Moving to Seattle? 10 Things to Check off Your Seattle Bucket List

Few places have as much to see and experience as the city of Seattle. Whether you’re a seasoned resident or a Pacific Northwest first-timer, there are plenty of attractions in Seattle to keep you occupied. If you’re building your Seattle Bucket List, here are 10 ideas that will let you see the most of the Emerald City: 

1. Visit the Space Needle

Okay, let’s get the most obvious choice out of the way first: The Space Needle is, without a doubt, the most prominent tourist attraction in Seattle. People worldwide swing by the city to admire this architectural oddity and drink in the sky-high observation deck’s views. 

2. Shop at Pike Place Market

If you need a few hours away from your Seattle apartment, you can’t go wrong with Pike Place Market. The hustle and bustle is intoxicating and can give you a real glimpse at the city’s character. If you enjoy cooking, you’ll love all the fresh produce and ingredients in the stalls (and be sure to keep an eye out for the punny names and labels given to the food!). You can also spruce up your place with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. 

3. Take a trip to Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square holds a great deal of Seattle’s history and is a must-visit stop if you’re interested in learning about this city’s past. As the spot where settlers first built their homes, it’s full of unique architecture and shops.

4. Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass 

If you’re familiar with the works of Dale Chihuly, you’ll love Chihuly Garden and Glass. This museum has both indoor and outdoor installations, so you should set aside plenty of time to see everything this site has to offer. 

Tips From a Landing Member

5. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island

For an escape from the city, you can’t go wrong with Bainbridge Island. Compared to Seattle’s skyscrapers and bustling streets, Bainbridge Island is practically a nature preserve. Start your visit with a ferry ride, then spend the afternoon exploring Bainbridge’s many shops, wineries, and restaurants. Plus, if you ride back home after sunset, get ready for some stunning views of the glittering city skyline.

6. Ride the Great Wheel

Move over, London Eye! The Seattle Great Wheel is a massive Ferris wheel that can accommodate all weather types due to its enclosed gondolas. It’s the ideal way to get some stunning views of the city that you can’t quite capture from other spots.

7. Hang out in an indie paradise

Fremont, Seattle’s indie enclave, promises the “freedom to be quirky.” It also plays host to some of the city’s best boutiques and vintage stores. Record collectors, consignment shop fanatics, and shopping enthusiasts will love Fremont in particular.

8. Check out the bustling food scene

If you want it, Seattle’s got it. The city is home to several of the nation’s top restaurants and boasts unique flavor combinations and sublime dining experiences. Marination Ma Kai, in particular, is a local favorite that’s on everyone’s lips.

9. Immerse yourself in the museum scene

Whether you’re spending an afternoon at the Seattle Art Museum or you take a day trip to the Wing Luke Museum, there are plenty of places for you to visit and appreciate art, science, and history.

10. Take a “beneath the streets” tour

Some subterranean exploration might be what you need to spice up your weekend in Seattle. Expert guides can take you through many of the city’s long-forgotten passages and tunnel networks. It’s an exciting tour that will have you thinking about it for days after.

Looking for more ideas for things to do in Seattle? Check out our blog post, “Tales of a Digital Nomad: How I Spent Six Weeks Living in Seattle.”

Moving to Seattle? 

Seattle is a true explorer’s city. With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that so many people consider Seattle a top journey and moving destination. If you’re considering a move to Seattle, Landing offers furnished apartments in Seattle with flexible leases that let you stay in town for as long as you’d like. Browse Landing’s available apartments in Seattle, or contact us to learn more about how our membership works.