You’d be hard pressed to fit all these into one day but you might just manage them in two. We think these are some of the can’t-miss, must-do sights to see in Seattle.
1. The Famous Pike Place Market.
Pike Place is at the heart of Seattle’s waterfront and should definitely be your first stop on any Seattle trip. Whether it’s to buy fantastic local fruit and veggies, a wide range of handicrafts or paintings by local artists, this is where you could easily spend a couple hours to half of a day depending on whether you linger over coffee or stop for lunch. It’s a great mix of tourists and locals. You absolutely HAVE to see the famous ‘fish throwing’ while you’re there – uniquely ‘Pike Place’ and an unconventional addition to your Insta-feed.
2. Coffee, coffee, coffee!
Speaking of coffee, Seattle is the city that started the specialty coffee empire that’s taken over the world! Whether it’s trying a boutique coffee spot, Seattle’s Best or the ubiquitous Starbucks, this is where coffee is at (even if it tastes a little different than the ‘flat whites’ from Australia/NZ). Pop into the first Starbucks EVER and grab a collector’s mug and photo with the other tourists. Don’t worry – it’s easy to find, right across from Pike Place Market.
3. Mac and Cheese!
This is a North American staple, of course, and what better way to try this truly local dish than at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, just a stone’s throw from the Market. See how the cheese is made before it’s melted down and becomes half of one of the world’s most amazing duos. Cheese + pasta = us drooling.
4. Gram your way through MoPop (Museum of Popular Culture).
Previously known as the Experience Music Project with the separate Science Fiction Museum attached, it began life as a celebration of all things music but has morphed into a venue that celebrates pop culture: art exhibitions, music, cinema, photography, sci-fi – it’s all here! It’s got a huge collection of artifacts from some of Seattle’s top musical acts including Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Macklemore and others. First Thursdays the museum is free for everyone, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s located on the campus of Seattle Center, adjacent to the Space Needle and the Seattle Center Monorail, which runs through the building. A must-see during your trip to Seattle.
5. Sports, sports, sports.
Seattle is a sports city no matter what time of the year you visit. There’s always some kind of sporting event to attend: for the NFL (or gridiron for you Australians) you have the Seahawks who play from September to January; the Mariners are playing baseball from April to September and the Sounders are kicking it (soccer-wise) March to October. There are also great college sports and one-off tournaments taking place all year.
6. Get out on the water.
Leave of the hustle and bustle of Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing behind and hop on a local ferry to Bainbridge Island, just a half hour ride across the sound. Vist the Farmer’s Market or get some exercise while enjoying the wildlife and Japanese-inspired gardens in the 150 acre Bloedel Reserve. Why not head down to Pier 52 on the Seattle Waterfront – for less then $8 return there is no better way to spend a little down time!
