Things to Do in Seattle

Architecturally striking building designed by Rem Koolhaas, with a glass-and-steel atrium, public art, and free daily tours. The 10th-floor reading room has panoramic city views.

🕐 Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thu-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

💡 Take the glass elevator to the top and walk down the ramp through the 'book spiral'. Free tours run at 1pm most days – no reservation needed.

Historic farmers market overlooking the waterfront, famous for fish-throwing and artisan stalls. Walk through the main arcade, watch the gum wall, and browse flower stalls.

🕐 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm

💡 Arrive before 10am to avoid crowds. Visit the lower concourse for cheap produce and the Market Heritage Center (free entry, small donation suggested).

Nine-acre outdoor sculpture park run by the Seattle Art Museum with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Features large-scale contemporary works and walking paths.

🕐 Daily 6am-10pm

💡 Pack a picnic and sit on the grassy slope towards the water. The park connects to the waterfront via a pedestrian bridge – best at sunset.

Small hilltop park offering the classic postcard view of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier in the background.

🕐 Daily 6am-10pm

💡 Go at sunrise for near-empty views and fewer tourists. Bring a zoom lens for Rainier on clear days – check the camera before you go.

230-acre urban arboretum with over 40,000 trees and shrubs, connected by trails. The Japanese Garden (small fee) is separate but worth a walkthrough from the main loop.

🕐 Daily 6am-9pm (Japanese Garden: 10am-5pm, closed Mon, fee applies)

💡 Enter from the Montlake Cut side and follow the boardwalk through the wetlands. Free parking is limited – take bus 11 or 48 from downtown.