Seattle is, for the most part, the polar antithesis of what it was a few decades ago. It has grown in ways that no one could have predicted. It has grown from an unsightly and somewhat dull port to become not only Washington State’s most gorgeous but also its largest metropolis.
Whether you prefer the beach or the mountains, you will not be disappointed here because it has both.
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10 Best Things To Do in Seattle
This coastal city has a growing urban population and is home to notable figures such as Bill Gates. If you’re in the city, you could be lucky enough to score a seat at CenturyLink Field to see a soccer match.
This city is home to many interesting museums, beautiful parks, and a few unusual buildings and neighbourhoods. The city is diversified not just in terms of its population, but also in terms of its scenery and constructions. From ferry cruises to enormous Ferris rides, this city is both entertaining and calm.
1. Pike Place Market (in Seattle)
This market on Elliott Bay, located in downtown Seattle, never ceases to astonish anyone who comes down this steep hill to see the Pike Place market. This market, which dates back to the first decade of the twentieth century, has served as a hub and permanent basis for farmers that specialise in seasonal products.
Treat yourself to exotic animals and culinary ingredients in this neighbourhood, which includes anything from a couple of fish markets to more than a dozen specialty food stores that are hard to come by elsewhere.
It is also the home of a massive craft trade fair; you will be astounded to find about 200 dealers and underground shops. Because of the diversity of options, this location is always congested; get there early to avoid the crowds and you’ll have plenty of choices. This has a lot of interest for both locals and tourists.
The Pike Place Market will entice you with its wonderful smelling fresh breads and small trinkets that you may buy as gifts or retain as a keepsake from your vacation.
2. Needle in Space
The Space Needle, a 60-year-old building that is one of a kind, is one of the most interesting sites in Seattle. It is not only a popular tourist destination in the city, but also throughout the state.
This striking structure lies in west Mississippi and was built in 1962 as the world’s highest standing skyscraper at 158 metres. Take the glass elevator to see more than just the town, including the islands on Puget Sound, the neighbouring mountains, and the Olympic Mountains, among other sights.
Despite the fact that the structure has just six storeys, it provides the ideal bird’s eye view. The revolving glass floor is one of the most exciting and unusual elements. Not only is it the first, but it is also the only one in the globe. Because this is a major attraction, go around noon, when it is less crowded.
3. Pop Culture Museum
Until 2006, it was known as the Experience Music Project, and it was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The unique skyscraper, known as ‘MoPop,’ was designed by Frank Gehry and completed in 2000.
If you enjoy science fiction, horror films, and video games, you will spend more than a few hours in the building. Every day at 10 a.m., it opens. The tickets are available for purchase online.
4. Sculpture Park at the Olympic Games
You’ll find yourself among unusual constructions such as Alexander Calder’s Eagle, a one-of-a-kind sculpture that, when viewed from the south-west, is perfectly aligned with the Space Needle.
Around 20 works from the Olympic Sculpture Park can be found here. The structures are open to the sky, and the gallery is stretched out over a nine-acre space that was once an industrial site.
Wake by Richard Serra, Spilt by Roxy Paine, and Echo by Jaume Plensa are just a handful of the other prominent artists’ works in the park.
The entrance cost is waived throughout the year, and the museum is open every day except national holidays. The park is open 30 minutes prior to sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. Within the grounds, there is also an Asian art museum with some wonderful artwork on show.
5. The Great Wheel of Seattle
Elliot Bay, Seattle’s port, has a lot to offer, including a large Ferris wheel that stands over 53 metres tall. This structure, located at Pier 57 on the west coast, was built as the world’s tallest at the time.
In the presence of the Seattle Great Wheel, the waterfront appears just gorgeous. For adventurers, this is a must-try. This is lit up every night with LEDs and other lights, but it is only used on special occasions, such as holidays or weekends.
6. Smith TowerÂ
Before the Space Needle earned the title of highest structure in Seattle, Smith Tower was the city’s first skyscraper and the tallest building.
This 148-meter-high structure has 38 stories, making it the city’s and New York’s tallest skyscraper at the time. If you happen to be in town, you must see at it with your own eyes. Because it was financed by Lyman Cornelius Smith, a businessman, the structure was named after him.
The building’s historic wall fittings, such as the brass-coated elevators and latticed doors, are still prominently displayed. A couple of the designs were restored and reopened in 2016, with a speakeasy concept you will undoubtedly love, from carved teak ceilings in specific sections to twirling bannister onyx.
7. Washington State FerriesÂ
Taking a ferry across the Puget Sound is one of the most popular and enjoyable things to do in Seattle. The Washington State Ferries (WSF) maintains ferries sailing on 12 different routes, claiming to have one of the largest fleets of ferries in the world.
On a scale of the world’s largest ferry networks, this is the fourth largest. Surprisingly, all of the ferries in this area can transport at least 64 cars, and the smallest vessel can carry 750 passengers on board at once.
The Seattle-Bainbridge Island Ferry, which departs from Pier 52 and docks at Bainbridge Island, is one of the recommended tours. This is one of the most vibrant and glitzy areas, where you can party if you so desire. However, depending on the season, ferry prices may change.
8. The Woodland Park ZooÂ
Woodland Park Zoo is located in North Central Seattle, close to Seattle’s Green Lake Park. This zoo, which is close to Bronx Zoo, is known for its wildlings as well as the amount of awards it has received from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
From a large glass window, you can’t keep your gaze away from the gorgeous penguins, a rare sight underwater. The species’ native individual habitats have been compiled here, and many have received honours as a result.
In addition to Malayan tigers, orangutans, and sloth bears, Indian rhinos can be seen in and out of their manmade caves. Brown bears, as well as African creatures such as zebras and giraffes, will be on display.
The zoo will keep you captivated because to its always active population and unique sights that can only be seen in a zoo.
9. The Japanese Garden in Seattle
This urban oasis is situated on a lush 3.5-acre plot of land. Located towards the south end of Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum.
You may unwind in the tranquil and pleasant garden, which is filled with lovely fauna, stones, short bridges, and a few structures. A beautiful location for photographing and appreciating nature.
This location hosts all traditional Japanese festivals and special occasions; if you visit on the fourth Saturday of the summer, you will be able to attend the annual tea party.
10. CenturyLink FieldÂ
This multifunctional stadium, located near Elliott Bay, is home to both the Seattle Sounders (MLS) and Seattle Seahawks (NLF) of Major League Soccer. If you’re a soccer fan, you won’t want to miss this. It has a capacity of 69,000 for a game and even more for special events.
Conclusion
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, a philanthropist who has contributed to a visitor foundation in Seattle, is one of the city’s great men. Paul Allen, actor Ryan Stiles (Two and a Half Individuals, 2003), and a few more well-known men call this seaside city on the west coast of the United States home.