Located on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle pulses with an offbeat energy all its own. This waterfront city of 730,000 is home to world-renowned coffee, cutting-edge tech, a vibrant arts scene, and jaw-dropping natural beauty. In fact, flanked by two mountain ranges—the Olympics to the west and the Cascades to the east—Seattle boasts more stunning vistas than arguably any other U.S. metropolis. Whether you have a weekend or a week, these 11 epic Seattle places to visit belong on your bucket list.
1. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market, one of the most iconic things to do in Seattle, has overlooked Elliott Bay since 1907. Across 9 acres, 200+ local artisans and farmers hawk everything from just-picked Washington apples to handcrafted wooden bowls. The famous fish-tossing tradition started in the 1980s when the Pike Place Fish Market transformed itself into a world-class “show.” Watch in awe as fishmongers dexterously throw salmon to one another, both entertaining and expediting business. Don’t leave without snagging a bag of spicy chipotle hazelnuts from Holmquist Hazelnut Orchards.
2. Space Needle
The Space Needle—perhaps Seattle’s most iconic landmark—rocketed into the skyline in 1962 for the futuristic Century 21 Exposition. Soaring 605 feet into the sky, this observation tower offers 360-degree views over Seattle and beyond. On clear days, gaze out at the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding islands. The Atmos Cafe on the lower level serves up local beer, wine, and snacks. From dusk till 11:30 pm, the Needle’s LED lighting system puts on a nightly light show.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located next to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the otherworldly creations of glass artist Dale Chihuly. A Washington native, Chihuly revolutionized the studio glass movement by creating complex, multi-part sculptures and ambitious architectural installations. Under the Glass House’s soaring ceiling, marvel at one of Chihuly’s largest suspended works: an eye-popping 100-foot-long sculpture of red, orange, and yellow glass. Then, wander through the lush, ever-changing outdoor gardens where Chihuly’s vivid artworks contrast brilliantly against the natural greenery.
4. Woodland Park Zoo
Set on 92 acres, the Woodland Park Zoo is one of the top Seattle attractions for animal lovers. This conservation-focused facility mimics the natural habitats of its 900+ animals, many of them endangered. Enter a tropical rainforest full of jaguars, tamarins, and toucans in the Jaguar Cove. Wander among giraffes, hippos, and zebras on the African Savanna. Watch playful grizzlies and otters splash in the Northern Trail. Then, marvel at the colony of Humboldt penguins as they zoom through the water like little torpedoes.
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Tickets: Adult $24.60, 3-12 years $16.16
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Hours: 9:30 am-4 pm daily
5. Discovery Park
For a wild escape without leaving the city, head to the 534-acre Discovery Park in the Magnolia neighbourhood. This expansive green space, Seattle’s largest, encompasses dramatic sea cliffs, windswept beaches, tranquil meadows, and old-growth forests. Hike the 3-mile Discovery Park Loop Trail for sweeping views over Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Pack a picnic and relax on the West Point Lighthouse’s grassy lawn. Remember to keep an eye out for bald eagles, which frequently soar overhead.
6. Kerry Park
Kerry Park may be tiny—only 1.26 acres—but it boasts one of the best views in Seattle. On a clear evening, the sun sinking into Elliott Bay behind the Space Needle is a sight you won’t soon forget. By night, the glittering city lights resemble a galaxy of stars. Stroll over to the wall at the back of the park for a panoramic perspective of downtown Seattle flanked by Mount Rainier. Pro tip: visit just before sunset for the ultimate photo op.
7. Seattle Art Museum
Art aficionados shouldn’t miss the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), one of the top places to see in Seattle. Spread across three dynamic locations, SAM showcases diverse global artworks, from ancient Mediterranean artifacts to contemporary sculptures. At the downtown location, immerse yourself in vibrant Australian aboriginal paintings and delicate Korean celadon ceramics. Wander among larger-than-life creations like the towering “Hammering Man” outside and “Echo,” the enormous blue head in the lobby. For an art walk with a view, stroll through the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront.
8. Washington State Ferries
Puget Sound’s iconic Washington State Ferries aren’t just a mode of transportation—they’re an attraction all on their own. Step aboard the M/V Tacoma, a double-ended ferry that carries up to 2500 passengers and over 200 vehicles between Seattle and Bainbridge Island. On the scenic 35-minute ride, breathe in the fresh salt air as you glide past the Seattle waterfront, ferry terminals, and forested islands. Grab a steaming cup of clam chowder from the galley and head out on deck for panoramic views.
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Round-trip adult walk-on fare: $9.05
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Ferries depart roughly every 50 minutes
9. Gas Works Park
At Gas Works Park, what was once a coal gasification plant has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind 19-acre green space. Set on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, the park features remnants of the old industrial structures artfully incorporated into the landscape. Climb atop the repurposed exhauster compressor, a towering assemblage of black pipes, for 360-degree views of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union. On summer evenings, join the locals lounging on the hill for a prime view of the seaplanes landing on the lake.
10. Museum of Pop Culture
Music lovers won’t want to miss the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), a vibrant museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture. Designed by Frank O. Gehry, the building’s swooping, multi-coloured exterior evokes a smashed guitar—a fitting tribute to Seattle’s legendary music scene. Inside, geek out over the world’s largest collection of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia, including one of his childhood drawings and his famous “Woodstock” Fender Stratocaster guitar. Jam in the interactive Sound Lab and learn about Seattle’s grunge explosion in the “Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses” exhibition.
11. Washington Park Arboretum
Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington, the 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum is a tranquil oasis of gardens and forest. This internationally renowned arboretum showcases over 20,000 plants from around the world, including towering evergreens, delicate Japanese maples, and showy rhododendrons and azaleas. In spring, stroll beneath clouds of pink cherry blossoms on Azalea Way. Rent a kayak from the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center and paddle through the arboretum’s marshy islands and quiet coves.
Stay Connected on Your Seattle Adventure with Airtel
While exploring all these amazing places to visit in Seattle, you’ll want to stay connected to share photos, check maps, and make reservations. With Airtel’s Postpaid international roaming plans, you can enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your trip. That way, you can focus on soaking up every moment of your Seattle adventure without worrying about staying in touch.
From iconic landmarks to hidden green spaces, Seattle brims with one-of-a-kind Seattle attractions. Whether you’re marvelling at the city views from Kerry Park, savouring a bag of spicy hazelnuts at Pike Place Market, or kayaking through the Washington Park Arboretum, you’re bound to fall in love with the Emerald City. So pack your jacket and a sense of adventure – an unforgettable Pacific Northwest getaway awaits.