The 15 best Seattle attractions to visit

One of Microsoft founder Paul Allen’s most significant contributions to the city (and there are a lot of them) is the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop). Formerly known as the Experience Music Project, the museum’s structure was designed in 2000 by architect Frank Gehry, so it is truly a sight to be seen. Exhibits range in topic and explore a variety of themes, from indie video games to horror films to tattoo culture.

Time Out tip: If you want to beat the crowds, come early on a weekday. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Opened in 1907, the Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the country. A thriving community of farmers, street performers, and restaurateurs, this is more than just a place to grab a bite. Make sure to check out the underground shops, bookstores, apothecaries, and one very special magic shop.

Time Out tip: As you head out of the market, you’ll notice a line snaking around the first-ever Starbucks. The inside is exactly like any other Starbucks so waiting in a 20-minute line to order your latte is something you can (and should) absolutely skip.

If you’ve seen a picture of Seattle, you’ve seen the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the symbol of the city is one of its most visited attractions. At the time of its erection, it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi. Technically, however, it’s only made of six floors.

Time Out tip: The tower can get very busy in the sunny months, so snag a timed ticket and be prepared to wait.

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is one of the largest collections of art in Washington, featuring a wide variety of works ranging in genre from contemporary to ancient Roman and more. Depending on the featured special exhibition, lines can be long, so you better check out the offerings before heading there.

Time Out tip: Entry to the permanent collection requires only a suggested donation, but special exhibitions cost extra.

A part of the SAM family, the Olympic Sculpture Park, which overlooks the Cascade Mountains, is one of the most tranquil places in Downtown Seattle. Free and open to the public 365 days a year, the venue’s vast collection includes pieces by Louise Bourgeois, Richard Serra, and Roxy Paine.

Time Out tip: The park occasionally hosts yoga in the garden, so check out the online schedule before you go. 

A little-known fact about Seattle: the entire city burned down in 1889, and a new city was slowly rebuilt 22 feet above the rubble. This tour will take you through three passageways as you learn about the history of Seattle's construction and the tragedy that befell the city. 

Time Out tip: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for this one. 

Glassblowing is a favorite pastime of Seattleites, and Dale Chihuly is the master of the craft. Among the towering structures of Downtown Seattle lives a greenhouse turned gallery dedicated to the work of Chihuly. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between what has been grown and what has been blown. However, it is absolutely impossible to overlook one of Chihuly’s largest pieces suspended from the ceiling of the garden. 

Time Out tip: Make sure you leave time to enjoy some craft cocktails and delicious bites at the on-site bar. 

Opened in 1977, the Seattle Aquarium is dedicated to conserving aquatic health inside and outside its walls. Offering programming for all ages, the aquarium emphasizes wildlife native to the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The underwater dome is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the family of sea-dwellers.

Time Out tip: If you're visiting on a weekend, try to arrive after 3pm to avoid the big crowds. 

Even though you’ll see the mountains almost everywhere you go throughout Seattle, something about being on their level makes it particularly awesome. Consider hopping on a chartered Seaplane out of Lake Union and experiencing the majesty of the city’s topography from above.

Time Out tip: If you want to make a weekend of it, Kenmore Air offers flight and hotel packages to the San Juan Islands and beyond.

The state-of-the-art field in Seattle’s SODO district is home to the Mariners baseball team. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it's worth a visit to check out the field. The stadium frequently offers discount tickets that won’t blow a hole through your wallet.

Time Out tip: Don’t drive to the stadium on game days when the southern part of the city basically shuts down. Instead, take the Link Light Rail, which runs from T-Mobile Park to most neighborhoods around the city.

Formerly the site of a city-run gasification plant, the nine-acre Gas Works Park is unusual and breathtaking. Designed in 1975 by landscape architect Richard Haag, this award-winning green space is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The park centers around the Great Mound, a large hill that offers sensational views of Lake Union and the surrounding area. Fun fact: That famous paintball kiss in 10 Things I Hate About You takes place on the lawn of the Gas Works park.

Time Out tip: Make sure to find the Play Barn, a collection of pipes and machinery left over from the former plant.

The Washington State Ferries are an integral part of the commuter culture in Seattle. The largest fleet of ferries in the United States, the system stops at multiple neighboring islands and towns. Either as a walk-on or car passenger, a day trip out of the city is easy. 

Time Out tip: Even though most boats can carry 200 cars, commuter crossings are very busy so try to avoid them during rush hour.

Who doesn’t love a Ferris wheel? Boasting 360-degree-views of both mountains and open sky, Seattle’s Great Wheel is worth being a bit of a tourist for. At over $15 for an adult ride, many locals scoff at this attraction. Don’t make the same mistake: Get in line and get up there. 

Time Out tip: If you’re feeling swank, you can purchase a VIP ticket for $50 that puts you ahead of the line and in a four-person gondola with a glass bottom.

The University of Washington is in and of itself a beautiful campus made more enticing by The Henry Art Gallery. The contemporary art gallery features over 28,000 works from all over the world in its permanent collection and is also home to the yearly student thesis exhibitions. Many of their works focus on social activism, including shows by and about the LGBTQ community.

Time Out tip: Visit the university on a Saturday from 9am-2pm to peruse their farmers' market before heading to the gallery. 

The Museum of Flight, found in Boeing Field’s backyard, is the largest private air and space museum in the world. Founded in 1929, it has grown to become one of Seattle’s most trafficked educational attractions. Robust programming (the venue boasts one of the largest educational programs in the world) includes daily tours, flight simulations, and the occasional theatrical reenactment.

Time Out tip: Come early or around closing time to avoid the daily throngs of visiting school children.