Top Things to Do in Seattle

Seattle, United States

About the City

Seattle, often nicknamed the Emerald City due to its lush evergreen forests, is a vibrant metropolis nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington with the imposing Mount Rainier in the backdrop. It's a playground for both tech enthusiasts and nature lovers, where one can oscillate between sipping artisanal coffee and conquering mountainous trails within the same day. On the bright side, Seattle is renowned for its rich music legacy, grunge aficionados rejoice, and its affinity for fine arts, as well as its delightful seafood scenes – think fresh salmon and plump oysters. It's a city that prides itself on its innovative spirit and a strong cup of joe, being the birthplace of the world-famous Starbucks. Nevertheless, Seattleites often grapple with what's colloquially known as the 'Seattle Freeze,' which may make new friendships as challenging as kayaking during a rainstorm. Speaking of weather, grey skies are a staple, and one must master the art of layering to navigate the cool, damp clime. Moreover, be prepared for steep hills that will challenge calves and vehicles alike, and a cost of living that rises like the Space Needle against the city skyline. Visitors will find a tapestry of experiences, from the futuristic vibes at the Museum of Pop Culture to the aromatic Pike Place Market, ensuring that every day in Seattle is never a bore.

Things to Do in Seattle

Oyster Occasion

Food & Drink

Shuck yeah! Slurp on Seattle's freshest oysters right where they're harvested from. Go raw or grilled, but don't forget to pair it with a local craft brew!

Whale Watching Adventure

Outdoors

Hop on a boat and be on the lookout for the majestic orca! The thrill of seeing one of these beauties breach is pure magic!

Alternative Book Browsing

The Unexpected

Immerse yourself in Seattle’s literary side with a visit to quirky independent bookshops that prove reading is far from dead.

Sailgating Sensation

The Unexpected

Join the unique tradition of sailgating: party on a boat before catching a Huskies game!

Parkour in the Park

The Unexpected

Be one with your inner urban ninja and test your agility with some parkour moves at Gas Works Park. Don't worry; there's plenty of grass to land on!

Gum Wall Gumption

The Unexpected

Stick your chewed-up contribution on the astonishingly sticky Gum Wall, and don't forget to snap that pic!

Zip-Lining at Bellevue

Outdoors

Scream with joy or just scream on an adrenaline-fueled zip through the tree canopy. It's like nature's own roller-coaster ride!

Paragliding at Tiger Mountain

Outdoors

Take to the skies and soar like an eagle over the stunning landscape. Ready, set, launch!

Rock Climbing at the REI Pinnacle

Outdoors

Channel your inner Spider-Man and climb the legendary REI Pinnacle. Look ma, no hands... or maybe not!

Enjoy Kayaking at Agua Verde

Outdoors

Paddle along the vibrant houseboat communities and the serene arboretum. Maybe you'll spot a seaplane or two!

Coffee Connoisseur Quest

Food & Drink

It's not just a cup o' joe in Seattle - it's a caffeinated journey through locally roasted beans and expert barista craftsmanship. Get ready to buzz through the city!

Seattle Aquarium Aquatic Adventure

Sights

Dive into the deep without getting wet, and come face-to-fin with otters, octopuses, and oh-so-many fish at the Seattle Aquarium!

Olympic Sculpture Park Prowl

Sights

Come for the art, stay for the bay views! Olympic Sculpture Park is outdoor museum fun with a side of salty sea breeze.

Seattle Art Museum Stroll

Sights

Get cultured with a stroll through the Seattle Art Museum. With exhibits that wow and inspire, you might just feel like a modern-day Michelangelo.

Ballard Locks Boat Ballet

Sights

Watch boats of all shapes and sizes strut their stuff in the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. It's the best free show in town!

Woodland Park Zoo Wander

Sights

Get wild in the city with a visit to Woodland Park Zoo. With creatures from penguins to grizzlies, it's a zoo-tastic day out!

Craft Beer Crawl

Food & Drink

Hop on the microbrew train and swig some of Seattle's finest. Whether you're IPA obsessed or stout about stouts, there's a craft beer with your name on it!

Macaron Marathon

Food & Drink

Get your sweet tooth ready for a sprint around Seattle's cutest confectioneries! The city's macarons might just be the most photogenic treats to ever grace your feed.

Cherry Bomb Pie Dive

Food & Drink

Lock your sights on some seriously good pie - bursting with Washington's own, famously tart cherries. It's a pie ace in the hole!

Underground History Lesson

The Unexpected

Get down and dirty with a trek through the Seattle Underground—where the city’s past lingers in basements!