These are the best places to travel this summer

Seattle

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
The Seattle city skyline with Mt Rainier beyond.

©Thomas Klinder/EyeEm/Getty Images

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Seattle

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

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…

View more attractions
Advertisement

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From taking a ferry for amazing city views to getting your fill of quality coffee, here are Seattle's top things to do.

Read article

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.

Read article

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.

Read article

Transportation

A growing network of public transportation makes it easier than ever to navigate Seattle. Here's how to beat rain or traffic in the Emerald City.

Read article

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.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

If you want to experience all that Seattle has to offer, begin by exploring these top neighborhoods.

Read article

Day Trips

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

Read article

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.

Read article

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.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Seattle

Go Beyond

Seattle and beyond

Beyond Seattle
Advertisement