To put it simply, Seattle is stunningly beautiful. With its access to mountains, a rainforest, ocean, a desert, and even a volcano, this American city welcomes tens of millions of tourists every year. Known as the jewel of the Pacific Northwest, there are a wide array of exciting attractions to check out in the city.
While the most visible attraction may be the Space Needle, there are a whole load of other things tourists can indulge in across Seattle that are sure to provide endless hours of fun-filled entertainment. However long you’re spending in the Emerald City, here are some great Seattle attractions that need to be on your checklist.
Pioneer Square
Many people who visit a new city love nothing more than to people-watch. If this sounds like you, a trip to Pioneer Square is a must. As Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, Pioneer Square houses just about everything you need for a wonderful afternoon. From bookstores to cafes, lovely architecture and friendly locals, it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular with tourists. Pioneer Square is devoted to history, culture, art and entertainment. There’s an observation tower, Park Service museum, and a vintage streetcar to feast your eyes on in Pioneer Square too.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a Seattle landmark you definitely don’t want to miss out on! This 100-year-old market is far more than your typical farmers’ market. Here, you will find artisan shops, produce stands, flying fish, and a crafts market. Pike Place Market also houses restaurants and an array of shops on every corner. This attraction serves as the city’s biggest incubator of small, independent businesses. Therefore, for those who like to forego the giants in favor of independent, Pike Place Market is the spot for you. Many tourists spend countless hours wandering around the market and picking up brilliant mementos and souvenirs for loved ones.
Seattle Great Wheel
While this attraction has only been around for just over a decade, the Seattle Great Wheel quickly cemented itself as a fixture of the Emerald City’s skyline. What’s more, it adds a whole new sightseeing perspective. You can take a ride on the Great Wheel at Pier 57. Before you head into a gondola and see the sights, it’s time to book your travel to Seattle. If you’re in Vancouver, rather than catching a plane, it makes sense to go for the cheaper option and opt for a Vancouver to Seattle bus. Wanderu provides one-way and return routes that are known to be low price and quick and easy to book.
Pacific Science Center
Another top attraction to check out in Seattle has to be the Pacific Science Center (PasCi). This landmark brings science to life and inspires adults and children alike. There are a string of hands-on exhibits that people of all ages can get stuck into, not to forget a ginormous IMAX movie theater! You can even catch a laser show at the Pacific Science Center. If you’re heading to the attraction as a community group, you could score a discount too. Just make sure to check opening times and admission fees before arriving to avoid disappointment.
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has been at the forefront of world-class visual arts since the 1930s. Visit SAM to see a museum blended perfectly into the city, as much a part of Seattle’s personality and landscape as the coffee, rain and mountains. There, you will find a varied collection of artwork that spans several eras and geographic regions. While you’re at SAM, make sure to head to the Olympic Sculpture Park. This is an outdoor extension of SAM that’s free to visit for the public and can be found roughly 1 mile away at the waterfront.
Central Public Library
For the bookworms, no visit to Seattle is complete without checking out the city’s Central Public Library. There, you can meet your favorite authors, appreciate public art, gaze at the stunning architecture and enjoy magnificent views. Prepare to sift through the expansive public library collection too! One amazing fact about this landmark is the public library has the capacity to hold over 1 and a half million books! That’s a whole load of words! You’re sure to be around likeminded others who you can strike up a conversation with and talk about your favorite authors – perfect!
Smith Tower
If you’re not afraid of heights and want to truly get the most out of your Seattle experience, it’s time to hit the high risers and head to Smith Tower. Here, you can experience stunning 360-degree views of the Emerald City thanks to their open-air viewing deck. Smith Tower became Seattle’s first skyscraper in the 1910s and the highest building west of the Mississippi River. To date, Smith Tower has remained a cultural symbol of the city that provides panoramic, breathtaking views and spectacular architectural beauty.
Seattle Aquarium
While there are a whole load of fun attractions and things to do on land, there’s plenty that goes on beyond the Seattle sea. With that said, why not plan a visit to Seattle Aquarium? This attraction has many spaces with open airflow and provides fun, exciting ways to learn more about our world’s one giant ocean. There are many exhibits in the aquarium that show off animals like sea otters, octopuses, jellyfish, and seals. What’s more, Seattle Aquarium is brilliant for all ages, so if you’re booking a family vacation, it makes sense to bring the kids along to this attraction.
Seattle really is a magical city that’s not just for coffee culture. Millions of tourists flock to the Emerald City year after year and enjoy many excursions and attractions like those listed above, so why not follow suit?
Whether you spend your trip strolling through Pike Place Market, going up the Smith Tower for a better look at Seattle or soaking up the city’s museums and galleries, there is sure to be attractions in Seattle that are to your liking.
