Travel Guide:

Seattle Things to See and Do

Find Discount Hotels:


Top Contributors
Writer for Seattle Travel Guide - Hotels & Restaurants
Writer for Seattle Travel Guide - Hotels & Restaurants
Things to See and Do Edit Section - Seattle Things to See and Do
 
Seattle is a place where the things to do are only limited by your physical prowess. This Northwest city is unique in the fact that a world of activities are all available within an hours drive: sailing, skiing, hiking, whale watching, caving, off roading and rock climbing. For this reason, Seattle is known as the city of the outdoors.

That said, for the downtown area in particular, there are a few major attractions that all tourists and visitors to the city must see in order to say that they've experienced Seattle.

1. The Space Needle
Originally one of the tallest structures in the world, the Space Needle defines the Seattle skyline and is internationally recognized as a symbol of the rainy city. The views from up top are spectacular, with sweeping view of the entire Puget Sound and out to the Olympic Penninsula. For the romatically inclined, the restaurant at the top of the world is a great way to impress your date, though reservations are a must; especially during the busy holiday seasons.

2. The Underground Tour
Did you know that Seattle was built on-top of itself?  The Seattle Underground tour explores the entire city blocks of Seattle's history now buried under popular traffic congested streets. It is even rumored that areas of the tour are haunted, for the paranormal inclined.

3. Ride the Ducks Seattle
Why drive when you can ride in a makeshift WWII amphibious vehicle dressed like a duck!  These vehicles are a mainstay of the Seattle tourism industry and can be seen by the dozens roaming the streets and waterways of Seattle's downtown district. The tour starts on land and splashes into the city waterfront, giving visitors a unique, unmatched tour of the city.

4. Experience Music Project
The gem project of Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, the EMP is a collection of music history and memorabilia from across the country and ages. Fans of Jimi Hendrix will be treated to a special experience, as the museum has a section specifically dedicated to this famous rocker.

5. Pike Place Market
Who can visit Seattle without visiting Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle's oldest farmer's market and merchant center. Bump and shuffle your way through this busy market to take in the sights and smells of boisterous fish mongers, fresh donuts, artisan cheeses and the various vendors and musicians that line this extremely popular venue. Be sure to check out the first Starbucks location as well.

Here's more links to various Seattle resources:
Seattle's Convention and Visitor's Bureau - The official website
Seattle.gov - Visiting Seattle - City of Seattle website
Seattle Restaurants - Chef Seattle's restaurant guide
Seattle Opera - Yes, you can even get some culture in the rainy city
Seattle Symphony - A popular venue for residents
Seattle Center - Home of the Space Needle and EMP
Seattle Bus Monster - Getting around without a car while visiting