Topping any list of what to do in Seattle is Pike Place Market. Built in 1907, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the US and has grown to encompass over a dozen different buildings. Crowds flock to watch fishmongers toss fish back and forth during a busy day, but you’ll also find fresh produce, artisanal goodies, flower stalls, vintage shops, craft beer, jam and more. Just be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Home to a buzzing music scene, the city has a track record of cultivating 1990s grunge and luminaries like Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, the Foo Fighters and Fleet Foxes. The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, celebrates that legacy with immersive exhibitions, memorabilia, and interactive activities, like a sound lab for recording music. Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the building resembles a smashed guitar from above – a tribute to its musical inspirations.

One of the most photogenic places to visit in Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the fascinating works of artist Dale Chihuly. Among the eight galleries, the 12-metre-tall Glasshouse wows with a 30-metre-long sculpture overhead, while the Garden sprouts whimsical creations. Wrap up the afternoon with a glass-blowing demonstration before raising one at the on-site bar. If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss “Refract: Seattle’s Glass Festival”, an annual festival celebrating Washington as an epicentre of glass art.

This unusual Seattle attraction guides visitors into subterranean passages that were once main roads. After the Great Seattle Fire of 1899, city planners rebuilt the downtown core at a higher elevation to reduce the risk of flooding. They then covered the original streets with sidewalks embedded with purple glass squares to shine light into the underground areas, which became synonymous with vice. Today, visitors can descend into this fascinating world with a tour operator.

If you’re looking for one of the most charming places to visit in Seattle, head to Ballard. This historic neighbourhood showcases beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture and the famous Ballard Locks waterway system alongside trendy boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and live music venues. Stop by the Nordic Museum, which celebrates the community’s Scandinavian roots, before sampling a few beers at one of the area’s acclaimed microbreweries.

Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and an iconic symbol of Washington State. Dominating the skyline, this active stratovolcano promises many ways to explore, from scenic hikes in the summer to exhilarating ski trails in the winter. Whether capturing the sunrise over Reflection Lake or spotting wildlife along the Wonderland Trail, this is a perfect day trip for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Even if you’re not an aviation buff, this Seattle attraction is sure to impress. One of the most comprehensive aerospace museums in the world, the Museum of Flight provides a whirlwind tour of aviation history and over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, from the pioneering Wright Brothers' Flyer to the supersonic Concorde. You can even experience the thrill of flight in a state-of-the-art simulator.

Experience “America’s pastime” at T-Mobile Park! As the home of the Seattle Mariners, the city's Major League Baseball team, the world-class arena is the ideal place to catch a game during baseball season, typically running from late March to early October. While there, don’t miss a chance to soak up stunning sunset views over Puget Sound, check out the unique retractable roof (designed to shield fans from downpours), and indulge in a ballpark frank and local craft beer.

The beating heart of the city’s cultural scene, Capitol Hill is a hip neighbourhood brimming with eclectic shops, colourful murals, and green spaces like Volunteer Park. It's also a haven for foodies, with restaurants offering everything from artisan coffee to globally inspired cuisine. Music lovers will be drawn to its many venues, including the historic Neumos, where everyone from Neil Young to Oasis, No Doubt, Vampire Weekend, Adele and MGMT have performed.

Global coffee phenomenon Starbucks got its start in the city in 1971, and you can still visit the company’s first store at Pike Place Market. A must-visit for coffee lovers on a Seattle holiday, the address maintains its old-world charm with vintage decor and its original mermaid logo. Beyond this household name, you’ll also discover a wellspring of indie cafes across the city, where baristas brew up single-origin coffees with scientific precision.