Seattle Center Tours and Activities

Seattle Center featuring modern architecture
Seattle Center featuring modern architecture
Seattle Center which includes modern architecture, signage and a city
Seattle Center which includes night scenes and modern architecture
Seattle Center which includes street scenes, a square or plaza and a fountain


A product of the 1962 World Fair, this cultural precinct is where sports, theater, film and fine dining come together in Seattle.

Seattle’s famous cultural and entertainment precinct is a must for any visitor to the city. The Seattle Center is home to many local major sporting teams, and some of the key performing arts institutions are also based within the large complex. Throw in some of Seattle’s major cultural institutions, a range of upscale restaurants and bars and a choreographed water show, and you’ll see why its easy to keep coming back to the Seattle Center.

Covering more than 74 acres (30 hectares) of the popular Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, the Seattle Center was originally built for the 1962 World Fair. The center is immediately recognizable from afar because it features the 605-foot- (182-meter-) tall Space Needle, a tower which has become a symbol of the city.

Catch an ice hockey match or watch a Women’s National Basketball Association game at KeyArena. The 17,000-person-capacity venue also hosts boxing and music concerts and is one of the largest arenas in the state. Learn about the local history at the Pacific Science Center, watch a movie at one of two IMAX theaters or see 20 spurts of water perform in time with a musical show at the International Fountain.

The center is home to the Seattle Shakespeare Company, the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Opera, who use the many theaters and halls in the complex each week. Learn about the best contemporary pop culture has to offer at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), or take the elevator to the top of the Space Needle for amazing views across Seattle. Ground level dining is available at the lively Seattle Center Armory, along with a number of bars offering attractive discounts during their Happy Hour.

The Seattle Center is located just north of the city center and can be reached on foot, by bus, monorail or car. Ample parking is available in the area for a small fee. The Seattle Center is open daily and entry is free. Note that many organizations and shows housed in the center do charge admission fees.

Plan a trip to see Seattle Center

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The Edgewater Hotel
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Level Seattle Downtown - South Lake Union

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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Seattle Center

Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Mediterranean Inn
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

4 out of 5
201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

3 out of 5
110 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Seattle Center

Exploring Seattle Center offers a delightful array of activities, including vibrant theatre performances, unique shopping experiences, and captivating entertainment options. Don't miss the iconic Pike Place Market, where you can browse local produce and artisan goods, or visit the various art galleries that showcase the region's creativity. Seattle Center is the perfect hub to immerse yourself in the city's culture and charm during your vacation.

Shopping

Pike Place Market, located 1.4km from Seattle Center, offers a vibrant public market experience with local goods. Westlake Center, also 1.4km away, features family-friendly shopping and entertainment options. Nordstrom is nearby at 1.6km, providing a selection of upscale merchandise.

Recreation

Explore T-Mobile Park for an exhilarating sports experience, just 3.2km from Seattle Center, where lively games energize the atmosphere. For a musical escape, head to Showbox SoDo, also 3.2km away, offering captivating performances. For tranquility, relax at Golden Gardens Park, 9.7km away, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 4.8km from Seattle Center, where adventure awaits. For outdoor enthusiasts, Camp Long offers a serene escape 8.0km away, perfect for hiking and exploring. Meanwhile, Mini Mountain, 14.5km away, provides indoor skiing fun for the entire family.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Paramount Theatre, where culture and romance blend for unforgettable performances. For a thrilling ride, hop on the Seattle Great Wheel with family. Don't miss The Crocodile nightclub for an energetic atmosphere filled with city vibes and live entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Seattle Center

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or a family looking for fun, Seattle Center offers a variety of attractions, including urban parks, art museums, and modern universities. Explore the stunning Seattle skyline and immerse yourself in the allure of this popular destination. With something for everyone, Seattle Center is the perfect spot to discover the vibrant spirit of Seattle.

  • Space Needle: Experience breathtaking views from this iconic modern tower, standing 161m from Seattle Center. The Space Needle offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit for any tourist seeking the essence of Seattle.
  • Seattle Waterfront: Located 1.6km from Seattle Center, the Seattle Waterfront is a picturesque harbour with stunning views and beach vibes. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, indulge in fresh seafood, or explore local shops while soaking in the serene beauty of the waterfront.
  • Seattle Convention Center Arch Building: This event and conference venue, situated 1.6km from Seattle Center, embodies a business atmosphere. Its impressive architecture is perfect for those interested in the professional side of Seattle, while also being an excellent spot for events and gatherings.

Best time to go to Seattle Center

Visitor numbers around Seattle Center is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Seattle Center can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Seattle Center falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Seattle Center falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seattle Center

When visiting Seattle Center, you can save money by enjoying free attractions such as Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront. Consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation rates, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering for budget-friendly options and consider booking packages that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to compare room rates and look for discounts near Seattle Center to maximize your budget!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Seattle Center are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Seattle Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Seattle Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Seattle Centre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.