Downtown Seattle offers an incredible mix of must-see attractions, world-class dining, and stunning waterfront views. Whether you're drawn to the city's famous landmarks or eager to explore its creative culture, the walkable core of Seattle delivers experiences you'll remember long after your visit. From the towering Space Needle to the busy Pike Place Market, these are our favorite things to do in downtown Seattle that showcase the city's unique character and Pacific Northwest charm.
Start With Iconic Downtown Seattle Views
Space Needle
The Space Needle remains Seattle's most recognizable landmark, and for good reason. This 605-foot tower offers panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. The renovated observation deck features floor-to-ceiling glass walls and the world's first and only rotating glass floor. With a Seattle CityPASS® ticket, you get day and night admission, allowing you to experience both the daytime cityscape and the twinkling lights after dark.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Just steps from the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the stunning glass art of Dale Chihuly. The exhibition features large-scale installations in brilliant colors that seem to dance with light. The garden component adds an outdoor element where glass sculptures blend seamlessly with living plants. The must-visit attractions in downtown Seattle combine art, nature, and innovation in one spectacular location.
A Classic Seattle Marketplace
Pike Place Market stands as one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States. This nine-acre historic district buzzes with energy as vendors toss fish, musicians perform, and locals shop for fresh produce. The market's main arcade houses everything from handcrafted jewelry to locally roasted coffee.
Start your morning with a coffee from the original Starbucks location, then watch the famous fish-throwing tradition at Pike Place Fish Market. Local food stalls offer everything from fresh donuts to artisanal cheese. The market's lower levels reveal hidden shops selling vintage books, magic tricks, and handmade crafts. Before heading to your next attraction, grab a quick bite from one of the many food vendors or stop by Piroshky Piroshky for their famous Russian pastries.
Experience Seattle's Creative Side
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture brings music, film, and popular culture to life through interactive exhibits and rare artifacts. The building itself, designed by Frank Gehry, resembles a smashed guitar and sets the tone for the creative experiences inside. Explore exhibits dedicated to Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and science fiction, or try your hand at playing instruments in the Sound Lab.
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum offers an impressive collection spanning from ancient to contemporary works. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum features rotating exhibitions alongside permanent collections that include everything from African masks to contemporary installations. The museum provides free admission on the first Thursday of each month for Washington state residents, making it an accessible way to experience global art collections.
Dive Into the Waterfront
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium sits right on Pier 59, offering you a chance to explore Pacific Northwest marine life. The aquarium's highlights include the massive Window on Washington Waters exhibit, where you can watch giant Pacific octopuses, lingcod, and rockfish in their natural habitat. Interactive touch pools let you feel sea stars and anemones, while the seal and otter exhibits provide entertainment for all ages.
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
An Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour provides the perfect perspective on Seattle's skyline and waterfront. The narrated cruise shares stories about the city's maritime history while you enjoy views of the Space Needle, downtown skyscrapers, and surrounding mountains. The hour-long tour covers Elliott Bay and offers photo opportunities you simply can't get from land.
The waterfront also features the Olympic Sculpture Park, where you can discover outdoor art installations with scenic views of Puget Sound. Walking paths connect various sculptures, creating a perfect afternoon stroll that combines culture with stunning water views.
Fun for Families Downtown
Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center offers hands-on STEM exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. Interactive displays cover everything from dinosaurs to space exploration, while the IMAX theater presents educational films on a massive screen. The center's butterfly house provides a tropical escape where colorful butterflies flutter freely around visitors.
Woodland Park Zoo
While Woodland Park Zoo sits outside the strict downtown area, it's easily accessible via public transit and worth the short trip. Home to more than 1,000 animals representing 300 species, the zoo focuses on conservation and education. The African Savanna exhibit allows giraffes, zebras, and gazelles to roam together, while the Trail of Vines features jaguars and sun bears.
Seasonal Events and Insider Tips
Seattle's downtown transforms with each season, offering different experiences throughout the year. Summer brings outdoor concerts to Seattle Center and farmers' markets that extend Pike Place's offerings to nearby parks. Fall showcases the changing colors in nearby Kerry Park, which provides postcard-perfect views of the Seattle skyline. Winter holidays light up the city with festive decorations, while spring welcomes cherry blossoms to various downtown parks.
The Seattle Center Monorail provides quick transportation between Seattle Center attractions and downtown, making it easy to hop between the Space Needle area and Pike Place Market. Most Downtown Seattle activities are within walking distance of each other, but the monorail saves time and energy when you're covering longer distances.
Consider timing your visit to coincide with First Thursday art walks, when many galleries stay open late and offer special exhibitions. The Museum of Flight, while located south of downtown, provides an excellent rainy-day option with its collection of historic aircraft and space exhibits.
Make the Most of Your Trip With Seattle CityPASS® Tickets
Seattle CityPASS® tickets help you save up to on admission to the city's top attractions. Your ticket includes admission to the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, and your choice of either the Museum of Pop Culture or Woodland Park Zoo, plus Chihuly Garden and Glass or the Museum of Flight.
With so many incredible things to do in downtown Seattle, planning your itinerary can feel overwhelming. CityPASS® tickets simplify your trip by bringing the best attractions together. Start planning your Pacific Northwest adventure and discover why millions of travelers choose CityPASS® tickets to explore their favorite destinations.