Things to see in Seattle
Attractions
MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry)
Mixing hands-on exhibits with thousands of artefacts and images, MOHAI tells the story of Seattle's past. Objects range from 1962 World's Fair souvenirs to locally designed products to everyday household items dating from the days of the first Washington settlers to the present day. There's also a neat collection of neon signs.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 324 1126
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700 (Sep-Jun), Daily 1000-1700, Thurs until 2000 (Jul and Aug).
Website: http://www.mohai.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
EMP Museum
The enormous Frank Gehry-designed EMP Museum, with its unmistakable purple and red metallic exterior, celebrates American popular music and culture. Highlights include the guitar gallery, imaginatively designed displays of fantasy and science fiction memorabilia, and the substantial coverage of home-grown grunge. Regularly changing exhibitions showcase an incredible array of artefacts.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 770 2700
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1900 (Jun-Aug); daily 1000-1700 (Sep-May).
Website: http://www.empmuseum.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Space Needle
Seattle's iconic tower was designed by architect Edward E Carlson for the 1962 World's Fair as a tribute to the vision of spaceship culture. In just over 40 seconds, visitors whizz to the observation deck for phenomenal views of skyscrapers, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains and volcanic Mt Rainier.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 905 2100
Opening times:
Daily 1000-2130
Website: http://www.spaceneedle.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is situated south of the main downtown area. It is Seattle's oldest neighbourhood and a national historic district, showcasing the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and Seattle's early development. By night, especially on the weekend or after a baseball or soccer game, crowds jam the many restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 667 0687
Opening times: Website: http://www.pioneersquare.org
Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is a 53m-high (175ft) observation wheel at the end of Pier 57. Your ride includes three revolutions, so there's plenty of time to enjoy the views of Elliott Bay and the skyscrapers behind you. For special occasions, the VIP gondola has leather bucket seats and a glass floor, with champagne thrown in at a nearby restaurant.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 623 8607
Opening times:
Mon-Thu 1100-2200, Fri 1100-0000, Sat 1000-0000, Sun 1000-2200 (winter); Sun-Thu 1000-2200, Fri and Sat 1000-0000 (summer).
Website: http://seattlegreatwheel.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Seattle Art Museum
The striking post-modern building designed by Robert Venturi houses Seattle's best collection of artwork. Highlights include Native American art, an Asian and European porcelain showroom and modern works by Jackson Pollack, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keefe. The museum's Olympic Sculpture Park is a free public park displaying contemporary outdoor art.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 654 3100
Opening times:
Mon, Wed and Fri-Sun 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-2100.
Website: http://www.seattleartmuseum.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Seattle Aquarium
On Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium showcases an enticing mix of exhibits including live dive shows, a Pacific coral reef, daily octopus feeding, an underwater dome, plus playful harbour seals and sea otters. The aquarium is part of Waterfront Park, the promenade and piers that line Elliott Bay.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 386 4300
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1700.
Website: http://www.seattleaquarium.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Chinatown International District
Chinese immigrants began settling here in the mid 1800s. Today, the neighbourhood is home to a broader Asian community living amid a thriving restaurant district, herbalist shops, antiques stores, karaoke bars and a Buddhist temple. The popular Uwajimaya Market is reputedly the Northwest's largest Asian store, with a grocery, Japanese bookshop and food court.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 382 1197
Opening times: Website: http://www.cidbia.org
Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour
Aviation junkies should visit this vast arena 50km (31 miles) north of Seattle, which provides an up-close view of Boeing jumbo jets (747, 767, 777 and the Dreamliner 787). The factory is the Guinness World Record holder for world's largest building – it has an area of nearly 40 hectares (99 acres) and is 27.4m (90ft) high.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 800 464 1476
Opening times:
Daily 0830-1730.
Website: http://www.futureofflight.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Woodland Park Zoo
The 37-hectare (92-acre) Woodland Park Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from nearly 300 distinct species. Highlights include a Humboldt penguin exhibit, Jaguar Cove, the Trail of Vines (spy lion-tailed macaques and Mayalan tapirs), Northern Trail (spot wolves and grizzlies), a tropical rainforest, the African savannah and an elephant habitat.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 548 2500
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1600 (Oct-Apr); daily 0930-1800 (May-Sep).
Website: http://www.zoo.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Seattle Visitor Center and Concierge Services
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 206 461 5840.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (winter); daily 0900-1700 (summer).
Website: http://www.visitseattle.orgPick up maps, brochures and logistical guides, buy tickets for museums and theatres, receive detailed information on local events, and make reservations for restaurants and tours. There is a second information centre in the Pike Place Market (tel: +1 206 461 5840, open daily 1000-1800).
Tourist passes
The CityPASS (www.citypass.com/seattle) offers free admission to five Seattle attractions - Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, a Seattle Harbor Tour with Argosy Cruises, either the EMP Museum or Woodland Park Zoo, and either Chihuly Garden and Glass or Pacific Science Centre. It is valid for nine days and you can buy it from the attractions on the day or online in advance.
