No trip to the Emerald City would be complete without a visit to these beloved landmarks.

Illustration by Levi Hastings

Gas Works Park

You might recognize this urban waterfront space (once a coal gasification plant) from the paintball scene in classic ’90s film 10 Things I Hate About You. The sprawling, hilly park is ideal for flying kites, picnicking, getting a fresh angle on Seattle’s downtown skyline, and watching the fireworks show over Lake Union on the Fourth of July. 2101 N Northlake Way

Illustration by Levi Hastings

The Seattle Great Wheel

This addition to Seattle’s distinctive skyline was built in 2012, the third of its particular design in North America. It’s the only one of these three to soar over water—during each rotation riders are whisked nearly 40 feet beyond the end of Pier 57. Sit back in an enclosed gondola and take in the Olympic Mountain Range, the San Juan Islands, and even Mount Rainier on a clear day. *1301 Alaskan Way

Illustration by Levi Hastings

Smith Tower

Completed in 1914, this 38-story skyscraper in Pioneer Square was once the tallest building on the West Coast, and it’s still an impressively elevated place for a drink. Ride the elevator to floor 35 for a cocktail at the speakeasy-inspired bar, then hit the observation deck for stunning views of some other icons on this list. *506 Second Ave

Illustration by Levi Hastings

Space Needle

Erected in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair, this 605-foot-tall charmer recently underwent a dramatic renovation. The yearlong facelift included a new paint job, an upgrade to the Needle’s lower observation level (now called The Loupe, it’s the world’s first rotating glass floor), and the addition of angled floor-to-ceiling glass on the upper observation deck for unobstructed views. *400 Broad St

Illustration by Levi Hastings

Pike Place Market

One of the country’s oldest continuously running markets has been delighting visitors and locals since 1907. Peruse handcrafted art, taste seasonal produce, and keep an eye out for fresh fish being tossed through the air. Don’t skip the newly expanded MarketFront space with its brewery, bakery, small-batch chocolate shop, and epic views of the water. *First Ave and Pike St

Weird Wonders

Seattle’s offbeat attractions are well worth a spot on your itinerary.

Fremont Troll Illustration by Levi Hastings

Seattle Underground

Did you know there’s a labyrinth of streets below the city, sealed off and built over after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889? Fear not: Take a subterranean stroll of Seattle’s original street level and Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour will fill you in, regaling your group with joke-peppered history. *614 First Ave

Pike Place Market Lower Levels

Venture below the main level of Pike Place Market and you’ll be greeted by a quieter atmosphere and the heady smell of incense and old books. The lower corridors of the market are home to myriad quirky shops brimming with magic tricks, novelty kitsch, and classic comics. *First Ave and Pike St

The Spheres

This futuristic trio of biospheres in the South Lake Union neighborhood holds more than 400 plant species from around the world, including a four-story living wall. It’s intended for Amazon employees to kick back in an urban jungle setting, but also open to the public two Saturdays a month for unguided tours. Sixth Ave and Lenora St

Fremont Troll

This hulking concrete resident of Fremont lives under the Aurora Bridge. Sculpted by a group of local artists, it’s more interested in shiny objects than people; it clutches a vintage VW Beetle and its good eye is a hubcap. Gawkers are encouraged to scale the Troll! 3405 Troll Ave N

*Visit Seattle Partner