Things to Do in Seattle

People say this video arcade offers a fun and immersive virtual reality experience with a variety of games, including zombie and fantasy themes. They highlight the experience is engaging, active, and suitable for groups, team events, and families. They also like the friendly, helpful, and professional staff

A peaceful temple setting in Bellevue with landscaped grounds and nature paths for quiet reflection. It suits visitors who want a calm, low-key stop rather than a busy sightseeing outing. The grounds are the main draw, so it works best as an unhurried visit.

Visitors say this art installation features a large, beautifully made troll sculpture crafted from recycled wood, offering a unique and artistic experience. They also highlight the easy access from parking, with a short, flat walk to the sculpture, and appreciate the free admission. Guests mention the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for great photos, making it a fun stop for all ages

Visitors say this cathedral features stunning architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere. They also highlight the welcoming community and the excellent mass services, including the choir. Guests mention the staff are friendly and helpful, and appreciate the free tours and available restrooms

A small neighborhood park on a hill with wide views over downtown Seattle, the Space Needle and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. It suits photographers and anyone looking for a simple free stop. Street parking is available but can be tight when the park is busy.

Family-friendly attraction featuring an 18-hole miniature golf course with monster decorations, a haunted house theme and arcade games. Visitors say this mini golf course offers a fun glow-in-the-dark experience with unique artwork and a variety of games, including arcade options and mini bowling. They also highlight the reasonable prices and the lively atmosphere with good music. Guests consistently praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating, especially for birthday parties and group events

People say this university library offers a vast collection of books and art, and features a stunning reading room with high ceilings and large windows. They highlight the beautiful, historic architecture, and the serene, inviting atmosphere perfect for reading and studying. They also like the spacious reading areas, both inside and out

In the city, this museum is centred on optical illusions, puzzles and hands-on exhibits. It suits families, groups and anyone looking for a playful indoor stop, with plenty of photo opportunities throughout. Nearby parking and the gift shop make it an easy short visit.

Waterway with opportunities for viewing salmon during the summer & park with unusual shrubs & trees. Boat traffic passes through these locks, while salmon swim upstream via a fish ladder. People say this tourist attraction offers a fascinating look at boats passing through locks, a fish ladder, and a botanical garden. They highlight the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and the opportunity to see seals and sea lions. They also like the educational experience and the informative visitor center.

Visitors say this park offers stunning mountain and water views, along with peaceful and easy walking trails. They also highlight the serene atmosphere, making it a great spot to watch cruise ships depart. Others also mention the fantastic mural

Popular hub with a rotating glass-floored observation deck and an array of art exhibits. People say this tourist destination offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, including a thrilling revolving glass floor. Visitors also highlight the variety of nearby attractions, such as the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture, making it a great place for families. They also appreciate the clean facilities and helpful staff

A 1914 office tower with an observatory and a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. It suits city views and a late evening stop. The vintage elevator is part of the experience.

Local, national, and international acts take the stage at this theater also offering dinner. People say this venue offers a great dinner and show experience with delicious food, including Asian options and vegan choices. They also highlight the intimate atmosphere, excellent sound system, and great sightlines from every seat. Guests mention the friendly, helpful staff and reasonable prices for food and drinks

Bucolic Puget Sound lighthouse operating since 1881, featuring a small white tower & cottage. Tourist attraction featuring a lighthouse, trails, and a beach where people search for sea glass. Visitors say this lighthouse offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, along with a peaceful beach perfect for photography and picnics. They also highlight the scenic walks through the park to reach the lighthouse. Guests mention it's a great spot to relax and enjoy nature, especially during sunset.

Visitors say this garden offers beautiful light shows and unique, immersive experiences like Astra Lumina and Forest of Shadows, with stunning visuals and synchronized music. They also highlight the well-groomed, easy-to-walk paths, making it suitable for families and strollers. Guests mention the friendly staff and the overall magical, relaxing, and fun atmosphere

Preserved gardens moved to prevent airport expansion, plus a playground, skatepark, and trails. Visitors say this botanical garden offers a peaceful escape with many wandering trails, a Japanese garden, and a rose garden. They also highlight the diverse plant life, including native and non-native species, and the opportunity to spot birds and wildlife

Family-friendly bowling alley with 32 automatic-bumper lanes, plus a pub for comfort eats. People say this bowling alley offers a fun, clean, and well-maintained bowling experience with a great selection of drinks, including local craft beers, and tasty food, such as pizza and shareable platters. They also highlight the friendly and efficient staff, the lively atmosphere with neon and blacklights, and the attached tiki bar

An iconic 605-foot observation tower at Seattle Center, with a rotating restaurant and glass walls for wide city views. It works well for first-time visitors and anyone planning a classic skyline stop. Go on a clear day if you want the broadest views, and note that this is one of the city’s pricier sights.

Trendy seafood dishes like chowder and fish sandwiches are served in this casual venue with an industrial vibe. Diners say this seafood restaurant serves up delicious shrimp toast, crab rolls, and rockfish bowls. They also highlight the friendly staff and efficient service

Across the border in Bellevue, this is a polished chain restaurant and bar with burgers, tacos, sushi, pasta and cocktails. It suits groups and anyone after a fuller late-night dinner. The menu and drink list make it an easy all-round option, and the setting is more upscale than casual.

In Seattle, this hot chicken spot serves customizable spice levels, fries and shakes. It suits a quick, casual late bite. The focus is on simple comfort food and a lively, easy stop rather than a long dinner.

People say this ice cream shop offers a wide selection of unique and seasonal flavors, including salted caramel, honey lavender, and chocolate gooey brownie. They highlight the creamy texture, generous portions, and the option to split scoops. They also like the friendly and helpful staff

Theater also showing blockbusters, featuring comfy seats, a large screen and chocolate popcorn. People say this movie theater offers a wide variety of films, including new releases and classics, and is famous for its delicious chocolate popcorn. They highlight the comfortable seats, great sound system, and large screen, as well as the reasonable prices and availability of alcohol. They also like the friendly and helpful staff

In Seattle, this theatre stages plays, cabaret, music, dance, spoken word, film and visual art. It suits an evening built around live performance. The intimate setting makes it a good pick if you want a smaller venue and a varied programme.

In Seattle, this basement bar has old-school arcade games, pinball and live music. It suits a relaxed, nostalgic night out. The atmosphere is casual and simple, with the games doing most of the work.

Charming locale showcasing artists spanning genres from blues to big-band, set in intimate digs. People say this live music venue offers an intimate setting to enjoy jazz, with a menu of reasonably priced dinners and drinks. They also highlight the friendly and professional staff, and the convenient free parking

Scenic outlook for views overlooking Puget Sound with the Space Needle on the horizon. Visitors say this viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle and Mount Rainier, especially beautiful during sunset and at night. They also highlight that it's a relaxing spot to enjoy the atmosphere and is free to visit. Others mention that street parking is often available, even during busy times.

Laid-back spot for food and cocktails with a wheel-of-fortune-style list for happy hour. People say this American restaurant serves delicious sourdough pasta, pizza, and bang bang chicken. They highlight the fun, lively atmosphere, and the extensive selection of cocktails and spirits. They also like the attentive and knowledgeable staff

A late-night sushi spot serving inventive rolls, izakaya snacks and sake. It suits a dinner stop after a show or museum visit, and the menu works well for groups. Good for visitors looking for a relaxed meal with lots of sushi and sake choice. It opens late and is in central Seattle.

In Seattle, this longtime diner serves American and Filipino breakfast and lunch plates. It suits anyone after hearty comfort food at almost any hour. The menu leans familiar and filling, which makes it practical for a straightforward late stop.

Eatery serving Malaysian street food including pan mee and roti jala, plus beer and cocktails. Diners like this restaurant's flavorful and authentic Malaysian dishes, with many highlighting the Nasi Lemak, Roti Jala with chicken curry, and crispy fried chicken wings. They also mention the cozy, vibrant atmosphere and the quick, attentive service. Guests appreciate the generous portion sizes and the variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options

Visitors say this art installation features a large, beautifully made troll sculpture crafted from recycled wood, offering a unique and artistic experience. They also highlight the easy access from parking, with a short, flat walk to the sculpture, and appreciate the free admission. Guests mention the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for great photos, making it a fun stop for all ages

A strong choice for anyone interested in aviation and space, with 170+ aircraft and spacecraft and an Apollo exhibition. It suits families and transport fans, and free parking is a practical bonus

In the city, this 48-acre park combines a conservatory, hiking trails and picnic spots with the Seattle Asian Art Museum. It suits families and anyone who wants an outdoor break without leaving Seattle, and the Water Tower Observation Deck is a useful add-on. Bring time for a walk across the grounds.

In the city, this art museum and sculpture garden focuses on Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures, garden spaces and glasshouse. It suits art-minded visitors and anyone combining Seattle Center sights in one stop, with live glass-blowing demonstrations adding context. The location next to the Space Needle makes it easy to pair with nearby attractions.

In the city, this museum is centred on optical illusions, puzzles and hands-on exhibits. It suits families, groups and anyone looking for a playful indoor stop, with plenty of photo opportunities throughout. Nearby parking and the gift shop make it an easy short visit.

Waterway with opportunities for viewing salmon during the summer & park with unusual shrubs & trees. Boat traffic passes through these locks, while salmon swim upstream via a fish ladder. People say this tourist attraction offers a fascinating look at boats passing through locks, a fish ladder, and a botanical garden. They highlight the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and the opportunity to see seals and sea lions. They also like the educational experience and the informative visitor center.

In the city, this cultural center is a straightforward stop for Native cultural programming and community heritage. It suits visitors who want a quieter, more focused visit, and its museum listing keeps it in the mix for a broader cultural day. Check the site before you go for current programming.

In the city, this museum brings together music history, sci-fi, horror and fantasy with interactive exhibits and original movie props. It suits pop-culture fans and mixed-ability groups, with the Sound Lab adding a hands-on element. Friendly staff and the broad range of displays make it a flexible stop.

Popular hub with a rotating glass-floored observation deck and an array of art exhibits. People say this tourist destination offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, including a thrilling revolving glass floor. Visitors also highlight the variety of nearby attractions, such as the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture, making it a great place for families. They also appreciate the clean facilities and helpful staff

In the city, this roomy museum pairs special exhibitions with a permanent collection of modern and historical art. It suits visitors who want a broad art overview, including Asian, African and Native American collections. The downtown location makes it easy to slot into a city-centre day.

In the city, this museum traces Seattle’s history from native tribes through the Boeing era in a lakefront park building. It suits history-minded visitors and families, with interactive exhibits, a kids’ area and views of Lake Union. The setting makes it a good fit for a slower afternoon.

Neighborhood museum covering Scandinavian immigration, culture, art & history. Bustling, modern museum with a cafe, gift shop and exhibits on Nordic heritage and culture. People say this museum offers a fascinating look into Nordic history, culture, and immigration stories through interactive and well-curated exhibits that blend ancient artifacts with modern design. They highlight the beautiful, light-filled building, the informative displays, and the delicious Nordic-inspired food at the cafe. They also like the friendly and welcoming staff, and the well-stocked gift shop with Nordic artisan pieces.

A 1914 office tower with an observatory and a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. It suits city views and a late evening stop. The vintage elevator is part of the experience.

An offshoot of the Seattle Art Museum, this park features numerous sculptures spread over 9 acres. Artful destination with a waterfront walking trail, showcasing sculptures and more. Visitors say this park offers a peaceful waterfront stroll with beautiful views of the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and sculptures. They also highlight the dog-friendly atmosphere, plentiful benches for relaxing, and opportunities for picnics and enjoying the sunset.

In the city, this retail space combines ski and snowboard gear with an art gallery, music performances, a movie theatre and restaurants. It suits gear shoppers and anyone after an offbeat indoor stop with more than one use. Staff are described as knowledgeable, so it can also work for practical shopping.

In the city, this airport is noted for aviation interest, including plane spotting and a museum. It suits enthusiasts who want a niche stop rather than a standard sightseeing visit, and the free parking is a practical plus. The site also has clean facilities and reliable services.