Seattle, commonly known as the “Emerald City,” is a metropolitan city full of energy. It is located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, with dense green forests, abundant waterbodies, and towering mountain ranges. This city has set off on an incredible opportunity for nature, cultural attractions, and modern landmarks. The city’s attractions have something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a nature enthusiast, or a tech junkie. Here are some places to visit in Seattle that will make your trip to Seattle entertaining and memorable.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Seattle
From Aquariums to the Discovery Park in Seattle, the places to visit in Seattle are endless. Below are the top attractions.
1. Spaces Needle
Photo: Yuval Zukerman / Pexels
Situated at 605 feet high, the Space Needle is undoubtedly the most recognisable landmark in Seattle, with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and beyond. The observation deck is the best place for such views. The recently renovated glass floor adds thrilling excitement. You can also eat at the SkyCity restaurant whilst enjoying the sights. A visit during sunset enhances the experience, with the spectacular display of city lights and the natural alliance given by the fragments of sunset.
Top Attractions: Observation Deck, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
2. Pike Place Market
Foodies and shoppers will have an amazing time in Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, it is among the oldest public markets in America and sells fresh produce, artisanal products, and unique crafts. It is renowned for the “flying fish” tradition, in which fishmongers toss around fresh catches. The original Starbucks store was located here. Stroll about the stalls, sample local foods, and watch street performers who fill their performances with life. This is what makes a quintessential Seattle experience.
Top Attractions: Roam market, Artisan goods, Fish throwing spot
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
3. Chihuly Garden And Glass
Photo: Jonathan Meyer / Pexels
Chihuly Garden and Glass features the stunning glass works of Dale Chihuly, located at the foot of the Space Needle, with colourful installations of art and nature. The central feature of the exhibit is called the Glasshouse and has a shimmering suspended sculpture that derives its beauty from the natural light. Outside, the garden melds beautifully with ornate glass creations. This is a significance-making experience, especially for art and photo lovers looking for some inspiration.
Top Attractions: Glass art installation, Glasshouse, Gardens
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
4. Seattle Aquarium
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons
Seattle Aquarium is a portal to the marine wonderland of the Pacific Northwest, found on Pier 59. It boasts a diverse schedule along the way for exhibits on marine life. You will be near sea otters, jellyfish, and octopuses. The amazing underwater dome offers a 360-degree view of the fish swimming majestically in the water. It has been a great place for families and little children because of the interactive exhibits and touch tanks. These are designed for the education and entertainment of people of all ages.
Top Attractions: Underwater Dome, Touch tanks
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
5. Museum Of Pop Culture
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a living monument of contemporary culture. With architect Frank Gehry at the helm, the museum is distinguished by what’s been called its free-form creation. Inside the museum, you can view exhibits of music, science fiction, video games, and film. You can also visit the Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana collections and the interactive Sound Lab. This is a traditional heritage for pop-culture sympathisers, which fuses creativity and technology into utterly astounding experiences.
Top Attractions: Sound Lab, Nirvana collection
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
6. Kerry Park
Kerry Park is the place for postcard-perfect views of Seattle’s skyline. Having stunning panoramic vistas of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay, this little park is favoured by almost all photographers at sunrise and sunset. This is a quiet spot to play with the view of the fabulous Emerald City in a relaxed style. Here, one can expect breathtaking memories and click pictures. It is one of the best places to visit in Seattle with your family to enjoy picnics and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions: Seattle Skyline, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
7. Discovery Park
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, over 534 acres. Located on Magnolia Bluff, it features forests, meadows, and beaches with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park is a destination for hiking and birdwatching or just lounging on a blanket for a picnic. The coastal scenery is enhanced by the West Point Lighthouse. A peaceful retreat for nature lovers and one of the best places to visit in Seattle to enjoy birdwatching with family and children.
Top Attractions: Scenic trails, Beaches, The West Point Lighthouse
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 hours
8. Fremont Troll
Photo: Hudson McDonald / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Fremont Troll is a quirky piece of public art found beneath the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighbourhood. This giant sculpture of a troll made of raw concrete holds a real Volkswagen Beetle in its massive claws, delighting tourists of all ages. It certainly represents the creative, funky spirit of Seattle, making it popular for picture-taking. Exploring the surrounding Fremont region, known for its artsy vibe, cafes, and shops, makes the visit even more rewarding.
Top Attractions: Quirky Public Art Sculpture, Aurora Bridge
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
9. Woodland Park Zoo
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Woodland Park Zoo is very popular with families and animal lovers. Covering 92 acres, it houses over 1,000 animals from around the globe, including gorillas, lions, and penguins. Famous spots to visit are the zoo’s naturalistic exhibits: a lush African Savanna and the Tropical Rain Forest. Special programs like scheduled animal feedings and keeper talks are enjoyable learning opportunities. It’s fun and educational for all ages and an amazing spot for the animal lovers.
Top Attractions: Tropical Rain Forest, African Savanna
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
10. Olympic Sculpture Park
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
As an open-air museum, it blends art with nature. Managed by the Seattle Art Museum, the park features massive sculptures against the betoken of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. You get to stroll past landscaped paths, an amazing aerial view over the waterfront, and tour different modern art installations. Best of all, entry is free, making the experience a wallet-friendly plus. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Seattle.
Top Attractions: Open-air installation, Olympic Mountains
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Seattle is a stunning destination that offers diverse experiences for travellers, with every place you visit being more important than another. With its proximity to urban sophistication and natural beauty, your trip is assured to be a fulfilling one if you book with TripXL. These are the beautiful places to visit in Seattle any time of the year, for something memorable emerges from the hospitable, joyous city.
Cover Photo: Josh Fields / Pexels