Last Updated on 12/03/2023
Seattle is one of my favorite cities. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top 15 reasons to visit Seattle to inspire your next trip to the Pacific Northwest!
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Reasons to visit Seattle
I’ve outlined my top 15 reasons to visit Seattle below. From its striking skyline to amazing coffee, Seattle has plenty to offer!
1. Coffee
If you’re a coffee-lover, you need to visit Seattle. The city is the home of the coffee giant, Starbucks, and you can still visit the original store in Pike Place or the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. However, it is Seattle’s love of coffee that ignited Starbucks’ success, and you’ll find a number of local brands and coffee shops that are well worth a visit.
2. Donuts
Let’s be honest, if a city does good coffee, you can be sure they do good donuts! Seattle is no exception. The local donut chain, Top Pot Donuts is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a sweet treat to complement your coffee.
3. Mountains
One of the most magical things about Seattle is that, just a stone’s throw from downtown, you can lose yourself in nature. The city is surrounded by the Cascade Mountain Range, which offers beautiful mountain hikes with breath-taking views. Perfect for when you want an escape from city life.
4. Parks
Despite being a bustling metropolis, downtown Seattle features a large number of parks. Gas Works Park is a 19-acre public park that has inventively reimagined the former site of Seattle Gas Light Company. Overall, there are an impressive 485+ parks within the city limits!
5. Space Needle
The Space Needle is a Seattle icon. This 604-foot towering observation point provides excellent panoramas of the city. No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the observation deck to take in the spectacular views.
6. History
If you want to explore the history of Seattle, the city has a novel way of showing it to you. After the Great Seattle Fire in 1889, the city was reconstructed at a higher elevation. The original city including alleyways and facades still exists beneath Seattle today, and you can take an underground tour to explore them.
7. Skyline
Personally, I think Seattle has one of the most underrated skylines. The iconic Space Needle is instantly recognizable against the crowd of skyscrapers. If you’re lucky, you’ll also catch glimpse of Mount Rainier providing a stunning backdrop.
8. Suburbs
If you’re visiting Seattle, be sure to venture further than downtown. Seattle’s suburbs have some fantastic sights such as the Fremont Troll to the north of the city. Alternatively, you can take a day trip East to Bellevue to explore the Botanical Gardens and the Bellevue Arts Museum.
9. Pike Place Market
Pike Place is the thriving hubbub of Seattle; this bustling marketplace overlooks the Elliott Bay waterfront and is a constant hive of activity. Merchants gather daily to sell fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and the infamous fish throwing, as well as boutique stores. Impressively, this market is the 33rd most visited tourist attraction in the world!
Although Seattle is a busy city, it is surprisingly easy to navigate. There is a comprehensive public transport system which includes buses to and from the suburbs, and take an underground route through the downtown area. There is even a monorail to take you from the Westlake shopping center directly to the Space Needle.
11. Music
Music has always played an important role in shaping Seattle’s culture. You can learn more about how it has influenced Washington State and in some instances, the world, at the Museum of Pop Culture.
12. Sport
If you are a sports fan, catch one of the local teams. You can see the NFL team Seattle Seahawks or Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field. Or if you prefer baseball, catch the Seattle Mariners at the T-Mobile Park.
13. Waterfront
The beauty of Seattle is you are never too far from a breath-taking waterfront. Whether you’re keen to explore the exciting watersports on offer, catch sight of some whales, or just relax in an idyllic spot, Seattle is surrounded by natural beauty.
14. Artisans
One thing that I personally love about Seattle is that it is a city of Artisans. In Pike Place Market you can find a section wholly dedicated to local people selling their handmade goods. The local store chain Made in Washington is also dotted throughout the city, shining a light on the talents of the local people and providing unique gifts and souvenirs.
15. Wine
It might surprise you to learn that coffee isn’t the only drink Seattle knows how to do well. There are over 100 wineries located in Woodinville, a suburb only 30 miles from downtown Seattle. Why not treat yourself to a glass on a wine tasting tour after you’ve taken in the Seattle sights?
Ready To Book?
Has Seattle stolen your heart? If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out these great resources to get you started.
- Find flights with Google Flights
- Book affordable accommodation with TripAdvisor or Booking.com
- Want someone else to do the hard work? Book a package with EasyJet Holidays or Jet2 Holidays
- Get travel insurance from Coverwise
- Hire a car through Travel Supermarket
- Never pay international payment fees again with a debit card from Currensea that works with your existing bank account.
- Book a tour with Get Your Guide or Viatour
15 Reasons to visit Seattle
So these are my top 15 reasons to visit Seattle. I hope I’ve inspired you to add a visit to the city to your bucket list!
Are you booking your Seattle trip already? I’d love to hear about it! Let’s connect on Instagram and send me a DM with the reason that convinced you to visit Seattle!
Until our next adventure,
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Yes to all of these! We live nearby in Portland so go to Seattle often. I love Gas Works Park, it’s one of my favorite destinations in Seattle.
I’m jealous you’re able to visit often! I love Seattle, it feels like my home from home! We normally get there once a year but sadly our most recent trip was cancelled due to the virus. We’ll be back as soon as we can though!
I’ve got to be honest. So far, Seattle never quite made it to the top of my list. Although hubby has been nagging me to go and visit for quite some time. But reading this, maybe I should consider a trip to Seattle. To be honest, I had absolutely no idea about the underground city beneath, but now am super intrigued and want to see it.
And good coffee? Can’t go wrong with that.
Seattle definitely won’t disappoint! To be honest, I first visited on a work trip and knew virtually nothing about it, but I fell in love with the place instantly! The underground tour is definitely worth a visit. It is fascinating and the tour is really entertaining!
I love Seattle. I live in Vancouver so it’s a short drive across the border for us. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back there soon
I’m jealous you’re able to visit often! I’ve never made it up to Vancouver when I’ve been to Seattle but I’d love to tie it in with my next trip!
I would love to go to Seattle one day, there’s so much to do and see! I will of course make a beeline for Top Pot Donuts when I get there 🙂
If it wasn’t almost 5,000 miles away, I would literally just visit Seattle for the donuts! We did buy the recipe book though so we can make them at home. It’s a great city, I hope you get the opportunity to visit!
The skyline and Pike Place Market are good enough reasons alone for me to visit! I have a good friend who is living in Seattle and I had plans to visit her this summer. Hopefully I can still do that! Thank you for the read 🙂
I’ll keep my fingers crossed your trip still goes ahead! Sadly our latest trip to Seattle was cancelled but I’m sure we’ll get back there soon. I’m glad you liked the post!
Seattle is one of my very favourite places in the US. I visited over my first Thanksgiving living in the US, and it totally felt like home.
There is something so homely about Seattle isn’t there? It just has such a great vibe to it, I’ll keep going back again and again forever!
Seattle sounds amazing! I was supposed to visit during my trip to Portland. Super bummed now I didn’t get to make it. Definitely pinning so I have all these places to see when I make it there.
I hope you get a chance to visit Seattle as it is a wonderful city. There is loads to see and do so it is well worth a visit. I’ve never made it to Portland but I’d love to go, maybe I’ll be able to tie it in to my next Seattle trip!
Such great suggestions on what to do in Seattle! I used to live in Portland and would go up to Seattle often and loved spending time along the waterfront and having excellent seafood!
I nearly added seafood to the list but personally, I’m allergic so have never tried it. The waterfront is breath-taking though. I’d like to take a trip to Portland one time if I get the chance, I’ve never visited before.
I’ve been wanting to go to Seattle and this has made me want to go even more!
I hope you get an opportunity to visit, it is a fantastic city!
I live maybe 90 minutes from Seattle and had never heard of Woodinville. Now adding it to of my list of places to visit.
Woodinville was such a lovely place when we visited! We were actually there visiting a whiskey distillery, rather than a vineyard, but the area was beautiful! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I live just two hours from Seattle, and I love it for all the reasons you mentioned. I love the music scene and all the good, international cuisine!
Ah you’re so lucky to live near Seattle! It is an incredible city! The music scene is definitely incredible! And anywhere with good food is a winner! Thanks for reading!
I definitely think everyone needs to visit Seattle at least once in their lifetime. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve been there, but the diverse offering there makes it so worth traveling to. This is a great compilation of info for Seattle!
It is a city that we can’t stop going back too! It definitely feels like a long time since we last visited though. Thanks for reading! We hope you get the chance to go back to Seattle and explore more!
These sound like 15 perfect reasons why I should visit Seattle! I’ve never been there so this curated list is perfect!
One to get down on your travel bucket list! You definitely won’t be disappointed. Hope you get to visit Seattle soon!
I LOVE Seattle. I was lucky enough to spend 3 weeks in the city on my travels and loved it. I went on the underground tour and really enjoyed learning and ended up meeting some other travellers, which was fun because I was alone. I also 100% agree with you about the Mountains – I couldn’t believe how amazing the scenery was. Your post has inspired me to go back!
Seattle is such a beautiful city, isn’t it? It always feels a bit like home whenever I visit! I love the Underground Tour, it was so much fun! I hope you’re able to go back soon!
Couldn’t agree more with that beautiful skyline view! I had such a great time visiting Seattle years ago but I didn’t know about the Gas Works Park. Adding it to my Seattle bucket list for next time!
The skyline is stunning! It is one of my favourite views! I hope you’re able to get back there some day soon to visit Gas Works Park!
We are across the line in Vancouver and love to visit Seattle! Can’t wait to be able to get back there once the borders are fully open! One thing we have always missed is the Fremont Troll — first on the list next time!
Ooh you’re so lucky to live so close to Seattle! The Fremont Troll is very impressive! Fremont is such a cool place! We visited Geocaching HQ there and followed their Geocaching trail which was loads of fun and super creative!
I’ve only spent 2 days in Seattle, but I really enjoyed the city. Would love to revisit it and maybe spend a little longer there to see what I’ve missed the first time.
There’s so much to see in Seattle! I’ve visited quite a few times with work but there is always so much to see! Every time I go back I discover something new! I hope you’re able to visit again soon!
So many good reasons. I love Seattle. Although if you’ve got donuts on your list you really should add cheesecake. The Confectional near Pike Place is amazing. I can’t wait to visit Seattle again hopefully sometime soon
Ooh I haven’t tried the cheesecake…it sounds like I’m missing out! I’m definitely adding that one to the list for our next visit…thanks for the tip!
This is a great post! I live here and you hit the highlights of our beautiful city– the nature, culture, and history! You’ve got great advice for the gems visitors can enjoy.
Ooh you’re so lucky to live in Seattle! It is definitely a beautiful city and a wonderful place to visit. I’m so pleased you think I have done it justice! Thanks for reading!
The donuts look so good!!! I hope they’re just as good as Blackbird Donuts! Have you had them before?
Oh I haven’t tried Blackbird Donuts! But I’m always a willing guinea pig when it comes to donuts so I’ll be sure to give them a try! Top Pot donuts are delicious!
I am hoping to visit Seattle in the next few months! I haven’t been in so long, I don’t remember too much, so I’m pinning this for later! I can’t believe I even forgot about the music scene! Now I’m really looking forward to it!
I hope you have a wonderful trip to Seattle! I’m glad my guide was a useful refresher for you! Thanks for reading!
Gorgeous photos! Looks like an absolute blast – AND I’m about to go to Seattle so a great resource. Thank you!!
I’m so jealous of your trip to Seattle! I hope you have an amazing time! It’s a wonderful city with so much to see and do! Have fun!
The only thing I knew about Seattle really was the Space Needle, so I really enjoyed reading about other things to see and do in the city!
I usually visit Seattle with work and I didn’t know much about the city before I visited but I fell in love with it! It is one of my favourite cities. I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I love Seattle too! We were supposed to go last year but that trip got canceled- hopefully this year!!
Oh no! I’m so sorry that your trip got cancelled! I really hope that you get to visit this year instead. Thanks for reading!
Can’t wait to visit Seattle.
Such a great guide and helpful to many. I would love to visit Pike Palace . I love a good musical place as well.
Pike Place is so fun and lively! I love exploring the shops and stalls. I hope you get an opportunity to visit Seattle soon!
Yes, yes, yes … 14 times (skipping the doughnuts). Love the concept of the gas works park, preserving part of the structure for public enjoyment. I’d definitely sign up for the underground tour and what I assume would be a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. Thank you for the post, definitely worth considering a visit on a west coast adventure.
Wow, you’ve got more self-control than I do if you’re able to skip the doughnuts! I’ll enjoy one on your behalf! Gasworks Park is an incredible sight! I love how it merges the history and the open space! The underground tour is one you really don’t want to miss! Thanks for reading!
Seattle is the first city I visited after I moved to San Francisco and I fell in love with it. It feels like a second home to me.
Ah what a lovely place to live! It’s surprising just how homely Seattle can feel, even on a short visit!
I’ve been out to the PNW so many times but I have never actually stayed in or spent time in Seattle. I’ve been everywhere else in Washington State, but not Seattle itself. I definitely need to get out there sometime – there’s some great spots on your list!
Haha! I’m the opposite! I’ve travelled to Seattle numerous times for work but I’ve only ever really seen the city. I’d love to see more of Washington State! I hope you get an opportunity to explore Seattle soon!
You had me at coffee and donuts 🙂 I used to travel to Seattle for work all the time but this list reminded me that there’s so much I didn’t get to explore when I was there! Def need to make a return trip.
Haha! With coffee, donuts and wine, Seattle pretty much sells itself, doesn’t it? I hope you get an opportunity to return soon to explore more things to do in Seattle!
I would love to go to Seattle! I don’t drive and many cities in the USA aren’t great for public transport compared with the rest of the world so Seattle has always been on my list 🙂
Seattle is such a lovely city! I hope you get an opportunity to visit! I hate using public transport in places I don’t know but it was surprisingly easy in and around Seattle!
Oooh I love this Hannah! Seattle was the first place I ever visited outside Europe (I visited with a friend and her family when I was 15…) So this brings back sooo many happy memories.
We live so close now, I really do want to visit once the borders re-open. Mostly I want to see that troll! 😀
What a wonderful first experience of the US! Seattle feels like such a special place, I can’t wait to visit again as soon as we are able to! The troll is brilliant! I love stopping by to visit him when we are in Seattle!
I had no idea there were so many parks in Seattle! I’d love to visit the city some day, but Idon’t do coffee. Good to know there are other things to try out
It’s amazing how many green spaces you can find in Seattle! I really like how green the city is. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re not into coffee! I hope you get a chance to visit!
The food is the primary reason I want to visit Seattle, but also want to plan during orca season and take a boat out to see them!
The food in Seattle is wasted on me a bit because I’m allergic to seafood! There’s so much good stuff I must be missing out on! I’d love to see the orcas, what an amazing experience that would be!
All of my friends lovveee Seattle, and they do annual girls trips up there. For me, I never understood why because I imagine a cold rainy place. But wowwww, this post highlights some amazing places in Seattle. It’s not what I expected at all, I will definitely join the next trip there!
Haha! The rain in Seattle is nothing! I’ve been at least 4 times, always between November and March and I’ve only ever seen it rain once! Coming from the UK, I can safely say that Seattle is not rainy, despite what they might believe! Make sure you don’t miss the next trip, Seattle is an incredible city!
Wonderful post! I can’t wait to head to Seattle after this. I didn’t realize they had such a beautiful waterfront.
The waterfront is stunning! I love taking a stroll and watching the ships coming in. I hope you get an opportunity to visit Seattle soon!
Seattle has been on my list for so long! That skyline is stunning. I’m visiting this summer and will definitely keep this list in mind!
Ooh I hope you have a wonderful trip to Seattle! Enjoy finally ticking it off the list!
All legit reasons to visit a city like Seattle. Thank you so much for sharing, I knew very little about the amazing side of this city.
There are so many great reasons to visit Seattle! It is a wonderful city! Thanks for reading!
I’m hoping to visit Seattle in the next few years! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome list of things to do.
I hope you have an amazing trip to Seattle! It’s such a great city! Thanks for reading!
Awesome post! If I’m ever un the US I would definitely love to visit Seattle, looks like there are so many great things to do and see
I’m so glad you like the guide! Seattle is a lovely city, I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Excellent list! I liked that you gave a nice overview of the best things to do in Seattle. It’s been on my radar, but I haven’t had a reason to visit yet.
I’m glad you like the list of reasons to visit Seattle! I hope you have an opportunity to visit soon!
I don’t know very much about Seattle other than its main attractions, so I really enjoyed reading your list of things to see in the city!
I’m so glad you like the list! There is so much more to Seattle than I first thought. It is one of my favourite cities to visit!
I’ve never been to Seattle but always wanted to go! Loved reading your insight on this awesome city and will keep this guide handy 🙂
Oh I hope you get an opportunity to visit Seattle! It’s a beautiful place. I’m glad you found the guide useful!
I love Seattle, it’s such a great city! The views from the Space Needle are amazing, and I loved Pike Place Market too. I can’t wait to be able to go back and explore some of the other places you’ve mentioned.
Seattle is a beautiful city, isn’t it? A trip up the Space Needle should be on everyone’s bucket list! I’m keen to go back and discover more too, let’s hope it isn’t too long until we can both get there!
Your post really inspires me to visit Seattle. I love to see skylines and Seattle skyline really looks stunning and photogenic.
Sounds like one for your bucket list! The skyline in Seattle is one not to miss. I hope you get to visit soon!
I love Seattle!! How fun, thanks for sharing!
I love Seattle too! It is definitely my home away from home. Thank you for reading!
Ohhh the coffee and the wine! You’ve really captured the essence of Seattle here. Thank you for this!
It is a great combo, isn’t it? There’s no wonder I love it so much! I’m so glad you like the guide, thanks for reading!
Very interesting and helpful. I even more wanted to travel and learn new things. How many places to go to in this city. I think this is a great vacation option. Thanks a lot!
I’m glad you like the guide! Thanks for reading!
Great guide, can’t wait to visit Seattle, looks like there are some interesting stuff to do
I love Seattle! I can’t wait until I’m able to visit again. There are some great things to do in Seattle, the Underground Tour is my absolute favourite but there are so many great things to see while you are there, you will be spoiled for choice! Have a great trip!
Love this post! Brb, booking a flight to Seattle.
Seattle is one of my absolute favourite cities! have a wonderful time when you get the opportunity to visit!
My friend and I are going to Seattle in spring. I am saving this blog post to help plan out trip. Thanks!
I hope you have a wonderful trip to Seattle! It is a beautiful city with so much to do! Thanks for reading!
Seattle is a great city which I have yet to visit! All my friends & family that have gone have told me I need to visit Pike Place Market and try the good food! After seeing this list of things to do, I might need to consider Seattle for my next trip.
Seattle is such a wonderful city – it is one of the few places I really love to visit again and again! I hope you get an opportunity to visit and experience it in person!
Nice post!! Thanks for sharing Seattle to me 🙂 I would like to travel this city in the future~~!
Thanks for reading my guide! Seattle is a beautiful city, I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Know this city by Grey’s anatomy, so good, so want to visit
I’ve never actually watched Grey’s Anatomy 😱 Seattle is such a beautiful city though, it is well worth visiting!
Seattle is my favorite place! Starbucks nad Grey’s anatomy for the win!
Seattle is a beautiful city, isn’t it? It feels like my home away from home!
I did not know Seattle was this beautiful! Great to see it through your eyes as well!
Seattle is such a beautiful city and well worth a visit! I hope you get the opportunity to visit for yourself!