Things to Do in Seattle
Prices, opening hours, best times to visit and the stuff nobody tells you, everything you need for a first trip to Seattle, Washington, plus one pigeon's opinions on all of it.
Right, Seattle. Coffee culture that basically started here, a fish market where they throw the actual fish at each other for fun, the Pacific Northwest's coffee capital, home to the very first store of one of the world's biggest coffee chains, and topped by a tower built for a 1962 World's Fair that's remained the city's most recognisable landmark ever since. This is the proper, no-nonsense guide to things to do in Seattle: what things actually cost, when to go, what to skip, and which bits deserve the cup. Three main stops below, plus a quiz elsewhere on this site to see if you were paying attention.
The Birthplace of a Global Coffee Chain
Seattle is widely recognised as the birthplace of a major global coffee chain, reflecting the city's strong coffee culture, the chain's very first store still operates near the city's famous Pike Place Market, a significant piece of coffee history, expect a real queue at the original store, it's become a proper pilgrimage stop for coffee enthusiasts visiting the city.
Seattle's coffee culture extends well beyond that one chain, seek out independent roasters and cafes throughout the city, this is a serious coffee town with real depth beyond the most famous, internationally recognisable name.
Hours Daily, roughly 6am–9pm
Address Original Starbucks store, Pike Place Market, Seattle
Pike Place Market's Fish Throwing
Seattle's Pike Place Market is well known for a tradition where vendors throw fresh fish to each other, an entertaining bit of theatre that's become one of the market's signature attractions, the fishmongers at the main stall put on this display regularly throughout the day, real showmanship built into their everyday work.
Beyond the fish throwing, Pike Place Market itself rewards a good wander, one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the US, fresh produce, crafts, and food stalls spread across multiple levels.
Best time Morning through early afternoon, when the market is busiest
Address Pike Place Market, Seattle
The Space Needle
Seattle's skyline is dominated by a distinctive tower built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle, built as the centrepiece of a major exposition, it remains the city's most recognisable landmark, the entry fee buys sweeping views over the city, Puget Sound, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier in the distance.
The revolving glass floor, added in a more recent renovation, is a fun option if you want a slightly unusual perspective, book timed entry ahead given the tower's popularity, particularly during peak tourist season.
Hours Daily, roughly 10am–10pm
Address Space Needle, Seattle
Best time to visit Seattle
June through September gives the most comfortable, driest weather for the amount of walking this list involves, considerably less rain than the rest of the year.
Seattle's famous rain runs roughly October through May, pack accordingly if you visit then, the city's coffee culture and indoor attractions work well regardless of season.
Getting around Seattle
Seattle's light rail covers key routes, and central areas including Pike Place Market and the Space Needle are walkable. Ride-hailing apps cover anywhere further out.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Seattle worth visiting?
- Yes, easily, Pike Place Market's fish-throwing tradition, the Space Needle, and the city's deep coffee culture together make it one of the Pacific Northwest's most distinctive stops.
- How many days do you need in Seattle?
- Three days covers Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and a proper coffee-focused wander comfortably.
- Is Seattle expensive?
- Moderate to expensive, broadly in line with other major West Coast US cities, the Space Needle entry is the main planned expense on this list.
- What is Seattle famous for?
- Being the birthplace of one of the world's biggest coffee chains, Pike Place Market's fish-throwing tradition, and the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair.
That's everything I've got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government's latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
