Where to Visit in Seattle as a Tourist

Visiting Seattle may not be your first pick if you're new to the U.S., but for return visitors or locals, it's an excellent 2–3 day trip with plenty to explore.

In case you visited US couple times or you are living in the US. I think you must visit city of Seattle. I can recommend spending 1-2 days in the city then travel on the 101 south. You can check out those spots here. 

The iconic Great Wheel in Seattle is silhouetted against a breathtaking sunset, providing a scenic mix of coastal breeze and city skyline from Pier 55.

Outside of downtown Seattle, there are several incredible national parks worth visiting. Some of the ones I’ve explored — and plan to write more about — include Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. I’ll be creating a page for each one soon. But if you have a couple of days in Seattle, I definitely recommend checking out at least one of these parks — they’re well worth the trip.

Before You Start Exploring…

If you're planning to visit a few of Seattle's top attractions, consider getting a Seattle CityPASS — it can save you money and make things more convenient.

With the CityPASS, you’ll get admission to 5 major attractions, including:

✅ Included with every pass:

• Space Needle

• Seattle Aquarium

➕ Then choose 3 more from the following:

• Chihuly Garden and Glass

• Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour

• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

• Woodland Park Zoo

• Pacific Science Center

You don’t have to pick your extra attractions right away — just decide as you go!

👉 Buy your CityPASS here

Here are some of the must-see attractions in Seattle as a tourist, along with my honest opinions about each location. Of course, everyone has different tastes, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Space Needle

I think it is good to visit there it is nice to see the downtown Seattle from the top and it has a nice view. I am not really an art fan so That's why Chihuly Garden is not that much for me. I would not recommend it that much. A fun fact about the Space Needle-when it was first built, it was all white, but in 1974, they gave it a fresh silver coat, which makes it look way more futuristic and space-age! Space Needle: 7/10 – Worth the money, nice views, plus you get free photos.

Chihuly Garden: 5/10 – It’s beautiful, but not really my thing if you're not into art.

🎟️ Space Needle + Chihuly Garden and Glass (Combo Ticket)

For a combo ticket that includes both the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, prices are as follows:

• Regular admission (ages 13–64) is $68

• Seniors (ages 65 and up) pay $63

• Youth (ages 5–12) also pay $63

🌆 Space Needle General Admission Only

If you're just visiting the Space Needle, general admission prices range depending on time slots:

• Regular admission (ages 13–64) ranges from $35 to $45

• Seniors (ages 65 and up) range from $30 to $40

• Youth (ages 5–12) also range from $30 to $40

Ready to go up in the Space Needle? You can grab your tickets here!

While you're visiting the Space Needle, you can also check out the Museum of Pop Culture. Since I haven’t been there personally yet, I won’t give it a rating just yet, but once I do, I’ll be sure to share my thoughts with you all!

Starbucks first store

To be honest this is a bit disappointed for me because it is really small and I was expected something little fancier.  But then I remembered... it’s the first store. Of course it is basic. It is the first store.  That said, it’s still a must-visit. Come on — it’s the original Starbucks!

Starbucks First Store: 6/10 – It's nice to visit the original Starbucks store. Cool to see where it all began.

Standing at the original Starbucks—where the global coffee journey began. Small, simple, and iconic.

Pike place

If you're wondering, "What’s the number one tourist attraction in Seattle?" — it's got to be Pike Place. Not only is it an iconic market, but it’s also just steps away from the original Starbucks store. The famous Gum Wall is tucked right underneath Pike Place, and the scenic Waterfront is only a five-minute walk away. From here, it’s easy to hop on public transportation to neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Ballard. Pike Place is one of the oldest continuously running markets in the U.S., and it’s packed with things to see.

This is where Seattle’s heart beats — a lively, busy market packed with fresh food, local art, and quirky charm. No matter what you’re into — food, art, coffee, or just people-watching — Pike Place has a little something for everyone. It’s classic Seattle, and you shouldn’t skip it.

Pike Place: 7/10 – Charming little shops and a great place to pick up unique gifts. You also get a nice view of the Seattle Great Wheel from the back of the market.

Right in front of Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market—where the city’s soul comes alive in sights, sounds, and fresh seafood.

The Gum Wall

On your way from Pike Place to the Great Wheel, stop by the Gum Wall. Some people find it gross, but I think it’s fun. It’s a huge wall (and part of the ground!) covered in chewed gum — weird, but worth a quick visit.

The Gum Wall started back in 1993 when people waiting for shows at the nearby Market Theater began sticking gum to the wall. Over time, it turned into this crazy, colorful (and sticky) little art installation!"

Gum Wall: 7/10 – A fun and quirky stop along the way. Definitely a unique experience.

A vibrant section of Seattle's renowned Gum Wall, covered with layers of chewed gum, creates a unique and eclectic urban art display.

The Seattle Great Wheel

This is another way to see the Seattle from above. I think this is fun to check your city from top.

Little fun fact about the Seattle Great Wheel. It puts on an awesome light show at night, with over 500,000 LED lights that light up the wheel in all sorts of colors. It looks especially amazing when you’re viewing it from the waterfront or nearby areas!

🚡 Seattle Great Wheel – General Admission

Prices for a standard ride on the Seattle Great Wheel are as follows:

• Adults (ages 12–64): $23

• Seniors (ages 65+): $21

• Youth (ages 3–11): $18

• Children (ages 0–2): Free

You can check your tickets here

Seattle Great Wheel: 8/10 – Great to see from this spot, especially during sunset. The view gets even better as the sky changes colors.

The towering Great Wheel near Pike Place stands against a moody sky, overlooking bustling visitors and serene waterfront views.

The Spheres

This is part of Amazon’s office campus. You can buy a ticket. However it is not that easy because they are only open first and second Saturday of that month and at the same time. You can only book 15 days in advance starting at 10am PST. Even if you can’t get inside, it’s still cool to check them out from the outside.

If you would like to check the next tour you can check here

The Spheres: 6/10 – A cool spot to snap some photos. The structure is unique and eye-catching.

Amazon’s The Spheres — where futuristic glass design meets lush greenery in the heart of Seattle.

Museum of Flight

You can actually go inside some of the planes — it’s super informative. I’d recommend it for families or if you're into aviation and history. I highly recommend trying the flight simulator — it’s so much fun! We got in, and my girlfriend flew the aircraft while I handled the shooting. We didn’t manage to take down any enemy planes because she kept flying up and down, making it hard to aim. But honestly, it was a blast!

Little fun fact about museum. The museum is home to a Boeing 707, one of the first commercial jet airliners ever built. It's a major piece of aviation history!

Bonus: it’s mostly indoors, so great for rainy days.

General Admission tickets as of April 2025. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult admission (ages 18–64) is $29

• Youth (ages 5–17) is $21

• Children (ages 4 and under) are free

• Seniors (ages 65 and up) pay $25

Buy your ticket here

Museum of Flight: 8/10 – An informative and fun place to visit. Definitely a must-see museum in Seattle, especially if it's your first time.

Exploring the Museum of Flight — packed with legendary aircraft from ceiling to floor.

Starbucks Reserve Roaster

There are Reserve Roasteries in other cities, but if you have extra time in Seattle, this one’s worth a visit.  It’s more than just a coffee stop but at the same time. You can get a nice little gifts for yourself, friends and family.

Starbucks Reserve: 7/10 – A great spot for coffee and unique gifts. Worth a visit for Starbucks fans.

A cozy setup in Starbucks Reserve Roastery featuring a beautifully crafted latte and a fresh pastry.

Where to eat in the downtown Seattle?

Here is the some of the restaurants that I loved in the Seattle downtown to eat. I will have more in the list.

• Von's 1000 Spirits

A Seattle classic! This American-style restaurant has a little bit of everything — seafood, burgers, pasta, tacos, and more. I’ve eaten here and it was really good. The vibe is casual but stylish, and they also have a great cocktail selection.

Seattle classic

• Miss Cafe

Craving something different? Miss Cafe is a cozy Turkish restaurant right in downtown. It’s a great place to try something new — especially if you’ve never had Turkish food before. I recommend the lamb pide (Turkish-style flatbread) — it’s delicious and full of flavor.

Lamb pide

• The Pink Door

This one’s a local favorite! Hidden in Pike Place Market, The Pink Door offers Italian-inspired dishes with a unique atmosphere. The menu changes seasonally, and they sometimes have live performances. Perfect for a dinner with a little flair.

• IL Bistro

Tucked just below Pike Place Market, IL Bistro is a romantic Italian spot with candlelit vibes. If you’re in the mood for pasta, wine, and a cozy atmosphere, this place delivers. Great for date night or a quieter dinner.

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Seattle Cafés Worth Stopping For Victrola Coffee Roasters

Just one street over from Pike Place Market, Victrola Coffee Roasters is a cozy spot with a stylish, welcoming interior. The atmosphere is laid-back, with a vintage-industrial vibe that makes it perfect for relaxing or catching up with a friend. They offer a small but thoughtful selection of gifts, including branded mugs and bottles. The coffee here is top-notch—smooth, rich, and expertly brewed. It’s a great stop whether you’re a local or just exploring the area.

Caffè Umbria – Olive Way

This Italian coffee shop offers a warm, authentic vibe with delicious cookies and, of course, excellent coffee. It’s a great spot to get some work done or simply take a break and relax for a few minutes. The space is calm and inviting, making it perfect for both productivity and rest. The Italian owner adds a personal touch that makes the experience even more special. I really loved this place!

Moore Coffee Shop

Tucked away near the Moore Theatre, this cozy little spot is known for its fun latte art and strong, flavorful coffee. The space is small but charming, with a warm, local feel. It's a great place to grab a quick drink or sit for a bit if you can snag a seat. They also serve tasty waffles and other light bites that pair perfectly with your drink. A hidden gem in downtown Seattle that’s worth the stop.

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When to Visit Seattle – Seasons, Events & What to Do

Seattle has a little something for everyone year-round, but depending on the season, the vibe (and weather) can be totally different. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of when to visit, and what to check out in and around the city:

Spring (March – May)

Spring brings mild weather and blooming cherry blossoms, especially in places like the University of Washington campus. It’s a perfect time to stroll around Pike Place Market, grab a coffee from the original Starbucks, or explore the waterfront before the summer crowds hit.

Things to do in spring:

• Catch a Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park ⚾

• Explore Capitol Hill’s cafes and local art scene

• Take a day trip to Skagit Valley for the tulip festival (usually April)

Summer (June – August)

This is the best time to visit if you’re looking for clear skies and packed events. Seattle summers are surprisingly sunny — no joke! Great for walking around the city, ferry rides to Bainbridge Island, or hiking near Mount Rainier.

Top summer activities:

• Ride the Seattle Great Wheel at sunset 🌅

• Visit the Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture

• Take a cruise around Lake Union or Puget Sound

• Head out for a full-day adventure to Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park

Fall (September – November)

Fall is quieter, with crisp air and fewer tourists. It’s great for museum hopping and cozy coffee shop stops. The fall foliage in places like Discovery Park or Green Lake is gorgeous, and the vibe is super chill.

Things to do in fall:

• Watch the Seahawks play at Lumen Field 🏈

• Take a ferry ride to catch the fall colors from the water

• Explore Chihuly Garden and Glass or the Seattle Art Museum

Winter (December – February)

Yes, it rains. But that also means fewer crowds and cozy indoor experiences. It’s a great time to check out Seattle’s museums, coffee culture, and holiday markets. Bonus: The mountains nearby get snow, so winter sports are an option too!

Winter picks:

• Ski or snowboard at Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie Pass ❄️

• Visit the Museum of Flight (it’s mostly indoors!)

• Sip seasonal drinks at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

• Catch a Kraken hockey game at Climate Pledge Arena 🏒

Pier 57

Seattle is full of variety—whether you're into quirky landmarks like the Gum Wall or the stunning views from the Space Needle, there’s always something interesting to check out. The best part? It’s a city that you can explore in just a few days, with a little bit of everything for everyone.

What’s your favorite spot in Seattle? Let us know in the comments!