Pike Place Market is a historic public farmers' market that overlooks the Elliott Bay waterfront. You can find fresh produce, food, crafts, and souvenirs here, all in a bustling and lively atmosphere.
No Seattle trip is complete without a visit to the Space Needle. This iconic landmark towers over the Seattle skyline and offers breathtaking views of the city below. It also has a rotating restaurant for a dinner with a view.
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a glass exhibition center showcasing the works of Dale Chihuly, who is a renowned glassblower from the Pacific Northwest. The museum offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits with stunning glass sculptures.
The Seattle Art Museum is a world-class museum that hosts a variety of art from around the globe. It has an impressive collection of Native American art, contemporary art, and European masterpieces.
The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP, is a unique interactive museum that celebrates popular culture. It hosts exhibits on music, video games, movies, and science fiction.
Visit the Fremont Troll sculpture, a quirky attraction located under the Aurora Bridge, and then head over to Gas Works Park for a peaceful picnic with a view of Lake Union and the city skyline.
The Museum of Flight is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. It displays over 160 aircraft and spacecraft, including the legendary Boeing 747 and the supersonic Concorde.
Take a day trip to Olympic National Park, a stunning wilderness area that includes glacier-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline. Don't miss the scenic Hurricane Ridge and the magnificent Hoh Rain Forest.
Take a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Make a stop at the beautiful Butchart Gardens and then roam around the charming Inner Harbour for souvenir shopping and a traditional High Tea.
Visit the Ballard Locks, which connects the Puget Sound to Lake Union, featuring awe-inspiring views, and fish ladders. Then move to Fishermen's Terminal for seafood dining and enjoying the docked fishing boats.
Seattle has a well-connected public transportation system with buses, light rail, and ferries. A single-ride adult fare for the bus or light rail is $2.75, but there are daily and weekly passes available. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also available, but can be expensive without surge pricing. Rental cars are also an option, which can be helpful for day trips outside of the city. Note, Olympic National Park and Victoria, BC may require a rental car.
If you have more time, you may consider visiting the Pacific Science Center or Columbia Center Observation Deck. If you have less time, you may consider skipping Victoria, BC or Butchart Gardens.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport serving Seattle, located about 13.9 miles south of downtown. It is a hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, with direct flights to major cities in North America and around the world.