Things to do in Seattle

The places in Seattle that people know best, ranked by readers who live there or have visited. Vote for the ones you would send a friend to, and add the places a top-ten list always misses.

SeattleWashingtonPop. 784,777

Plan around the weather

JanInsideFebEitherMarEitherAprEitherMayOutsideJunOutsideJulOutsideAugOutsideSepOutsideOctEitherNovInsideDecInside

The best months to be outside are May to September. In January, November and December, rain makes the indoor picks below the better bet. Month-by-month weather.

Top picks in Seattle

Started in order of how widely each place is written about, then ranked by your votes. Links go to each place's official website. Tick "I've been" to track your count in your city passport.

  1. Space Needle Observation tower Outdoors
  2. Museum of Pop Culture Museum Indoors
  3. Pike Place Market Market Outdoors
  4. Seattle Art Museum Art museum Indoors
  5. Seattle Center Urban park Outdoors
  6. Seattle Asian Art Museum Art museum Indoors
  7. Paramount Theatre Historic theater Indoors
  8. Seattle Aquarium Public aquarium Indoors
  9. Woodland Park Zoo Zoo Outdoors
  10. Pacific Science Center Science museum Indoors

Rainy or scorching day? Head indoors: Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum and Paramount Theatre.

Parks and sights near Seattle

The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.

Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.

Readers' picks

No reader picks yet. Add one in the box at the top of the page. Free things, little-known spots and seasonal events are especially welcome.

Add a pick with a description and website

Local favorites

Where people who live in Seattle actually eat, drink, shop and spend Saturdays. Nominated by residents. Businesses cannot pay to appear or move up.

No favorites yet. Name the taco stand, coffee shop or trail you would defend to anyone.

Add a favorite with a description

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Seattle?

Well-known places with their own websites include Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Center. Readers vote the list up and down and add their own picks.

What can you do in Seattle on a rainy or very hot day?

Indoor picks include Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum and Paramount Theatre.

When is the best time to visit Seattle?

For comfortable weather, go in May to September, when highs stay between 62°F and 86°F with modest rain (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).

More about Seattle: city profile, weather by month, moving checklist, ask a local.

Starting list from Wikidata (CC0): well-known places in or next to Seattle that list an official website, ordered by how many Wikipedia language editions cover them, checked by hand to remove closed places and non-attractions. Opening hours and prices change, so check each official site before you go. Reader picks and favorites are read by a person before they appear.