Seattle is a vibrant city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Known for its stunning natural surroundings, including the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, Seattle is a hub of cultural, culinary, and technological innovation. Home to iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, Seattle is a destination that has something for everyone, from world-class museums and galleries to scenic parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here is the list of top places to see in Seattle, Washington.
Seattle History
The city was founded in 1851 by Arthur Denny and a group of other pioneers. Originally called “New York Alki,” Seattle began as a small settlement on the shores of Puget Sound. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Seattle experienced a period of rapid growth due to its location as a major port city and the hub of the Klondike Gold Rush. This period brought great prosperity to the city, which saw the development of iconic structures such as the Smith Tower and the Space Needle. Seattle has also played an important role in social justice movements, including the civil rights movement and the LGBTQ rights movement. Today, Seattle is known for its thriving tech industry, beautiful parks and green spaces.
Interesting facts about Seattle
- Seattle is named after Chief Sealth of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes who signed a treaty with the United States in 1855, ceding land that would later become Seattle.
- Seattle is home to the world’s first Starbucks, which opened in Pike Place Market in 1971. Today, it’s still a popular tourist attraction.
- Seattle is known for its rainy weather, but it actually doesn’t rank among the top 10 rainiest cities in the United States. In fact, New York City gets more rainfall on average than Seattle.
- Seattle is the birthplace of several iconic companies, including Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks.
- The Space Needle, Seattle’s most famous landmark, was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and stands 605 feet tall. It was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River at the time of its construction.
- Seattle is home to several notable music scenes, including grunge in the 1990s and alternative hip hop in the 2000s.
- The University of Washington is one of the largest employers in Seattle and has produced 20 Nobel laureates, including two in 2020.
- Seattle is surrounded by water on three sides and has over 5,000 acres of parks within city limits.
Top places to see in Seattle
Space Needle
An iconic tower with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
Pike Place Market
A bustling public market with fresh seafood, local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
A museum showcasing the breathtaking glass art of artist Dale Chihuly.
Museum of Pop Culture
A museum dedicated to music, science fiction, and pop culture with exhibits, interactive displays, and live performances.
Seattle Aquarium
A popular aquarium featuring marine life from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Pioneer Square
A historic district with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and a famous underground tour.
Seattle Art Museum
A museum showcasing a diverse collection of art from around the world.
Hiking and outdoor activities
Seattle is surrounded by beautiful nature, and there are plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities to explore.
Seattle Great Wheel
A giant Ferris wheel on the waterfront with stunning views of the city and Elliott Bay.
Fremont Troll
A quirky and unique sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood.
