What is Seattle known for?

Standing tall at 605 feet, the Space Needle is both an observation tower and a testament to Seattle's architectural prowess. A Princess shore excursion to the Space Needle offers a glimpse into the city's sky-high ambitions. Constructed for the 1962 World's Fair, this iconic structure has since offered breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from the snowy peaks of Mount Rainier to the bustling shores of Elliott Bay. Visitors can step onto The Loupe, the world's first and only revolving glass floor, for a thrilling view of the city from a unique perspective.

Enjoy a meal at the revolving SkyCity restaurant, where the dishes are as spectacular as the views. If you stay in Seattle before or after your cruise, you can also stop at the Space Needle to watch the sunset paint the city in golden hues or observe the twinkling city lights.

Want to feel like you're traveling through the history of music and film? At the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), you'll take an interactive journey through music, science fiction and all things pop culture thanks to a vast collection of memorabilia and exhibits that span generations — from the guitar riffs of Jimi Hendrix to the futuristic outfits of "Star Trek."

Located just steps away from the Space Needle, MoPOP is housed in a visually striking building designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, and it is full of shimmering colors and unique shapes that capture the imagination before you even step inside.

As you explore, you'll find hands-on installations like the Sound Lab, where you can unleash your inner musician, and the Indie Game Revolution area, which showcases the latest in video game innovation.

No visit to Seattle is complete without a stroll through the historic Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, this marketplace is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers markets in the U.S.. As you wander through the aisles, you’ll be enveloped by an array of sights, sounds and smells that capture the heart and soul of Seattle.

Pike Place Market is full of culinary treasures, offering fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Watch skilled fishmongers toss salmon with precision or sample a beef and cheese piroshky from Piroshky Piroshky.The market it also home to hundreds of artisans selling handcrafted goods, including jewelry and original artwork — making it the perfect place to find a keepsake to remind you of your cruise.

Pike Place Market is a must-see destination to experience the true essence of Seattle’s local life. Make this stop a top priority before your cruise ship heads out to see the stunning coastlines and marine life of the Puget Sound.

Walking into Chihuly Garden and Glass is like walking into a dream, with towering glass sculptures twisting and shimmering around you. Bright colors seem to fall from the ceiling of a stunning glasshouse, casting light on Dale Chihuly’s breathtaking creations. This fusion of art and nature is nestled right next to the iconic Space Needle. 

The centerpiece is the Glasshouse, where a 100-foot-long sculpture in hues of red, orange and yellow soars above you, changing appearance with the shifting sunlight. Outside, the gardens provide a magical backdrop with glass sculptures that complement the natural beauty of the plants and flowers. It’s a mesmerizing blend of human creativity and natural splendor.

Capitol Hill is a neighborhood synonymous with Seattle’s rich cultural tapestry, and it offers visitors a colorful mix of historic architecture and a thriving nightlife scene. As you explore this area of the city, you'll encounter a blend of old and new, where classic bookstores like Elliot Bay Book Company and cozy coffee shops sit alongside cutting-edge art galleries such as Vermillion and Ghost Gallery.

The neighborhood is something of a hub for the arts, but it also serves as a central point for Seattle's LGBTQ+ community, hosting vibrant events like the annual Seattle Pride Parade. By day, stroll through the leafy streets lined with quaint boutiques and vintage clothing stores. By night, experience the pulsating energy of Capitol Hill's bars and clubs, where live music fills the air and locals gather to unwind.

The Puget Sound is a scenic backdrop that acts as an integral part of Seattle’s maritime heritage. It’s a gateway to the Pacific, serving as a historical trade route and a present-day haven for boaters and environmentalists. Here, you can explore the ecosystems below the water’s surface or enjoy the panoramic views from above. 

As a vital part of Seattle's landscape, Puget Sound offers breathtaking views and a wide variety of marine life such as sea lions, gray whales and humpback whales. This appeals to nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. From majestic orcas to playful sea otters, the diversity of wildlife here is simply astounding.

Cruising through the Puget Sound with Princess allows you to experience this natural wonder in a uniquely luxurious way. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the deck of your cruise ship as you glide past serene waters, dotted with forested islands and framed by distant mountain peaks. Whale watching and harbor tours are just a few of the activities that can enhance your experience of the sound’s natural beauty.

If you want to live out your childhood dreams of discovering a secret passage, Seattle’s Underground Tunnels are a fun chance to gain a glimpse into the city’s past. Born from the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which devastated the central business district, these passages were once the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle. Today, they stand as hidden corridors beneath the modern streets, telling stories of the city’s rebirth and resilience. 

Guided tours of the Underground Tunnels allow you to step back in time and experience a different side of Seattle that you might not have known even existed. As you walk through the dimly lit passageways, your guide will share tales of the pioneers who shaped Seattle and the secrets that the city buried after the fire. It’s an adventure that combines history and architecture with a touch of mystery.

What started as a quirky tradition in the early 1990s — people sticking their gum on the wall while waiting for shows at the nearby Market Theater—has transformed into a must-see landmark covered in thousands of pieces of gum left by visitors from around the world. The Gum Wall is one of Seattle’s most unusual and colorful attractions that you can easily add to a visit to Pike Place Market.

Walking along the Gum Wall, you’ll be treated to plenty of colors and textures; each piece of gum represents a small, personal contribution to this communal work of art. It’s a peculiar, fascinating sight (and maybe even a little gross!) that captures the creative and playful spirit of Seattle. Visitors are encouraged to leave their own gum on the wall, adding to the ever-growing collage that continues to evolve daily.

Including the Gum Wall in your Seattle itinerary with Princess Cruises adds a touch of whimsy to your journey. This spot offers a quick, fun stop where you can participate in a piece of Seattle's contemporary culture, even if you only have a short time in Seattle.

Imagine spotting a colossal concrete troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle in one hand and peering out with a shiny metal eye while you're exploring Seattle. That's  the Fremont Troll, a beloved and iconic sculpture that captures the artistic spirit of Seattle.

The sculpture has fascinated locals and tourists alike since its creation in 1990, born from a community arts project aimed at rehabilitating the area and sparking local imagination. Today, the Fremont Troll stands as a key part of Seattle’s arts scene, demonstrating its residents' ability to transform urban spaces into engaging, interactive art installations. Visitors often climb onto the troll for photos, making it one of the city’s most photographed spots.

Get ready to sea life like never before at the Seattle Aquarium, where the bustling waterfront meets the wonders of the Pacific Ocean and beyond. As one of the leading facilities for marine conservation, the aquarium offers a unique educational experience that brings visitors face-to-face with colorful fish, playful sea otters and curious seals.

Inside, the exhibits are designed to foster an understanding and appreciation of marine life. The "Window on Washington Waters" display features a massive tank filled with local marine species, replicating the conditions of the nearby Puget Sound. Interactive touch pools allow guests to feel the texture of sea stars and the spikiness of sea urchins, making it an engaging visit for all ages.

Kick off your cruise adventure with a splash at the Seattle Aquarium, where you can get a sneak peek of the sea life you'll be sharing the waves with on your journey!

Set sail for an unforgettable journey to Tillicum Village, nestled on the scenic Blake Island and only accessible by boat. This enchanting destination offers a deep dive into the rich traditions of the Pacific Northwest’s Native American tribes, making it a must-see for those craving culture and history on a one-of-a-kind adventure.

As you step off the boat, you’re welcomed with a warm cup of clam nectar, a savory start to your cultural exploration. But the real magic happens inside the longhouse, where you’ll witness a mesmerizing live performance. Imagine stories of the Coast Salish people coming to life through powerful dance, rhythmic drumming and immersive storytelling, all set against towering totem poles and the glow of crackling fires. 

Along with the show, you can savor a traditional salmon bake, cooked over an open alderwood fire to give you a true taste of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary heritage. Whether it’s the art, the performances or the delicious food, Tillicum Village promises a cultural experience like no other!

As one of the largest ferris wheels on the West Coast, the Seattle Great Wheel is a modern wonder — and it offers spectacular views of the city skyline and Olympic Mountains that you won’t find anywhere else. Each gondola is fully enclosed, providing a comfortable ride regardless of the weather, making it a perfect year-round attraction.

As the wheel gently ascends, passengers can experience a serene escape above the city, capturing panoramic photographs and making unforgettable memories. The Seattle Ferris Wheel is especially magical at night, when it lights up in vibrant colors, adding a luminous glow to the waterfront. It's an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a fun family outing.

The lush evergreen forests surrounding the city have earned Seattle the affectionate nickname of the Emerald City. The city’s cultural scene is as varied as its landscape, offering something for everyone — from the coffee aficionado to the art enthusiast. Some of the highlights include: 

• Coffee culture: Seattle’s reputation as the coffee capital of the U.S. is well-earned, with its cozy cafés and pioneering coffee shops, including the original Starbucks. 
• Craft beer: Seattle has a thriving craft beer scene, featuring dozens of breweries that offer a wide range of innovative and traditional brews. Fremont Brewing is known for its refreshing Summer Ale, while Reuben's Brews offers an award-winning Crikey IPA.
• Seafood: The seafood in Seattle is as fresh as it gets. From decadent oysters to succulent salmon, the local waters provide a variety of delicious options that are a must-try for any visitor.
• Music and arts: As the birthplace of grunge music and a flourishing arts scene, Seattle’s cultural contributions to music and art are both historic and dynamic. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden got their start here, while the city continues to pulse with live indie rock and jazz music.
• Annual events: Events like the Seattle International Film Festival and Emerald City Comic Con draw thousands, offering immersive experiences in film and comics that captivate both locals and tourists alike. Depending on when you visit, you might even be able to meet your favorite comic book artists or join in the colorful cosplay parades.

Exploring Seattle’s culture is an enriching part of any visit, especially when traveling with Princess Cruises. Experience the best of Seattle’s cultural tapestry and see why it continues to enchant and inspire visitors from around the world.

Seattle is a city full of breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences. These unforgettable memories — from the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market — are best discovered through Princess Cruises. 

With Princess Cruises, every aspect of your Seattle adventure is enhanced by unparalleled comfort and convenience. Whether you are marveling at the contemporary art in MoPOP or tasting the fresh flavors of local cuisine, Princess Cruises provides a seamless and luxurious experience.

Discover firsthand the unique experiences of Seattle with ease aboard a cruise from Seattle. Since Seattle is a big port for traveling to Alaska, kick off your journey with the #1 Alaska cruise Line and plan your journey from Seattle to Alaska today.