Seattle is the exact opposite of what it used to be few decades ago, for good. It has flourished more than one can imagine.
From an unattractive and almost dull port it is now not just the most attractive but also the largest city in Washington State.
You can be a beach person or a mountain person, you will not be disappointed here as it has both to offer.
10 Best Things To Do in Seattle
This seaport city is coming of age urban population, is home town of great men like Bill Gates among others.
If in city you might be lucky to get a spot and watch the soccer match in the CenturyLink Field.
This city boasts of a lot of the unique museums, great parks and few of the unique buildings and localities.
The city is diverse not only in its population but all its scenic and structures, from ferry rides to giant Ferris ride, this city is fun packed yet serene at the same time.
1. Pike Place Market
Located in downtown Seattle is this market on the Elliott Bay that never fails to amaze everyone who comes down this steep hill to see the Pike Place market.
Dating back to around first decade of the 20th century, this market has been the hub and permanent base for famers specifically for seasonal produce.
You will find everything in this area from couple of fish markets to more than a few dozen of speciality food stores that is hard to find anywhere else, treat yourself to unique species and food ingredients.
It is also base to an enormous trade market of crafts, you will be blown to see around 200 traders and underground shops as well.
This area is usually crowded owing to the variety it has to offer, visit it early to avoid the crowds and you will have great options. This has a great appeal for locals as well as tourists.
The Pike Place market will lure you to its great smelling fresh breads and little collectibles that you can buy as presents from your trip or keep a souvenir.
2. Space Needle
One of the most amusing places in Seattle is the Space Needle, this 60 year old building is one of its kind. Not only is it a great attraction in the city rather in the state.
Built in 1962 as the tallest standing building at 158 metres, this is charismatic building stands in west Mississippi.
You will have to take the glass elevator and overlook more than the town, the islands on Puget Sound, the nearby mountains as well as the Olympic Mountains amongst other views.
Although the building is of only six floors yet gives you the perfect bird’s eye view.One of the most fascinating and unique features is the rotating glass floor.
Which happens to not only be the first but also the only one in the world. This is a major attraction so make sure you visit around noon, the less populated time.
3. Museum of Pop Culture
Initially known as the Experience Music Project till 2006 is a contribution of the Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
‘MoPop’ short for Museum of Pop Culture; the extraordinary building, was erected in 2000 by Frank Gehry.
If you are a fan of sci-fi, horror movies and video games you will end up spending more than couple of hours in the building. It opens from 10 a.m. every day. You can buy the tickets online.
4. Olympic Sculpture Park
You will find yourself standing amidst unique structures like the distinct one of-its-kind sculpture, the Alexander Calder’s Eagle, when viewed from the south-west it is aligned beautifully with the Space Needle.
This is home to around 20 works of the Olympic Sculpture Park. The structures stand under the open sky, this gallery is spread over a nine-acre area that formerly served as an industrial site.
To name a few other art works by famous artists in the park are Wake by Richard Serra, Spilt by Roxy Paine, and Echo by Jaume Plensa amongst others.
The entry fee is free all-round the year, and is open on all days except national holidays. The park opens 30minutes before sunrise, it subsequently closes 30minutes after sunset.
The Asian art museum also stands within the premises and has some amazing art work on display.
5. Seattle Great Wheel
Elliot Bay, the port of Seattle has lots to offer, the giant Ferris wheel standing at more than 53 meters tall is one of them. Situated at Pier 57, on the west coast this was built as the tallest at that time.
The waterfront looks absolutely stunning in presence of this Seattle Great Wheel. A must try for adventure seekers.
Decorated with LEDs and other lights, this is lit up every night, although it is put into function only on occasions, holidays or weekends.
6. Smith Tower
Smith Tower was the first skyscraper in Seattle, and the tallest building before Space Needle claimed for itself that honour in Seattle.
This 148 meters high building stands at 38-storeies, which was the tallest not only in town but all of New York, in its time. You have to give it a look with your real eyes if you happen to be in town.
The building was named after Lyman Cornelius Smith a businessman, since he financed it.
The building still proudly flaunts its vintage wall fittings such as the brass-coated elevators and latticed doors attached to it.
From carved teak ceilings at certain places to twirled banister onyx, a few of the designs were redone and opened again in 2016, that had a speakeasy theme you will definitely admire.
7. Washington State Ferries
One of the popular and best things to do in Seattle is get a ride on a ferry across the Puget Sound.
Claiming to be host of the one of largest fleet of ferries, the Washington State Ferries (WSF) maintains Ferries running in 12 separate routes.
This stands at the fourth position, on a scale of largest ferry systems in the world.
Fascinatingly all the ferries in this area can carry around at least 64 cars, and the smallest vessel can take on board 750 passengers at one go.
One of the trips that is recommendable is the Seattle-Bainbridge Island Ferry, that you can starts from Pier 52 and harbours at Bainbridge Island.
This is one of the liveliest and shiny places and you can party if you wish. But the ferry fairs may vary given the season.
8. Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo stands in North Central Seattle, somewhat near to the Green Lake Park of Seattle.
This zoo is famous for its wildlings as well as the number of prizes it has bagged, standing next to Bronx Zoo, from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
You can’t take your eyes off the beautiful penguins, the rarest sight, underwater from a huge glass window.
Here the natural individual habitats have been accumulated for the species, and have managed to get awards subsequently.
Home to animals like Malayan tigers, orangutans and sloth bears, you will also spot Indian rhinos in and out of their artificial caves.
You will also be able to see brown bears and animals from Africa like that zebras and giraffes.
The zoo will keep you hooked to its ever active population and peculiar sights that you can see only at a zoo.
9. Seattle Japanese Garden
This urban sanctuary is spread over a luscious 3.5-acre land. Located near the south-end of Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle.
You can go to relax and enjoy the calm and serene garden filled with beautiful fauna, stones short bridges and few buildings. A spot to take pictures and appreciate nature.
This place organises all traditional Japanese festivals and special occasions, if you happen to be there around fourth Saturday of the starting summer you will be able to attend the yearly tea party.
10. CenturyLink Field
This stadium is situated in Elliott Bay, is multipurpose and home ground for both Seattle Sounders (MLS) and Seattle Seahawks (NLF) of major League Soccer.
You can’t miss this if you are a soccer enthusiast. It can house about 69,000 for a game and even more on special occasions.
Conclusion
Seattle is home to a few great men such as Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, a philanthropist who has contributed for a visitor foundation in the town.
This seaport city, on the west coast of USA, is also home to Paul Allen, actor Ryan stiles (Two and a half men, 2003) and few other men recognized world-wide.