THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Seattle - 2024 (with Photos)

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Ways to tour Seattle

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Viator Exclusive Day-Tour From Seattle to Mt. Rainier
700
Adventure Tours
from
$185
per adult
Reserve
Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours
937
Food & Drink
from
$67
per adult
Reserve
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket
468
Skyscrapers & Towers
from
$66
per adult
Reserve
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
3,994
Historical Tours
from
$29
per adult
Reserve
Seattle Harbor Cruise
633
Day Cruises
from
$45
per adult
Reserve
Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour
516
Historical Tours
from
$94
per adult
Reserve
Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour
417
Bus Tours
from
$320
per adult
Reserve
Forest Hike to Gorgeous Twin and Snoqualmie Falls
75
Full-day Tours
from
$79
per adult
Reserve
Same Day Round Trip from Seattle to Victoria
135
Transportation Services
from
$145
per adult
Reserve
Exclusive Leavenworth tour from Seattle
67
Full-day Tours
from
$195
per adult (price varies by group size)
Reserve

Top Attractions in Seattle

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These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

1. Chihuly Garden and Glass

25,012

Art Galleries

Admission tickets from $37

This must-see museum exhibits creative and colorful blown glass sculptures of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Eight indoor galleries and lush landscaped gardens feature a mix of new and past significant works. They are awe-inspiring whether you visit during the day, or in the evening when the sculptures are lit up. The highlight here is a 100-foot-long glass sculpture suspended in a glass conservatory—one of his largest ever. Located at the base of the iconic Space Needle, you might want to buy a combined ticket for cost savings or get a Seattle City Pass. – Tripadvisor

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2. Pike Place Market

21,935

Farmers Markets

The Pike Place Market has been a defining Seattle icon for more than a century. Considered by many “the soul of Seattle,” the Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, visit, eat and discover. Founded in 1907, the Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States and is brought to life by the hundreds of farmers, crafters, small businesses, and residents that call it “home”. For more elbow room, visit on weekday mornings.

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3. The Museum of Flight

6,860

Speciality Museums

Admission tickets from $26

Walk the aisle of JFK's Air Force One and climb aboard the Concorde at Seattle’s Museum of Flight. Built around Boeing’s original factory, it is the world’s largest air and space museum. Here, you can learn everything about the history of aviation, from the Wright Brothers and the exploration of Mars, to revolutionary aircrafts and spy planes. You’ll get to barrel-roll a Mustang, land on the moon, soar over Puget Sound in a simulator, and even sit at the controls of the fastest jet on Earth. Certain days of the month have free entry, so check before you go. – Tripadvisor

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4. Space Needle

19,869

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Admission tickets from $37

Located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, this iconic landmark and observation tower was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Perch on the glass benches known as “Skyrisers” and gaze out of floor-to-ceiling windows, snap a selfie at the outdoor deck, or head upstairs to The Loupe, an indoor lounge featuring the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. Here, you’ll be greeted with 360-degree views of the downtown Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. For a smooth-sailing experience, it’s best to pre-purchase a timed ticket. Space Needle is also a part of CityPASS. – Tripadvisor

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5. Washington State Ferries

8,583

Ferries

Scenic ferry rides through Puget Sound with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, allowing for vehicle transport and island exploration.

This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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6. Kerry Park

3,507

Parks

Get a postcard view of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Rainier from this beautiful terraced park. You'll also get spectacular views of the Space Needle, a 605-foot-tall observation tower. Take pictures and lounge or have a picnic on the lawn. The best time to visit is during sunrise, or at night to admire the buildings and ferries at the bay glow with lights. Though located in the quiet Queen Anne neighborhood, Kerry Park is less than a mile away from Seattle Center, where you can visit other landmarks like the Museum of Pop Culture. – Tripadvisor

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7. T-Mobile Park

4,407

Arenas & Stadiums

Modern baseball stadium with a retractable roof, shaded seating, and a vibrant game-day atmosphere. Features family-friendly activities, a variety of merchandise, and optimal home plate views.

This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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8. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

3,258

Bodies of Water

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike.

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9. Sky View Observatory

2,621

Architectural Buildings

Private View Packages Now Available! Experience Sky View Observatory exclusively for 1-Hour for yourself and up to 4 people - 5 People total! * Temporarily Closed for General Admission.* Sky View Observatory in downtown Seattle is the ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City. Here you can map out your entire Pacific Northwest experience! Sky View is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center. At 902 feet, it offers the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. The 360-degree panoramic view includes Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Baker, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Space Needle and the city of Seattle.

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10. Museum of Pop Culture

7,254

Speciality Museums

Visit a museum like no other on earth.MoPOP, located next to Seattle’s historic Space Needle, houses some of the world’s most legendary pop culture artifacts. Test your DJ skills in Sound Lab, and get the scoop on the world’s most mesmerizing producers of pop culture. Hands-on experiences, iconic artifacts, and award-winning exhibitions featuring luminaries in the fields of music, literature, television, and film make MoPOP a destination unlike any other.

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11. Seattle Public Library

2,231

Architectural Buildings

Architectural gem with panoramic city views, ample study space, and unique features such as a topographic globe and colorful art installations.

This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

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12. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

1,086

National Parks

This national park is a free historical museum that shares stories of remarkable adventures that would forever change the city's people, culture, and environment.

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Other Top Attractions around Seattle

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What travelers are saying

Klassyhk
Louisiana31 contributions
Blown away (no pun intended)
The exhibits are indoors and outdoors. The creations are mind-blowing! Chihuly us a genius whom I’d never heard if before my recent visit to Seattle.

The museum is on the grounds of the Space Needle, a 2-3 minutes walk away.
Review of: Chihuly Garden and Glass
Written April 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lydia Copeland
Tampa, FL39 contributions
Be sure to visit during the day! Closes early
Amazing market with a few hundred shops and vendors. Definitely worth a visit. Only downside is most of it closes at 5pm so be sure to visit during the day! There are 4/5 floors of vendors with elevators and ramps to help you get around too. I would not try to park near by, your best bet is to use public transportation, ridershare or walk to get there. Dont forget to check out the seating and views in the back!
Review of: Pike Place Market
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
azroyalsfan
Phoenix, AZ334 contributions
Amazing Place!
One of the best museums I have visited! I'm embarrassed that it took me so long to get here! Do not forget to cross the bridge and visit the outside Hangar! So many things to see that I would recommend 2 visits. They give you a "return visit" discount with your original ticket. I look forward to returning!
Review of: The Museum of Flight
Written April 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aliD8004XS
2 contributions

Things to Do in Seattle, WA - Seattle Attractions

Things to Do in Seattle

Explore popular experiences

Ways to tour Seattle

Viator Exclusive Day-Tour From Seattle to Mt. Rainier

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

Seattle Harbor Cruise

Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour

Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour

Forest Hike to Gorgeous Twin and Snoqualmie Falls

Same Day Round Trip from Seattle to Victoria

Exclusive Leavenworth tour from Seattle

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Top Attractions in Seattle

Other Top Attractions around Seattle

Day Trips

Walking Tours

City Tours

Culinary Tours

Historical Tours

Water Tours

Half-day Tours

What travelers are saying