The 13 Best Things To Do In Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a city I’d heard so much about and really wanted to check out so I’m grateful to have been able to visit this major city in the Pacific Northwest! If you’re looking for the best things to do in Seattle, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing the 13 can’t-miss spots in Seattle that you should definitely hit up when you’re visiting. From breweries, to local landmarks, to amazing city views, we’ve got everything you need here.

We were able to stay in three different neighborhoods throughout our time there—Fremont, Columbia City, and Belltown. Of all of them, Fremont was definitely my favorite. It had some Williamsburg vibes to it for sure and I liked that we were so close to the city center but that it still felt separate and had some of its own gems like Fremont Brewing (which I just realized I don't have a photo of so really there are 14 spots you have to check out in Seattle).

I am so glad to have been able to work with Visit Seattle for this trip and they were kind enough to hook me up with CityPASS so that we could experience what Seattle had to offer. With our CityPASS we did the Space Needle, the Seattle Aquarium, the Museum of Pop Culture, a Harbor Cruise, and the Chihuly Glass Garden. Most of these spots have around a $32 ticket fee and the CityPASS is $99 so if you’re looking to visit a few of the more popular spots in the city, get the pass and save yourself some money.

Whether you want to live like a local or check out some of the most iconic spots in the city, this guide will give you a mix of both. Here are the best spots in Seattle, Washington:

Pike Place Market

This is by far one of the most iconic spots in Seattle’s downtown area and you should definitely try to stop by at some point. I’d recommend a weekday if possible since Saturday and Sunday can get pretty crowded.

Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

Space Needle

I’ve done Top of the Rock, I’ve done One World Observatory…but man. The Space Needle was a whole different experience. The glass is slanted outward so you really feel like you’re just on top of the whole city. I couldn’t stay out on the viewing deck for too long, but wow were the views crazy. Keep in mind that the tickets for this are timed and you might have to wait a little bit once you’re inside for the elevator.

Space Needle, 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

Brunch at Bacco

I noticed this spot when I searched breakfast on Google maps and boy did I practically run there after I did. The French Toast I had was delightful and I would have loved to stay for a few mimosas too! The patio seating was so nice and we were very close to Pike Place market so this would be a great spot to visit before heading there.

Bacco, 86 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

First Starbucks

Here it is! Did I go inside? No, that line was way too long. One YouTube video I watched suggested hitting up the Starbucks Reserve instead to still get a special experience without the line because let’s face it: at the end of the day…it all tastes the same!

Starbucks, 102 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

The Nest Rooftop

Is the view from the bar on top of The Thompson Hotel insane, or is it insane? This cute rooftop spot called The Nest had sweeping views of Pike Place Market, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the mountains in the background. Drinks were reasonably priced and there was plenty of standing room at the bar, although you can make a reservation for a low table and couches if you’d like. Would definitely come back here again!

The Nest, 110 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101

Taylor Shellfish Farms

I’m about to make a bold statement here so I need you all to hold onto your iPhones. Best. Oysters. I’ve ever had. EVER! They were huge first of all (you can tell from the photo) and they were also so flavorful. I realize this place charges extra for the red sauce that usually comes with oysters but guess what. I didn’t even miss it! Seriously, Taylor Shellfish Farms…you have my heart.

Taylor Shellfish Farms, 124 Republican St, Seattle, WA 98109

Seattle Mural

Located on the south side of Bedlam Coffee on Second Avenue near Bell Street, the Seattle mural is definitely one worth checking out. If you’re heading back up towards the Space Needle from Pike Place, this is the perfect pit stop along the way for a photo.

Seattle Mural, 2231 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

Optimism Brewing

Optimism and Fremont Brewing were definitely tied for my favorite breweries in Seattle. This place was massive, it had games, it had a play pen for kids, and most importantly it had a massive selection of delicious craft brews. Already looking for an excuse to go back to Seattle so I can stop in here again.

Optimism Brewing, 1158 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122

Chihuly Glass and Garden

After seeing glass blowing for the first time in Venice a few years back, I knew that I wanted to check out Chihuly but wow. In person, it’s absolutely breathtaking. You can really see everything in detail and it is so fun to walk through. Even art novices would enjoy this.

Chihuly Garden and Glass, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

Stone Way Coffee

A cute spot in Fremont where I got to meet up with fellow blogger Cortney from The Grey Edit and her adorable new son Boden! I ordered a breakfast burrito and sat behind this mural as we chatted about blogging, entrepreneurship, and big life goals. The perfect start to my day? I think so!

Stone Way Cafe, 3510 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103

Soi

When Andrew and I went to Thailand we fell in love with khao soi in Chiang Mai and I often find myself craving it. So when we were looking for a little date night spot on Saturday, we were so excited to taste this khao soi and it was seriously amazing. We later found out the chef is actually from Chiang Mai which brought the whole thing full circle for us! You won’t find spring rolls or pad Thai at this restaurant, but if you’re feeling adventurous you should definitely stop in.

Soi, 1400 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Gum Wall

It’s kind of cute but mostly gross! The Gum wall is located in Post Alley in Pike’s Place so you can swing by this strange attraction when you’re visiting the market. Don’t go too far out of your way to see it, but it’s definitely something weird that is worth checking out in person, even for a few minutes.

1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101

Harbor Cruise

5 Things To Do In Seattle, Washington by austentosone on Jumprope.

And lastly, we loved that we were able to do a Harbor Cruise from our CityPASS! It was a little gloomy but there was plenty of seating outdoors and indoors. We even saw a whale! If you want more views of the city it’s definitely worth checking out.

Harbor Cruise, 1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55, Seattle, WA 98101

Honorable mentions: Gas Works Park, Geraldine’s, Floating Bridge Brewery, Dino’s Pizza

Have you been to Seattle? What is your favorite thing to do there?

yours,

Austen