15 Things to do in Seattle, According to a Local Expert

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Seattle is one of those cities that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s the stunning views, the delicious food, or the attractions, there’s always something to discover.
As someone who loves to explore, I’ve spent days discovering the best spots this city has to offer.
From peaceful parks to bustling markets, Seattle has a little bit of everything. Let me share some of my favorite things to do—trust me, these are the ones worth adding to your list.
Explore the Iconic Space Needle

You probably already know it. The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, instantly recognizable on the city’s skyline. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this amazing building stands at 605 feet tall, offering visitors a chance to see the city from above.
According to its official site, it cost $4.5 million to build it.
Once you’re there, you can take the elevator to the observation deck, where you’ll be able to see stunning views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and even the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges on clear days.
For a unique experience, I always recommend to visit during sunset when the sky full of vibrant colors, making the views even more magical. If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to step onto the rotating glass floor and take a moment to look straight down, I always do it.
If you want, you can combine your visit with a meal or drink at the Loupe Lounge, where the glass floor makes the dining experience unforgettable.
Walk Around the Amazon Buildings and The Spheres


Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood is home to Amazon’s campus, where innovative architecture meets urban greenery. What I like to do here is to take a walk around the area to admire the striking modern designs of Amazon’s buildings, especially The Spheres.
These three massive glass domes house a unique indoor rainforest, complete with over 40,000 plants from more than 30 countries. The Spheres provide an oasis of calm and natural beauty amidst the bustling cityscape.
While the Spheres are primarily for Amazon employees, they are open to the public on select days through guided tours or community events, so plan ahead to explore the lush interiors. Even if you can’t go inside, the exterior is worth admiring, especially when lit up at night.
As you wander, you’ll find nearby art installations, green spaces, and plenty of cafes and eateries perfect for a quick break.
Rent a Boat on Lake Union

Lake Union offers a perfect mix of serene waters and vibrant city views, making it an excellent spot for a boating adventure. Renting a boat is an unforgettable way to experience this urban lake.
Whether you prefer a kayak, paddleboard, or a motorized electric boat, there are plenty of rental options to suit your style. Electric boats are especially popular, as they’re easy to operate and allow for a relaxing cruise without needing boating experience.
As you glide across the water, you’ll pass by houseboats, and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. For a more immersive experience, pack a picnic or some snacks to enjoy onboard. Don’t forget to take your camera—you might spot seaplanes landing or taking off, adding an iconic touch to your day.
Take an Early Morning Walk Around Lake Union


Start your day with a nice early morning walk around Lake Union. I remember doing this after waking up at 4:30 am fro the jet lag. It was after a long flight from Spain.
My recommendation is to begin your walk at Gas Works Park, a former industrial site turned into a popular green space with incredible views of the Seattle skyline. The path around the lake is dotted with small parks, docks, and houseboats that add character to the area.
You can also begin from the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).
As you walk, you’ll notice locals jogging, walking their dogs, or enjoying a quiet moment by the water. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of rowing teams practicing or seaplanes landing.
Then you can stop by a nearby café for a coffee and watch the city come to life. I always went to a Starbucks on Westlake Avenue.
Explore Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is the heart of Seattle’s culinary and cultural scene, offering an interesting mix of history, food, and art. Established in 1907, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the United States.
I always stroll through its lively aisles, where local vendors sell everything from fresh seafood and produce to handcrafted jewelry and unique souvenirs. I absolutely love it.
Make sure you don’t miss the famous fish throwing at the seafood stalls—it’s an entertaining spectacle that never fails to draw a crowd.
I also recommend to stop by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for a taste of their famous mac and cheese or grab a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks store, located just a few steps away from the market.
Make sure to visit the MarketFront, a modern addition offering stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Whether you’re shopping, eating, or simply people-watching, Pike Place Market offers an authentic slice of Seattle life.
Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass
Very close to the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a beautiful exhibition where you can see the amazing glasswork of Dale Chihuly.
The museum features several galleries, a stunning Glasshouse with a suspended 100-foot-long sculpture, and an outdoor garden filled with colorful glass installations that blend seamlessly with lush plants and flowers.
I love this place because each piece tells a story, capturing light and color in ways that will leave you in awe. My advice is, as you explore, to take your time to appreciate the details that make Chihuly’s work so unique.
Also, the outdoor garden is particularly striking at sunset when the sculptures glow under the changing light.
Wander Through Discovery Park
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering over 500 acres of forests, meadows, and shoreline. It’s in the Magnolia neighborhood and it’s a great place to escape the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in nature.
The park features several trails, including the popular Loop Trail, which takes you through diverse landscapes and offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier.
Don’t miss the West Point Lighthouse, a historic beacon situated along the park’s beach. It’s a peaceful spot to relax, watch ferries glide across the water, or enjoy a picnic.
Discovery Park is also home to diverse wildlife, so keep an eye out for birds, seals, and even the occasional bald eagle.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a must for fans of music, movies, and all things pop culture. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building itself is a work of art with its bold, colorful architecture.
Inside, you’ll find a range of exhibits dedicated to iconic moments in music, film, science fiction, and gaming.
Highlights include the Sound Lab, where you can try your hand at playing instruments, and the Nirvana exhibit, celebrating the Seattle-based grunge legends.
Movie buffs will love the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, featuring props and costumes from movies.
With rotating exhibits that cover everything from horror to video games, MoPOP offers something for everyone.
Take a Ferry to Bainbridge Island
As I mentioned in another post, one of the best things you can do in Seattle is to hop on a ferry at Seattle’s downtown waterfront and enjoy a scenic ride to Bainbridge Island. The ferry ride itself is a highlight, offering spectacular views of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding waters.
Once on the island, you’ll find a charming community filled with shops, restaurants, and natural beauty.
I recommend to also visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, which features works by local artists; you can also take a peaceful walk through the Bloedel Reserve, a stunning garden and forest sanctuary.
If you’re a wine enthusiast like me, visit one of the island’s wineries for a tasting.
Stroll Through the Seattle Waterfront
The Seattle Waterfront is a lovely area full of attractions, restaurants, and beautiful views of Elliott Bay. You can take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the salty sea air as you explore the area.
Highlights of the waterfront include the Seattle Aquarium, where you can learn about marine life native to the Pacific Northwest, and the Great Wheel, a massive Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city and bay.
Stop by one of the many seafood restaurants for fresh Dungeness crab or fish and chips, and don’t forget to visit Ye Olde Curiosity Shop for souvenirs.
The waterfront is also the departure point for harbor cruises and whale-watching tours, so consider adding one to your itinerary if you have enough time.
Marvel at the Views from Kerry Park

Kerry Park is a small hillside park with a great reputation, thanks to its stunning views of downtown Seattle.
It’s a popular spot for photographers and anyone looking for the best postcard shot of the city skyline, complete with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier in the background.
Visit during sunset or at night when the city lights create a magical atmosphere. The park is also a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
You can also bring a blanket and some snacks for a mini picnic while you take in the view. Despite its modest size, Kerry Park offers one of the most iconic perspectives of Seattle, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
Explore the Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, are what I consider an engineering masterpiece that connects Lake Union to Puget Sound.
From here you can watch boats of all sizes navigate the locks, and learn about the process at the visitor center. The adjacent fish ladder is another highlight, providing a way for salmon to migrate upstream.
During spawning season, you can watch the fish through underwater viewing windows—a unique and experience.
The surrounding botanical gardens are perfect for a nice stroll, with beautiful plants and flowers to admire. For me the Ballard Locks are a great place to learn about Seattle’s waterways and enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors.
Discover the Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is a must, especially for aviation and history enthusiasts.
Located near Boeing Field, it’s one of the largest air and space museums in the world, showcasing a vast collection of over 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Highlights include the Concorde, a Boeing 747, and the Space Shuttle Trainer, where visitors can step inside and explore.
The museum also features interactive exhibits, such as flight simulators and hands-on displays that allow visitors to learn about the principles of flight.
History lovers will love the World War I and II galleries, which house vintage planes and artifacts that tell the stories of aviation during wartime.
The outdoor Aviation Pavilion is another highlight, where you can walk under and around massive aircraft.
Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
Located on Pier 57 along the Seattle Waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel is one of the most popular attraction for locals and visitors. Standing at 175 feet tall, this Ferris wheel offers spectacular views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the downtown skyline.
Each gondola is enclosed and climate-controlled, making it a comfortable ride, no matter the weather.
The experience lasts about 15 minutes, with three full rotations providing plenty of time to enjoy the views and take pictures.
For an unforgettable experience, I always recommend riding at sunset or after dark.
Visit the Sky View Observatory
For some of the best panoramic views in Seattle, I recommend to visit the Sky View Observatory, which you can find on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center.
As the tallest public viewing platform in the Pacific Northwest, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of the city and beyond. From here, you can see iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and even the distant Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
Unlike the Space Needle, the Sky View Observatory allows you to see the city from a much higher point, giving you a bird’s-eye view of downtown Seattle’s streets and skyscrapers. The observatory also features an onsite café where you can enjoy a drink or snack while taking in the view.