Thinking about moving to Seattle? This waterfront city is more than what meets the eye. Located on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, this Pacific Northwest hub is rich with culture, history, and innovation, making it a top destination for renters looking to relocate.
Whether you're considering the move or simply curious, here are 10 things Seattle is most famous for and why they make this city so special:
- The Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- Coffee Culture
- Pioneer Square
- Museum of Pop Culture
- Seattle Art Museum
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Flight
- Seattle Great Wheel
- Mount Rainier National Park
The Space Needle
Seattle’s skyline wouldn’t be the same without the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this futuristic tower symbolizes the city’s innovative spirit. The 605-foot Space Needle features a rotating glass observation deck where you can catch breathtaking 360-degree views of Seattle, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound.
Pike Place Market
Opened in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the country’s oldest operating public markets. Stroll through the bustling aisles as local vendors offer everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Don’t miss the famous fish-throwing fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market!
Pike Place is also home to the original Starbucks, where the global coffee empire began. Be prepared for a line, but the nostalgia is well worth the wait.
Coffee Culture
Seattle has a reputation for being the coffee capital of the U.S., and for good reason. Beyond Starbucks, you’ll find countless independent coffee shops and micro-roasters around every corner. Cafes like Victrola Coffee Roasters, Caffe Vita, and Herkimer Coffee are beloved by locals for their smooth lattes and cozy atmospheres. This culture of artisanal coffee brings the community together and makes every day feel like an adventure for your taste buds.
Pioneer Square
The Pioneer Square neighborhood is a cultural center, with landmarks like Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Park in the area. Pioneer Square is the center of Seattle’s art scene, with numerous art galleries and the First Thursday Art Walk introducing residents to local artists.
Museum of Pop Culture
Seattle has a rich music history and is credited with popularizing alternative rock and grunge music. The Museum of Pop Culture, also called MoPOP, features exhibits on local legends like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix.
In addition to honoring the city’s music roots, MoPOP always has new exhibits showcasing everything from costumes from Star Wars movies to Seattle Seahawks memorabilia. MoPOP is always hosting events, summer camps, and programs that get the community involved in the local arts scene.
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum, also called SAM, has three locations scattered across Seattle. The main campus in the heart of Downtown Seattle showcases all types of art from various eras and media. The Seattle Asian Art Museum in the Capitol Hill neighborhood showcases art from different parts of Asia across centuries. Olympic Sculpture Park in Belltown is an outdoor art exhibit along Elliott Bay that’s free and open to the public 24/7.
SAM’s various locations make art accessible to residents across the city. Whether you prefer a waterfront stroll or a traditional museum visit, SAM’s exhibits bring art to life.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass in Lower Queen Anne isn’t your typical attraction—it’s a botanical garden and an art museum all in one. Alongside trees, plants, and flowers are colorful blown glass sculptures straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass is a restaurant and bar with quirky décor to match the museum. Residents enjoy stopping by The Bar for drinks and a quick bite after walking through the exhibit or visiting the Space Needle next door.
Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is a non-profit air and space museum that brings aviation history to life with dozens of exhibits showcasing aircraft, spacecraft, and artifacts. The museum is constantly showcasing new exhibits highlighting different pieces of aviation history, making it an attraction that residents can’t miss.
The Museum of Flight hosts events that make for the perfect opportunity to explore the exhibits. Locals love the annual Hops & Props event, a craft beer tasting event with live music.
Seattle Great Wheel
If you’re afraid of heights, you may want to pass on this one—the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57 is a 175-foot Ferris wheel giving passengers a view of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier. Stop by on a weekend evening to see the city lights from the Ferris wheel lit up by over 500,000 LED lights.
If you and your friends love an unusual night out, book a private dining experience at the Seattle Great Wheel. You’ll enjoy a four-course meal accompanied by unparalleled views of the city.
Mount Rainier National Park
While not technically in Seattle, Seattleites claim Mount Rainier as their crown jewel. This national park is the jackpot for outdoorsy residents, with over 260 miles of trails at various difficulties.
If you’re not into hiking, you can enjoy the mountain from a distance at Kerry Park, a small lookout area that draws crowds for views of the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the evergreen trees that give Seattle its “Emerald City” nickname.
Make Seattle Your Home
Whether you're drawn to its arts scene, natural beauty, or world-class coffee, moving to the Emerald City means becoming part of an exciting and welcoming community. Navigate rentals in Seattle with our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan to find your perfect place.
