Seattle is a unique blend of modern American architecture, nature-oriented lifestyle, and rich technological innovation due to its location and history. This is what makes this wonderful West Coast city truly unique!
Seattle is a port city in the northwestern United States near the Canadian border, situated between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountain Range. Across the border lies another popular city, Vancouver.
The city was formed in the 1850s and was named after Chief Seattle. It developed rapidly during the gold rush of the early 1900s, and after Boeing aircraft factory established itself, it became an important industrial center. Today, it is one of the strongholds of the technology industry.
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Seattle attractions
Space Needle
The Space Needle is Seattle’s iconic symbol, dominating the city’s skyline with its height of 184 meters and offering an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape.
The structure was completed for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair in just 400 days, which was an extraordinary engineering achievement at that time. Hotel owner Edward E. Carlson was inspired by a tower restaurant in Stuttgart, and architect John Graham Jr. designed the final, futuristic form. The architectural masterpiece was designed to withstand winds of up to 320 km/h and earthquakes of 9.1 magnitude.
At the top of the Space Needle is the rotating SkyCity restaurant, which makes a complete rotation in 47 minutes. During the 2018 renovation, 176 tons of glass were installed, including the world’s first rotating glass floor, making the visitors’ experience even more magical.
All information can be found here!
Sky View Observatory
Seattle’s highest observation deck is located on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, 304 meters high.
The observatory, renovated and reopened in 2013, is one of the city’s most outstanding tourist attractions, offering a 360-degree panorama of the city and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can see up to 160 kilometers from here.
What’s interesting is that it’s located much higher than the popular Space Needle observation deck. This gives visitors a different perspective of downtown Seattle and the surrounding area.
All information can be found here!
Pike Place Market
Located in the center of Seattle, it’s one of the city’s oldest and most visited tourist destinations, serving locals and tourists alike since 1907.
Its creation is tied to consumer rebellion: farmers wanted to sell their products directly to customers, eliminating middlemen. Today, more than 500 merchants, 200 craftsmen, and 80 restaurants operate in the market, which spans nine hectares. One of the market’s most famous attractions is the Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers spectacularly toss fish to each other before packaging them.
Below the market are several levels of shops offering unique antiques, clothes, and artifacts.
Seattle Great Wheel
The impressive Ferris wheel located at Pier 57 in the harbor is one of Seattle’s landmark attractions.
The construction of the Ferris wheel was initiated by the Griffith family. The 53-meter-high structure has 42 air-conditioned gondolas, each capable of carrying up to eight passengers at once. Its uniqueness lies in its location on a pier extending into the sea, rising 12 meters above the water, thus providing a unique perspective of the city and Elliott Bay.
A complete rotation takes about 20 minutes, during which visitors can enjoy the city’s panorama and the Olympic Mountains. The VIP gondolas also feature glass floors and leather seats.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located at the foot of the Space Needle, it houses the stunning creations of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly and has been one of Seattle’s most unique cultural attractions since its opening in 2012.
Dale Chihuly was born in Washington state and revolutionized artistic glass blowing during his career. The museum showcases the artist’s monumental and vibrantly colored glass sculptures in eight galleries, a glasshouse, and an outdoor garden.
Among the exhibited works are the artist’s most famous series, such as „Sea Forms”, „Ikebana” and „Venetian Boats”. The most impressive room in the gallery is the 30-meter-long „Glasshouse”, from whose ceiling hangs a 30-meter-long installation of red, yellow, and orange glass flowers.
In the museum’s garden, colorful glass sculptures are displayed among natural vegetation. As part of the facility, the Collections Café features 36 display cases on its walls showing pieces from Chihuly’s personal collection – antique shaving brushes, vintage cameras, and other rarities – while 28 innovative boats hang from the ceiling, which were the inspiring pieces of Chihuly’s „Tabac Baskets” series.
All information can be found here!
Smith Tower
Seattle’s first skyscraper, with its over 150-meter-high neo-Gothic tower, was for decades the tallest building on the West Coast.
The building was commissioned by Lyman Cornelius Smith, the founder of the L.C. Smith & Corona typewriter company. With its 38 floors, it was considered the tallest building in the United States from Seattle to New York in its time. The building features the original Otis elevator system, which is still operated by elevator operators – one of the last such systems in the country.
At the top of Smith Tower is the legendary Chinese Room, located on the 35th floor and decorated with rich wood carvings, antique furniture, and artifacts. The room gets its name from the fact that the last Chinese empress, Cixi, gifted the furniture to the building’s owner. In the center of the room stands the famous „Wishing Chair” which legend holds will soon lead to marriage for any single woman who sits in it.
Today, a popular bar and observation deck operate at the top of the tower, offering a 360-degree panorama of downtown Seattle, the harbor, and Mount Rainier.
Fremont Troll
One of Seattle’s most iconic public sculptures, hiding under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood.
The giant, 5.5-meter-tall troll was created by local artists in 1990 as part of a community art competition. What makes the sculpture special is that it clutches an actual Volkswagen Beetle in its hand, which was built into the sculpture. The troll figure evokes Scandinavian tales, referencing the once large number of Scandinavian immigrants in the area.
Every year on October 31, the local community celebrates an event called „Troll-a-ween” which also serves as the sculpture’s birthday. People in costumes parade from the troll to the Fremont neighborhood to celebrate this unusual community symbol. In 2005, the area around the troll was officially named „Troll’s Knoll” by the city.
Kerry Park
A tiny, just 0.4-hectare park in the northern part of Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, yet it offers perhaps the city’s most iconic panorama.
From the hilltop park, there’s a stunning view of downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and on clear days, the majestic Mount Rainier volcano. This viewpoint has served as the backdrop for countless films, TV shows, and promotional materials, making it one of the city’s most recognizable images.
In the center of the park is an abstract bronze sculpture called „Changing Form”, created by Doris Totten Chase in 1971.
Discovery Park
Seattle’s largest public park offers a true natural haven not far from the bustling city.
It is home to diverse ecosystems, including forests, coastal meadows, sand dunes, and more than 3 kilometers of coastline. The West Point Lighthouse is one of the park’s most popular attractions, offering a splendid view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
The Daybreak Star Cultural Center, an important venue for Native American culture and art, is also located within the park.
Gas Works Park
This public park in northern Seattle was established on the site of a former gas plant on the shores of Lake Union.
The plant operated from 1906 to 1956, and the park was opened to the public in 1975. The park’s designer, Richard Haag, did pioneering work by not completely demolishing the industrial facilities.
The most characteristic elements of the park are the preserved machines and structures of the former gas plant, which now serve as industrial monuments. The huge gas tanks and pipes were partly preserved and partly converted into community spaces and playgrounds.
Pioneer Square
Seattle’s oldest neighborhood was the original center of the settlement founded in the 1850s.
The historic district got its name from the triangular Pioneer Place Park. In the center of this park, the famous totem pole was erected in 1909, which has become one of the symbols of the area.
After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the district was rebuilt, giving it its characteristic red-brick buildings inspired by the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Many historic buildings in the area, including the Smith Tower and the pergola, preserve the memory of Seattle during the 19th-century gold rush. The district is also the city’s art center, where a walk showcasing art galleries is organized on the first Thursday of each month.
In recent years, it has experienced a renaissance: trendy cafes, restaurants, design shops, and tech startups have moved into the historic buildings while the area has maintained its original character. The district is also home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which presents the history of the Yukon gold rush.
Underground Tour
One of the city’s most unique attractions takes visitors through underground passages beneath Pioneer Square.
The tour started in 1965 at the initiative of journalist Bill Speidel, who wanted to save the historic district from demolition and draw attention to the city’s hidden history.
The underground passages were created after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889: city leaders decided to raise the street level during reconstruction to solve the problems of regular flooding and sewage issues. The first floors of the buildings were essentially buried, and new entrances were built at the new street level, while the old street level became an underground passage system.
During the 75-minute tour, visitors can explore the former streets, shops, and sidewalks. The tour is essentially a time travel into Seattle’s troubled past, where participants can learn how the modern city developed from difficult beginnings.
All information can be found here!
Alki Beach
Located in the western part of the city on the West Seattle Peninsula, it is one of the most popular seaside relaxation spots. Due to its special atmosphere, it is also called the „Seattle Riviera”.
Its historical significance comes from the fact that in 1851, the Denny Party, the first group of European settlers who later founded the city of Seattle, landed here.
The 2.5-mile (4 km) long, pebbly beach offers an unparalleled view of downtown skyscrapers, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. On the beach stands a miniature copy of the Statue of Liberty, donated to the city by the Boy Scouts of America in 1952.
Bainbridge Island
A picturesque island in Puget Sound that is only 35 minutes away from downtown Seattle by ferry. The 65-square-kilometer island is famous for its natural beauty, art community, and wineries, making it a popular day-trip destination.
The main settlement on the island, Winslow, boasts a charming main street filled with gourmet restaurants, art galleries, craft shops, and cozy cafes. The island is home to the impressive Bloedel Reserve, a 150-hectare botanical garden and forest reserve that includes Japanese gardens, moss-covered forests, and a reflecting pond.
The ferry ride itself offers a special experience for visitors to the island, as it is considered one of the most beautiful urban ferry routes in the world, providing an unparalleled view of Seattle’s iconic skyline.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Seattle’s most significant art institution, with its main building located downtown.
The museum was founded in 1933, its current building was opened in 1991 and significantly expanded in 2007. At the entrance to the SAM, visitors are greeted by the 14-meter-tall „Hammering Man” sculpture, which depicts a figure working with a hammer and symbolizes the dignity of work.
The museum’s rich and diverse collection contains more than 25,000 artifacts, from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary works. It is particularly famous for its Asian, African, Northwest Coast Native, and European collections. Its temporary exhibitions often generate great interest and attract visitors from all over the world.
The SAM also includes the Olympic Sculpture Park, a 9-hectare, free-to-visit outdoor museum on the waterfront, featuring monumental works by Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and other renowned artists.
All information can be found here!
The Museum of Flight
The largest privately founded aviation museum in the United States is located in the southern part of Seattle, next to Boeing Field.
It was founded in 1965 as part of the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation and today showcases more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft.
The museum boasts the first presidential aircraft, an early Air Force One, the only remaining Concorde supersonic passenger aircraft on the American West Coast, and NASA’s full-size Space Shuttle trainer. Visitors can explore the „Red Barn”, Boeing’s original factory building, where aircraft production began in 1916.
Its interactive exhibitions include the virtual flight zone, where visitors can try flight simulators, and the Aviation Pavilion, which houses a collection of large civil and military aircraft. It also offers a special experience for those interested in space exploration with original Apollo program equipment from NASA and replicas of International Space Station modules.
All information can be found here!
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
It operates in an impressive building designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry in the Seattle Center area.
The museum was founded in 2000 by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, originally out of respect for Seattle-born rock legend Jimi Hendrix.
The building’s special, undulating metal surface was allegedly inspired by Gehry’s vision of a crushed Fender Stratocaster guitar. The museum showcases various areas of pop culture, including the history and impact of rock music, science fiction, horror, fantasy, video games, and fashion on today’s culture.
One of its most exciting parts is the Sound Lab, where visitors can experiment with various instruments and make recordings. The Sci-Fi and Fantasy Hall of Fame pays tribute to the genre’s greatest figures, while the Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction exhibition displays original costumes and props from legendary sci-fi films and series such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and Doctor Who.
All information can be found here!
Seattle Aquarium
Located on the city’s waterfront at Pier 59, it has been providing insight into the rich wildlife of Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest waters since 1977.
One of its most popular attractions is the „Window on Washington Waters”, a 120,000-gallon tank where hundreds of local marine species swim, and divers descend three times a day.
At the „Life on the Edge” exhibition, visitors can touch sea urchins and starfish, while the „Underwater Dome” provides a 360-degree view of a 400,000-gallon tank.
All information can be found here!
Seattle weather: when is the best time to visit?
Seattle has a four-season, moderate oceanic climate characterized by mild, rainy winters and warm, relatively dry summers.
Spring (March-May):
Spring has variable, gradually warming weather, with average temperatures ranging between 8-17°C. This season is still rainy, but precipitation gradually decreases after winter. The blooming gardens and verdant parks make this a popular period for visitors, though it’s advisable to prepare with layered clothing.
Summer (June-September):
Summer is pleasant and warm, with average temperatures between 18-25°C, rarely rising above 30°C. This is Seattle’s driest period, especially in July and August, when sunny days dominate. The low humidity ensures a pleasant feeling even on warmer days, and evenings typically cool down.
Fall (September-November):
Fall gradually cools and becomes more rainy, with average temperatures varying between 8-18°C. Precipitation increases significantly from October. The autumn foliage colors and clear, fresh air make this also a popular period for tourists, especially in early and mid-September.
Winter (December-February):
Winter is mild but very rainy, with average temperatures between 3-9°C. Seattle is famously rainy during this period, and while it rarely snows in the city, significant snow can fall in the nearby Cascade Mountains. Despite high humidity and frequent cloudy weather, temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
Best time to visit:
The most ideal period to visit Seattle is summer (especially July and August), when precipitation is minimal, the sky is clear, and temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Early fall (September) is also an excellent choice, when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer tourists.