Seattle is a city with a lot to offer, from natural beauty to a thriving arts and culture scene. Here are some of the best things to do in Seattle:
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Pike Place Market: This bustling market near the downtown waterfront has been the go-to place for local produce since 1907. Today, you can find almost everything, from local artwork to vinyl records. The flower market is a particular must-see, according to reviewers.
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Space Needle: Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle quickly became an icon of the city. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Seattle.
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Chihuly Garden and Glass: This museum showcases the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly, with a stunning collection of colorful glass sculptures and installations.
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Pioneer Square: Seattle’s original downtown is full of beautiful old buildings in Romanesque Revival style, underground tours that take you beneath the streets to see the remains of the city’s first buildings, and an ever-growing slate of hip shops and restaurants. Take an afternoon or more to explore Pioneer Square‘s ivy-covered buildings and pop into bars, boutiques, and hidden gems.
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Ballard Locks: This is a great place to watch boats pass through the locks and to see salmon swimming upstream. Theres also a botanical garden and a fish ladder.
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Seattle Aquarium: Down at the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront’s Pier 59, learn all about salmon, meet a few adorable sea otters, and greet the various sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean, from puffers to giant clams. Watch scuba divers feed the fish, gawk at sharks swimming overhead in the underwater dome, and even touch a sea anemone.
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Kerry Park: This picturesque Queen Anne spot looks down at the Seattle skyline from the north. It’s the ideal place to get the quintessential view of the city, featuring the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, downtown skyscrapers, and (on clear days) Mount Rainier.
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Seattle Art Museum: This museum has a diverse collection of art from around the world, including contemporary and modern art, Native American art, and European paintings and sculptures.
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Washington State Ferries: Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island or other nearby destinations for stunning views of the Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains.
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Discovery Park: If youre looking to get outdoors without getting out of the city, this is the place. Sprawling across more than 500 acres in northern Seattle, Discovery Park is the citys largest green space. Youll find hiking trails, meadows, beaches and sand dunes abound.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Seattle. Visitors can also enjoy good food, drinks, and indulge in some culture.