Top 10 things to do in Seattle area

If you are visiting Seattle during your vacation to the pacific northwest, no doubt you are overwhelmed by the variety of things to do in Seattle.  To help you make the most out of your stay in Washington's most famous city, we put together a list of top 10 things to do in Seattle area.

10.  Stroll Seattle's waterfront and piers 

Seattle is a city on the water, and so there are plenty of water activities to be had. From the famous wonder wheel to the aquarium, to the stunning views off pier 61, you can spend hours wandering the city's waterfront and not run out of things to do.  

9. Be amazed at the Chihuly Gardens and Glass 

A feast for the eyes, Chihuly gardens and glass is the culmination of a lifetime of the work of a glass artist Dale Patrick Chihuly.  The magical forest of glass will challenge your senses, and the glass house is an amazing place to get great vacation pictures from Seattle.  

8. Check out the views from the Gasworks plant 

This long abandoned power station is a staple of Fremont neighborhood, a photographer favorite - and a great place to get spectacular shots of downtown Seattle.  It is particularly beautiful at sunset, and sunrise, so don't forget your camera! 

7. Indulge in free chocolate at Theo Chocolates

This factory and chocolate store offers unlimited dark chocolate samples, accompanied by delicious fresh coffee.  You can also get a factory tour.  And of course, this is a great place to get souvenirs and gifts of your pacific northwest vacation.  Everyone loves chocolate! 

6. Check out the amazing artwork in Fremont.  

One of our favorite top 10 things to do in Seattle is definitely strolling the Fremont neighborhood.  This area is full of art installations, from the Fremont troll to the statue of Lenin with blood on his hands, to the odd rocket ship - there is much to see here.  You can always join a free walking tour and learn much more about the history of this unusual Seattle area.  

5. Have a great Sandwich at Paseo Caribean Food.  

It might not sound like a sandwich place - but Paseo happens to be one of the best Sandwich shops in the world.  Located in the tony Fremont neighborhood, this hole in the wall is always packed with locals and visitors.  After you try the sandwich you'll see why - the food is to die for.  The staff is cheery and will often break out in a song as you enjoy your meal.  

4. Have an amazing Seattle Coffee.  

Although Seattle is known as the birthplace of Starbucks there are much more interesting coffee shops to be explored here.  Around every corner, you'll see a unique and unusual coffee shop.  Be sure to stop by several, and if you are ever at a loss ask a local - Seattle residents know exactly where the best coffee is.  

3. Get grossed out at the gum wall.

The aptly named gum wall (which is more of gum alley really) is a unique if gross tourist attraction that must be seen to be believed.  The gum alley, otherwise known as Post Alley is just a few steps from Pike Place market hosts gum all over its walls and even ceiling.  Be careful placing your own - you don't want to get trapped.  Get some cool pictures in the alley and get out while you still can ;)

2.  Check out the flying fish in Pike Place Market. 

No doubt you've seen the image - a fish, expertly thrown by one man dressed in a white coat, caught, to the cheers of the crowd by another man.  This slightly odd tradition is the calling card for Seattle, and therefore for Pike Place Market, Seattle's famous indoor marketplace.  You can observe flying fish (and so much more) on your visit to Seattle 7 days a week.  Just stop by Pike Place market in the morning or early afternoon for this fascinating and fun tradition.

1.  Visit the Skyview observatory. 

If you are looking for the best view in Seattle, there is simply no contest.  The tallest tower in the Pacific Northwest, the Skyview observatory is the tallest tower in the Pacific Northwest and of course, by definition in Seattle.  We suggest going here for sunset, the tower closes at 10 pm and so you can watch the sky slowly change colors from this incredible vantage point.  Don't forget your camera during this, most important stop of the top 10 things to do in Seattle area.

The view from Skyview observatory in Seattle, Washington.