I visited Seattle for the first time in March of 2020. Yes, right as Covid-19 was beginning to take hold in the states with Seattle (at the time) being ground zero.

Given what we know now, I probably would have delayed the trip to another time, but hindsight is 20/20, right? So with sanitizer in hand we boarded our plane, touched down, and had a blast. After a mere few days, Seattle became my favorite city.

In this list, I’m going to cover 15 of the best things you can do in Seattle during your first (or returning) trip. I don’t expect you to get to all of them, but my goal is to provide you with an extensive variety of activities to choose from. Here we go…

1) Seattle Space Needle

Kicking off the list is the ultra-touristy, but at the same time must-do (especially if it’s your first time), The Space Needle. Standing at a commanding 605 feet, the, “Needle”, offers visitors a 360 degree view of the city below.

The main deck is where you’ll find the indoor observation deck and open-air viewing area at 520 feet. The second level observation deck features a glass floor for you to test your bravery on (if you dare) and get a clear view of the ground 500 feet below.

Check out our article on the Space Needle here.

2) Chihuly Garden & Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum exhibit.

Located next to the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum showcases the awe inspiring glass artwork of Washington native, Dale Chihuly. Visitors move from room to room viewing examples of his work and descriptions of how they came to be.

In the garden, demonstrations take place on a regular basis. Local glass artists break down the painstaking process of forming and coloring the glass. A CityPass can be purchased that’ll give you access to the Space Needle, Chihuly, and more for a discounted price.

3) Catch a Game

Seattle is home to both the Mariners (baseball) and the Seahawks (football). Regardless of which team your favorite is (even if you despise both teams), it never hurts to check out a local game if you can. Especially if your favorite team happens to be in town.

If you happen to be here during the off seasons or they’re on the road, you could always book a tour of either stadium to see the ins and outs. If you’re a fan of either team, this is a must.

4) Local Coffee Shops

“Coming to Seattle and drinking Starbucks is the same as flying all the way to Italy and dining at Olive Garden”. That is a direct quote said to me by a Seattle local. While Starbucks was born here and as much as I love my white chocolate mocha, I’d have to agree.

Seattle is littered with dozens of amazing local coffee shops and bakeries. You’d be hard pressed to visit even half of them during a single visit (though you’d have a lot of fun trying). One of our favorites, “Cafe D’arte”, serves up amazing coffee in historic Pioneer Square.

5) Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls outside Seattle Washington.

Nestled in the Cascade Range and only a 30 minute or so drive away from the city is the beautiful, 270-foot tall Snoqualmie Falls. It would be a crime to come to Seattle and not see one of the most famous natural attractions in the state.

If you’re flying in and don’t plan on renting a vehicle, don’t fret. You can book a highly rated tour on Viator that’ll not only take you to the falls and give you time to look around, but you’ll also receive access to the winery for a wine tasting before bringing you back to Seattle.

Check out our article on Snoqualmie Falls here.

6) Post Alley Gum Wall

The Gum Wall in Pike Place Market. Seattle.

Seattle may be well known for being the home of many artists and their respective art forms, but this may be taking it a bit too far. Located under Pike Place in Post Alley is where you’ll find Instagram famous, “The Gum Wall”. It’s literally an alley with each of its walls covered in gum chewed by locals and tourists alike.

You may be thinking to yourself that this is gross and, well, you’re not wrong. It is. However, don’t knock it ‘till you try it as it’s interestingly gross. It’s one of those things you must experience for yourself to fully appreciate.

To find it, head left down the ramp at the main entrance of Pike Place Market. When you get to the bottom of the ramp, turn left.

7) The “Postcard View” from Kerry Park

If you’ve been looking at pictures of Seattle, chances are you’ve seen this view. Photographers and Instgramers alike flock to Kerry Park to snap a photo of what’s known as the, “Postcard View”, of the skyline. On clear days, even Mount Rainier will make an appearance.

Be sure to bring a zoom lens and a tripod for stability because the view is actually much further out than it looks in most photos. Even if you don’t have those, though, you’ll still get a decent shot worthy of that share button.

The exact address for Kerry Park is:

211 West Highland Drive, Seattle, WA 98119

8) Gas Works Park

Located at the north side of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a near 20-acre public park that was once owned and operated by the Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant in the early to mid 1900’s.

Today, visitors can see, explore, and photograph the remnants of the plant. There are also pathways for walking/jogging and reservable picnic areas perfect for family gatherings.

The exact address is:

2000 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

9) Take a cruise on Seattle Harbor

Most people book a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island (rightfully so) without the realization that they could also book a cruise that sails along the Seattle Harbor and Elliot Bay. While you sail, a narrator details the history of the waterfront while the Olympic and Cascade ranges provide a spectacular backdrop for the city skyline.

10) Dine at Local Restaurants

Old Stove Brewery in Seattle Washington.

We have a rule when it comes to dining out while traveling; no chains or fast food whenever possible. Seattle has no shortage of amazing, local restaurants that are sure to appease every pallet.

You’ll find some good ones alongside and within Pike Place, but try to venture out into downtown and the local neighborhoods to find countless hidden gems. The pic of the flatbread above is from, “Old Stove Brewery”, in Pike Place. Amazing food, beer, and service.

11) Chris Cornell Statue at “MoPop”

Chris Cornell statue in Seattle Washington.

Being a huge Chris Cornell and Soundgarden fan, once I found out about his bronze statue outside of the Museum of Popular Culture (or MoPop), I knew I HAD to see and photograph it as he was quite the influence in my life.

If you’re a fan, there’s no debate. The statue can be found along the exterior of the Museum of Popular Culture on the street side. In my opinion, at night is the best time to view/photograph it.

*Unfortunately, in late 2020, the Cornell statue was vandalized. Efforts are currently underway to restore it.

12) Admire the Murals in Greenwood

Street art is everywhere in Seattle, but my personal favorites were found in the hip neighborhood of Greenwood. This is also where we booked our Airbnb for our Seattle vacation.

We found out about the murals after trying to get a table at, “Flintcreek Cattle Co.”, but ended up having about an hour to wait. So we walked around and found them. They’re ever changing so the art never gets stale.

13) Pike Place Market

Pike Place has it all. Visit the market while fishermen throw freshly caught fish over your heads as they prepare them for sale. Head deeper inside and see all the fresh crab, produce, homemade jelly, spices, gifts, and more!

If you’re like most people and want get a picture of the infamous Pike Place sign, the exact address is:

85 Pike Street #500, Seattle, WA 98101

As with most places in Seattle, I highly recommend photographing it at night for the full effect.

14) Ride the Great Wheel

Seattle’s Great Wheel on the waterfront.

Located at Pier 57 on Elliot Bay, Seattle’s Great Wheel is fun for every member of the family (unless you’re with someone who’s terrified of heights). It has an overall height of 175 feet and it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the west coast when it opened in 2012.

Sure, just about every major city has one of these by now but if nothing else, the views of the city and Puget Sound you’ll get from the top will more than make up for it being, “just another Ferris wheel”. Going at sunset or at night would be best. Get your tickets here.

15) The Underground Tour

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour in Seattle.

I’ve saved what is perhaps the best for last; the underground tour. In the 1800’s, this part of the city was hastily built without any consideration of the rising tide that would regularly haunt them. Tons of muddy water would rush through town with enough force to consume children and small dogs.

In 1889, the Great Seattle Fire would burn around 25 square blocks worth of buildings to the ground. When the decision was made to rebuild, they did so by literally re-building on top of the remains of the old buildings and street. They accomplished this with retaining walls.