Top Things to Do in Seattle, WA: A Local’s Guide
Space Needle
Standing as the defining silhouette of the Seattle, WA skyline, the Space Needle is a 605-foot-tall marvel of mid-century modern design. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, its “Age of Space” aesthetic was intended to symbolize humanity’s optimistic reach for the stars. Following a massive $100 million renovation completed a few years ago, the landmark now offers an unparalleled “open-air” experience. The observation deck features The Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor, allowing visitors to look straight down through layers of reinforced glass at the structure’s mechanics and the city streets far below. On the upper level, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and tilted glass benches—known as Skyrisers—provide unobstructed, 360-degree views of Elliott Bay, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, and the majestic, snow-capped Mount Rainier.
Pike Place Market
Considered the “soul of Seattle,” Pike Place Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public farmers’ markets in the United States, welcoming over 20 million visitors annually. Established in 1907 to connect citizens directly with local farmers, the nine-acre historic district has evolved into a multi-level “hill town” brimming with activity. Its upper street level is famous for the iconic Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers entertain crowds by tossing salmon, and the nearby “original” Starbucks, which retains its 1970s rustic charm. Beyond the main stalls of vibrant produce and fresh-cut flowers, the market’s lower “Down Under” levels house a labyrinth of quirky specialty shops, including Golden Age Collectibles (one of the world’s oldest comic book stores), the Giant Shoe Museum, and the mystical Market Magic Shop.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located directly beneath the iconic Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a breathtaking long-term exhibition showcasing the career of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The experience is divided into three distinct areas: the Galleries, the Glasshouse, and the Garden. Inside the eight galleries, visitors walk through immersive installations like the Mille Fiori, a garden of glass “flowers” set atop black reflecting glass, and the Persian Ceiling, where light filters through a kaleidoscope of vibrant glass forms overhead. The centerpiece of the museum is the 40-foot-tall Glasshouse, which houses an expansive 100-foot-long sculpture of red, orange, and yellow glass—one of Chihuly’s largest suspended works—designed to change its glow as the natural light shifts throughout the day.
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle is a vibrant, non-profit destination dedicated to contemporary popular culture. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the building itself is a masterpiece of deconstructivism, featuring a shimmering, undulating exterior of stainless steel and aluminum shingles that were famously inspired by the image of shattered electric guitars. Located in the heart of the Seattle Center, MoPOP houses a vast collection of over 80,000 artifacts, ranging from iconic local music history—including extensive exhibits on Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix—to deep dives into science fiction, fantasy, horror, and video games.