13 Uniquely Seattle Things to Do in the Emerald City
Seattle, the Emerald City, is a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic landmarks, cultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, there’s always something new to discover in this great place. Many of them are so uniquely Seattle that you just have to experience them for yourself.
Why should you listen to me? Because I was born in Seattle and grew up in the area. I’ve spent more time in Seattle than you can shake a stick at. (If that’s your idea of a good time.)
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Top tourist sites in Seattle
If you’re planning to see a lot of the top sites and attractions in Seattle, you might want to check out the Seattle CityPass. I just very well could save you a significant amount of money over paying for admission to each site separately.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a must-see spot in Seattle that won’t cost you a penny. Well, there’s no entry fee anyway. You may have a hard time just looking and not buying. It’s full of beautiful flowers, great produce, tasty artisanal foods, and lovely handmade crafts.
Don’t forget to check out Pike Place Fish in the Main Arcade; they’re the ones who throw the fish. You’ll easily spot them.
Explore the best (and tastiest) the market has to offer with this Pike Place Market chef-guided food tour.
Space Needle
The Space Needle was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair and has since become a widely recognized icon of Seattle. It’s also incredibly popular for taking pictures. The Space Needle underwent an extensive renovation and preservation effort, resulting in the world’s sole rotating glass floor.
Keep in mind that visiting the Space Needle can be pricey, but it’s a truly memorable experience.
First Starbucks
I understand that the original Starbucks store was not situated at 1912 Pike Place. However, it was the site where the first store relocated in the mid-1970s, and has been operating from that location ever since.
If you’re a Starbucks enthusiast (like myself), you won’t mind waiting in the long line of tourists to explore the interior of the store and purchase exclusive souvenirs only available at that particular location.
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Gum Wall
Yes, it’s weird. But it’s also kind of terrific. And it’s one of my favorite free things to do in Seattle. If you don’t think it will gross you out, the Gum Wall makes for a quirky and special photo opportunity in Seattle. You can also add your own contribution to the wall if you want.
In November 2015, over a ton of gum was cleared away, and the area was thoroughly cleaned. As it turns out, the sugars in the gum were causing harm to the bricks. Who would have thought? Following the cleaning, people began adding gum to the wall once more.
Waterfront
Although you’ll find touristy things here, Seattle’s is actually a working waterfront. And it’s a must for any visitor to the Emerald City.
You’ll find places along the water to enjoy the sea air and views like the new Pier 62 or Waterfront Park (located between the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel).
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park has to rate as one of the most unique parks I’ve ever visited in the world…probably because of the large old gas works structures that are still there…in the park. Just right there.
Oh yes. It was once the home of the Seattle Gas Light Company coal gasification plant.
Setting that aside, in my opinion, the best feature of this park is the view of downtown Seattle. (It’s a great place from which to view the New Year’s fireworks at the Space Needle.) It’s a popular spot for kite flying.
Underground Tour
The Seattle Underground Tour is a must-do activity for history buffs and anyone who wants to explore the city’s hidden side. It’s absolutely one of the most popular things to do in Seattle. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll step back in time and discover the fascinating stories and secrets of Seattle.
Fremont Troll
Undoubtedly, you must have come across the many photos on social media of tourists posing with the comical and enormous troll sculpture lurking beneath a bridge in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood.
If you want your own photo, you’ll find him clutching a Volkswagen Beetle on N. 36th Street at Troll Avenue N.
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Seattle Art Museum
I’ve visited several of the top art museums in the world, and I think that the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) easily stands up next to many of them.
This important art museum boasts a permanent collection of contemporary art, in addition to special exhibitions of well-known artists and their works.
MoPOP
MoPOP (Museum of Popular Culture) is located just steps from both the famous Chihuly Garden and Glass (see below) and the Space Needle. Seriously, it will only take you about three minutes to walk there from there.
Designed by uber-famous architect Frank Gehry, the museum formerly known as the Experience Music Project (see what I did there?) offers exhibitions and educational programs dedicated to exploring your inner creativity and contemporary pop culture. I recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance if you can.
Chihuly Garden & Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is an incredible collection of Dale Chihuly’s world-renowned glass artwork, displayed both indoors and outdoors.
To truly appreciate its beauty, visitors should plan to spend one to two hours touring the exhibitions, which are conveniently located adjacent to the Space Needle. This makes it so easy to visit both popular spots in one day.
If you wish, you can get a Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass combination ticket, which is a pretty popular option.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Situated on nine acres near the waterfront, the Olympic Sculpture Park stands as the largest green space in downtown Seattle, offering breathtaking views of the Olympic mountains and Elliott Bay.
Originally utilized as a fuel store and transfer site (ew), the park was transformed into a magnificent outdoor exhibition space by the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Along with the park’s artworks, visitors can enjoy the park’s native plant life, event pavilion, and amphitheater.
Ballard Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and Lake Washington Ship Canal (referred to by locals as just the Ballard Locks) are open to the public for free to observe every day.
They’re managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These locks are supposedly the busiest in the U.S. and they do three important things:
- maintain the water level of the freshwater lakes: Lake Washington and Lake Union
- prevent the mixing of sea water from Puget Sound with the fresh lake water
- move boats from the water level of the lakes to the water level of Puget Sound, and vice versa.
The bottom line
There you have it, my list of the most uniquely Seattle sites and attractions. From the iconic Space Needle to the Ballard Locks, Seattle is a city full of great things you can only see or do in the Emerald City.
More articles to help you plan your trip to Seattle
- Perfect 4-day Seattle itinerary
- Seattle weekend getaway
- How to spend one day in Seattle
- Free and cheap things to do in Seattle
- Perfect Seattle souvenirs
- Amazing day trips from Seattle
- Perfect weekend getaways from Seattle
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