Looking for unique and cool things to do in Seattle? Here you have my Seattle Travel Guide with the best travel tips.
Seattle is one of the fastest growing cities in America, and it’s easy to see why.
Located on the west coast of Washington, Seattle has it all.
With an incredible food and drink atmosphere, a vibrant arts scene, professional sports teams, water activities, and nearby hiking… there’s truly something for everyone.
A city that often times sees more rain that sun, is wildly eclectic, and can at times be misunderstood; if you can manage to put your judgments aside, you’re in for a real Pacific Northwest treat.
✏️ Post content
- Getting Around Seattle
- Where to Stay in Seattle
- Seattle Travel Tips
- Cool Things to Do in Seattle, Washington
- Top Things to do in Seattle with Kids
- 1. Go up the Seattle Space Needle
- 2. Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
- 3. Visit the Fremont Troll, one of the best family activities in Washington state
- Fun Things to do in Seattle for Adults
- 4. Ride bikes to Gas Works Park
- 5. Rent a boat on Lake Union, one of the best Seattle activities for the weekend
- 6. Head to The Nest for rooftop drinks overlooking Elliott Bay
- Unique Things to do in Seattle Solo
- 7. Take Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
- 8. Take the ferry to West Seattle
- 9. Visit Pike Place Market
- Seattle attractions map
Getting Around Seattle
Seattle is a compact and walkable city, which is serviced by the train – Link light rail.
Do you need a car in Seattle?
If you’re planning on staying within the city, you don’t need a car.
You can walk or take the Link, which runs from north to south (and vice versa) servicing the airport all the way to the University of Washington.
That’s one of the best things to do in Seattle!
Because the link only runs north and south there are a few neighborhoods in Seattle that aren’t serviced by the train.
In this case both Uber and Lyft are convenient ride sharing services that operate in Seattle.
Or if you want to enjoy the outdoors you can rent a LimeBike or Jump bike from anywhere on the street. All you have to do is download the Lime app or if you’re using Jump download Uber.
If you plan to get out of the city to go for hiking near Seattle or take a day trip I would recommend renting a Car2Go.
Prices are comparable to renting a car from the airport, however Car2Go is much more convenient.
Parked on any number of streets in Seattle, download the app, and reserve your car for minutes, hours, or days.
(If you plan to utilize this service download the app well ahead of time. You will be asked to show proof of driver’s license and it can take a few days to get this approved).
Where to Stay in Seattle
Seattle covers nearly 85 square miles and claims at least 29 different neighborhoods. This gives you endless options to choose from when planning your travels.
From historic neighborhoods, downtown Seattle, to party neighborhoods to laid-back neighborhoods, there are lots of Seattle hotels that will suite everyone’s needs.
So, where should you stay when visiting Seattle?
If you’re visiting Seattle to learn about the history of the city, a stay at the Best Western Plus in Pioneer Square hotel might be for you. One of the best places to stay in Seattle!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
If you’re coming with the goal to hit the tourist spots check yourself into the quaint Inn at the Market located in the heart of Pike Place Market.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Or if you want a more relaxed stay away from city life rent a houseboat on South Lake Union.
Seattle Travel Tips
When to Visit Seattle
Looking for what is the best time of the year to visit Seattle?
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has a lot of gloomy, rainy days.
- The “wet” months range from October-May when Seattle gets over half of its rainfall for the year.
- The winters are mild in temperatures, while occasionally seeing snow.
- The warmest months of the year happen to be July and August when tourist season is at its peak.
Overall the Seattle weather is mild in both the winter and summer months.
Seattle Packing Hacks
Looking for what should you wear in Seattle? Here you have some ideas:
- Tip #1: Seattle is HILLY! Pack comfortable shoes for walking throughout the city.
- Tip #2: Bring a light rain jacket. The weather can be unpredictable and while the summer months are usually sunny, there’s a chance for light rain throughout the day.
Don’t forget Travel Insurance
I always travel with insurance, even if I travel inside my own country.
No matter how well you plan and research a trip, there are always things that happen beyond your control. I had to use it several times and it saved my trip!
Cool Things to Do in Seattle, Washington
Top Things to do in Seattle with Kids
Looking for what should you do in Seattle with kids or without them? Here you have a few ideas:
1. Go up the Seattle Space Needle
The Space Needle is an iconic Seattle landmark built for the fair in 1962.
One of the most photographed structures in the world, you can ride the elevator to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city.
Buy tickets online for $24-$37, prices vary on age.
2. Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum showcases the work of Dale Chihuly, a glass artist.
He’s famous worldwide and even has an art installation throughout the canals of Venice. Besides, is one of those fun things to do in Seattle when it rains (and when it’s not!).
Tickets can be purchased online, prices range from $19-$22 depending on age
Please note: If you plan to visit both the Space Needle and the Chihuly Gardens you can bundle your ticket for cheaper.
3. Visit the Fremont Troll, one of the best family activities in Washington state
In the depths of Fremont is where you’ll find this Troll hiding away under a bridge.
By 1990 the area under the bridge became a haven for drug dealers, so a competition began as a way to rehabilitate under the bridge.
To this day the troll still stands and brings in tons of visitors who want to see the idea behind this Scandinavian Folklore. One of the unusual things to see in Seattle.
The best part about this art installation is that it is completely free and open to the public!
Don’t miss this post if looking for more things to do in Seattle with kids!
Fun Things to do in Seattle for Adults
Looking for what to do in Seattle for adults? Here you have a few ideas:
4. Ride bikes to Gas Works Park
As I mentioned earlier, a fun way to get around the city is by bike! Specially if you visit Seattle in summer.
You can find both LimeBike and Jump scattered throughout the streets. Simply activate your app, scan the barcode, and away you go!
Pack a picnic, ride your bikes to Gas Works for sunset, and watch the boats, kayaks, and seaplanes come and go on Lake Union. Definitely, one of those cool things to do in Seattle you’ll love!
5. Rent a boat on Lake Union, one of the best Seattle activities for the weekend
If you have a group of people visiting Seattle in a day one of the best ways to spend the evening is on the water!
Book on The Electric Boat Company (no boating experience required) or if you want a more unique experience opt for a hot tub boat!
6. Head to The Nest for rooftop drinks overlooking Elliott Bay
Overlooking Pike Place Market, the Nest is located on top of the Thompson Hotel.
With views over the Seattle Ferris Wheel out into Elliott Bay the Nest is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, have a bite to eat, and reflect on the day.
With a trendy, fun vibe it’s the ideal place to head to as a couple or in a group.
Unique Things to do in Seattle Solo
7. Take Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Seattle has an interesting history and what better way to learn about it than a Seattle underground tour?
Learn about the streets under Seattle and why Seattle had to rebuild on top of them.
This tour takes you throughout Pioneer Square, the most historic neighborhood in Seattle, to give you a taste of life in the 1800’s, when Seattle was founded.
8. Take the ferry to West Seattle
See Seattle from a different view by heading to the waterfront to hop on the ferry that will take you west to West Seattle.
Not only is it a cheap, quick ride, but you’ll also have amazing views of the Seattle skyline all the way there. One of the most romantic things to do in Seattle!
Once the ferry docks you’ll be standing in front of the delicious restaurant, Marination Mai Kai. A Hawaiian-Asian fusion restaurant with a laid-back vibe – order at the front and pick the food up yourself, amazing food, complete with a view of the skyline.
9. Visit Pike Place Market
No visit to Seattle is complete with visiting Pike Place Market. Besides, it’s one of the best free things to do in Seattle.
The market itself is the oldest public farmers market in the United States, opened and running since 1907.
With restaurants, bars, wine tasting rooms, food stands, trinket stands, and more, you can find anything you could imagine to need at Pike Place.
While you’re there make sure to stop at Beecher’s for mac n’ cheese, Athenian at the Market to check out where Sleepless in Seattle was filmed – and for an order of calamari, and Piroshky Piroshky a Russian bakery.
One of the best places to visit in Seattle!
Seattle attractions map
There’s tons of fun, unique and cool things to do in Seattle.
If you find yourself visiting the city, you’re in for a treat. It’s truly an eclectic, vibrant, and artsy city that suits people of all ages.
SPREAD THE WORD!
PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓
If you found my post useful, would you consider sharing it on Pinterest? Click the “Pin It” button to share the full-sized version of the below images.
Kylee is the original creator of the “8 Day Vacay“. A vacation geared towards nurses aiming to take advantage of the potentially 8 days off between work weeks with no need to use PTO.
