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The Seattle city skyline with Mt Rainier beyond.

©Thomas Klinder/EyeEm/Getty Images

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Overview

Blink, and it's changed: Seattle can be that ephemeral. Welcome to a city that heralds innovation and nature, always marching toward the future.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Museum of Flight

    Museum of Flight

    Seattle

    Even people with absolutely no interest in aviation have been known to blink in astonishment at Seattle's Museum of Flight, which takes visitors on a…

  • USA, Washington, Seattle, Green Lake City Park

    Green Lake Park

    Seattle

    A favorite hunting ground for runners, personal trainers and artistically tattooed sunbathers, scenic Green Lake Park surrounds a small natural lake…

  • Lions at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo; Shutterstock ID 112476; Your name (First / Last): Alexander Howard; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Western USA neighborhood POI highlights

    Woodland Park Zoo

    Seattle

    In Woodland Park, up the hill from Green Lake Park, the Woodland Park Zoo is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions. Consistently rated as one…

  • Seattle, Washington, United States, North America

    Fremont Public Sculptures

    Seattle

    You don't need to pay museum entrance fees to see some of the best and most iconic art in the city. Fremont is an art gallery in and of itself, with…

  • Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

    Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

    The CD, Madrona & Madison Park

    This Byzantium Revival building began life in 1915 as a synagogue for a congregation of Orthodox Jews. By 1969 the demographics of the neighborhood had…

  • Cherry blossoms in bloom, University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA.; Shutterstock ID 104680496; Your name (First / Last): Alexander Howard; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Western USA neighborhood POI highlights

    University of Washington

    Seattle

    Founded in 1861, Seattle's university is almost as old as the city itself and is highly ranked worldwide (the prestigious Times Higher Education magazine…

  • Autumn Colors with Park Bench and Walking Path in Arboretum Garden; Shutterstock ID 227970997; Your name (First / Last): Alexander Howard; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Western USA neighborhood POI highlights

    Washington Park Arboretum

    The CD, Madrona & Madison Park

    This wild and lovely park stretching from Madison Valley up to Union Bay offers a wide variety of gardens, a wetlands nature trail and 200 acres of mature…

  • SEATTLE - APRIL 5: Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle on April 5, 2012. The city is exploring new funding sources to offset the annual operating budget of $450K. ; Shutterstock ID 103534460; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Volunteer Park

    Seattle

    Seattle's most manicured park sits atop Capitol Hill and is named for US volunteers in the 1898 Spanish-American War. While wandering among its leafy…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From shooting to the top of the Space Needle for amazing city views to getting your fill of quality coffee, here are Seattle's top things to do.

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Best Time to Visit

Seattle has a vibrant cultural scene, top-tier attractions and incredible outdoor spaces. Forget the rain; there's no bad time to visit the Emerald City.

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Things to Know

Despite its often overcast skies, Seattle is a beautiful corner of Washington State. Here are 6 things to know before you go this Pacific Northwest gem.

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Transportation

Beat rain or traffic in the Emerald City of Seattle is a snap with its extensive and efficient web of public transportation.

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Free Things to Do

Seattle can be an expensive city to visit, but we've rounded up the top attractions that won't cost you a dime: 22 free things to do in Emerald City.

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Best Neighborhoods

See the sights, experiment with the food scene, check out local bands, find quirky art or browse at the shops in eight of Seattle's top neighborhoods.

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Day Trips

Head out into Washington State, or even all the way to Canada, with these top day trips from Seattle.

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Money and Costs

Seattle is by no means a cheap destination but with our insider tips you can vacation in the Emerald City on a tight budget.

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Traveling with Kids

How do you organize a family-friendly trip that will satisfy activity-hungry children but also be interesting for adults? The short answer: visit Seattle.

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