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A vibrant city, I instantly fell in love with Seattle Washington. We only had a weekend but found plenty of things to do in Seattle.  Located on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest corner of the USA, it reminded me of our home in Auckland, New Zealand. Water, mountains, forests, and green parklands surround both cities. In Washington, the nearby evergreen forests are massive, thus giving it the nickname of “Emerald City.” To hit the highlights, we have created a Seattle itinerary filled with 10 fun things to do in Seattle Washington.

View of Mount Rainier from the top of the Space Needle
A view of Seattle with Mount Rainier in the distance, as seen from the Space Needle

We love this city and saved tons of money on entry fees with the Seattle CityPASS as it included the places we wanted to visit. It provided us with both quick and easy access to several Seattle highlights as well as 50% savings over the total cost of these activities, had we paid for them each individually.

→  Get details and order your Seattle CityPASS today

Table of Contents

A Weekend in Seattle Itinerary Day 1: Along the Seattle Waterfront

1. Pike Place Market

A favourite destination amongst tourists and locals, Pike Place Market is one of the United States’ oldest continuously operating farmer’s markets as well as being a community resource for low-income families. Whatever it is you are looking for, you can find it here. Flowers, fruit, and vegetables are everywhere. Nevertheless, for me, watching fishmongers toss fish through the air is one of the best things to do in Seattle. The market it huge and can be navigated on your own, or opt for a Pike Place Market: Walking Food Tour that includes history and samples. The highly-rated tour is a great way to ensure you see the highlights.

Pike Place Market is one of the longest continuously running farmers market in the United States
The iconic entrance to the Pike Place Market.

(Read Next: Pike Place Market: Where to Catch Fish)

2. The Seattle Aquarium

Home to the marine life of Puget Sound and around the world, the Seattle Aquarium’s mission is “Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment.”  There are hands-on opportunities for children, and plenty to see for adults. Puffin birds and the sea otters are two of the more unique creatures we saw.  The aquarium is a featured destination of the Seattle CityPASS.

The Seattle Aquarium is one of the top 10 Seattle highlights
Located in the Life on Edge section of Seattle Aquarium, these moon jellyfish looked luminescent as the colours in the tube changed.
Sea otters at the Seattle Aquarium in Washington USA
Sea otters are so adorable and are amongst the three types of marine mammals at the Seattle Aquarium, the other two being Northern Fur Seals and Harbour Seals.

3. Argosy Cruises

Avid sailors, we love to view a city from the water. However, the weather was quite cold and misty and we opted not to join into any of the day cruises. Even skipping this activity that is included in the Seattle CityPASS, we found the pass offered us overall savings.

A Puget Sound Harbour Cruise aboard with Argosy is one of the top 10 Seattle highlights.
An Argosy Cruise boat used for Puget Sound Harbor Cruises.

4. The Seattle Great Wheel

Boasting breath-taking views of Puget Sound from 200 feet above the water, we opted to skip the Great Wheel on a cloudy day that we visited, as visibility was limited. It runs until 10 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends making it one of many things to do in Seattle at night.

The Seattle Great Wheel is one of the top 10 things to do in Seattle
The Seattle Great Wheel features climate-controlled gondolas.

5. Waterfront walk and dinner at Ivar’s Acres of Clams

Located on Pier 54, the building and views are half the fun. It’s an icon, one of the classic Seattle landmarks. It’s a restaurant that’s been around since 1938, and it still serves mouthwatering meals.

Dinner at Ivar's Acres of Clams is always on my Seattle intinerary
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and view at Ivar’s.

Seattle Itinerary Day 2: Seattle Center

6. Chihuly Garden and Glass

Featuring the vivid colours and fluid shapes of the glass creations of Dale Chihuly, this is one of my personal favourite top two destinations on this Seattle itinerary (the other being the Museum of Flight).  It’s a colourful photographer’s treat. The Seattle CityPASS offers the option of Chihuly Garden and Glass or Pacific Science Center. We opted for the glass museum, but had we been travelling with young children, I would probably have gone to the Science Center.

⇒ Check pricing for a combination Space Needle Observation Deck and Chihuly Garden and Glass admission ticket

Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the most colourful things to do in Seattle Washington
Chihuly Garden and Glass

(Read Next: Chihuly Garden and Glass, A Vibrant Must See in Seattle)

7. Seattle Space Needle

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it was considered a space-age wonder. It’s a classic Seattle landmark and probably the best known of the Seattle attractions.  The CityPASS includes both a day and nighttime entry. However, if you are not in Seattle long enough to justify a CityPASS, you can purchase a combination ticket with Chihuly Garden and Glass to avoid the sometimes quite long ticket queues. Note: Both must be visited on the same day.

Seattle Space Needle opened in 1962 for the World's Fair.
Seattle Space Needle

(Read Next: Views from the Top of the Seattle Space Needle: A City Icon)

8. EMP Museum

If pop culture, science fiction, or rock music are your thing, EMP Museum is the perfect Seattle museum. New Zealand’s World of Wearable Art (WOW) made its North American premiere at EMP. The CityPASS offers the option of the EMP Museum or the Woodland Park Zoo.

EMP Museum is one of the top Seattle museums
My niece is having a bit of fun at the EMP Museum.
Monster Shadowbox at EMP Museum in Washington state
This monster Shadowbox was popular with both kids and adults.

9. Collections Cafe

The delicious food is almost secondary to Dale Chihuly’s 28 collections that are hanging on the walls, shelves, and ceiling, or embedded into the tabletops. Aside from the glass art that made him famous, Chihuly collected things like pocket knives, inkwells, string holders, tin toys, and more. Be sure to walk around the restaurant to have a closer look.

Collections Cafe by Dale Chihuly.
The accordions hanging from the ceiling are one of 28 collections found at Collections Cafe.

Seattle Itinerary Day 3: Museum of Flight

10. Museum of Flight

Taking you through flight history from the earliest planes to the space age, the Museum of Flight has it all. It is one of my two favourite Seattle itinerary destinations (the other being Chihuly Garden and Glass).

The Museum of Flight is one of our Seattle itinerary recommendations
History is easily seen through the aircraft filling the initial room of the Museum of Flight.

(Read Next: Museum of Flight Connects Aircraft with History)

Where to stay in Seattle

Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton Property: While there are plenty of accommodation options, Hotel Monaco will always be our first choice. We stayed at Hotel Monaco and loved it. The attention to every detail, the fun and funky decor, the animal-friendly nature (with both pet or non-pet friendly floors), and the daily afternoon wine tastings sold us on Kimpton properties. This was the first of many. It met our needs for comfort, location, and ambience.  Check Availability at Hotel Monaco.

If you prefer to live like a local, and often save some money in the process, check out Airbnb.

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  • Things to do in Seattle Washington
  • An itinerary for a weekend in Seattle Washington, USA.
  • Seattle Itinerary for a weekend in Seattle Washington

What are your favourite things to do in Seattle? Would you make any changes to this Seattle itinerary?

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PS: Seattle is one of our favourite US cities.

Disclaimer: We were provided with a CityPASS as well as complimentary entry to several venues and/or media rates. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

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Comments

  1. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Seattle. They had an unbelievable snow storm recently, did you see that? I’m going to be moving up there in a few weeks and I’m glad I missed that. I’m glad spring is right around the corner.

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  2. What a great article Rhonda. Seattle is a fascinating city to explore. Of course I’m going to add the Gum Wall as a suggestion. It’s very close to Pike Place Market so would fit easily in your itinerary.

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  3. The only thing I’ve seen in Seattle is Pikes Place Market, and loved it! I want to go back on my own someday, and see everything on your list.

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  5. I’ve seen most of these but sadly missed the collections cafe. What a quirky and fun space. Love that Seattle waterfront and you’ve really highlighted some of the best spots. Wish you’d had better weather for the boat ride. It’s a cool way to take in the city and region.

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  6. Seattle is one of three cities (other two being Miami and Boston) in the USA that I really want to visit but haven’t got round to yet. It looks like there is so much to see and do! Pike Place Market is somewhere I’ve read about before and EMP Museum would be right up my street! Great post!

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  9. Seattle is down the street from me (Vancouver) and its been awhile since I’ve been. But, I haven’t been to the Museum of transportation and that looks really cool. It is one of the best cities for foodies too. Thanks for the suggestions.

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  10. Seattle looks like a great place to use some of our Southwest miles! I would head to the Collections Cafe you recommend. The accordions — How fun! Your itinerary has a good flow to it and lots of variety.

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  11. I haven’t been to Seattle in about 10 years but I’ve had a hankering to go back lately and have been scanning flights. I love Seattle – the whole Pacific Northwest is so beautiful. Great tips on what to do there – I did quite a few of them but there are still a few to do when I go back. Bookmarking for future use!

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  12. I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle. Years ago I almost ended up thereafter I got lost driving from Whistler to Vancouver! It does look like it’s got lots of interesting things to do and see. Thanks for comprehensive guide.

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  13. I am not sure why I have not visited Seattle yet. It is only two hours away by plane from Los Angeles. I would like to visit the Pike Place Market and the Chihuly Garden. Collections Cafe looks fantastic. Learned about it in this post!

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  14. Seattle looks amazing Rhonda. I’ve not been to the US at all. The aquarium looks lovely and I particularly like the jellyfish doorway. How beautiful and what a clever idea!

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  15. We loved visiting Seattle a year ago. The Chihuly Museum was one of my favorite places, and we enjoyed lots of fresh seafood in the restaurants.

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  17. Love this! I grew up about 20-30 minutes from Seattle and went there often on field trips. I moved away after high school and never really got to enjoy the city as an adult, so I make sure to find new things to do in the city whenever I visit my family! I’ll be there next month and will finally go to the top of the Space Needle and hopefully the Chihuly museum as well. Thanks for the lovely post! It really sums up all of the popular sightseeing highlights.

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    • Thanks Beth. It’s funny how we don’t do the things in our own city. I think we lived in Auckland for about 10 years before we ever went up in the Sky Tower.

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  19. We visited many of these places when we were in Seattle many years ago but not all of them. I don’t recall the Chihuly Gardens or the Great Wheel being on my radar, so I wonder if those have been added since I was last there. It’s definitely a city that I enjoyed and wouldn’t mind doing a return visit. By the way, I was just thinking today that I am so glad your health is much improved and that you’re able to fly again.

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  21. Rob misses visiting Seattle, and says it’s been far too long since he’s been there. Ann is now smacking Rob for not taking her there already. That’s a great itinerary! I also like visiting Post Alley the area around Pike Place Market, including Starbucks #1. Such a great city!

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  22. Fascinating post into the sights of Seattle! I’ve heard lots of good things about the Pacific Northwest but to be honest this is the first time I’ve actually read anything in detail about it. I’d definitely visit the aquarium, and the otters cracked me up (because I just watched Finding Dory – if you have, you’ll know what I mean!). It’s also intriguing how many cities have the same giant ferris wheel concept – London Eye, Singapore Flyer, Seattle Great Wheel, and many more elsewhere, I’m sure. The people behind these things need to get more creative =P

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    • Thanks Michelle. I am focusing and trying to be more useful in my writing, glad it is coming across. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but otters already make me smile. And, agree on those wheels. We also saw one being built in Las Vegas, and one in Toulouse, France.

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  23. I heard a lot of Seattle and I’d like to visit. Your guide will be of great help. My favorite would be the Aquarium.

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    • To be honest, we probably wouldn’t have gone to EMP had we not had the CityPASS. I always think that’s part of the fun of a city pass, it has places you really want to visit, and others too.

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  30. I love, love this itinerary! I have used the CityPass on other cities and it is a great way to get to see the biggest attractions while still saving money. Can’t wait to visit Seattle.

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  31. It seems that sunshine in Seattle is a hit and miss! I’d love to visit though. I’m sure it’s even more beautiful in real life, although your pictures look great. Those sea otters look so cute!

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  32. It’s always interesting to see how other people see places you’ve been to. You did much more than we have done during our visits there, and there are definitely new things since we’ve last been, like the Chihuly exhibits. maybe it’s time to return….

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  33. If Auckland is a lot like Seattle, I definitely need to add Auckland to my travel plans. I adored visiting Seattle and the whole north west coast will always hold a special place in my heart for it’s beauty and outdoor pursuits!

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  34. It looks like so many great things to do. I’m amazed those are real jelly fish in that arched aquarium. The otters are adorable, and I love the idea of “acres” of clams. Yummy! Thanks for sharing everything with us! 🙂

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  35. We’ve only been to Seattle once. Of course, we had to go to Pike Place Market and the Seattle Space Needle. Those are iconic must-see places. If I remember correctly, we also ate at Ivar’s. But one of the most memorable things we did was to take the Seattle Underground Tour. It was absolutely fascinating to see the old city buried beneath the new. I think our trip was before the advent of the CityPASS, or at least we didn’t know about it. Next time around, we’ll take advantage of that.

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  39. I think many of these attractions were not there yet when we lived in the area. We enjoyed the Underground Tour downtown. I’m not sure if it’s still there. WE did enjoy a dinner at Ivar’s but on Lake Washington. We had delicious salmon. I think the location where we ate is gone. Nice to know that Ivar’s isn’t. Did they have salmon where you ate? Or just clams? I’d like to go back sometime and see the Space Needle. It was there when we were, but we just did a lot of other things instead.

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    • I loved Seattle and hope I get back. Reading the comments here there are a few highlights we missed, and the Underground tour will go on the list, as well as Ivar’s Salmon House. Our menu was pretty comprehensive seafood. Actually, I don’t think any of the three of us had clams.

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  40. You have a great summary here. My favorite Seattle restaurant was Ivar’s Salmon House (used to be called Ivar’s Indian Salmon House; all the employees were Native Americans) on Lake Union. What a view! Ivar died while we lived in the Seattle area. He left Ivar’s Indian Salmon House to the University of Washington Business Dept. It wasn’t quite as good without Ivar in charge. He was a real character.

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  42. I love Seattle and the whole Pacific Northwest, really. I’m bummed I didn’t think to go to the Aquarium since there are so many of my favorite animals, sea otters. Oh well, next time! Definitely agree with your recommendation of Chihuly Garden and Glass and I would also add the Fremont Troll if you can get out there!

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    • The otters are so cute. Too bad the glass was too dirty to get a really good shot. The puffins were even more adorable, but even dirty glass – fine for seeing through, just not great for photos.

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  44. No I haven’t been to Seattle, but I almost accidentally drove here when I got lost travelling from Whistler to Vancouver once! I think Seattle has a lot to offer and I would definitely enjoy visiting here. 🙂

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  45. What a view of Seattle with Mount Rainier in the distance. This was just beautiful. WE have had a heck of a time on this vacation. I hope that some day I can have such a vacation. Thank you for taking us with you Rhonda.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply

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