Seattle, perched between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, offers a blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Even with just 24 hours in Seattle, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and diverse attractions. This guide is designed to help you navigate through the Emerald City's top sites, ensuring your day is packed with unforgettable experiences. From morning till night, discover how to make every moment count in Seattle with the convenience of CityPASS® tickets.
Top Things To Do in Seattle
Seattle brims with activities and sights that resonate with the diverse interests of its visitors. This guide highlights essential attractions and favorite spots for a memorable 24-hour exploration of the city.
Explore Pike Place Market
Begin your Seattle journey at Pike Place Market, a stone's throw from Pine Street, Post Alley, and Waterfront Park. Here, culinary delights and artisan crafts fill one of the United States' oldest public farmers markets. This lively hub buzzes with an assortment of fresh produce, seafood, and specialty foods. Navigate through a labyrinth of stalls showcasing local crafts, catch the famous fish-tossing performances, try some Pike Place chowder, and order a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks location. Pike Place Market serves as a vibrant gathering place that offers visitors a deep dive into Seattle's authentic spirit and flavors.
Visit the Space Needle
A trip to Seattle would be incomplete without experiencing the Space Needle, the city's futuristic landmark since the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. The observation deck offers unrivaled panoramic views across Seattle Center and the downtown skyline, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound, transforming your visit into a memorable high point of your journey. With the addition of the Loupe, the world's first revolving glass floor, visitors receive amazing views of the structure below. Day or night, the Space Needle projects Seattle's innovative and adventurous spirit, offering a unique vantage point to grasp the city's magnificent scale and beauty.
Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
Experience the dazzling realm of Chihuly Garden and Glass, where Dale Chihuly's groundbreaking glass sculptures come alive amidst a spectacle of color and light. Conveniently positioned near the Space Needle, this exhibit showcases the artist's significant contributions to the glass art movement. The Glasshouse, with its 100-foot-long sculpture, offers an ever-changing palette of hues that dance with the daylight. Outside, the artful integration of bold glass pieces with the garden's natural elements creates an enchanting visual symphony. This venue promises a journey through the imagination of one of the most innovative glass artists, making it an essential visit for art lovers.
Have a Lunch With a View
Elevate your midday meal by choosing a spot where breathtaking vistas complement the dining experience. Seattle's waterfront and skyline offer an array of restaurants where the view is just as impressive as the menu. Opt for a seafood restaurant that overlooks Elliott Bay, where fresh fish are served against a backdrop of ferries gliding across the water and Olympic mountains standing tall in the distance. Weather permitting, a rooftop café in downtown Seattle, like the Pink Door in Pike's Place Market, presents a unique angle of the city's architectural wonders, paired with a menu that champions local ingredients. If you'd prefer a picnic, bring your lunch to Kerry Park.
Experience the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium gives visitors a rare opportunity to connect with life underwater. From the touch pools brimming with sea stars and anemones to the mesmerizing Pacific Coral Reef exhibit, the aquarium showcases the biodiversity of our oceans. The highlight for many is the giant Pacific octopus, a sea creature that embodies the mystery and adaptability of aquatic life. Daily talks and feeding demonstrations provide insights into the lives of these underwater residents, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the marine ecosystem. The Seattle Aquarium educates and inspires conservation efforts, making it a meaningful stop in your Seattle exploration.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a celebration of creativity and innovation across music, film, and technology. This strikingly modern facility near the Space Needle encapsulates the spirit of Seattle's rich cultural contributions. Inside, interactive exhibits allow you to dive into the world of your favorite bands, explore the realms of science fiction and fantasy, or experience the evolution of video games firsthand. Special exhibitions often feature icons of music and cinema, offering a deeper understanding of their impact on popular culture.
Experience Seattle's Craft Beer Scene
Seattle is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, which has been growing and evolving since the 1980s. The city is home to numerous microbreweries, brewpubs, and taprooms that offer a wide variety of unique, high-quality beers. Neighborhoods like Ballard and Fremont are hotspots for brewery tours, where you can learn about the brewing process and the stories behind each establishment. Many of these venues also offer tastings and pairings with local cuisine, emphasizing the community's commitment to quality and sustainability. Exploring Seattle's craft beer landscape is a journey through the flavors of the Pacific Northwest and an insight into the city's communal and artisanal values.
Make the Most of Your 24 Hours in Seattle
To fully embrace your day in Seattle, leverage the ease and value of Seattle CityPASS® tickets for priority access to the city's premier attractions. There's so much to do in Seattle, such as marveling at the skyline from the Space Needle or taking in art at Chihuly Garden and Glass that you can easily create an exciting 24 hours in this amazing city. Savor a meal with a view and explore the city's craft beer scene to experience the local flavor. Don't forget to pause and enjoy the waterfront as evening falls. In Seattle, every moment is an opportunity to discover something new, so make the most of your day with CityPASS® tickets.
Seattle Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Seattle, we recommend finding lodging near Seattle's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.com