Located in Washington State, on the western tip of the United States, the city of Seattle deserves to be known. Highlighted in the series Grey's Anatomy and in the Twilight saga, Seattle has become for fifteen years a popular place for tourists. 150 km from the Canadian border, Seattle enjoys exceptional natural landscapes. Have you planned a trip to Seattle and are wondering what are the must-see sites to visit? So, discover the top 30 unmissable activities.
1. Le public market center
Along Elliot Bay, near the harbor and close to Pike Square, this market is one of the best-known in the city. It is also one of the oldest in that it exists since 1907. It attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. Extremely fresh products, litter the shelves and bring color to the place. Fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, and local bread have something to delight the taste buds of the most demanding gourmets. Be careful, however, as prices are particularly high. So don't be surprised when you receive your rating.
2. The waterfront
Along Elliott Bay, not far from the public market center, admire the waterfront and marvel at the breathtaking views of the sometimes snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Preferably, plan this walk at dusk to admire a wonderful sunset. Take the opportunity to take nice pictures in memory of your trip to Seattle.
3. The Space Needle
184 meters high, the Seattle Tower has been an emblem of the city since 1962, when a World's Fair was held. Do not hesitate to climb to the top of the needle of space, to go to the platform, and contemplate the 360 ° view. From the top of the Space Needle, you can see the Olympic mountain ranges, the various waterfalls, Mount Rainier, etc. You can even have lunch there if you want to linger more on this site. The visit to the Space Needle usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
- Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Rates: $13 per adult
4. Columbia Center
The Columbia Center is the tallest skyscraper in the city of Seattle. From the top of its 287 m, it even exceeds the Space Needle. Do not hesitate to approach the building to become aware of all its magnificence.
5. Bruce Lee's grave
Head to Lakeview Cemetery on Capitol Hill and pay your respects at the grave of the famous king of Kung Fu, Bruce Lee. You can also visit Arthur Armstrong Denny, one of the founders of the city of Seattle.
Opening hours: daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
6. The original Starbucks
Head to 1912 Pike-Place and discover the 1st Starbucks coffee to open in 1971. Yes, this one is located in Seattle, the city that was the starting point of the wonderful adventure of the American coffee chain that now has no less than 23,000 cafes around the world. Drinks start at $2.
Opening hours: daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 6:30 a.m. On Sundays.
7. Downtown Seattle
Since Seattle is the most important city in Washington State, you are forced to linger in its city center. You will discover typical neighborhoods, even picturesque ones. You can also take the opportunity to go shopping or eat in one of the best establishments in the city.
8. A donut at Top Pot
When you travel to the United States and you are greedy, you are forced to taste an iconic American donut. To enjoy a delicious donut, head to 5th Avenue at Top Pot. It is unquestionably one of the best donut makers in the city of Seattle. The brand has been a real institution since 2002. On the other hand, be aware that you can also consume other delicacies, such as delicious American muffins.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
9. Lake Washington
Lake Washington is the 2nd largest lake in Washington State. It lies between the cities of Seattle and Kirkland. For the more athletic among you, cross the lake by kayak and reach Mercer Island. You may be lucky enough to spot sea lions. Moreover, the house of Bill Gates, the famous designer of Microsoft, lives in a house on one of the shores of the lake.
10. A boat tour in Puget Sound
The city of Seattle is aptly named because water is omnipresent. It was built around an arm of the Pacific Ocean: Puget Sound. In order to discover this maritime city from the sea, it is possible to take a boat tour. Moreover, do not hesitate to stay in the Edgewater Hotel which overlooks the bay. This unusual property allows travelers to fish directly from the balcony of their room.
11. The Gum Wall
Near Pike Place Market, discover the street where the walls are completely covered with chewed gum. Indeed, this tradition began in 1993, when patrons from the nearby theatre waited in line before entering. They used to stick their chewing gum on the wall before entering the theater. After several unsuccessful attempts by the authorities to have this wall washed by the managers of the theater, the Gum Wall became a tourist attraction in 1999.
In 2015, it had to be cleaned, because the red bricks of the wall were too attacked by sugar and various bacteria. It took more than 3 days to evacuate the accumulation of more than a million chewing gums. Rest assured, since this stage, Seattle residents and tourists have quickly glued their chewing gum to restore the singular identity of this wall.
12. Play guitar at the Experience Music Project
At the heart of the Seattle Center business park is a building completely disconnected from reality: the Experience Music Project. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this building is entirely dedicated to rock and grunge. Enter this establishment and observe the relics of Nirvana and AC/DC. You can also strum a few chords on the available guitars.
13. The zoo
Don't miss Woodland Park Zoo, and discover animals from around the world. The site is organized into several zones, namely Asia, Nordic countries, savannah, and temperate forests. You will see lions, zebras, giraffes, hippos, wallabies, leopards, monkeys, and many other species. The site has something to interest young and old. Located between Green Lake and Fremont.
- Opening hours: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Rates: $18.25
14. Museums
For those hungry for knowledge, head to one of Seattle's city museums. You will find the Museum of Flight which is dedicated to the history of aviation. The Pacific Science Center will satisfy science enthusiasts. As for art lovers, head to the Seattle Art Museum to discover the site's collection of pictorial and sculptural art.
15. San Juan Islands
Take the ferry and head off to Seattle. Disembark on the San Juan Islands and observe orcas. If you want to extend your stay on the island, you can book a room in the port of Friday Harbor.
16. Washington Park Arboretum
Go green as you walk through the Washington Park Arboretum. This botanical garden is home to more than 10,000 plants from around the world. You will observe many rhododendrons and azaleas. Being twinned with the city of Kobe, Japan, Seattle was offered a tea garden. It is quite natural that it took place in the Washington Park Arboretum. It is located between Washington Lake and Seattle Medical University.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
17. Seattle Central Library
Since 1891, the city of Seattle has been home to a huge library. Since 2004, the latter has settled in the city center. This glass and steel building dedicates 11 floors and many shelves to books of all kinds.
Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
18. Olympic Park
The Olympic park is a natural space of rare exception. Between beaches and mountains with lush forests, do not miss this wild site. Moreover, you can make many hikes with a guide. In winter, the excursion is in the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and requires snowshoeing.
19. The statue of Lenin
Exhibited in the Fremont district, the statue of Lenin is a bronze sculpture that pays tribute to the famous politician. This 7-ton behemoth was designed by Emil Venkov. It took the artist more than 10 years to complete his work.
20. Seattle Harbor Cruise
From the Port of Seattle, embark on a narrated cruise aboard a sightseeing boat. Admire the rooftops of the American metropolis and the Olympic Mountains from the sea. This cruise is very popular with tourists and has been around since 1949. The ship usually consists of an open upper deck and a closed lower deck so as to please everyone. The cruise takes place with a hundred other passengers.
21. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Right next to the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass. This exhibition center will intrigue you with its glass galleries, colors, and garden. It is possible to combine it with access to the Space Needle. In this case, the entrance for the 2 sites rises.
22. Snoqualmie and Twin Falls
Connect with nature and explore the Snoqualmie and Twin waterfalls. To do this, make a hike of 2 or 3 hours. Walk to the base of the falls and admire these waterfalls over 80 m. To make sure you don't miss anything and don't get lost, plan this tour with a tour guide.
23. Discovering Seattle's vineyards
For wine lovers, take advantage of your excursion to Snoqualmie Falls to explore the winery of Château Ste Michelle. It is one of the oldest and most reputable in Washington State. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes to proceed with a wine tasting and discover American know-how.
24. Seattle Chocolate Tour
Browse the best chocolate factories for 2 or 3 hours. Discover all the design secrets of the world's most beloved treat. Take the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of Seattle's chocolate delights.
25. Mount Rainier National Park Day Trip from Seattle
From Seattle, book a tour and visit Mount, Rainier, National Park. No need to rent a vehicle, it's your driver who takes care of everything. It will take you through the park and stop several times for you to take photos of Longnire and Narada Falls. You'll also explore Jackson Visitor Center Park.
26. Boeing Factory Tour 2023
For aviation enthusiasts, visit the Boeing company and discover the manufacturing secrets of the famous airliners. The site includes an aviation museum, a Paine Field observation deck, a factory tour, and an official Boeing store. The site opens in March 2023.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
27. Meredith Grey's house in Grey's Anatomy and Kurt Cobain
For fans of the series Grey's Anatomy, it is unthinkable not to pass in front of Meredith Grey's house. To discover it, it is located at 303 W Comstock Street in Seattle, of course. Once in front, you can photograph yourself in front of the emblematic house of the series. In addition, for fans of grunge music, and more particularly of the band Nirvana, it is possible to go in front of Kurt Cobain's house. It is in this house that the famous singer committed suicide in 1994. This house is located at 171 Lake Washington Blvd East. Be careful, the building is privately owned. So you can walk past it and photograph it, but if you want to meditate, go to Viretta Park. This is a square close to the house where fans usually lay flowers and offerings in honor of Kurt Cobain.
28. Leavenworth Village of Lights Festival
If you're staying in Seattle in December, take the opportunity to visit Leavenworth. This small mountain village, picturesque, sports many lights during the holiday season. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights bring an authentic charm to this place. If you are a fan of Christmas romantic comedies, this is where you should go!
29. A sunset sailing trip in Seattle
Better than a tourist boat, dare to cross the sea aboard a sailboat. Enjoy this tour in a splendid schooner to watch the sunset over Seattle Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy this romantic setting while enjoying a delicious glass of champagne. This activity is to be done if you are traveling as a couple.
30 Old Ballard Brewery
If you're a beer lover, you can't leave the city without tasting the famous nectar of one of the local breweries. Located in the West Woodland district, Old Ballard is one of the best in the city.
In short, the city of Seattle is characterized by a singular geographical location. Land of contrast, both lake city and on the edge of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country, you can marvel at the diversity of these natural landscapes. Seattle is also a dynamic city, pleasant to visit, and which has seen the birth of rock stars. With these 30 must-do activities, you have plenty to do for the duration of your stay in Seattle.
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