1. Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is home to some of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks as well as hundreds of festivals, exhibitions and shows each year. Here are just a few of the Seattle Center’s highlights:

The Space Needle
A 41-second elevator ride takes you up 520 feet to the observation deck of the Space Needle, which was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Enjoy a meal at SkyCity, the restaurant at the top that revolves 360° while you dine.

Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
Housed in a 140,000-square-foot Frank O. Gehry-designed building, this remarkable museum is the place where music meets science fiction. Learn about two popular passions through state-of-the-art exhibitions and hands-on interactives—all under one architecturally amazing roof!

Pacific Science Center
Budding scientists of all ages will enjoy this interesting, exciting and educational Seattle favorite. Explore natural wonders from interactive dinosaur exhibits to the tropical butterfly house.

2. Pike Place Market
Born in 1907, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is the granddaddy of farmers’ markets. Today, it’s both the soul of Seattle and a major visitor attraction with 200 businesses operating year-round, 190 craftspeople and 120 farmer booths - plus street performers and musicians. Flowers by the bucketful, flying fish, fresh pastries and fruit, handmade cheeses, local honey, wine, an assortment of restaurants, import goods, antiques, collectibles and lots of surprises are around every corner.
 
 

3. The Seattle Waterfront
A bustling collection of attractions, restaurants and shopping, as well as starting points for ferries, cruise ships, the Victoria Clipper and Argosy boat tours are located here. Feed the seagulls at the statue of Ivar Haglund in front of Ivar’s Acres of Clams, stroll by the fountains on the wooden piers of Waterfront Park, admire the view or shop for souvenirs.

Ferries
Traveling by ferry is a state of mind as much as a means of transportation to some of the Puget Sound’s most historic and scenic sites. Views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, the Seattle cityscape and the green shorelines will draw you out onto the deck to feel the salt breeze on your face. The state ferry system takes passengers and their vehicles from Seattle and nearby departure points to Bainbridge Island, the Kitsap Peninsula, Vashon Island and the San Juan Islands.

Seattle Aquarium
Meet Lootas, the Aquarium’s famous sea otter and subject of a popular children’s book. Marvel at the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters exhibit. Walk under the water in a glass dome as bluntnose sixgill sharks and other Elliott Bay creatures swim all around you. Touch a sea anemone. Learn about the lives of salmon at the world’s first aquarium-based salmon ladder. Marvel at the impossibly bright-colored coral reef fish. And don’t forget to wave to the giant Pacific octopus.

4. Pioneer Square
Seattle began in Pioneer Square. In the 1850s, the city set its sights on becoming great — and then got right to work building and growing. Even the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which left the business district in smoldering ruins, couldn’t keep the city down. Pioneer Square was rebuilt and today is one of Seattle’s most eclectic neighborhoods.

The 19th century Romanesque Revival brick buildings are filled with art galleries, cafés, independent shops, bars, nightclubs and office space. By day this is a vibrant retail area; by night, a bustling hotspot. Wandering visitors admire the Tlingit totem pole, the Pergola, cobble-stoned Occidental Park, the waterfall garden, historic King Street Station and the stately Smith Tower, once the tallest building in the world outside Manhattan.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city was rebuilt over the top of the ruins. This guided tour takes visitors through the hidden subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and storefronts of old downtown Seattle and tells stories of the frontier people who lived and worked there.

5. Art & Architecture

Seattle Architecture Foundation Architecture Tours
Through entertaining and informative guided walking tours, youth programs, well-timed exhibits and special events, the Seattle Architecture Foundation increases the awareness and appreciation of design for locals and visitors alike.

Seattle Central Library
Designed by world-renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the award-winning glass and steel structure of the new Central Library makes the building seem a little off-kilter and translucent - allowing passersby on the street to look in.

Seattle Art Museum
The newly expanded downtown Seattle Art Museum offers an outstanding permanent collection and notable special exhibits.

Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre open and vibrant green space for art. This new waterfront park gives Seattle residents and visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of sculpture in an outdoor setting, while enjoying the panoramic views and beauty of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Admission is free.

6. Shoppers’ Mecca
With more than 1,800 retailers, Downtown Seattle is a shopper’s paradise! Due to the convenient walkability of Seattle, it’s easy to stop into department, specialty, designer, local, national and international retailers all within one trip. Visit one of Seattle’s major downtown shopping centers - Westlake Center, Pacific Place, Rainier Square, Pike Place Market, and City Centre, as well as flagship icons such as Nordstrom, REI, macy’s and Columbia Sportswear.
 
 
 
 

7. Outdoor Paradise
From the stately flanks of its Cascade volcanoes to the old growth forests of the Olympic Mountains, this region offers an unmatched wealth of al fresco activities. No matter what outdoor activity or season, you’ll find it here: golf; ski slopes; year-round mountain climbing; nearby hiking trails; and kayaking right downtown on the south shore of Lake Union in downtown Seattle. And with miles and miles of ski slopes and ski trails just a short drive away, there are unlimited opportunities to be surrounded by deep snow and spectacular scenery.
 
 
 

8. Cuisine
Seattle is a mecca for foodies from all over the world. From just-off-the-boat fresh seafood, bountiful locally grown produce, and world renowned wines, Seattle has something delicious for everyone. Stroll amongst the bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, restaurants and vendors at Pike Place Market. Enjoy the wide selection of fresh seafood, the pristine displays of local fruit and vegetables, local Le Panier and La Buona Tavola and the first Starbucks.
 
 
 
 
 

9. Washington State Wines
About 45 wineries in the Puget Sound appellation feature more than 80 acres of vineyards. The Puget Sound appellation breaks down into three sub-areas: Woodinville, Seattle and North Sound.

Tasting rooms are within easy reach of the city, including the DeLille Cellars in Woodinville and The Tasting Room, a cooperative venture near the Pike Place Market. The Columbia Winery and the Chateau Ste. Michelle, two of the oldest in Washington, have tasting rooms in Woodinville open seven days a week.
 
 
 

10. Culture & Entertainment
Seattle embraces diverse cultures and creative ideas and offers unlimited opportunities to experience art, heritage and culture, all in a setting of rare natural beauty. What will you find? A thriving music, dance and theater scene. Vibrant galleries and one-of-a-kind museums. Native American, maritime and pioneer history. Strong and diverse ethnic heritage influences. Fun festivals for every interest. Discover the creative vitality that makes Seattle such a great place to live and to visit. Click here to visit our Seattle Art & Cultural Calendar.