Seattle is a unique and amazzzzing place to visit. Below is ten iconic sights I believe everyone should see on their first trip there. With that being said, there is so many other special places to visit and sights to see. I have placed these in no particular order, as I think they are all equally as great. If you do not have a car when you are visiting the city, you can take Lyft/Uber or public transportation. I loved seattle SO much and I hope that you do too!
Space Needle- If you don't see the space needle, did you really go to seattle? This should definitely be on your list. To be completely honest, I thought that since I had seen it in so many pictures and movies that it wouldn't be that special. I was so wrong, it took my breath away. I had one of those “the world is so big and I am so small” moments that made me want to never stop exploring. Also the detail of the structure was surprising to me, so needless to say go to the Space Needle.
Chihuly Glass Museum- This museum is so convenient because it's right next to the Space Needle! There is amazing glass sculptures on the inside and the outside of the building. There is also a clear glass ceiling that you can see the Space Needle through, which provides an amazing view. Just make sure that you check the dates and times that it is open because there are private parties that rent the buildings out. Tickets are a little pricey if you are on a budget, but much worth the splurge.
Pike Place Market- There is no better way to explore than to just walk around. There are so many booths to look at local artwork, quilts, handmade jewelry, and so much more. There are so many flower stands with amazing fresh flowers. It’s quite the catch (literally) watching the fishmongers at the Fish Market throwing three foot salmon across the counter. When I was there, they made it special by doing a countdown to get onlookers engaged. It is such a unique Seattle experience. Also right near the fish market is a 550 pound bronze pig named Rachel. She is an actual piggy bank where you can drop spare change in. The money that they raise (about $6,000 per year) goes to the Market Foundation.
Original Starbucks - (address 1912 Pike Place) You should get there early in the morning and still expect to wait in line. It is a cute place and very fun to visit, but it does get very crowded. It is directly across the street from Pike Place Market. This gives you the perfect opportunity to grab your morning coffee and head over and explore the market where you can get fresh fruit or pastries for breakfast.
Gum Wall - To get to the gum wall, just follow the signs and then the crowds. It is down Post Alley, next to the market. Make sure you bring gum so that you can blow a big bubble for the iconic picture. Be prepared to stand in line for the pictures and have people watching you while take yours. Don’t forget to bring hand sanitizer because it was voted the second most dirty tourist attraction in the world next to the Blarney Stone! It is fun to see, and once again unique to Seattle.
Gasworks Park- This is a converted gas light plant that has been converted into a park. In 2013 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places after being nominated about ten years earlier. It also won an award in design excellence in 1975. There is plenty of green lawn and open space for the whole family to bring a picnic and football to throw around.
Spooked in Seattle Ghost Tour- Seattle has a very interesting and unexpected history. When you take a ghost tour, you get to immerse yourself in it! I got two tickets on Groupon for the tour for merely $14. It was a 90 minute guided walking tour around the city. We had a very enthusiastic man who clearly loved his job. He talked in different accents while telling stories, and he was even dressed up. This ghost tour goes underground as well, so you get to see the tunnels where Seattle was originally built. On the tour we also went to the oldest running bar in Seattle where you could sneak away from the group and grab a drink really quickly. In case you are worried about being frightened or scared, I am a complete wuss and I was totally okay! The building that you go into to meet up with your tour is a “death museum” where they have artifacts and tons of other items for you to look at while you wait. I highly recommend!
Ferris Wheel- This is so breathtaking to ride anytime, but especially at night. You will see the city lit up in all its glory. If you are with a significant other, it can be a very memorable and romantic experience. Though I do not remember the exact number of times you go around, I do remember thinking that it was quite a lot. Also a little fun fact to tell your friends on the ride, this is the largest observation wheel on the West Coast standing at 175 feet tall. At the time of writing adults (12+) costs $13.00 to ride. (Tip: They sell alcoholic beverages for the ride! Some even come with suveneiger cups. But drink up, because you must finish your drink before you leave the ride area.)
Take a Ferry- Another iconic thing to do is ride a ferry. Photographers love this to get a different angle of the buildings. Even if you’re not a photographer, it gives you the opportunity to see the city from a different point of view. Plus, you get to pretend that you’re Meredith Grey heading to work with McDreamy.
Fremont Troll- This troll was built by four local artists in the 90’s. It was part of an effort to rehabilitate the area under the bridge that was becoming a popular spot for drug dealers. The troll stands at 18 feet tall and 13,000 pounds. The sculpture is made out of concrete, rebar and wire. The Fremont Troll is even gripping an actual Volkswagen Beetle (with a CA license plate) in his hand. Visitors are allowed to, and even encouraged, to climb all over him.
Keep Traveling,
Sarah
Postcards To CA
I hope that you find this helpful and fun! There is so much to do and see in this spunky city. It really is a not so hidden gem. Please email me and let me know your favorites! I love hearing from everyone! Also for more pictures, check out my instagram and facebook!
@postcardstoca
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