Top Rated Attractions in Seattle

When it was built in 1914, this 42-story downtown tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. In 1962, the 605-foot Space Needle outreached it, and for many years afterwards, the Seattle skyline was bracketed by these two spires. Today Smith Tower, with its many windows and ornate pyramid top, is still a beloved Seattle edifice. Anybody can waltz in to take an old-fashioned ride in one of the eight brass-caged, manually operated elevators. The 35th floor observation deck has lovely views.

For more than 20 years this gallery, a vital part of Seattle's art community, has focused on contemporary art in a variety of mediums including paint, glass art, jewelry, stone and bronze sculpture. The gallery, located on the edge of Pike Place Market, draws from a pool of local, national and international artists for its wide array of bold pieces. You'll find dazzling variety, from twisting bronze and granite sculptures to delicate glass vases to bright watercolors.

This famous fish market is one of the most well-known spots in Seattle where you can watch fishermen and sellers throw fish through the air. The fish and shellfish are fresh, displayed in crushed ice all around the counter. The stand sells wild salmon, yellow fin tuna, halibut, crab, prawns and more. You can simply browse or buy some to go, most fishmongers will ship it anywhere. Make sure to stop and watch the famous fish-throwing show. Pike Place Fish Market is located right through the main entrance to Pike Place Market.

A stone's throw from the Seattle Art Museum, this bright gallery displays a little bit of everything in its theatrical space, vivid paintings, sculptures, photographs, pottery and mixed-media works. Opened in 1977, William Traver Gallery has good collections of glass from the Pilchuck School, the glassmaking institution made famous by the colorful swirls of Dale Chihuly. Solo shows, such as Ann Gardiner's scintillating mosaic exhibition, are certain to impress viewers.

The American dream is alive and well here at Georgetown Brewing Company. Friends Roger Bialous and Manny Chao turned their brewing-in-the-garage hobby into this fixture of the Pacific Northwest beer scene. With five full-time brews and many others on tap, free samples make this the place for beer geeks to nerd out. Not sure which beer is right for you? The friendly staff is there to answer all your questions. Have a lot of questions? Take a Saturday brewery tour and learn how that fine beverage you're holding is made (just make sure to reserve your spot beforehand).

It's hard to miss the colorful Hat 'n' Boots structure while riding on the Carleton Avenue in Georgetown. Although it is now relocated in Oxbow Park, this eye-catching attraction was once part of a western-themed Texan gas station, built in the 1950s. While the hat served as a shelter for the gas station, the boots were used as washrooms for the cowgirls and the cowboys. Today, you can visit these quirky historic landmarks, which were restored to its original style in 2010.