Must-Do Activities in Seattle, Washington

Explore the Space Needle

The Space Needle stands tall at 605 feet, serving as Seattle's iconic architectural symbol. Built for the 1962 World's Fair with the theme "The Age of Space," the Space Needle represents both humanity's dedication to science and the era's futuristic design.

From its unique saucer-shaped top, the Space Needle provides stunning panoramic views of Seattle. Visitors can admire the harmonious blend of the cityscape with nature, including downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and various mountain ranges—it's a photographer's dream.

Make sure to visit Pike Place Market for a delightful experience filled with local flavors and vibrant culture.

Since its opening in 1907, Pike Place Market has been a beloved destination for Seattle locals. By 1909, city government archives noted that the market welcomed around 300,000 visitors each month. Today, it hosts over 225 artisans and vendors, including the famous fish-throwing fishmongers at the intersection of Pike Street and Pike Place.

Whether you plan to purchase local treats or crafts, a visit to Pike Place Market is well worth it for the experience alone. Beyond the iconic fish throwers, who perform their act hundreds of times daily, the market is home to unique sights like the Gum Wall (a wall adorned with chewed gum) and the original Starbucks coffee shop.

Join a Grunge Sightseeing Tour to explore the roots of this iconic music scene.

Grunge, an alternative rock genre and subculture, emerged in Seattle during the mid-1980s, highlighted by legendary bands like Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Nirvana. While there isn't a specific site dedicated to the grunge movement or any monuments marking its inception, several key locations are integral to its history and evolution.

• Easy Street Records: This independent record store, café, and occasional performance space grew alongside the grunge phenomenon, hosting some of its most famous artists. Notably, on April 25, 2005, Pearl Jam recorded their "Live at Easy Street" EP there, an event the store called "one of the most memorable days in the history of Easy Street."
• The Crocodile and the Showbox Market: Renowned venues in grunge lore, both have hosted early performances by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam during their ascent.
• KEXP Gathering Space: This venue offers daily tours where visitors can see original vinyl releases of Nirvana's "Nevermind" and Soundgarden's "Badmotorfinger" albums.
• The Museum of Pop Culture: MoPOP celebrates contemporary pop culture and has strong ties to grunge, featuring a bronze statue of Soundgarden's late frontman, Chris Cornell. Inside, exhibitions like "Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses" provide a deep dive into the band's history.