Top Things to do in Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington, has much to be famous for. It's the birthplace of grunge, the base of operations for some of the world's biggest companies, and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and that's just scratching the surface. To truly appreciate what Seattle has to offer, you must see it for yourself.

With Norwegian Cruise Line, you have the opportunity to do so. Seattle is a port of call in many cruise vacations, providing ample opportunity to see the city among numerous other destinations stretching from Alaska to South America. To help you plan your exploration of this great seaside city, consider our recommendations for the top things to do in Seattle, Washington.

Visit the Space Needle

The Space Needle, a 605-foot-tall observation deck, is Seattle's most recognizable architectural landmark. Originally built for the 1962 World's Fair, whose theme was "The Age of Space," the Space Needle is a monument to both humanity's investment in science and the futuristic design aesthetic of the era.

From its top house — the saucer-shaped crown of the tower — the Space Needle offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Seattle. From there, you can see how the city blends with the surrounding nature, as downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and multiple mountain ranges are visible. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better photo opportunity.

Head to Pike Place Market

Since it opened in 1907, Pike Place Market has been a hit with Seattleites. Indeed, according to the city's government archives, the market received an average of 300,000 visitors per month by 1909. Today, it's the operating grounds for more than 225 artisans and vendors, including the famous fish-throwing fishmongers at the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place.

Whether you intend to buy any of the local delicacies or crafts, Pike Place Market is worth the trip for the experience it offers. Aside from the aforementioned fish throwers, who perform their act hundreds of times a day, the market provides you with the opportunity to see unique landmarks, such as the Gum Wall (a wall covered in used chewing gum) and the very first Starbucks coffee shop.

RELATED CRUISES:
7-Day Alaska Round-Trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau
21-Day Panama Canal from Seattle to Miami: Mexico & Colombia
9-Day Alaska Round-Trip Seattle: Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point & Skagway

The market is also a foodie's dream come true. There are more than 80 eateries and food stalls to be found at Pike Place, including the beloved Filipino lunch counter Oriental Mart, one of the recipients of the James Beard America's Classics Award in 2020. Or, if beverages are more your thing, you can duck into some of the market's many bars, breweries, or wineries.

Norwegian makes it easy to experience places such as Pike Place Market with shore excursions, such as the Best of Seattle package, which includes the Space Needle and ends at the airport.

Take a Grunge Sightseeing Tour

Grunge is an alternative rock genre and subculture that arose in mid-1980s Seattle, epitomized by legendary locals such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Nirvana. While there's no single destination in Seattle devoted to the grunge movement nor any monuments commemorating its birth, a series of places hold significance in the genre's development and history.

• Easy Street Records: An independent record store, cafe, and occasional performance venue. Easy Street Records grew alongside the grunge movement and has featured some of the genre's best-known acts. In fact, on April 25, 2005, Pearl Jam recorded their exciting "Live at Easy Street" EP on the premises, an event described by the store as "one of the most memorable days in the history of Easy Street."
• The Crocodile and the Showbox Market: Two fabled venues in grunge history, notable for playing host to bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam in the early days of their rising stardom.
• KEXP Gathering Space: Offers daily tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to view items such as the original vinyl releases of Nirvana's "Nevermind" and Soundgarden's "Badmotorfinger" albums.
• The Museum of Pop Culture: As its name suggests, MoPOP is a museum devoted to contemporary pop culture. Its connection to grunge is apparent as you approach the building, which features a bronze statue of Soundgarden's frontman, the late Chris Cornell. Inside, you'll find grunge-themed exhibitions, such as Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, an artifact-rich history of the influential band.

While you're deciding which cruise vacation is right for you, be sure to sign up for emails to get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered right to your inbox. Where are you cruising next? Tell us in the comments!