A vibrant city, I instantly fell in love with our Seattle itinerary. We only had a weekend but found plenty of things to do in Seattle, Washington.
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.
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.
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Top 10 things to do in Seattle
- Pike Place Market
- The Seattle Aquarium
- Argosy Cruises
- The Seattle Great Wheel
- Waterfront walk
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Seattle Space Needle
- EMP Museum of Pop Culture
- Collections Cafe
- Museum of Flight
Seattle Itinerary Day 1: Seattle Waterfront
1. Pike Place Market
85 Pike Street, Seattle
Hours vary by shop
A favorite 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 Chef-Guided Food Tour that includes history and samples. The highly-rated tour is a great way to ensure you see the highlights.
2. The Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle
Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm
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.
3. Argosy Cruises
If you have the CityPASS you can substitute Woodland Park Zoo
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.
4. The Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle
Hours: Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 10 pm
Monday thru Thursday: 11 am to 10 pm
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.
5. Waterfront walk and dinner at Ivar’s Acres of Clams
1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle
Ivar’s is open daily from 12 pm to 8 pm, with longer happy hours.
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.
Seattle Itinerary Day 2: Seattle Center
6. Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St, Seattle
Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm with 7 pm closing Friday to Sunday.
Featuring the vivid colors and fluid shapes of the glass creations of Dale Chihuly, this is one of my personal favorite top two destinations on this Seattle itinerary (the other being the Museum of Flight). Chihuly Garden and Glass is a colorful photographer’s treat.
The Seattle CityPASS offers the option of Chihuly Garden and Glass or Pacific Science Center, which is temporarily closed. We opted for the glass museum, but had we been traveling with young children, I would probably have gone to the Science Center.
However, if you are not in Seattle long enough to justify a CityPASS, you can purchase a combination ticket with access to the Space Needle’s Observation Deck.
7. Seattle Space Needle
400 Broad St, Seattle
Open daily with seasonal hours.
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it was considered a space-age wonder. This 605-foot tall spire is a classic Seattle landmark and probably the best known of the Seattle attractions. And, the views from the top are quite impressive.
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.
8. EMP Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave N, Seattle
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm with 9 am opening on Saturday and Sunday.
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.
My niece having a bit of fun This monster Shadowbox
9. Collections Cafe
305 Harrison St, Seattle
Temporarily closed
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.
Seattle Itinerary Day 3: Museum of Flight
10. Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila, Seattle
Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm
Taking you through flight history from the earliest planes to the space age, the Museum of Flight has it all. Where else can you walk through an actual Airforce One plane or crawl into an actual NASA training capsule? This is one of my two favorite Seattle itinerary destinations (the other being Chihuly Garden and Glass).
Check price and get tickets here.
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.
Travel planning tips
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Flights: We use Skyscanner to find all the available flight options at the best prices.
Rental Car: We always use RentalCars.com, a rental car search engine with no hidden costs.
Accommodations: We use Tripadvisor to check ratings and book lodging when we travel.
Travel Insurance: We purchase insurance that covers medical and travel emergencies when we head overseas. We start with World Nomads.
Packing Tips: Get a free copy of our packing light checklist when you sign up for our mailing list. (We pack light, yet have everything we need.)
**Find more money-saving resources on our Travel Resources page.
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What are your favourite things to do in Seattle? Would you make any changes to this Seattle itinerary?
Other areas to explore in the USA:
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.
Soon Blower
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.
Sue Slaght
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.
Nancie
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.
Indah Nuria Savitri
I have been planning to go here this Spring ..it’s beautiful!
Rhonda Albom
Seattle in springtime will be so lovely.
Elaine Masters
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.
Travel Lexx
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!
Sandra
Reading this brings back many memories and I know some of these gems will highlight someone’s trip.
Nicole Hunter
I love Seattle and have been a dozen times. I haven’t been to the Museum of Transportation, but that’s on my list for next time!
Thanks.
Nicole
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.
Sharon
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.
Jill
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!
Kathy Marris
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.
Ruth
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!
Deborah
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!
Pat
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.
Amy
I think the farmer’s market would do it for me, so many photos from so many different angles.
Beth | Adventuring the Great Wide Somewhere
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.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Barbara
Seattle has been on my bucket list for a long time. it looks like a beautiful city. I would love to visit that Acquarium!!!
Rhonda Albom
Seattle was really fun, but in truth, the highlight was spending the weekend with my niece.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
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.
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get a chance to get back and visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, it is really special. And thank, I hope the remission sticks.
Noemi of Pinay Flying High
Seattle looks very gloomy but at the same time beautiful. I’ve seen so much rain in Seattle from the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. Lol. Pike Place looks like my kind of area to go to while there.
Rhonda Albom
I have never seen Grey’s Anatomy, but it was a bit gloomy for the days we were there, yet it is such a wonderful city, I overlooked it.
Rob+Ann
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!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I love your comment in Third person, and I hope that Ann wins this battle.
Rob+Ann
Oh, she will! Nicely enough, it’s a win-win situation. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
LOL.
Michelle | michwanderlust
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
Rhonda Albom
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.
Grey World Nomads
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.
Rhonda Albom
Seattle is a really wonderful city.
kim Marie Ostrowski
I don’t know if it works for everyone, but thank you for the sea otters pic, there’s just something about them that puts a smile on my face and gives me the warm fuzzies 😉
Rhonda Albom
Otters and puffins make me smile too.
Daniel Morgan
Seattle is one of my favorite cities.. And those sea otters, so cute!
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. I was so pleased to get a halfway decent shot of the otters.
Sally-Ann Brown
So many things to do in Seattle – which I only know as a wet city 🙂 Looks like there is still plenty to do even if it is raining.
Rhonda Albom
It is a bit of a wet city, and that effected our choices, but we still found plenty to do.
Molly
I love the Sea Otters, they are so adorable
mollyxxx
Rhonda Albom
Agreed. Adorable, the puffins too but I couldn’t get a decent photo as they splashed up the glass.
Tanja
No, I haven’t been. I think I’d do the space needle first:)
Rhonda Albom
I would let the weather dictate my first choice in Seattle 🙂
Corinne
Rhonda, We love Seattle. We go often, because my youngest daughter teaches in Tacoma. I have not yet been to the EMP….next time!
Rhonda Albom
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.
Ruth
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.
Rhonda Albom
Seattle is an awesome city. So much more to do than can possibly be covered in a weekend.
Anda
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!
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, I loved the Pacific Northwest. If we ever moved back to the states I am pretty sure that is where we will end up.
eileen g
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….
Rhonda Albom
LOL – we didn’t have kids with us on this trip. My niece is in her 20s, another adult. It’s easier to do a lot more.
Lauren Bishop
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!
Rhonda Albom
The entire Northwest coast reminded me of New Zealand, more than anywhere else we have been (except maybe Ireland).
Lexa Cain
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! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
The moon jellies were so cool, and yes very real. Seattle is an amazing town.
Connie Reed
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.
Rhonda Albom
I would add Chihuly Garden and Glass to your short must see list. Also, I will add the underground tour to my next visit.
Kathe W.
That aquariumlooks fantastic- next time we are up we will definitely go there! Cheers!
Rhonda Albom
It’s a pretty good one, especially if you are into conservation.
Comedy Plus
Looks like the weather could have been better, but you still did lots of wonderful things. How fun.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
We really didn’t let the weather spoil our fun. We never do.
Katy
Seattle looks great – thanks for this useful resource #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Katy
Barbara Radisavljevic
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.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Janie Junebug
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.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Janie. Ivar’s Salmon House is the same Ivar but a different location.
Amila @Leisure and Me
Very beautiful and exciting attractions.I’d love to visit Seattle one day!
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get there, it is an awesome city.
Brooke
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!
Rhonda Albom
I agree, I really love the Pacific Northwest. There is lots more to come as we drove down to San Francisco along the stunning Oregon Coast.
Amy
The aquarium looks like my sort of hangout and so funny to see the otters, they look so happy 🙂
Rhonda Albom
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.
Kathy Marris
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. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
LOL – that would be quite a bit out of the way, and a bit of a pain to cross customs twice.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
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
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Paul. I don’t really think of most travel as vacation, it’s more of a lifestyle for us. Would be nice if we were always on vacation.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
You forgot the bike paths! Seattle has some of the best urban cycling paths we have done.
Rhonda Albom
Good call, I hope people read the comments too. Hotel Monaco even offered guests bicycles to borrow.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Well, I’ve done three of those things. Some of the others weren’t there when I visited. Guess I need a return trip.
Rhonda Albom
We haven’t visited them all either, thanks to the weather.