14 Must-See Attractions in Seattle

Pike Place Market is one of the USA’s longest-running farmer’s markets, having been in operation since 1907. Located on Pike Street, it’s a useful calling point for fresh, local produce. Whether you’re looking for the basics or hunting down gourmet, hard-to-find ingredients for your next dish, the market has got you covered. Pike Place also offers dining options and a craft market where you can pick up musical instruments, longboards, kitchenware and so much more, all handmade by local artisans in accordance with the market’s rigorous standards. Recommended by local insider Grace Coleman

MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) is a museum not like any other and is a must-visit for anyone interested in music, film, TV or video games. Alongside a huge collection of artefacts and handwritten lyrics from legendary Seattleites Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, MoPOP houses the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Extensive exhibitions of props, costumes, posters and first-editions from all of your favorite movies can be found here. Exhibitions change regularly so it doesn’t matter if you have been before. Examples of previous exhibits include Minecraft, Seattle grunge legends Pearl Jam, Disney costumes and a gallery dedicated to tattoo art. Recommended by local insider Grace Coleman

Urban renewal and excellent views of Lake Union and Seattle’s famous skyline are the order of the day at Gas Works Park, a public park occupying the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. Some of the old plant structures remain for you to explore and the busy green space has become a popular spot for picnickers, kite flyers, joggers and sunbathers. Recommended by local insider Grace Coleman

No first-timer’s trip to Seattle would be complete without visiting the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle is a 605ft (184m) tower with a flying-saucer-shaped observation deck at the top, complete with unparalleled views of the city and Puget Sound. On clear days, you can see Mount Rainier, Washington State’s tallest mountain, and beyond. Recommended by local insider Grace Coleman

Seattle Art Museum encompasses three separate facilities: the Seattle Art Museum in Downtown Seattle, the Asian Art Museum in Capitol Hill and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront. Both the Seattle Art Museum and Asian Art Museum offer exciting and accessible exhibitions that both art fanatics and those with a more casual interest will enjoy perusing. There are also well-curated, permanent exhibits with a focus on modern and international art. Recommended by local insider Eric Coleman

Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood where the city’s founders first started to build. Today, with a backdrop of picturesque 19th-century Richardson Romanesque buildings, it’s an iconically trendy Seattle spot. Sample some of the city’s famously good coffee from artisanal coffee shops, browse the neighborhood’s numerous art galleries, grab lunch from a food truck or perhaps book a bocce court in Occidental Square. Recommended by local insider Eric Coleman

The Washington Park Arboretum consists of around 5,500 different plants from around the world and covers 230 acres (93 hectares). While any time of year is good to visit, the arboretum is especially colorful during spring and fall. The grounds and trails are beautifully maintained and organized. There are multiple kinds of birds, including owls and hawks. Recommended by Christina Nhu

Located close to the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center offers a range of educational experiences for young and old. This place has something for everyone, so it’s perfect for families. Membership includes feature-film IMAX discounts and numerous free movie experiences. The staff is knowledgeable, and the programs related to geology of the Pacific Northwest are interactive and informative. The place is spread out over several buildings, so it is wise for visitors to wear comfortable walking shoes and get a map of the layout. Recommended by Christina Nhu

Ride the original manually operated elevators at Smith Tower up to the Observatory Bar. Built in 1914 and standing at 484 feet (147.5 meters), Smith Tower is Seattle’s first skyscraper, predating the city’s Space Needle and Columbia Tower. The Observatory Bar offers 360-degree views of the city and a prohibition-themed cocktail lounge that pairs perfectly with the historic architecture.

Lose yourself for hours among the captivating glass sculpture displays at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Showcasing the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, the museum presents his work in various settings. As well as eight indoor galleries, visitors can explore an outdoor garden full of sculptures and the 40ft (12m) Glasshouse – the museum’s centerpiece. You might even find that you need more than one visit to see everything. Recommended by local insider Eric Coleman

Part of the Seattle Art Museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park is set over a nine-acre (4ha) space on Seattle’s waterfront. There are pieces by renowned sculptors Alexander Calder and Richard Serra, among others, so it’s the perfect place to come and admire some artwork. Or, even just to take a summer stroll in Downtown Seattle’s largest green space. The park also offers fantastic views of the city, notably the Space Needle, Puget Sound and the surrounding Olympic Mountains. Recommended by local insider Eric Coleman

A beautiful view of Elliott Bay, downtown, and sometimes Mount Rainer, Kerry Park is a way to catch some picturesque sunsets in Queen Anne without feeling like a tourist. It’s a 1.26 acre park given by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sperry Kerry, Sr. in 1927, ‘so that so that all who stop here may enjoy this view.’ This park is in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. It also stars the sculpture Changing form by Doris Totten Chase. Recommended by Sarah Lantz

Seattle Aquarium emphasizes conservation and education. Kids will love learning about our oceans and how to preserve them through the various animals housed here. The seals and sea otters are firm family favorites. You’ll also find tufted puffins, a giant Pacific octopus and a variety of fish species. If your child is a big animal lover, check out the aquarium’s range of public educational programs that run year-round. Recommended by local insider Eric Coleman