From going up the Space Needle to grabbing a coffee at a chill café, Seattle has something for every mood. But some experiences are simply Emerald City staples that you can’t miss — high key, it’s what makes this city so special! So, to map out your Seattle bucket list we’ve compiled a list of 70 essential things to do, no matter if you’re a longtime local or just recently moved here. Check out how many you can tick off and how many await!
1. Space Needle
A Seattle bucket list staple, the Space Needle. Enjoy stunning views of the Emerald City from the glass benches, or step onto The Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor.
2. Visit the Original Starbucks
3. Stroll through Pike Place Market
4. Take a ride on the Seattle Wheel
5. Enjoy an exhibition at the MoPop
This incredible museum offers seasonal and permanent exhibits, and they’re perfect to escape a rainy day in Seattle.
6. Visit the Aquarium
7. Take a stroll through the Waterfront
8. Visit Olympic National Park
9. Check out incredible glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden & Glass
10. Experience a unique candlelit concert
Enjoy your favorite songs by the warm glow of candlelight in some of Seattle’s most iconic venues.
11. Get mesmerized by Seattle’s Public Library architecture
12. Spend the day at Woodland Park Zoo
13. Watch a Seahawks game at Lumen Field
14. Leave your mark at the Gum Wall
15. Visit the Freemont Troll
We have a complete list of what you need to know before visiting this landmark. Don’t forget to check it out!
16. Check out Seattle’s incredible skyline from Columbia Tower
17. Check out the historic Pioneer Square
18. Take a ferry ride
19. Go sailing on the Puget Sound
20. Challenge your sense at Dinning in the Dark
Ever wonder what it’s like to eat in the dark? Dining in the Dark is a thrilling culinary adventure where you enjoy a 3-course meal blindfolded. Here, your heightened senses take center stage, and every bite turns into a delicious surprise.
21. Visit Boeing Future of Flight
22. Catch the sunset from Golden Gardens
23. Plan a beach day at Alki Beach
24. Take a stroll through the Arboretum
25. Visit Seattle’s coffee shops
Seattle is well known for its incredible coffee. Check out these “charming coffee shops in Seattle” and enjoy a fun outing with friends.
26. Visit Boeing Future of Flight
27. Have a picnic in Gas Works Park
28. Pay tribute to Kurt Cobain
You can find his former house on 171 Lake Washington Boulevard, East Seattle.
29. Take a Seattle underground history tour
30. Enjoy Seattle’s skyline from Kerry Park
This place is one of the most popular places to catch Seattle’s sunsets and click a photo of the city.
31. Cruise around Ballard Locks
32. Go whale watching
33. Visit SAM (Seattle Museum of Art)
34. Say cheese at Seattle’s Selfie Museum
You’ll become the masterpiece at this museum. Check out all you need to know about Seattle’s Selfie Museum and enjoy.
35. Visit Bruce & Brandon Lee’s Grave
Bruce Lee’s grave is a Seattle landmark. You can pay your respects at a cemetery in Capitol Hill.
36. Visit Seattle’s Pinball Museum
37. Learn more about science at Pacific Science Center
38. Try Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
39. Enjoy Piroshky Piroshky Bakery
40. Visit a brewery
Seattle has many great options to visit, but these are some of the best breweries you can’t miss.
41. Sample Clam Chowder
You can visit different places, but some of the best are Pike Place Chowder, Lowell’s Restaurant, Duke’s Seafood & Chowder, or Ivar’s.
42. Visit a bar and sample craft cocktails.
Unicorn Bar, Maximilien, Frolik, M Bar, and Nest are some of the best bars to sip incredible cocktails while enjoying an eclectic ambiance.
43. Visit the Center of Wooden Boats
44. Visit Canlis and enjoy a fine dining experience
45. Go for a wine tasting
Woodinville is the place to go. Some of Washington’s most famous wineries are there, and they offer wine experiences you can’t miss!
46. Catch a show at The Paramount Theather
47. Enjoy a PNW ballet show or the Seattle Opera at McCaw Hall
48. Go to a music festival
This year, party at Capitol Hill Block Party with headliners Kim Petras and Kaytranada. Then, check out Day In, Day Out with Carly Rae Jepsen, Bleachers, and The Head And The Heart at Fisher Green Pavilion. And to add some spice to your festival lineup, dance to contagious afrobeats at Blastfest, Seattle’s first Afrobeats music festival.
49. Have a delicious Italian dinner while watching a burlesque show at Pink Door
50. Cruise through Lake Union on a steamy hot tub boat
This is definitely a must add to your Seattle bucket list, no cap!
51. Taste Rachel’s Ginger Beer
52. Get a bag of mini doughnuts at Daily Dozen
53. Take the monorail to Seattle Center
54. Walk under the rain without an umbrella
This is a must! After that, you can call yourself a true Seattleite! 😂
55. Visit the Smith Tower
56. Grab a burger, fries, and a shake at Dick’s Drive-In
57. Go for a hike
This is a very Seattleite thing to do, and if you need any ideas, these 8 Seattle hiking trails are perfect to hike on a weekend.
58. Visit the islands around Seattle
Some of them are perfect for a day trip, and some are great for a full weekend escape. This article on Islands off Seattle will help you decide your best destination!
59. Visit Seattle’s hidden waterfall in Downtown
60. Tour the Amazon Spheres
I mean how can they not be in your Seattle bucket list?