The 16 things to do in Seattle

Visit Seattle: what are the best things to do and see in the one that is surnamed the Queen City ?

On the western tip of the United States, in Washington state, the American city of Seattle is a destination to discover. At 150 km from the Canadian border, paired with several cities around the world, including the city of Nantes, Seattle is uncovered and is surprised to succumb to its charm. What to see in this decor straight out of TV series such as Grey’s Anatomy or films like Into the Wild or the famous Twilight ? To help you organize your stay, we give you ideas to visit Seattle: what to do in this great American city?

1. Public Market Center

This market, near the Pike Place market, is located near the port, it is extremely well known and that is why there are many tourists and prices are quite expensive. The market offers many products such as fruits and vegetables that are spread in an incredible debauchery of colors but you can also buy your French bread baguette and even croissants. The deal to be done without waiting in Seattle.

2. Space Needle

The tower of Seattle to discover: from the top of its 184 meters, it has a platform where you can have lunch and admire a panoramic 360° view. A sensational place to take a little height and understand the chance to be in Seattle. The tower is the emblem of the city: it was built for the 1962 universal exhibition.

3. The seafront

The seafront in Seattle leads Elliott Bay, it’s a wonderful place with stunning views of the Olympic mountains. When the sun goes down, the atmosphere is romantic. How not to give under the charm of this exceptional setting?

4. The original Starbucks

Today, Starbucks coffees have invaded the planet and you find it anywhere. But did you know that it was in Seattle that the first Starbucks was born in 1971? Go to discover this place that serves as a collector with its neat interior, different from the atmosphere of other Starbucks cafés.

5. Columbia Center

Even if the appearances are misleading, you have in front of you the highest skyscraper in Seattle, it even exceeds Space Needle since it measures almost 287 meters. It is today the 18th skyscraper of all the United States: put yourself at the foot of this huge building and then you will understand the dizzy and impressive view, you will have the impression that it does not finish and goes straight to the sky.

6. The tomb of Bruce Lee

Although cemeteries and other tombs are not very often on the list of places to visit, Bruce Lee is to be seen: buried in the Lakeview Cemetery, one can also discover the grave of his son alongside him. The tombs are beautiful and large and can always be seen offerings of flowers or fruits, which demonstrates the fervour and admiration that this man, king of the kung fu who has fascinated (and still fascinated) several generations. In this cemetery, Arthur Armstrong Denny, one of the founders of Seattle, is also found.

7. Downtown Seattle

Seattle is the most important city in Washington State, just to see its city centre, varied and very beautiful with all its picturesque and typical districts. This is how you can explore Pioneer Square, Chinatown or the international area in the south of the city. There is also the Capitol Hill district, the SAM ( Seattle Art Museum ), Seattle aquarium . A perfect place for shopping, shopping, dining in the best restaurants in the city.

8. Lake Washington

Lake Washington is the second largest lake in Washington State. It is between Seattle and Kirkland. South of this lake you can find the island of Mercer. A wonderful place for kayaking enthusiasts but also to discover the famous sea lions. Just spectacular. Bill Gates' house, the creator of Microsoft, is located on its shores.

9. Eat a donut at Top Pot

The donut is this easily recognizable doughnut with its hole in its centre and its countless scents and sugar deposited on it. However, if you can take your breakfast at Top Pot (located on 5th Avenue), you will understand what it is that a true donut (whose recipe was then used in all Starbucks in the world). It’s sweet to wish but it’s so good. American way of life, folks!

10. Take the boat in the Puget Sound

When you are in Seattle, what strikes first is the omnipresence of water. The city was built around an arm of the Pacific Ocean, namely the Puget Sound ("Strait of Puget"). It is possible to make a small cruise, a different way to discover Seattle from the water. Discover the Edgewater Hotel where guests can directly sin from their balcony!

11. Make guitar to the_Experience Music Project_

The EMP ( Experience Music Project ) is located in a psychedelic building designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry at the Seattle Center Business Park. It is a place entirely devoted to rock and grunge, this movement powered by the Nirvana group that lives in this good old town of Seattle. After admiring the relics of Nirvana or AC/DC, do you have fun with the instruments and don’t forget to go to the museum of science fiction (which report will you tell me?) in the basement!

12. The Gum Wall

Near the Pike Place Market, there is a street where the walls are fully covered with gum. At first glance, it’s pretty dirty, even disgusting, but it’s a tradition that dates back to 1993 when the theatre’s guests stuck their gum on the outside while waiting to enter. Since 1999, while the authorities have failed to clean up the walls at the theatre, the Gum Wall has become a real tourist attraction. Strange, funny, lazy.

13. The zoo

The Woodland park Zoo, the Seattle Zoo, is a place to visit: accessible by public transport, it is organized according to several universes, namely Asia, savannah or temperate forests and Nordic countries. A very interesting place that will delight small and great lovers of wild nature.

14. The San Juan Islands

Off Seattle, the San Juan Islands are waiting for you to participate in an incredible event: observation of the orques. By taking the ferry, it is possible to choose a room in the small port of Friday Harbor and to leave for an expedition you will remember.

15. What about museums?

For museum enthusiasts, Seattle offers several types of places to different ambients: the Museum of Flight which is devoted to the history of aviation, Pacific Science Center for science lovers or even the Seattle Art Museum to see works of pictorial art and sculptures by renowned American and international artists.

16. Other visiting ideas in Seattle

• A little greenery Washington Park Arboretum
• Seattle Central Library Building
• The sculptures of the Olympic Sculpture Park
• Post Alley
• The statue of Lenin

Seattle: How to get there? Where to stay?

Elegant to the major tourist cities of San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Miami, Seattle is gaining to be known. Unless you make a road trip on American roads, the best way to get there is the plane. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located about 16 km from the city centre. To find cheap flights to Seattle, use the flight comparison Skyscanner .

Seattle being a very large city, it’s important to choose in advance your area where to stay . To find a cheap hotel in Seattle, search our Compare hotels .

Did you visit Seattle?