Unique Things to Do in Seattle You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Written by Travelling Mad on November 17, 2024

The Emerald City, Seattle, is a place of innovation, stunning nature, and quirky charm. Famous for the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, this city has a lot of experiences that make it a one-of-a-kind type of city. From local to tourist, this is a list of the best things to do in Seattle and not anywhere else.

1. Marvel at the Fremont Troll

In front of the Aurora Bridge, or underneath it anyway, is a whimsical and slightly eerie giant troll holding the real-world Volkswagen Beetle. It’s an art installation and a beloved local icon: the Fremont Troll. Climb on it and get a funky photo of Fremont, home of funky shops and quirky happenings like a giggle unit.

2. Explore the Underground City in Pioneer Square

Hidden beneath Seattle’s streets lies Seattle’s history. Private guided tours of the underground passageways in Pioneer Square explore what remains of the city, before the great Seattle Fire of 1889. The eeriness of these tunnels tells a story of Seattle’s resilient past and gives a fun, enjoyable experience to those who go there.

3. Take a Spin on the Great Wheel

things to do in Seattle

From the Seattle Great Wheel, you get to view Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, and the city skyline. The ride itself is like catching a Ferris wheel on a 360-degree roller coaster, and it’s one of the largest Ferris wheels on the West Coast, so enjoy the ride at sunset or at night, when the wheel is lit up.

4. Sip Coffee at the World’s First Starbucks

things to do in Seattle

Starbucks fans rejoice! Pike Place Market is a pilgrimage site for coffee lovers and the original Starbucks store. The menu didn’t change, but the store’s little bit of nostalgia and its historical significance make it a special place to stop.

5. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

things to do in Seattle

MoPOP is home to pop culture in all its forms — and housed in a modern version of the midtown block developed by Frank Gehry. It’s a museum like no other, from exhibits on grunge music (a tip of the hat to Seattle’s music scene) to sci-fi, horror, and fantasy displays.

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6. Watch the Fish Fly at Pike Place Market

The fish market, and its fish-throwing tradition, are distinctly Seattle. Learn about who tosses giant salmon to other fishmongers with theatrical flair. That’s a performance that leaves you wide-eyed and grinning.

7. Cruise to Blake Island for a Tillicum Village Experience

things to do in Seattle

Visit Blake Island to begin a cultural and culinary journey on board a cruise. Discover Pacific Northwest heritage through a salmon bake meal and a Native American storytelling performance with the Tillicum Village experience.

8. Dive into the Whimsy of the Gum Wall

things to do in Seattle

It’s as quirky as it sounds. Post Alley contains the Gum Wall, the rainbow of sticky contributions from around the world located in proximity to Pike Place Market. It probably isn’t everyone’s thing, but it is a Seattle-exclusive experience.

9. Discover Chihuly Garden and Glass

With Chihuly Garden and Glass, it’s not you who sees the Chihuly magic; it’s his art that captures your attention. The installations are both indoors and outdoors, and very much mix art with nature with vivid glass sculptures in natural forms.

10. Kayak Through the Floating Homes of Lake Union

things to do in Seattle

Kayak with Seattle as your backdrop, as you paddle around the city on Lake Union where you can even spot the floating house from Sleepless in Seattle. This is also a peaceful but memorable activity — you can see the beautiful waters and city skyline at the same time.

What makes Seattle unique is that it successfully balances history, culture and innovation, with a little bit of the unexpected. Whether you’re interested in an underground adventure or an artistic marvel, these are some of the one-of-a-kind things to do in Seattle that you won’t soon forget. Treat yourself to beloved but quirky Seattle, or sample its large grains of salt as an adventurer or a history buff.

With curiosity at the pack, leave the Emerald City to you and it will present you its treasures!