The Ultimate Seattle Bucket List: Everything You Need to Do in the Emerald City

Tucked away in Puget Sound is Washington’s biggest city and capital Seattle. Often referred to as the “Emerald City,” is a metropolis Located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Renowned for its stunning natural surroundings, innovative technology industry, and coffee shops, Seattle offers a unique blend of urban life, seaports, and outdoor adventure.

There is so much to see and do in Seattle, Here are my top favorite picks:

Space Needle:

Start your visit with a trip to the iconic Space Needle.

The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, also known as the Century 21 Exposition, held in Seattle.

Take the elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. There is also a rotating restaurant, originally known as the “Eye of the Needle” and later renamed the “SkyCity Restaurant.” It completes a full rotation every 47 minutes.

The Entrance fee is a little pricey at around $30-$42.50 per person for the regular adult price.

Seattle Waterfront:

The waterfront is home to Seattle’s best activities.

Pier 57: This pier is home to several popular attractions, including the Seattle Great Wheel, and Wings over Washington.

Inside the Miners Landing Building, there are also arcade games, a carousel, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

You can Stroll along the scenic waterfront, visit the Seattle Aquarium, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking Elliott Bay.

There are also a few antique stores. My personal favorite is the Seattle Antiques Market Located right across from the aquarium.

Their hours are 10 am – 6 pm, 7 days/week

Pike Place Market:

Explore the historic Pike Place Market, where you can watch fishmongers toss fish, shop for fresh produce, flowers, shellfish, crafts, and souvenirs, and dine at local restaurants.

Pike Place Market opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers markets in the United States.

The Market itself is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m but some vendors start to close their stalls earlier.

Wings Over Washington:

If you’ve ever been on Soaring over the World at Disney Land, imagine that but Washington-themed. Located right next to the Seattle Great Wheel the Tickets are $17 for adults.

I wouldn’t say this is an absolute must but definitely fun if you’re with kids.

get your tickets here!

The Ultimate Mt. Rainer Travel Guide

If you’re in the area and are looking for a different kind of adventure you can also take a day trip to one of Washington’s most iconic landmarks!

Seattle Great Wheel:

Enjoy a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront, offering views of the city and Elliott Bay. This is definitely one of my favorite things I did on my trip to Seattle; the ride is about 12-20 minutes long in the summer and shorter in the winter.

Adult Tickets are $18.00 per person.

get your tickets here

Gum Wall:

One of Seattle’s weirder sights is the Gum Wall. The Gum Wall is situated in an alleyway known as Post Alley, which runs parallel to Pike Place Market.

Its history dates back to the early 1990s when people waiting in line for tickets to the Market Theater began sticking chewing gum to the brick wall while they waited. Over time, the Gum Wall gained attention as a quirky and offbeat tourist attraction.

Visitors from around the world come to see and contribute to the wall by adding their own gum, often leaving messages or creating small gum artworks.

The First Starbucks:

The first Starbucks store is situated right in the heart of the Pike Place Market district. The store has been carefully preserved to recreate the ambiance of the original Starbucks, which opened in 1971. There is always a line out the door and wrapped around the building; however, the line typically moves relatively quickly.

I’ll see you

Want more of Washington ?