Seattle Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Seattle, Washington - WA, USA)

Seattle has long been rated as one of the top US cities to live in, offering a fantastic theater and art scene, countless tourist attractions, numerous music festivals and an abundance of historic and entertainment venues. With a striking skyline flaunting Seattle's Space Needle, placid waters, snowcapped mountain ranges and emerald greenery, the area is also a top tourist destination.

Internationally recognized attractions, such as the Pike Place Market, Experience Music Project and Seattle Center (built for the World Fair), as well as a variety of other cultural, artistic and historic sites provide for an abundance of unique and picturesque sightseeing opportunities.

Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks

Address: 3015 54th Street, Seattle, Washington WA, 98107, USA
Tel: +1 206 783 7059
Between June and October the Sockeye (red) salmon pass through the fish ladders of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as Seattle's Ballard Locks. Visitors can watch the boats travel between Lake Union and the Puget Sound, while enjoying breathtaking views. Other attractions at the locks also include the beautiful Carl South English, Jr. Botanical Garden and a gift shop offering exhibits of exotic plants.
Open hours: October to April - 10:00 to 16:00, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Open daily May to September - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free guided tours from March to November

Seattle Waterfront

Address: Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington WA, 98109, USA
Maritime industries, seafood restaurants and unique shops line the piers which jut out into Elliot Bay and create the picturesque Seattle waterfront. The Bay is peppered with ferries, freighters, tugs and naval vessels, while overhead seaplanes and parasailors flit about. The best views of the waterfront and the skyline are seen from the water, typically aboard ferries. Attractions include the Seattle Omnidome Theater, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop (open since 1899) and renowned seafood restaurants serving savory fried clams 'n' chips are sights to stroll by or take the Waterfront Streetcar (built from restored trams from Australia) along the promenade and into the neighboring International District.
Open hours: business hours vary, waterfront area accessible all hours
Admission: charges apply for certain attractions

Seattle Center

Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington WA, 98109, USA
Tel: +1 206 684 7200
Located at the end of the Monorail line, Seattle Center is a cultural center and amusement park built for the 1962 World Fair and it hosts the most recognizable symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle. The Fun Forest is an amusement park featuring roller coasters and a Ferris wheel, as well as arcade games, miniature golf and bumper cars. The Pacific Science Center is home to science related attractions appealing to children, IMAX movies, laser shows and community events. The Key Arena contains the Seattle Super Sonics as well as being a frequent venue for live music. Also home to the Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Children's Museum and Seattle Children's Theater, many summer festivals are housed on these grounds surrounding the International Fountain, a popular destination for splashing around and cooling down during hot days.
Open hours: indoor attractions open year round; outdoor rides open mid-June to Labor Day, Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 23:00
Admission: charges apply for certain attractions

Smith Tower Observation Deck

Address: 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington WA, 98104, USA
Tel: +1 206 622 4004
Built around 1914 and continuously flaunted as Seattle's favorite building, the Smith Tower offers panoramic views of the downtown, waterfront and snowcapped mountain ranges beyond. Once the world's tallest building outside of New York City, the vintage glass elevators take visitors to the outdoor observation deck of this Neo-classic high-rise. The Smith Tower is a great alternative to the Space Needle for picturesque vistas.
Open hours: November to mid-April, Friday to Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00; mid-April to October, daily - 10:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, seniors and students, children under five free

Underground Seattle Tour

Address: 608 First Avenue, Seattle, Washington WA, 98104, USA
Tel: +1 206 682 4646
Beginning in Doc Maynard's renovated 1890s saloon, then continuing along the sidewalks of Pioneer Square and underground, this tour reveals the remains of old Seattle, which have been vacant since 1907. A historic and cleverly narrated walking tour lasting approximately one hour and 30 minutes covers a variety of subterranean sites and attractions.
Also available is the Sub Seattle Tour, a bus ride around the more unconventional sights and districts of Seattle.
Open hours: daily, tour times vary
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, seniors and students, children under six free