Downtown Seattle offers a myriad of attractions and activities for visitors looking to explore this vibrant city. With its rich history and diverse culture, it’s no surprise that the heart of Seattle boasts an extensive list of must-see spots. From iconic landmarks to buzzing markets, there’s something for everyone in this bustling urban hub.
One of the most famous attractions in downtown Seattle is Pike Place Market, which has been operating since the early 1900s. Located near the waterfront, this historic market offers picturesque views of the bay while providing a one-stop shopping experience for fresh produce, specialty foods, crafts, and more. Just a short distance away, the Seattle Art Museum houses an impressive collection of 25,000 works from around the world, offering a great way to immerse oneself in the city’s thriving arts scene.
Additionally, downtown Seattle is home to the iconic Space Needle and the Seattle Center Monorail. Dating back to the World’s Fair, the monorail links the Seattle Center to the Westlake Center, taking passengers on a scenic journey between skyscrapers above the city streets. As you explore the downtown area, you’ll come to understand why Seattle is a beloved destination for travelers globally.
Iconic Attractions
Space Needle
The Space Needle is a must-visit attraction in downtown Seattle. Standing at 605 feet tall, it offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding areas. Visitors can take an elevator up to the observation deck, which provides a 360-degree panorama of the beautiful Seattle skyline. The Space Needle also features a revolving glass floor known as the Loupe, giving an entirely new perspective on the city below.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a historic marketplace located in downtown Seattle. Established in the early 1900s, it is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the US. The bustling market sits along 1st Avenue near the waterfront, offering stunning views of the bay. Spread out over several levels, Pike Place Market is home to over 225 local artisans and vendors selling a wide range of products, from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. The market is also well-known for its fish-tossing tradition and is the site of the original Starbucks cafe.
Some highlights of Pike Place Market include:
- The iconic market sign and Rachel the Piggy Bank
- The famous gum wall
- Music-playing street performers
- The MarketFront expansion, which features an additional section of shops and restaurants
Seattle Great Wheel
Located on Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel is another iconic attraction in downtown Seattle. This impressive 175-foot Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the city, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding mountains. Each of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas accommodates up to eight passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride all year round.
The Seattle Great Wheel is an excellent choice for families and couples alike, providing a unique vantage point to take in the beauty of the Emerald City.
Museums and Galleries
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a leading art institution showcasing diverse exhibits and collections. It features both local and international artists and offers a wide range of art styles and movements. The museum is also home to the SAM Shop and Gallery, as well as the iconic Hammering Man sculpture.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park, a part of the Seattle Art Museum, is an outdoor space featuring contemporary sculptures and stunning views of the city’s skyline, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. The park is free to the public and includes works from renowned artists such as Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, and Jaume Plensa.
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a vibrant institution celebrating the essence of popular culture. It houses numerous exhibits and collections spanning music, science fiction, movies, and video games. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive displays and captivating artifacts, making it a must-visit destination for pop culture enthusiasts.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a mesmerizing gallery showcasing the intricate works of glass artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibition features a garden filled with colorful glass sculptures alongside an impressive glasshouse centerpiece. This stunning venue offers a unique fusion of art, nature, and architecture.
Klondike Gold Rush Museum
The Klondike Gold Rush Museum delves into the rich history of Seattle’s involvement in the famous gold rush of the late 19th century. This National Historic Park offers interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to learn about gold panning, the journey to the gold fields, and Seattle’s role as a gateway to the Yukon.
Pinball Museum
The Pinball Museum offers a nostalgic experience for visitors, showcasing a collection of vintage and modern pinball machines. Guests can play on these well-preserved machines, taking a trip down memory lane while enjoying a classic gaming experience.
In downtown Seattle, there is no shortage of captivating museums and galleries showcasing culture, art, history, and entertainment. Each destination offers a unique look into various aspects of the city’s heritage and creative spirit.
Outdoor Activities
Waterfront Parks
Seattle’s downtown waterfront offers a variety of parks and attractions for visitors to enjoy the outdoors. These parks provide a mix of green spaces, playgrounds, and scenic views of Elliott Bay and the surrounding mountains. Some popular waterfront parks include:
- Olympic Sculpture Park: A nine-acre park featuring contemporary sculptures, walking paths, and beautiful landscaping.
- Centennial Park: A 4.6-acre park along the waterfront with open spaces, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Puget Sound.
Ballard Locks
The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, provide an interesting outdoor activity for visitors interested in marine life and engineering. The locks link the Puget Sound to the Lake Washington Ship Canal and offer a fish ladder, botanical gardens, and viewing platforms to observe the passage of boats and marine life.
Bainbridge Island
For a short getaway from downtown Seattle, a trip to Bainbridge Island on the Washington State Ferries is a perfect choice. The island offers picturesque views, charming shops, walkable paths, and numerous parks for exploration. Highlights on Bainbridge Island include:
- Bloedel Reserve: A 150-acre nature reserve with beautiful gardens, ponds, and walking trails.
- Fay Bainbridge Park: A waterfront park with beach access and stunning views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.
Walking Tours
Seattle is a great city for walking tours, whether guided or self-directed. Many companies offer guided tours of downtown, such as Shutter Tours, which focuses on photography and sightseeing. On these tours, participants can experience Seattle’s history, architecture, and unique neighborhoods. Some popular walking tour destinations include:
- Pioneer Square: The city’s oldest neighborhood, featuring the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and numerous art galleries.
- Seattle Public Library: A noteworthy architectural landmark with a modern design and a wealth of local knowledge.
By experiencing these outdoor activities, visitors to downtown Seattle will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, engineering wonders, and historic landmarks that make the city so unique.
Historical Sites
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is a historic district in downtown Seattle, known for its Romanesque Revival architecture and bustling art scene. This area was once the heart of the city, boasting a lively atmosphere with various commercial enterprises and residential buildings. As Seattle grew, the neighborhood persisted and today is home to art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops.
Smith Tower
The Smith Tower is a well-known Seattle landmark with meticulously preserved neoclassical architecture. Upon its completion in 1914, it was the tallest building on the West Coast and remained so for several years. This historic building still stands as a distinguished part of Seattle’s downtown skyline. Visitors can access the Smith Tower Observatory for a fantastic viewpoint and enjoy a drink amidst a classy atmosphere.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Seattle is also rich in subterranean history, with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour offering a unique opportunity for tourists and locals alike. This guided tour takes you through a series of underground passages, exploring Seattle’s hidden history beneath the streets of Pioneer Square. These passageways are remnants from the time when Seattle rebuilt itself after the Great Fire of 1889, providing a rare glimpse into the city’s storied past.
Food and Drink
Seafood Restaurants
Downtown Seattle is known for its fresh seafood options. The Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar, located in Pike Place Market, is a popular spot where you can enjoy ocean-to-table dining. Other notable choices include:
- The Pink Door: Offers zesty tuna crudo and delicious halibut dishes.
- Ivar’s Acres of Clams: A waterfront staple known for its clam chowder and salmon dishes.
Coffee Culture
Seattle’s coffee culture is prominent throughout the city. In downtown, Storyville Coffee is a famous spot located on the top floor of the Corner Market building in Pike Place Market. Among other iconic coffee shops, you’ll find:
- Le Panier: Offers delicious pastries alongside your coffee experience.
- Ghost Alley Espresso: Hidden under the famous Pike Place Market sign, this unique café serves locally roasted coffee.
Bars and Happy Hour
Downtown Seattle has a vibrant bar scene perfect for happy hour or a night out. Some notable establishments include:
- Radiator Whiskey: Featuring small-batch spirits and a rustic atmosphere.
- Bathtub Gin & Company: A speakeasy-style bar hidden in an alley serving craft cocktails.
Breweries
The city’s thriving brewery scene means there’s no shortage of local, craft beers to sample. In downtown Seattle, you can visit:
- Old Stove Brewing Co.: Located in Pike Place Market, this brewery offers artisanal brews and stunning views.
- Cloudburst Brewing: Known for its creative and diverse selection of beers.
Original Starbucks
As the birthplace of Starbucks, downtown Seattle is home to the original Starbucks location, established in 1971. You can visit this iconic café in the heart of Pike Place Market.
Pike Place Chowder
Known for its award-winning clam chowder, Pike Place Chowder is a must-visit spot in downtown Seattle. The menu features various chowder styles, including New England Clam Chowder and vegan options like Smoked Tomato Chowder.
Entertainment and Shopping
Seattle Center
Seattle Center is a cultural and entertainment hub that offers various attractions for visitors. It is home to the Seattle Center Monorail which connects it to downtown Seattle. Among the top attractions, you’ll find the iconic Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
Lumen Field
Lumen Field is a multipurpose stadium located in the heart of downtown Seattle. It hosts a variety of events, including sporting events like NFL games and MLS matches, as well as concerts from renowned artists. Check the Lumen Field event calendar for upcoming events during your visit.
Concerts and Theatre
Seattle boasts a vibrant arts scene, offering numerous opportunities for live music and theater experiences. Whether you prefer blockbuster Broadway shows or intimate local productions, there’s something for everyone. Popular venues for concerts and theater include:
- Benaroya Hall
- Paramount Theatre
- Moore Theatre
- Neptune Theatre
Diller Room
The Diller Room offers a unique blend of entertainment in downtown Seattle. Located in the historic Diller Hotel, it features a cozy atmosphere, handcrafted cocktails, and live music from local talents. It’s an excellent spot to unwind after a day of exploring downtown Seattle.
The Spheres
The Spheres are a new addition to Amazon’s headquarters in South Lake Union neighborhood. They house a public garden and several shopping and dining options. While they’re primarily a workspace for Amazon employees, they offer public tours, allowing visitors to experience this architectural marvel.
Pacific Northwest
For those interested in exploring the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, head to the waterfront. Here, you’ll find the Seattle Aquarium and Sky View Observatory, both offering impressive views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Washington State Ferries provide a scenic way to explore nearby islands and regional destinations, such as Bainbridge Island and Bremerton.
