Top things to do in Seattle: a guide for adventurous travellers
Seattle is a city where vibrant urban energy meets breathtaking nature. The Emerald City (named after its vividly green trees that keep their colour all year round) is an outdoor lover’s paradise with a thriving food and beverage scene. Whether you head there for hiking, exploring iconic attractions or indulging in the city’s culinary delights, our guide will help you make the most of your trip.
Must-visit attractions in Seattle
Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognisable with the Space Needle standing as its most iconic landmark. A trip to the observation deck offers the best views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Nearby, the Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases mesmerising glass sculptures, while the Museum of Pop Culture offers exhibits on music, film and science fiction.
No visit to Seattle would be complete without experiencing Pike Place Market. This bustling public market is one of the oldest in the country, and it’s filled with fresh seafood, local produce, artisanal goods and a lively atmosphere. Watch the fishmongers shuck some oysters, explore small speciality shops and sample foods from around the world.
The neighbourhoods
Capitol Hill is Seattle's most youthful and culturally vibrant neighbourhood. It's where the grunge movement took root. Rainbow crosswalks reflect the area's inclusive spirit, and a Jimi Hendrix memorial statue speaks to its music heritage. Nearby Belltown's Crocodile is one of the city's most iconic live music venues.
Ballard was founded by Scandinavian fishermen and railroad workers. You'll find the Nordic Museum, The Fisherman's Terminal and several craft breweries here.
Fremont is home to the much-loved Fremont Troll, a stone sculpture lurking under the Aurora Avenue Bridge. The troll clutches a VW Beetle and is one of Seattle's most distinctive local landmarks.
The International District brings together the flavours of East and Southeast Asia. Stop for bubble tea or dim sum at one of the neighbourhood's many restaurants.
Food, coffee and craft beer
Seattle is a haven for food lovers, with a culinary scene that highlights fresh, local ingredients, including delicious seafood. The city also offers a range of bold flavours from Asian fusion to Pacific smoky Southern-style barbecues. A walking food tour could be the perfect way to experience Seattle – stroll through iconic spots while sampling the city’s best bites with a local guide.
Coffee culture runs deep in Seattle, and while it’s home to the original Starbucks, there are countless independent cafes serving expertly brewed espresso and locally roasted beans. The city’s love for craft beverages extends to its thriving brewery scene, where independent brewers create a diverse range of flavours to suit every palate. Capitol Hill's Espresso Vivace is a place of pilgrimage for artisan coffee lovers and is widely credited as the birthplace of latte art.
Explore the great outdoors: hiking and national parks
Seattle is the perfect starting point for outdoor adventures. Just a short drive (or public transport ride) from the city, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails that offer stunning views and majestic forests. Those looking for an easy escape into nature can find scenic coastal walks and urban green spaces, while more experienced hikers can take on challenging trails outside of the city.
Beyond the city, three national parks showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest. Mount Rainier National Park, with its glacier-capped peak, offers stunning waterfalls and rugged trails. Olympic National Park features diverse ecosystems, mossy rainforests and more than 100 kilometres of wild coastline. North Cascades National Park, one of the country’s most remote and wild landscapes, is perfect for those seeking solitude among pristine lakes and panoramic views.
There's also plenty to explore within the city itself. Kerry Park offers the classic panoramic views of Seattle's skyline. Discovery Park is the city's largest park, with coastal trails and sea views. Golden Gardens Park is a favourite with locals on a sunny day.
It's also worth taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. The 30-minute crossing gives you stunning views of Seattle and Puget Sound.
Plan your Seattle adventure
We fly from Helsinki to Seattle three times a week during the summer season, from May to September. You can reach downtown from the airport by light rail. The journey takes around 40 minutes.
Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, exploring world-class museums or indulging in incredible food and drink, Seattle offers something for every traveller. With its unique blend of natural beauty and urban experiences, it’s no wonder the city is a top destination for adventurers, culture lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Ready to explore the top things to do in Seattle, Washington? Pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest! And those who crave more than just one stop can turn their Seattle getaway into an epic adventure with our multi-city booking option.