Seattle gets overshadowed by places like New York, Chicago and San Francisco. When most people think of Seattle, they think coffee, rain, the Space Needle and maybe that gorgeous mountain, Mount Rainier. But Seattle is so much more than that. Honestly, Seattle might be one of America’s most underrated cities.
It’s a city where the mountains meet the ocean, where you can eat some of the freshest seafood on Earth (you can, not me, because I don’t eat seafood), watch seaplanes land on the water, visit the original Starbucks and hop aboard a ferry that feels like a mini cruise. I spent a night in Seattle before my Alaska cruise and another night after, and it completely surprised me. Here are the attractions worth your time, the hidden gems, where to eat and why Seattle should move up your travel list.
Is Seattle Really That Rainy?
Let’s start with the biggest myth: Seattle is not always rainy. I’ll be honest, I was petrified about this, because I’d always heard it was uber rainy. I thought, “What the heck? We’ve got to bring all our rain clothes, umbrellas, rain jackets.” When we landed, there was a thin cloud cover and no rain. It started to sprinkle when we first walked out of the hotel, and I thought, “Here we go.” But strangely enough, it just didn’t rain. It was just cloudy.
It’s true: Seattle gets more cloudy days than rainy days. You’ll probably see some gray skies, like I did. But what you get in return is one of the most beautiful cities in America, and that is 100% true. I expected to go in thinking, “It’s all right, whatever, fine.” Instead, I was 1,000% shocked at how much I liked it.
Downtown Seattle after a passing shower. (Stock photo)
A City Surrounded by Nature
Seattle has Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington and Lake Union, with all of that gorgeous forest and nature surrounding one city. Imagine looking out from downtown and seeing snowcapped mountains on the horizon. That’s Seattle. It’s outdoorsy without being rugged and sophisticated without feeling pretentious.
Mount Rainier (Finally)
When we flew in, the captain announced, “If you’re on the left side of the plane, you’ll be able to see Mount Rainier.” Great, I’m on the left side! Woohoo! Except I was in the middle seat, leaning over this poor guy’s shoulder (thankfully, he was a pretty cool dude), looking for a mountain I had never actually looked up, so I had no idea how big it was. We touched down, and I never saw it. Between the clouds and the tiny window, it just wasn’t happening.
I didn’t see it the next morning, either, because there were buildings in the way. And when we boarded the ship, another ship was blocking the view from my cabin. Then we started to sail away, and sure enough, there it was. It was majestic: still snowcapped, with the snow surprisingly low on the mountain, and so much bigger than I expected. I’ve lived in California, so I know what mountains look like, and I was still blown away. It was breathtaking.
A Big City That Feels Like Home
I also loved how walkable and livable Seattle is. There were people everywhere, and it was busy, but it wasn’t New York City busy. It was quaint and citylike at the same time. I know that’s an oxymoron, but it’s exactly what it was. It felt like home, yet it felt like a city. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a city without feeling like you’re in a huge city, Seattle’s it.
One thing I didn’t see coming: Seattle is very hilly. Some of the hills are really steep, so if walking isn’t easy for you, keep that in mind.
Popular Seattle Attractions
The Space Needle
The Space Needle is the obvious one. It sticks right out. We didn’t go up. On our first day, the weather wasn’t good, and I don’t think we would have had much of a view. On our second day, the clouds cleared, the sun came out and it was gorgeous. So if you’re spending some time in Seattle, wait for that clear day instead of booking ahead. We walked by it several times, and it didn’t seem that busy. Heights just aren’t my thing (we flew in on a plane, what else am I going to see?), but if you love seeing things from up high, I can’t imagine the view isn’t magnificent.
The Waterfront Ferris Wheel
There’s also a giant Ferris wheel on one of the piers, kind of a Seattle version of the London Eye. Our hotel on the second night, the W, gave us a free pass for it. You could probably see a lot from up there, too.
Good to know (checked October 2026): the Ferris wheel is the Seattle Great Wheel, on Pier 57.
Pike Place Market
The place everyone loves is Pike Place Market, and you absolutely shouldn’t skip it. You might be thinking, “I don’t want to go shopping.” There’s definitely shopping, but Pike Place isn’t just a market. It’s an experience: fresh seafood, handmade crafts, local artists, street performers and incredible bakeries. It was packed with tourists, and it would be interesting to know how many were tourists versus locals. From our hotel by the water, we walked up a couple of really big hills to First Avenue, and it was a straight shot to the market.
The Fish Throwers
The part everyone talks about is the famous fish throwers. The first time we went, I missed it, because I ran off to a bakery that had chocolate chip cookies. The rest of my party saw it, and I was like, “Are you freaking kidding me?” So I made them go back the next day, because I was not missing the fish throwers.
They 100% throw fish. When someone buys a fish, they pick it up and throw it into the shop, where it’s weighed and wrapped for the customer. So you have to wait for someone to actually buy something before the fish start flying. It’s a little crazy, but a really cool experience. Even cooler, depending on which fish shop you go to, you can have seafood shipped back home. The crabs were massive and the lobsters were huge. I was blown away, and I don’t even eat any of that.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie (in an Italian Market)
I’m always on the hunt for a great chocolate chip cookie, and I found one of the best I’ve ever had at an Italian market at Pike Place. I didn’t catch the name, but it’s right on the corner near Il Bistro, an Italian restaurant, and it has everything you could think of: a bakery, cheeses, olives, pasta, coffee and a wine shop.
I walked up to the bakery counter and said, “I’ll take the most Italian thing in here.” She named something in Italian, some Italian cookie, I’m sure. And I said, “Nope. Chocolate chip cookie.” She started laughing so hard, because clearly a chocolate chip cookie isn’t very Italian. It’s very American. I’m not even kidding you, I’m still dreaming about that cookie.
Good to know (checked October 2026): this sounds like DeLaurenti Food & Wine, the Italian specialty market at 1435 First Avenue, at the entrance to Pike Place Market. It has an upstairs wine section, and its homemade chocolate chip cookie has its own fans.
Flowers and Rainier Cherries
If I could have brought flowers on the ship, I would have. The bouquets were huge, beautiful and perfectly done, and they were only about $20 when we were there. When we went back the second time, we also bought cherries, Rainier cherries, and they were so good. If you go during cherry season, get them.
Pike Place Market’s famous sign. Don’t miss the lower levels. (Stock photo)
Go Beyond the Main Aisle
Here’s a little secret: most tourists don’t go past that first main aisle. There are lower levels, hidden shops and quirky little spots. We went downstairs, upstairs and around the back corners, and it was really cool. Take your time and walk through all of it.
The Gum Wall and the Alibi Room
That’s how we stumbled on the Gum Wall. Yes, you heard me right: it’s a wall covered in people’s chewed gum. It’s awesome. Not really. It was pretty gross. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see it, but it’s one of those things where, if you’re there, you might as well. I did not leave my DNA on the wall. I just observed this time. Honestly, I would have had to find a spot to maneuver my gum in without touching anything else, and that was not going to happen, because it’s pretty well gummed up. It’s kind of hidden, and we almost didn’t find it.
Right next to it, we found a great little bar called the Alibi. They claim to have the best pizza. We didn’t try it, but when we searched for good pizza later, they popped up, so maybe they do. The staff were super cool, asked where we were from and chatted with us.
The Original Starbucks
The other famous stop is the original Starbucks. Strangely enough, I don’t drink coffee, but it was cool to see the old-school lettering above the store. We didn’t go in, and there were people all over the place.
Seattle Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
Take a Ferry Ride
One of Seattle’s best attractions costs less than many tourist activities: hop on a Washington State Ferry. The views back toward the skyline are incredible, and you’ll see mountains, islands, sailboats, seaplanes and maybe even bald eagles. I know that sounds weird, but as we sailed away on our cruise, a bald eagle flew right over our ship. It was the coolest thing.
We didn’t take the ferry, because we were getting on a cruise and saw all of that from the ship. If you’re cruising out of Seattle, you honestly don’t need it. If you’re not, take the ferry ride, because it’s super cool.
Watch the Seaplanes on Lake Union
Seattle has one of the busiest seaplane hubs in the country. Grab lunch on the waterfront and watch the planes take off and land. I’m fascinated by seaplanes and how low they fly. I’ve been in plenty of planes, and plenty of wonky planes, and I think a seaplane would be super cool, but I’d want the water to be like glass. Otherwise I feel like you’d just be bouncing all the way through takeoff.
Kerry Park
Want the postcard view of Seattle? This is it, and most visitors never go. Kerry Park is where photographers capture those famous skyline shots with Mount Rainier in the background. If Rainier is out, you’ll never forget the view.
The Underground Tour
Part of Seattle is literally buried beneath the city. After a major fire in the 1800s, Seattle rebuilt above portions of the original streets, and you can still explore sections of that old underground city today. It’s fascinating and a little spooky. Look for an underground Seattle tour.
Good to know (checked October 2026): the fire was the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Washington State Ferries leave from the downtown waterfront terminal at Colman Dock.
The Seattle waterfront from Elliott Bay. (Stock photo)
What to Eat in Seattle
Seattle is known for seafood: salmon, halibut, oysters, Dungeness crab. If it swims, Seattle probably serves the best version you’ll ever eat. Seattle also takes its chowder seriously. Everyone has a favorite, and everyone will tell you what theirs is. And coffee, obviously. Everyone’s probably trying to become the next Starbucks, so get all the coffee.
Here’s a local tip: try a Seattle-style hot dog, with cream cheese. It sounds strange, but trust me. Everyone says to try it.
The Pink Door: Thank Me Later
Our first night’s dinner wasn’t the greatest, but our second meal was phenomenal. Listen to me very carefully: if you love Italian food, get a reservation at The Pink Door, and ask to sit outside. As long as the weather’s nice, the views and the atmosphere are phenomenal.
The food was unreal. We had the pappardelle Bolognese (oh my goodness), a carbonara and this garlic bread I still can’t stop thinking about. I found it because I was searching for a place to eat outside. The weather was gorgeous in Seattle and not so gorgeous back home in Orlando, so I was dying to eat outdoors. We didn’t even know where it was, and it’s uber hidden: there’s no name on it. But it is definitely a pink door. Follow the directions, look for the pink door and walk in. It’s right by Pike Place.
Good to know (checked October 2026): The Pink Door is in Post Alley at Pike Place Market. Its current menu lists pappardelle al ragù Bolognese; menus change, so check before you go.
Din Tai Fung
We also ate at Din Tai Fung. It’s not local to Seattle, it’s a chain, but if you love Asian food and dumplings, especially xiao long bao (soup dumplings, and forgive me if I butchered that), don’t miss it. It was amazing.
Good to know (checked October 2026): Din Tai Fung started in Taiwan. Its first U.S. restaurant opened in Arcadia, California, in 2000.
Where We Stayed and What Else We Did
Since I was there before and after my cruise, we stayed in two great hotels in great locations:
The Marriott on the waterfront (the night before the cruise). It was right on the water, and they had shuttles to and from the cruise piers. One of the piers was so close you could actually walk to it. If you’re taking a cruise, it’s worth it.
The W Seattle (the night after), more in the middle of downtown.
The first night, we did the touristy things and just walked around. If you’re able, it’s a great walking city. You can literally walk everywhere. We tried to get into Flight Club, which is darts on steroids: it keeps score for you, and the games play on a screen, nothing like old-school darts. It ended up being closed, so we walked back to our hotel and ate and drank our way down the street.
The second time through, we did a few more fun things that you could do in any city. We went back to Flight Club and had a great time, and we did an escape room, a prison break theme, which was so much fun. I wouldn’t say it was the best use of our Seattle time, but we did what we wanted to do!
Good to know (checked October 2026): the waterfront Marriott is the Seattle Marriott Waterfront, across from Pier 66.
Should You Visit Seattle?
I really fell in love with Seattle. It’s not just a city. It’s a feeling: coffee shops on misty mornings, ferry crossings, sparkling water, snowcapped mountains in the distance, fresh seafood on the waterfront and a skyline that somehow feels both modern and timeless. If Seattle isn’t on your travel list yet, it should be. And if you’re sailing to Alaska from Seattle, give yourself a day or two in the city. My Alaska cruise guide covers the rest of that trip.
Have you been to Seattle? Let me know what I missed. And if you want to hear me talk through all of it, watch the episode. When you’re ready to go, my team at Fabulous Adventures Travel and I would be happy to get you to Seattle, with or without a cruise. If you love discovering underrated places, my guide to 15 hidden gems in the USA is a great next read.
