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📍 24 Best Things to Do in Seattle, WA | Food, Landmarks & Hidden Gems 2025

24 items

Samantha Meddings

Seattle is a city full of iconic landmarks, incredible food, and unique hidden gems. Whether you’re planning your first visit or rediscovering your hometown, this guide highlights the best things to see and do in Seattle, WA—from bucket-list attracti...

Sections

Seattle Eats & Neighborhood Food Gems

Iconic Landmarks & Panoramic Views

Arts, Culture & Unique Local Spots

Outdoor Views & Hidden Nature

Seattle Eats & Neighborhood Food Gems

Seattle is a foodie’s dream, with everything from cozy cafés to bold street eats. This section highlights some of the best Seattle restaurants and local food spots where you can taste the city’s diverse flavors.

Seattle Dumpling Co. serves up handmade dumplings and warm, family-run vibes. A perfect spot to taste local flavor in a casual setting—great for a midday bite while exploring the city. Ideal for lovers of fresh ramen and comforting eats in Seattle.

Seattle Dumpling Co.

One of the most famous Seattle attractions, Pike Place Market is home to fresh seafood, produce, artisan shops, and street performers. Don’t miss the flying fish, quirky local vendors, and the very first Starbucks.

Pike Place Market

Moore Coffee Shop is a local café favorite for strong brew and relaxed vibes—perfect for restarting between sightseeing spots. A great Seattle stop for artisanal coffee and comfort on the go.

Moore Coffee Shop

Ludi’s Restaurant blends cozy atmosphere with Northwest seasonal ingredients. From fresh seafood to inventive dishes, it’s a must-try for foodies seeking dishes that reflect Seattle’s culinary creativity.

Ludi's Restaurant

Biscuit Bitch offers soul-warming Southern-style biscuits with attitude, just a few steps from Pike Place. Think gravy, spicy hot chicken, and bold flavors—if you want comforting and quirky in Seattle, this is the place.

Biscuit Bitch

La Llorona brings authentic Mexican street flavor to Seattle streets with fresh tacos, handmade salsas, and vibrant atmosphere. A great stop for those craving bold flavors and casual eats in the city.

La llorona Taqueria Mexicana

A local favorite, Top Pot is known for its handcrafted doughnuts and freshly brewed coffee. Perfect for a sweet breakfast stop or mid-day pick-me-up while exploring downtown Seattle.

Top Pot Doughnuts

Iconic Landmarks & Panoramic Views

From futuristic towers to architectural gems, Seattle is packed with must-see attractions. These Seattle landmarks capture the city’s skyline, culture, and modern energy—perfect for sightseeing and photo ops.

Seattle’s most iconic landmark, the Space Needle showcases unforgettable views from its observation deck—360-degree panoramas of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and the city skyline. Essential for any Seattle “first-time” checklist.

Space Needle

Home to major concerts and sports events, Climate Pledge Arena mixes modern design, energy efficiency, and big shows. Whether there’s a game or performance you’ll enjoy, it’s a vibrant Seattle entertainment hub.

Climate Pledge Arena

Lumen Field pulses with energy—whether you’re catching a Seahawks or Sounders game, or checking out a large concert. Even without tickets, the surrounding area is full of buzz, and the architecture and signage are worth seeing.

Lumen Field

On the waterfront, showcasing marine life of the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Aquarium

Enjoy a ride on this waterfront Ferris wheel for breathtaking views of the city and Elliott Bay.

The Seattle Great Wheel

Arts, Culture & Unique Local Spots

Seattle’s personality is quirky, fun, and full of surprises. This section highlights unique Seattle attractions and entertainment—from live shows to unusual local favorites you won’t forget.

This quirky Seattle stop is part art, part history, and totally memorable. The Gum Wall, paired with improv performances nearby, makes for a fun half-hour that’s offbeat and genuinely Seattle.

The Gum Wall at Unexpected Productions Improv

The Spheres are a striking, globe-like botanical space in the heart of Seattle, filled with lush plants and futuristic architecture. A unique landmark that blends nature and design—you won’t find anything quite like it elsewhere.

The Spheres

Stunning glass art exhibits right next to the Space Needle; super photogenic and a must-see for art lovers.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Modern architecture icon + free to enter.

Seattle Public Library - Central Library

Dive into the world of music, science fiction, and pop culture with interactive exhibits.

Museum of Pop Culture

Outdoor Views & Hidden Nature

Seattle’s natural beauty shines through in its parks, waterfront, and hidden gardens. Explore these outdoor spots in Seattle to unwind, take in stunning views, and enjoy a breath of fresh Pacific Northwest air.

For the postcard view of Seattle’s skyline, head to Kerry Park. This small but scenic lookout offers one of the best spots for photos, especially at sunset when the city lights up.

Kerry Park

Stroll along Seattle’s Waterfront Park for sweeping views of Elliott Bay, Puget Sound sunsets, ferries in action, and fresh sea air. A peaceful break between busy tourist spots.

Waterfront Park

Tucked inside the Seattle-Pike Place Market, the Waterfall Garden is a peaceful hidden gem. Bask in the sound of cascading water and enjoy a moment of calm in an otherwise bustling area.

Waterfall Garden

Explore the historic underground pathways of old Seattle.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

See boats pass through and salmon climbing upstream (super unique).

Ballard Locks Fish Ladder

Seattle’s largest green space, offering trails, beaches, and scenic views of Puget Sound.

Discovery Park

Take a short drive to witness this majestic 268-foot waterfall, a must-see natural wonder.

Snoqualmie Falls – Official Web Site