From iconic landmarks to waterfront experiences and foodie favorites, downtown Seattle packs plenty into a short stay. This guide covers must-see attractions, family-friendly stops, and local dining picks—perfect for travelers looking to make the most of a 72-hour weekend in the Emerald City.
Highlights
- Can’t-miss sights like the Space Needle, MoPOP and Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Waterfront fun, including harbor cruises, the aquarium and Pike Place Market
- Where to eat and stay, with top restaurant picks and a luxe downtown hotel
Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted .
As a native New Yorker, I’m used to the hustle and bustle of city life. When I found myself in Seattle for the weekend, I knew I wanted to squeeze as much into the 72 hours as I possibly could, especially those popular tourist attractions. If you find yourself in the Emerald City for a weekend, here are the don’t-miss things to do in downtown Seattle.
SheBuysTravelTip: If you’re looking to do all of the popular tourist attractions, then you’ll want to consider getting a Seattle CityPASS. You’ll be able to visit nearly all of the popular attractions at a discounted rate.
Visit the Space Needle
No first trip to Seattle is complete without visiting the Space Needle. The iconic 605-foot-tall landmark was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and is the most visited attraction in the city.
You’ll get magnificent views of downtown Seattle, Lake Union and Puget Sound all from the rotating observation deck on the top. Due to the popularity of the attraction, tickets and time slots are required for entry.
It’s the perfect spot to snap those photos and take videos of the nature and skyline to look back on later.
Check Out the Museum of Pop Culture
Right next door to the Space Needle is the Museum of Pop Culture. This 140,000-square-foot museum has interactive exhibits and installations such as the Indie Game Revolution, Massive: The Power of Pop Culture, Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Film and Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic, to name a few.
While browsing the exhibits, you don’t want to miss out on taking a photo of the tall guitar sculpture, which has hundreds of guitars mounted to the ceiling. Make sure you dedicate an hour or two to this museum because it has a lot of interactive elements and information you won’t want to miss.
Go to Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-see attraction next to the Space Needle. Inside, you’ll find exquisite glasswork from the one and only Dale Chihuly. Head outside to the garden to see more glass sculptures, flowers and even a live glassblowing demonstration from staff members as they explain the process and behind-the-scenes magic.
S heBuysTravel Tip: Seattle is an extremely walkable and safe city for tourists who want to venture out and explore. That said, it does have a lot of hills so you may want to utilize rideshare at some points to conserve your energy or when it gets dark as an added safety measure.
Take a Harbor Tour
Seattle is known for its expansive harbors and you’ll want to take a harbor cruise while in town. Argosy Cruises offers several sightseeing tours where you can get onto the water and take in the nearby sights and landscapes.
The 1-hour cruises have seating areas and a knowledgeable local guide to provide information on the history of the city and the buildings in the distance. There are several time slots available throughout the day; however, you’ll want to book your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.
Head to the Seattle Aquarium
Located next to Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium is a must-do for fans of marine life. Whether you’re interested in seeing jellyfish, clownfish, salmon, seahorses, otters, seals, the aquarium has it all and more.
The aquarium is divided into three buildings (Ocean Pavilion, Pier 59 and Pier 60), so you’ll want to check out each of them to see everything that’s offered. This is a fun activity for the whole family and kids will love getting up close and personal with the sea life.
Visit Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is home to a number of food vendors and artisans selling specialty items and delicacies. Here you’ll find the best clam chowders, macaroni and cheese and seafood delights. It can get super crowded, especially on the weekends and in the late evenings, so plan to spend a bit of time browsing and shopping.
SheBuysTravelTip: If you’re a macaroni and cheese lover, head over to Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for its famous penne pasta mac and cheese. There will be a long line but it’s worth the wait.
Where to Eat in Seattle
Outside of Pike Place Market, there are tons of other restaurants to enjoy. In the downtown Seattle area, you’ll want to check out La Loba at the 1 Hotel Seattle, which offers patrons a modern take on Spanish cuisine. The tapas-style restaurant has small plates that are ideal for sharing with dishes such as scallop crudo, pan con tomate, patatas bravas and sprouted cauliflower.
Another local favorite is Oddfellows, which has an amazing brunch menu — think stuffed French toast, eggs Benedict and roasted veggie sandwiches. Oddfellows is a bit more out of the way in Capitol Hill but it’s definitely worth the pit stop.
Where to Stay in Seattle
During my time in Seattle, I stayed at the 1 Hotel Seattle in the downtown area. This five-star luxury property is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life. As soon as you step inside, you’re surrounded by wooden furniture and vibrant green succulents. The rooms have a modern and earthy feel to them while also remaining luxurious and elevated. My favorite part of 1 Hotels is that the rooms have filtered water stations inside them.
The property has an on-site restaurant, a fitness center and a lobby bar. The hospitality from the staff at this property is phenomenal — you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from the moment you enter the lobby. Plus, it’s in a great location just a few blocks away from the Space Needle and other popular tourist attractions.
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