Best Landmarks in Seattle

Bill Speidel's Underground Tour

A guided walking tour through the buried storefronts and sidewalks of old Seattle beneath Pioneer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood, raised one story after the Great Fire of 1889. Guides blend genuine history with bawdy humor. Practical note: tours start at Doc Maynard's Public House; wear sturdy shoes as passages are uneven and dimly lit, and book ahead in summer.

Landmarks

Fremont Troll

An 18-foot concrete troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle, lurking under the north end of the Aurora Bridge since 1990 and one of Seattle's beloved pieces of quirky public art. It anchors the eclectic, self-styled "Center of the Universe" Fremont neighborhood. Practical note: it is free and always accessible; pair it with a wander through Fremont's shops, breweries, and Sunday market.

Landmarks

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks)

A working 1917 lock complex on the Lake Washington Ship Canal where you can watch boats raised and lowered between freshwater and Puget Sound, plus a fish ladder with underwater windows for viewing migrating salmon. Free to visit, with a botanical garden on site. Practical note: peak salmon viewing runs from early July through mid-August; the locks and grounds are open daily and admission is free.

Landmarks

Pike Place Market

A nine-acre historic public market dating to 1907, packed with farm stalls, fishmongers (watch the fish-throwing at Pike Place Fish), flower vendors, craftspeople, and restaurants. It is the soul of downtown Seattle and home to the original Starbucks across the street. Practical note: go early morning on weekdays to beat the crowds, and the Gum Wall is a quirky stop in nearby Post Alley.

Landmarks

Seattle Aquarium

A waterfront aquarium on Elliott Bay whose major Ocean Pavilion expansion (opened 2024) features a coral-reef habitat with sharks, rays, and thousands of tropical fish from the Coral Triangle. Older piers showcase Pacific Northwest sea otters, octopus, and a salmon ladder. Practical note: it connects to Pike Place Market via the new Overlook Walk, making it easy to combine with a market visit.

Landmarks

Space Needle

Seattle's signature 605-foot observation tower built for the 1962 World's Fair, offering 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. The top deck features a rotating glass floor (The Loupe) and open-air glass benches. Practical note: book timed tickets online in advance, and aim for clear days or sunset for the best Mount Rainier visibility.