Top 3 Things Not to Miss when Visiting Seattle

Welcome to Seattle! Birthplace of grunge music, home to outdoorsy locals and really good coffee, the largest city in Washington State also boasts eclectic neighbourhoods, coastal ambiance and a thriving downtown. Our long-time Seattle guide Rem joins us today to introduce three iconic Seattle experiences you can't miss when you visit his hometown.

Top 3 Things Not to Miss when Visiting Seattle

When you visit Seattle, the three experiences to top your list are: trips to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square.

The most recognizable sight of Seattle is undoubtedly, the iconic Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair and inspired by its theme, “The Age of Space,” the Needle’s innovative design spans 605-feet in the air with a flying saucer-shaped top.

You can access the observation deck at 520-feet by elevator or hike up 382 open-air stairs. Once at the top, check out the Atmos Café or the Atmos Wine Bar, just 20-feet down. While occasionally needing to close for an upgrade or event, the Space Needle is open 365 days of the year. Go first thing in the morning for shorter wait times. Weekday evenings are also less crowded, but plan for rush hour traffic.

Since the beginning, the Space Needle has offered a 360-degree view. While it has undergone other changes, its largest renovation began in 2017. The results include multi-level, floor-to-ceiling glass viewing areas and the creation of The Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. If you look down, you’ll have a clear range of vision from 500 feet!

The Space Needle is located in the Seattle Center, a 74-acre park. Here you can also see Chihuly Garden and Glass, which highlights Washington state artist, Dale Chihuly and his spectacular blown glass pieces. More creativity awaits at the Museum of Pop Culture, originally named the Experience Music Project. Concerts, comedy shows, art, fairs, festivals, sports and other activities take place at the Seattle Center. This includes women’s professional basketball featuring local team, Seattle Storm.

For more adventures, board the Monorail at the Seattle Center station. Exit at the Westlake Center Mall station and stroll to nearby Pike Place Market. Documented in 1907 as Seattle’s first farmer’s market, it was a convenient place for farmers to sell their produce and other goods. A wooden roadway became known as Pike Place, hence the name, Pike Place Market.

Known for having one of the largest craft markets in the country, it features handmade items by local artisans. Browse tables of flowers, specialty foods, and fresh fruits and vegetables presented by over 85 local farmers. Choose from over 80 restaurants and visit 200 owner-operated shops, bakeries and fish markets, including Pike Place Fish and its skilled fish throwers. Don’t worry, they won’t throw them AT you, but it is a sight to see! Be sure and stop into the very first Starbucks, born in 1971, located at the mouth of the market.

On the lower level, you’ll find the Market Theatre Gum Wall. This wall of bricks is covered in chewed gum with an estimated 250 pieces stuck on each brick. Add your own piece and be a part of this Seattle tradition. Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, Pike Place Market is bustling, 363 days of the year!

Not far from Pike Place Market is Seattle’s original neighborhood and first historic district, Pioneer Square. Established in 1852, Seattle found quick growth as an active lumber town. A fire swept through what is now Pioneer Square in 1889. While the fire temporarily halted expansion, Seattle quickly rebuilt on top of the rubble, becoming a major location for the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. Take the Seattle Underground tour to learn what Seattle was like before the Great Fire of 1889.

Pioneer Square has historically been a gathering place for artists and remains the center of Seattle’s art scene. It was also the location of USA’s first art walk, with galleries staying open late for visitors. It’s a free, community event, held the first Thursday evening of every month. Pioneer Square’s creative culture also includes literary events, comedy, theatre and music of every genre, including live jazz at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. Remember the ‘80s and ‘90s grunge scene? It all started here, introducing Nirvana, Pearl Jam and other Seattle bands to the world.

Along with music and arts venues, Pioneer Square has choice restaurants, including 24-hour dining at 13 Coins. Spooked in Seattle ghost tours, a 360-degree view from the Observatory in the Smith Tower, Seattle’s first skyscraper and a 22-foot waterfall in the secluded Waterfall Garden Park are waiting for you in Pioneer Square. If you like sports, Century Link Stadium where the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders play and T-Mobile Park, which is home to the Mariners, are a short walk from the square.

The Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square give brilliant introductions to the pristine beauty, diverse culture and interesting history of Seattle. Enjoy your visit!

Check out the Space Needle video Rem made for a sneak peak at the newly renovated attraction!