More than 800,000 people call Seattle home and it’s not hard to see why.
If you are spending the day in Seattle, your bank account recommends buying a Seattle CityPASS, a multi-attraction ticket good for nine days offering entry to Seattle’s popular attractions like the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum (Ticket: $69/adult, $49/child). No matter if you have a day or a month to spend in downtown Seattle, here are a few things for you to do.
Pike Place Market
One of the biggest tourist spots in Seattle and the oldest farmer’s market in the U.S., the nine-acre market downtown Seattle has everything from vendors throwing fish, to beautiful homegrown flowers, fruits and veggies to street performers. The lively market is family friendly and welcomes all. Don’t forget to try the Rainier cherries and Washington’s finest apples.
Pike isn’t the only place to enjoy a walk. Take a stroll through Pioneer Square and check out the Victorian Romanesque architecture, museums, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife. On the first Thursday of every month is the Pioneer Square First Thursday Artwalk, a free self-guided tour of the galleries.
Top Pot Doughnuts
Top Pot Doughnuts is one of Seattle’s hottest treat spots. They have over 40 gourmet options and the most famous option is the Old Fashioned (a cake doughnut that I moist on the inside, slightly crunchy on the outside that comes in a variety of flavors, from raspberry glazed to maple icing), Feather Boa (a cake doughnut topped with pink or chocolate icing and coconut shavings) and filled doughnuts like Raspberry Bulls-eye and Valley Girl Lemon.
Explore Seattle Center
The 74-acre Seattle Center is timid park where people find some of the Seattle’s most famous attractions, including the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Children’s theatre and Seattle Children’s Museum
Ferry Rides
You can find ferry docks all throughout Seattle. The most popular laidback ferry ride heads to Bainbridge Island, home to Bainbridge Vineyards. It’s the first winery in Seattle to grow all their grapes on location. Seattle Ferry transit has great reviews. Weekends only!
Shop the International District
Chinese immigrants originally came to Seattle in the 1860s to work at the town’s saw mills, rail lines and on fishing boats. They settled into an area now known as International District which is located south of downtown Seattle. Chinese Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese and Southeast Asians call the International district home. Don’t miss out on the delicious authentic foods and take a stroll through one of the largest Asian grocery and gift stores in the U.S., Uwajimaya!
Market Theater Gum Wall
Many cities have their signature quirky landmarks and for Seattle, it’s the gum wall. Gum from mouths from all over the world have been placed on this wall. The tradition began around 1993 and was named one of the top 5 germiest tourist attractions in 2009.
Admire the Space Needle
There are plenty of parks and lookouts that overlook the Space Needle. The space needle was built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s fair, the futuristic, 605-foot Space needle is the icon of Seattle. There is an observation tower 520-feet up, which affords a 360 view of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountains. Be sure to eat at the restaurant with the floor that is slowly turning so you can see every part of Seattle while dining.
