What to see in Seattle?
Seattle has an abundance of public parks, friendly residents and well-maintained neighborhoods. The city is surrounded by the Olympic Mountains to the west and the colossal mass of Mount Rainier to the east, the most prominent peak in the United States.
Nestled between two mountain ranges on the banks of the Puget Sound, Seattle is like a wonderland designed for relaxing in nature. The atmosphere of the city is at the same time quite sophisticated and able to surprise with technological solutions.
Seattle's connection to the sea can be seen at the Seattle Aquarium. You can also rent a kayak or take a ride on the ferry. You will find many picturesque coastal areas where you can enjoy the region's natural beauty, hike or have a picnic.
The local museums offer education in the field of aviation, history and industry, art and science. And music and science fiction find their intersection at the Museum of Pop Culture and the Hall of Fame in Seattle Center.
In fact, you can’t remember everything — there are so many attractions in the city that we advise you to read our guide to the best of them.
- Seattle center
Seattle Center is a 74 acre cultural, arts and entertainment area. The center was built for World's Fair in 1962, which gave impetus to the economy and cultural life of the city. It has already attracted over 2.5 million visitors.
Seattle Center symbols include the Space Needle, the monorail and the musical fountain. On weekends, especially in summer, there is always something interesting and exciting happening on the territory of the center.
- Seattle central library
In 2004, the glass and steel central library building became the new icon of Seattle.
The Central Library has 11 floors and its total height is 57 meters. The building is majestic from the inside, not least because of the abundance of natural light. It can be explored on a self-guided tour or as a group trip.
Take a look at part of the automated material handling system right at the entrance. Show the kids the Faye G. Allen Center, where they can browse books, play and solve puzzles.
- Chihuly garden and glass
Glass artist Dale Chihuly has received worldwide recognition for his inventive glass sculptures. The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, opened in 2012, is dedicated to his work.
The display includes eight galleries, a lush garden, and a range of glass and steel structures. Learn about Chihuly's career and learn how he rewrote the canons of working with glass.
- Smith tower
Before the Space Needle, the tallest building in Seattle was the neoclassical Smith Tower, the city's first skyscraper. Its height is 38 floors, that is, about 148 meters. The building was one of the tallest towers outside of New York until the early 60s.
Visiting the observation deck on the 35th floor is a priority if you walk past the building. The interior of the tower is rich in antique details: latticed doors on elevators, onyx railings and carved ceilings.
- Space needle
The Space Needle has been giving Seattle its character for over 60 years and is a timeless symbol of the city. At the time of construction, it was the tallest building, its height reached 158 meters (184 with a spire). During the tour, you will take a glass elevator to the observation deck, where you can admire the views.
In 2017-18, a renovation took place, during which the owners installed the first revolving glass floor at a cost of $100 million.
- Pioneer square
In 1852, the founders of Seattle chose what is now Pioneer Square as the heart of their settlement. Here you will find wooden buildings from the 19th century and stately Romanesque buildings.
Note the replica of a totem pole carved in 1790 and brought by businessmen from Seattle during an expedition to Alaska. In 1938, the original totem pole burned down in a fire and a team of woodcarvers rebuilt it from scratch.
A variety of restaurants, cafes, bookstores and art galleries will further enhance your pastime.
- Seattle great wheel
The giant ferris wheel at the pier is the tallest on the entire west coast. Enjoy the mesmerizing landscape from a height of 53 meters from the enclosed booths that provide shelter in case of rain or wind.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the wheel remains open until midnight. If you want to experience the pleasure of a higher level, VIP cabins with glass floors, leather seats and champagne are available.
- Pike place market
At Elliot Bay, Pike Place is a surprisingly large market. Pike Place Market has farm stands with seasonal produce, many stalls, four fish markets and dozens of specialty grocery stores.
Give yourself as much time as possible to smell the baked goods. Browse collectibles, vinyl records, and retro guitars in small shops.
Come early if you want to avoid the crowds, or later to listen to local musicians.
- Benaroya hall
Benaroya Hall is named after philanthropist Jack Benaroya, who made the first and largest donation to build a concert hall. It was built in 1998 and cost $120 million.
Since 2019, the Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard has been the Musical Director, succeeding Ludovic Morlo. Major performances recently included Bach's Mass, Ravel's Piano Concerto and Nielsen's Symphony No. 2. Performers included violinist Augustin Hadelich (2016 Grammy winner), tenor Kenneth Tarver and pianist Jonathan Byss.
Seattle is rich in attractions.
Seattle is rich in attractions.
