from the Space Needle and the Seattle Center sits another must-see place in Seattle, the Seattle Aquarium. This public attraction opened its doors in 1977 and has been featuring the amazing selections of marine inhabitants ever since.
6. Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market was one of those incredible places we simply stumbled upon while exploring Seattle. This diverse market offers everything you can only imagine. From a farmers market to single booths on the street and big flower shops, the place doesn’t let you leave without stocking up on some goodies and souvenirs.
If food is your Achilles’ heel, grab a bite (your choices are immense) and enjoy the views at the Waterfront Viewpoint.
Note: The Pike Place Market is extremely crowded. Parking situation is intense.
7. Market Theater Gum Wall
Narrow stairs near the farmers’ market at the Pike Place Market take you to the Market Theater Gum Wall. One of the most unique places in Seattle, this popular tourist alleyway is covered with chewing gums. The unusual attraction entices many visitors who usually check it out after shopping at the market.
TIP: If you want to take a good picture of this place without a maddening crowd in the background, visit it early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The Best Things to Do in Seattle: Parks and Squares
8. Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is one of the best places in Seattle to explore its abundant art galleries, coffee shops, and trendy bars. We took a quick tour of the area. What impressed us the most was the number of people congregating in secluded Waterfall Garden Park.
9. Chinatown-International District
The Seattle Chinatown International District impresses with a great number of eateries and bilingual street signs. While looking at the street signs might be one of the last things you want to do in Seattle, Asian cuisine certainly doesn’t disappoint. From noodle houses to dim sum restaurants and sushi spots, you are here for a multi-course Asian feast.
10. Olympic Sculpture Park
Once you finish enjoying the views of or from the Space Needle, take a short walk to Olympic Sculpture Park. Located just ten minutes away, the park is a narrow stretch of land with the outdoor sculptures, benches, and a small beach.
11. Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is a popular place to take a break from shopping at the Pike Place Market. The place entices with the scenic views of the city skyline and waterfront. On a clear day, you can even enjoy the splendid views of the Olympic Mountains.
12. Discovery Park
Discovery Park is the largest public park and one of the best things to do in Seattle for a reason. It’s located along Puget Sound and features a narrow beach with the West Point Light at the far end. Additionally, Discovery Park boasts the incredible views of the surrounding area, the mountains, and stunning Mount Rainier overlooking the park from afar.
The Best Things to Do in Seattle: Eating and Shopping
13. Drink Starbucks Coffee
Even if coffee is not your favorite drink, you simply can’t avoid it in Seattle. Frankly, Starbucks coffee here tastes exactly like anywhere else in the world. But you absolutely must have that symbolic cup of your favorite drink in the city that gave birth to the largest coffeehouse chain in the world.
If you’re lucky or have some connections, you may even get a chance to explore Starbucks headquarters in Seattle’s SoDo (South of Downtown) neighborhood.
14. Grab a Bite at RoadChef Truck
As the name suggests, RoadChef Truck is a street food “eatery” on wheels in the Seattle Center. The place offers some of the best wraps, including vegan falafel wraps, sandwiches, and salads in the area.
15. Buy Gifts and Souvenirs at Essentially Seattle
Located on Harrison Street in Seattle Center, Essentially Seattle is one of the best places to buy gifts and souvenirs in the area. Besides its wide range of products, the cute store spoils its shoppers with frequent discounts.
16. Buy Groceries at Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market’s prices are pretty affordable and often even lower than at any other grocery stores in the city center. So make your buck last longer by preparing your own food. If cooking is not an option for you, make sure to get at least some fresh fruits and sweet potato chips to snack on.
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