Seattle Center Tours and Activities

Seattle Center showing modern architecture
Seattle Center featuring modern architecture
Seattle Center showing a city, signage and modern architecture
Seattle Center showing modern architecture and night scenes
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, theatre, 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 Centre 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 Centre.

Covering more than 74 acres (30 hectares) of the popular Lower Queen Anne neighbourhood, the Seattle Centre was originally built for the 1962 World Fair. The centre is immediately recognizable from afar because it features the 605-foot- (182-metre-) 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 Centre, watch a movie at one of two IMAX theatres or see 20 spurts of water perform in time with a musical show at the International Fountain.

The centre is home to the Seattle Shakespeare Company, the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Opera, who use the many theatres 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 Centre Armoury, along with a number of bars offering attractive discounts during their Happy Hour.

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

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private & custom tours

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Cruises & boat tours

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Classes & workshops

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Popular places to visit


Top Seattle Center Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

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

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Mediterranean Inn
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown 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
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
Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA
Mayflower Park Hotel
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Hyatt House 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

Seattle Center offers a vibrant mix of activities, perfect for tourists seeking art, theatre, and shopping. You can embark on sightseeing tours to explore iconic Seattle attractions, enjoy concerts at the Centre, and immerse yourself in various engaging activities. Don't miss the chance to experience the lively atmosphere and cultural richness that Seattle has to offer!

Shopping

Pike Place Market, located 1.4km from Seattle Center, offers a vibrant atmosphere with unique gifts. Westlake Center, also 1.4km away, features a mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Nordstrom is 1.6km away, providing quality fashion options.

Recreation

At T-Mobile Park, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live sports with thrilling events. The Showbox offers an intimate music experience, perfect for winding down with great entertainment. For a serene escape, visit Golden Gardens Park, where you can relax amidst beautiful landscapes and enjoy nature's tranquility.

Adventure

The UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 4.8km from Seattle Center, offers thrilling water sports amidst stunning views. Camp Long, 8.0km away, provides a lush outdoor escape for hiking and nature exploration. The Nordstrom Tennis Center, 4.8km away, is perfect for tennis enthusiasts seeking an adventurous game.

Nightlife

Experience Seattle's vibrant nightlife by catching a show at the Paramount Theatre, only 1.6km away. For a family-friendly thrill, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, also 1.6km away. If you're after a lively atmosphere, dance the night away at The Crocodile, just 805m from the centre.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Seattle Center

Seattle Center offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including urban parks, art museums, and historic churches, perfect for those seeking culture and family experiences. Visitors can enjoy top local attractions, explore Seattle's theatre scene, and immerse themselves in the allure of this iconic centre. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the various points of interest around Seattle Center for a memorable adventure in the heart of the city.

  • Space Needle: Standing at 605 feet, the iconic Space Needle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seattle and the surrounding mountains. This modern marvel is a symbol of the city and provides an exhilarating experience as you ascend to the observation deck, where you can soak in the vibrant city vibes.
  • Seattle Waterfront: A bustling harbour, the Seattle Waterfront invites you to explore picturesque views and enjoy the beach atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront, discover shops, and indulge in fresh seafood while taking in the stunning scenery of Elliott Bay.
  • Seattle Convention Center Arch Building: An architectural gem, the Seattle Convention Center Arch Building serves as a hub for events and conferences. Its impressive design and business-centric atmosphere make it an essential stop for those interested in the city’s vibrant professional scene.

Best time to go to Seattle Center

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 (dry). The coolest average temperature around Seattle Center falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 planning your visit to Seattle Center, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation prices. Monday is the most affordable day to stay, while Saturday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, find discounts, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Additionally, explore free attractions in the area and utilise the public transport system, which is both budget-friendly and efficient, to navigate Seattle easily.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving some dollars by combining your Seattle Centre hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.