First Time in Seattle? Start With These Spots

First time in Seattle? Seattle was a stop on our way to Vancouver. We only had three days to spend here, however you don’t need a long trip to experience some of Seattle’s best-known spots. If you’re visiting Seattle for the first time and only have a weekend, here’s how I’d spend it.

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Space Needle

Originally published July 30, 2025 — Last updated September 2, 2026

The Space Needle is Seattle’s most famous structure. It was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Today, the Space Needle is part observation deck, part museum, part photo-op all within a walkable area of other Seattle favorites.

Once you get your tickets you’ll stand in a line that wraps around the interior. At first you’ll find interesting historical information on the wall about the World Fair and how the Space Needle was built. Then as you move forward in the line you’ll be overlooking the gift shop below, waiting for your turn to enter the glass elevator.

The glass elevator will take you up 520 feet to an observation deck with 360-degree views. It was a clear day when we visited so we could see Mount Rainier, which was beautiful.

From the Space Needle you can also see the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and beyond

Glass floors and angled glass walls were added to the Space Needle, so you can literally look down at the city. Pretty cool, but a little unnerving if you’re afraid of heights.

Chihuly Museum & Garden

Next door to the Space Needle was my favorite spot we visited in Seattle, the Chihuly Museum & Garden. I saw some of Chihuly’s art in Vegas years ago, and then viewed more when they did an exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden. Ever since then I have been fascinated with the gorgeous glass art he creates, so naturally this museum was a top site to see on our visit to Seattle.

Public Market – Pike’s Place

Just a mile from the Space Needle you will find the Public Market just buzzing with the sounds of people. Loved looking at all of the goods. The oldest continuous farmers market in the U.S. is at Pike’s Place in Seattle. This is a bustling area of the city.

There were so many beautiful flower bouquets here. There were dozens of vendors too choose from. I had a hard time picking which flowers to choose.

In addition to the fresh food and flowers, there are a lot of shops and restaurants to choose from.

To learn more about Pike’s Place visit the official website.

Original Starbucks in Seattle

The original Starbucks was opened in Seattle at Pike’s Place. You can still visit this location today, but expect long lines to enter. When we visited it took about 45 minutes. You have to keep the sidewalk area clear for other people to walk, so the line to Starbucks is on the outer edge of the sidewalk. It was pretty hot in the summer due to the sun’s angle. Standing in line you’re not really shaded despite the appearance that you are.

I thought it was interesting they had the original logo on the window and in the store.

Best Views of the City of Seattle

The views from the Space Needle are amazing, but I thought the views from Kerry Park were even better. From this vantage point you have the whole city, the mountains and the pretty green trees. If you’re looking for a picture perfect view, stop by this park. It can be tricky to find parking, but the views are incredible.

Day Trip from Seattle to

• Whatcom Falls
• Whale Watching
• Snoqualmie Falls

Seattle Tours