After two trips to Seattle in recent years, I’ve learned you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the city. In this guide to free things to do in Seattle, I’m sharing the places and experiences I loved most, from scenic viewpoints and quirky art to peaceful parks and historic landmarks.
Most of them are entirely free, but I’ve also included a few low-cost activities that are well worth the price.
Free Things To Do
Art and Architecture
Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture
The Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) are two of Seattle’s iconic landmarks, and you don’t have to step inside to appreciate them.
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle is a marvel of midcentury design that still looks futuristic today. Its flying saucer-like top makes it one of the most recognizable structures in the world, and seeing it up close is a must, day or night.
Right next door, the Museum of Pop Culture is just as visually striking. Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the building features a bold, curving exterior made of colorful metal panels that shimmer and shift depending on the light (and is fun for selfies).
It was designed to resemble a smashed electric guitar, fitting for a museum dedicated to music, movies, and pop culture. Even if you skip the admission fees, these buildings are worth admiring in person for their architecture and cultural significance.
Seattle Art Museum (first Thursday)
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) in downtown Seattle offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month, along with extended hours and live gallery activations.
Once inside, you’ll discover paintings by John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock, and avant-garde pieces from artists such as Constantin Brancusi and Jasper Johns, all part of its permanent collection.
I was happy to see a few paintings by Monet and Matisse. First Thursdays are a chance to see world-class art without spending a cent.
Museum of Flight (first Thursday)
One of the places I was most excited to visit on my first trip to Seattle was the Museum of Flight. While I paid to enter, I’m including it in this story as admission is free from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month.
Walking through the soaring Great Gallery and expansive Aviation Pavilion will leave you in awe at the…
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