The best things to do in Seattle right now

Every city needs a freakishly tall structure with overpriced champagne, right? Well, this is Seattle’s. The Space Needle was originally constructed to be part of the 1962 World’s Fair and boasts the most incredible views of the city. From here, you can see the Cascades, Olympic Mountains and more, and it’s had several renovations to make it really shine. Now, there are tilting glass walls (called Skyrisers), which make you feel like you’re floating, and a revolving glass floor to make you dizzy.

If you’re in town for Memorial Day weekend, make sure to stick around the Seattle Center for the Northwest Folklife festival. Also, post renovations, the Loupe Lounge is now open seasonally (only in the fall and spring) and serves cocktails at the world’s first revolving bar.

Time Out tip: Book ahead to save. If you plan on also going to other popular attractions such as Chihuly Garden and Glass or MoPOP it might be worth looking into the Seattle City Pass for savings.

Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: $35–$49

Is it a weekend away in a new city if you didn’t spend hours people-watching in a square? No, is the answer. And Seattle has just the thing. Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood and features everything you need for the perfect afternoon—cafés, bookstores and lovely architecture, to name a few. While you’re there, head to the Klondike Gold Rush museum and then check out the Smith Tower, which for a while was the tallest building on the West Coast and boasts some pretty spectacular views. 

Time Out tip: Pioneer Square is also the spot for the brilliant Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour, where you can learn about Seattle’s underground passages, dark tunnels and subterranean passageways.

Address: 100 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104

A unique visual experience, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum showcases the epic work of Northwest glass artist Dale Chihuly with a series of mind- and glass-blowing indoor and outdoor installations. The sculptures range from the elegant to the extravagant, particularly in the garden, where plants and glass pieces tangle in a blaze of colors. Refraction means an entirely different experience in different weather conditions—but permanent Instagram gold. It also pairs well with a Space Needle visit, as the museum is just steps away from the famous landmark. During the spring, you can also sign up for yoga, dance and watercolor classes held in the glasshouse.

Time Out tip: If you are planning on visiting both the Space Needle and Chihuly (which you should, they’re located right next to each other in the Seattle Center), there is a combo ticket available (that also includes an IMAX at the Center ticket) for $74. Book in advance as availability is limited!

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: $40–$45

A famous market and a must-see no matter the length of your trip, this is the most visited landmark in the city (impressive for a market, right?) and a fabulous place for foodies to indulge in tasty grub. Sleuth out the rosy entrance to hidden local favorite the Pink Door, which serves deliciously fresh Italian grub. Other great options for sit-down lunch include Pike Place Chowder—serving some of the best clam chowders this side of Boston—and Lowell’s, where you can tick the Seattle Joe Scramble (sausage, spinach, and mushrooms) off of your gastronomical bucket list. Skip over to the other side and you can discover another of Pike Place’s secret foodie havens, the Crumpet Shop—though they have been known to sell out by lunchtime. (Since March 2025, you can also find them at their Edmonds location, in the waterside suburb north of the city.)

Time Out tip: If you’re looking to avoid crowds and for a more authentic visit, hit up Pike Place in the morning. Fewer visitors get up early on vacation and you’ll be able to peruse stalls, coffee in hand, with peace, plus you’ll catch a glimpse of early morning deliveries, a full market experience. Oh, and remember, it’s pronounced PIKE place, not PikeS.

Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

I grew up visiting family on this nearby island and always appreciated its juxtaposition to the skyscraper-lined city. Whether we were taking walks in the 150 acres of gardens, ponds and meadows in the beautiful Bloedel Reserve (make sure to book a timeslot in advance between May and September), combing the beach or spotting sea life off the boardwalk, it was always a welcome reprise. On a more somber note, the Bainbridge Island Japanese-American Exclusion Memorial is a must-visit. It tells the story of the island’s Japanese residents during World War II.

To this day, the 35-minute ride is one of my favorite recommendations to out-of-town visitors. Like NYC’s Staten Island Ferry, the Bainbridge Island Ferry is a splendid way to eyeball a significant amount of Seattle’s highlights swiftly—and cheaply. But before you head back, stop for a treat at one of the West Coast’s finest ice cream parlors, Island Cool (formerly Mora Iced Creamery), where flavors include cheesecake with raspberry jam and mojito.

Time Out tip: The Bainbridge ferry route does not charge passengers a return fare. However, if you are traveling with a car, you will need to pay for your vehicle both ways. Additionally, if you’re visiting Seattle for an extended period and have purchased an ORCA transit card, they can be used to pay for passenger fares.

Address: Pier 52, Seattle Ferry Terminal, Seattle, WA 98104

Price: $21.30 (passenger & vehicle ticket), $11.35 (passenger, walk-on only ticket).

Located a short drive from downtown in Tukwila, the Seattle Barista Academy offers three-hour classes for javaholics. If you’re a fan of the black stuff, the epicenter of the North American coffee scene is the perfect place to get your hands dirty. Learn everything from beginner latte art to how to brew the perfect espresso in the span of an afternoon.

Time Out tip: Better book well in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Address: 905 Industry Dr, Tukwila, WA 98188

Price: $195 for the three-hour, Intro to Latte Art class.

Born from a popular food truck, Marination Ma Kai serves up mouthwatering Hawaiian-Korean fusion food at an ace location on the glistening waterfront. Board the West Seattle water taxi at Pier 50, and 15 minutes later, you’ll arrive in Seattle's take on the tropics. With jaw-dropping views from its patio, this restaurant makes you feel like you are on an island. For eats, opt for a pork katsu sandwich with kimchi (beware the spice, though) or say aloha to some sexy (their word, not ours) tofu tacos. If you don’t have time to venture outside the city, the new spot on 6th Avenue offers all the same eats.

Time Out tip: The West Seattle restaurant location is in Seacrest Park, which can be confusing to first-time visitors. You’ll want to head to Cove 2 for Marination Ma Kai.

Address: 2000 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 (downtown location); 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126 (West Seattle location, called Marination Ma Kai)

The Seattle Great Wheel, on Pier 57, is one of the largest of its kind in North America, and gondolas are fully enclosed for rain-or-shine rides. The views from this 175-foot-high Ferris wheel more than compensate for its corniness. From the top, you’ll enjoy a grand panorama of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and—if you’re lucky—the Olympic Mountains. First opened in 2012, the wheel isn’t a particularly old landmark, but that hardly matters. Besides, you can expect fantastic views when you’re going for a ride, and the wheel itself lights up, providing the Seattle skyline with a little razzle-dazzle.

Time Out tip: Time your ride with sunset for some of the best colors on the West Coast!

Address: Miner’s Landing, Pier 57, ​​1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: $25

This park covers all of the Bailey Peninsula, and its lush, old-growth forest (some of the trees are more than 250 years old) is a popular escape from the urban jungle. A forested 300-acre peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington, Seward Park is only a 20-minute drive (or taxi ride) from downtown Seattle, but it feels like a different world. With beaches, boating, tennis courts and hiking trails, it’s an excellent day-trip option for all ages.

Time Out tip: Pack a lunch and blanket and enjoy a picnic at the Seward Park North Beach, the tip of the peninsula.

Address: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118

MoPOP is Seattle’s tribute to the history of Northwest music, from Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana and much more. Celebrating all things pop culture and science fiction, the exhibition space is wrapped inside a fluid Frank Gehry design. Play in your own virtual rock band while learning about the region’s rich rock legacy, or geek out in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. It is conveniently located in the Seattle Center, next door to the Space Needle and Chihuly Glass.

Time Out tip: It’s always a great idea to visit the museum, but if you have flexibility in your plans, check the calendar for special programming, exhibits and guests.

Address: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: $39

Washington prides itself on its wine—and Chateau Ste. Michelle (less than 20 miles from Seattle) is the state’s oldest and most celebrated winery. A turreted French-style mansion surrounded by 105-acre grounds, Ste. Michelle produces chardonnay, cabernet, merlot, riesling and other varietals that visitors can taste during regular tasting sessions. 

Time Out tip: If you visit during the warmer months, don’t miss the popular summer concert series on the winery’s pristine lawn.

Address: 14111 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA 98072

“De libertas quirkas” (“the freedom to be quirky”), is the unofficial motto of Fremont, Seattle’s indie enclave. Home of the Fremont Troll, the hip nabe has some of Northwest’s best vintage stores and independent boutiques. Among the highlights are PIPE + ROW, an expertly curated boutique known for its unique accessories, and Show Pony, which champions local designers and is a mine of affordable fashion. If you’re into record collecting, don’t miss Jive Time, where you can pick up used vinyl for a fraction of the retail price. Finally, for all the bookworms, Ophelia’s Books, home to a great selection of used and new titles, is a can’t miss. In June, the neighborhood hosts a brilliant summer solstice parade, which features performers and floats from around the community.

Time Out tip: Combine two great locations for a full day exploring different neighborhoods. If you’re on the University of Washington campus (cherry blossom season in the quad, anyone?), the Burke-Gilman Trail will take you from college to Fremont, with an optional stop at Gas Works Park.

Address: North 36th Street, Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Officially named the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, these labyrinthine waterways linking the Puget Sound with Lake Washington and the Ship Canal are one of the city’s most popular attractions. On sunny days, people flock to the waterside and the neighboring Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden—one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city. If the sun is out, many will kick back dockside or stroll on the swinging walkways to watch the boats come and go. In late summer and early fall, head to the Salmon Ladder on the other side of the locks, where you can see migrating salmon in the underground viewing room.

Time Out tip: Commodore Park (on the opposite side of the locks from the botanical gardens), has rolling green hills that are picnic-perfect if you bring some snacks.

Address: 2930 W Commodore Way, Seattle, WA 98199

Seattle’s coolest neighborhood has something for everyone. It’s also one of the city’s oldest areas. Many side streets still have the old brick roads that used to be everywhere; the Capitol Hill soundtrack might as well be the rolling sound of tires suddenly going from pavement to red stone.

The compact neighborhood has a great density of my favorite coffee shops such as Espresso Vivace, Analog and Caffe Vita (which supplies beans to many cafes around Puget Sound), performance and art spaces (check out Exit Space Dance, Velocity Dance Center and Capitol Hill Comedy Bar), and shops (from bookstores to thrift shops), all in the heart of the city. Additionally, don’t miss the Frye Art Museum which has free entry year-round.

Time Out tip: Come midsummer, it hosts one of Seattle’s biggest parties of the year: the Capitol Hill Block Party (Aug 7–9).

Self-taught chef Tom Douglas remains MVP on Seattle’s restaurant scene, gracing the city with several fabulous restaurants. Whether you opt for thin-crust wood-fired pizzas at Serious Pie, Greek-influenced cuisine at Lola or seafood at the Seatown Rub Shack and Fish Fry, you’ll taste some seriously good grub.

Time Out tip: If you have limited time and are stressing out about which Tom Douglas restaurant to try, relax. All are wonderful in their own way, so choose based on what cuisine is calling to you. Italian? Try Neb. Fresh oysters? Head to Half Shell.

Address:
Serious Pie, 2001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Lola, 2000 B 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
The Carlile Room, 820 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
Hot Stove Society, 2000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Mr. Fish, 2010 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Half Shell, 2020 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Neb Italian Restaurant, 316 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98121

The Rainy City’s reputation may be exaggerated, but when the weather looks menacing, simply duck underground to roam forgotten subterranean passages with expert guides. For a sub-sidewalk circuit of the city, get on a Beneath the Streets tour. Setting off from Cherry Street, the one-hour walk snakes under Pioneer Square, past beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, and into the earliest roots of Seattle. Expect to come face to face with Seattle’s grimy underbelly, including discussions about prostitution, gambling, vice and drinking.

Time Out tip: You can now explore underground Seattle in a new light by joining a Red Light District Tour.

Address: 102 Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98104 

Price: $33.24

The National Nordic Museum, located in the historically Scandinavian neighborhood of Ballard, is a fun niche museum that tells a different part of Seattle’s history. Many early European immigrants to the area came from Nordic countries such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Most artifacts in the museum were donated by residents or ancestors, including my family! Once you’ve done your tour, make sure to visit the amazing ground-floor cafe Freya, which serves the best Scandinavian treats like smørrebrød, Danish hot dogs and krumkake.

Time Out tip: For visitors in May, stick around Ballard on the 17th for Syttende Mai, Norwegian National Day.

Address: 2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Price: $20

The 90-minute Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour covers the past, present and future of human flight in a state-of-the-art museum and gives you entry to the Boeing factory. You get to go behind the scenes at the facility where the famous Boeing aircraft are made and tested. At a sprawling 98 acres, this is officially the largest building in the world (measured by volume)—and the place where Boeing developed the Dreamliner. 

Time Out tip: Please note that the Center is in Everett, about 30 miles north of downtown Seattle, and is best reached via rental car or rideshare.

Address: 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275

Price: $46

Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry covers the region’s heritage through a colossal collection of four million artifacts. In 2012, this Smithsonian affiliate relocated to its grand new home in the Naval Reserve Armory in Lake Union Park. The bigger premises allows the museum to display more of its collection, including outstanding pieces like the Petticoat Flag—an 1856 American flag sewn by women during the Battle of Seattle—and Boeing’s first commercial airplane (the 1919 Boeing B-1).

Between July 30 and August 16, the “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation” will be on display. Free timed tickets will be available to the public starting June 15.

Time Out tip: The museum has an ideal location in South Lake Union; after your visit pencil in some time to stroll the waterside and grab a coffee or drink in the area before taking the streetcar back to downtown or Capitol Hill.

Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Price: $25

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM to its friends) is one of the city’s unmissable highlights. The extensive permanent collections of Native American and Pacific Northwest artwork are worth the visit alone, but the diverse, lively temporary exhibitions keep locals and visitors returning time and again. Make sure to leave time to check out the nearby outdoor art at Olympic Sculpture Park. 

Time Out tip: If you can, try to time your visit to include the first Thursday of the month, when entry is free.

Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Price: $30

Located on South King Street in the Chinatown-International District, the Wing Luke Museum is dedicated to exploring the culture, art, and history of Asian Pacific Americans. The museum is particularly strong on folk art and oral history but also curates many fascinating neighborhood walking tours. Of course, there’s plenty of love for Seattle’s most famous Asian Pacific son, the mighty Bruce Lee, in an exhibition that includes some of his poems and personal possessions.

Time Out tip: Located in the International District, it’s worth allowing extra time in the area to enjoy some of the best food in the city.

Address: 719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104

Price: $25

Triple Door—a beautiful 1920s vaudeville theater with stints as a burlesque house and blue movie theater—is well worth checking out. Now one of the Northwest’s top live music venues, it combines world-class acts with an award-winning restaurant, Wild Ginger. 

Time Out tip: If you don’t want to commit to a full concert experience, the no-cover Musicquarium Lounge is great for pre-dinner happy hour cocktails and a taste of local music before moving down Union Street.

Address: 216 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101

One of the best beaches in the city, it is named for the golden sand that graces the shores, a rarity in a region better known for rocky coastlines. Golden Gardens is located in Ballard and makes a great afternoon walk from the top of Sunset Hill down the stairs to the sand. Or, make a full outing of it, bring a cooler and snacks, and enjoy views of the Olympics on clear days. 

Time Out tip: Cafe Fiore at the top of the stairs that go down to the beach from Golden Gardens Drive also serves top-rate Seattle espresso and pastries.

Address: 8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA 98117

Another popular outdoor space in Seattle is the 19.1 acres where a former industrial plant now serves as the city’s playground. Gas Works is ideally situated between Fremont and the University District. Gas Works is right off the Burke Gilman trail and is a great place to stop off for a picnic after a bike ride. Enjoy panoramic views of the skyline and Lake Union. 

Time Out tip: If you’re in need of refreshments after a day spent outside, head over to the nearby Fremont Brewery.

Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

One of my favorite places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is the beach! And since Seattle is located along the Puget Sound, that’s normally a non-issue. If I have a full afternoon or day free, I take the light rail or bus downtown to the Westlake Center, walk down the hill to Pike Place, grab a few snacks and continue to the waterfront. From there, West Seattle (a world away with flower-filled gardens and beachside shacks and cafes) is just a 10-minute water taxi ride (located at Pier 50).

The relaxed vibe and beach town feel make it a favorite day trip among Seattleites (including myself). Once disembarking the boat, I usually walk the one-mile stretch along the water to Alki Beach, but you can also rent bikes. 

Time Out tip: If you need a caffeine fix, I recommend Cafe Ladro’s West Seattle location or Ampersand Cafe on Alki (if you want a beachside option).

Address: Pier 50, Seacrest Ferry Dock, Seattle, WA 98116

Price: $6.25, cash or ticket, $5.25 with an ORCA transit card

--