When we think of Seattle, we conjure up images of rainy days, umbrellas, and dodging puddles. Seattle averages nearly 40 inches of rain every year, with roughly 150 days of rain a year. Plus, the winter is the wettest. While there may be more days with rain, it’s not an all-day pouring rain. So, don’t let a little rain deter you from visiting Seattle. But just in case, here are the best indoor things to do in Seattle.
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Top Indoor Things to do in Seattle
Pike Place Market
One of the top things to do in Seattle is visiting Pike Place Market. This public market opened over one hundred years ago, back in 1907. And it’s one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States. Set in downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market covers nine acres and is home to a wealth of market shops selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods and unique crafts to rare books.
While looking for indoor things to do in Seattle, Pike Place Market is an ideal place to escape the rain. You can easily spend all day exploring this huge marketplace. Grab a coffee and let the aromas lead you to great food. Or browse the crafts market for that unique gift to bring home. Delve into its lower levels for one of a kind jewellery. And for the book lovers out there, you’ll fall madly in love with the array of charming bookshops.
Travel Tips: Visit Pike Place Market first thing in the morning when the it isn’t as busy. And if you need free Wi-Fi – head to the Atrium of the Economy Market building in the southwest corner of First Ave. & Pike St.
Do you need more inspiration to visit? I bet one or more of these over 150 Seattle quotes will inspire you to visit!
Underground Tour
Any Seattle itinerary isn’t complete without taking Bill Speidel’s Seattle Underground Tour. This guided walking tour brings you from one historic site to another and then takes you down underground Seattle’s streets. With guides regaling you with tales from Seattle’s past with witty trinkets scattered throughout. From below Pioneer Square, along uneven pathways in dim lighting, you’ll come face to face with the remnants of Seattle’s abandoned 1890’s storefronts.
After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which destroyed 25 square blocks in only 12 hours, the city was rebuilt over these underground storefronts and their sidewalks, trapping them below. And on this tour, you can stroll this underground. It feels like you’re wandering through a long forgotten museum, past wooden storefronts with the glass still intact. Old store signs sit in corners among crumbling toilets littered with cobwebs. And if you want to stay dry in Seattle, one way is certainly underground.
Book the Seattle Underground Tour for your upcoming visit!
Visit the Space Needle
An iconic Seattle landmark, the Space Needle is a great attraction to visit on a nice day or rainy day! Originally built for the World’s Fair in 1962, much like the Eiffel Tower, it remained a staple in the city.
The Space Needle stand 605 feet tall and is home to an observation deck and rotating restaurant. So, if you’re looking for indoor activities in Seattle, head to the Space Needle!
While there is an outdoor viewing area, stay dry and soak in the 360-degree views from the indoor observation deck. On a clear day, the view includes the Cascade Mountains, but even on a grey day you’ll get views of Seattle!
One of the coolest features is The Loupe! This rotating glass floor is the world’s first and only of its kind. Look straight down for a unique perspective on the city.
It’s also a great place to hide from the rain because you can eat and drink inside too! There’s a cute café on the upper observation level called Atmos Café. Grab a coffee and tasty treat, sit and enjoy! Or indulge in a cocktail and fine Pacific Coast cuisine at Loupe Lounge.
Coffee Shops
When most people think of Seattle the first thing that comes to mind is great coffee. And one of my favourite indoor things to do in Seattle is exploring its dynamic coffee scene. It’s said that Seattle has the most coffee shops of any city in the United States. But with that many, where do you start?
The first Seattle coffee shop that most people gravitate to is the iconic Starbucks. Founded in 1971 in the Pike Place Market, Starbucks began as a roaster and only later evolved into the popular espresso bar it is today. While its Seattle’s largest coffee retailer don’t forget to try other great cafés.
To help you along here are a few of my favourites. Storyville Coffee, located at 94 Pike Street, is great for artisanal coffee and delicious baked goods, with a fireplace and charming atmosphere. Seattle Coffee Works, located at 107 Pike Street, is a casual coffeehouse that offers an espresso bar and a slow bar.
If you’re looking for a hip café that’s full of charm head to Mr. West Café Bar at 720 Olive Way. Another great Seattle café is Moore Coffee Shop! Located at 1930 2nd Avenue, this family-owned café has a cool vibe. They offer fabulous latte art along with breakfast and lunch options.
Are you looking for a fun Seattle coffee tour? Explore the neighbourhood of Capital Hill on this fun and educational Seattle Coffee Tour. Learn all about coffee culture in the city and enjoy a tasting of a variety of Seattle coffees on this awesome tour!
Seattle Public Library
I’m sure most travellers and visitors to Seattle will think, why visit a public library? But most large city libraries are home to not just books but exhibits and even art. And the best part, visiting them is FREE! So if you’re looking to duck out of the rain, one of the best free indoor things to do in Seattle is visit the Central Library.
Located downtown, the Seattle Public Library is an 11-story gem of a building. Strikingly modern in design, its home to some really cool art features, and offers free Wi-Fi.
At one of the library’s entrances, you’ll find ‘The Fountain of Wisdom’. One great art installation is the over 7,000 square feet of hardwood floor with raised letters that can be found in the Evelyn W. Foster Learning Center. The floor is covered in 11 languages. In the Children’s Center you’ll find pieces based on folktale themes.
Other great pieces are; Tony Oursler’s “Braincast” and the “Northwest Screen”. And don’t forget a very Instagrammable photo-op in the Library’s bright red hallways.
Indulge in a Food Tour
A fabulous way to escape the rain is by booking one of the many fun food tours in Seattle! Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s a food tour to suit everyone’s appetite in the city.
Pike Place Market Food Tour – One of the top indoor things to do in Seattle is explore Pike Place Market! And the best way to do that is on a food tour, like this Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market. Over the course of 2 hours, a chef will take you around to 10 different places within the market. Learn from an insider all about the food, history and attraction of the market. The tour includes a variety of food stops and is great for the whole family.
Early Access Pike Place Market Food Tour – Another great food tour of the market is this Exclusive Food Tour of Pike Place Market that gets you in early before the market gets busy. This guided tour includes stops at a number of vendors. Guest will get to try tasty treats like locally-made chocolate and smoked salmon.
Seattle Donut Tour – Take a walk on the sweet side of the city on this fun Seattle Donut Tour! With a local guide you’ll discover the best donut shops in Seattle and get to taste their sweet offerings. A few top stops include Top Pot Doughnuts, Dahlia Bakery and Daily Dozen Doughnuts.
Seattle Chocolate Tour – Did you know that Seattle is known for its chocolate, not just coffee? On this Chocolate Tour of Seattle, you’ll get to indulge in 12 tasty chocolate samples from a variety of food stops. A couple of the top stops include Pike Place Market and Fran’s Chocolates. Plus, dietary concerns can be accommodated.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is a great facility for families looking for indoor things to do in Seattle with kids. Plus, it’s a great spot for solo travellers too!
They run various educational programs for locals and do tremendous work to help Puget Sound’s sea life and waters. And its home to a variety of species of fish, invertebrates, sea and shore birds, as well as adorable marine mammals.
You can easily spend half a day wandering around the aquarium, learning about so many incredible creatures. A few must stops include their fascinating giant Pacific octopus, playful sea otters, and the adorably cute, yet lightning fast, tufted puffins.
So whether you enjoy learning about and being entertained by marine life or you’re looking for a great indoor activity in Seattle, then Seattle Aquarium is a great place to visit.
Browse Bookstores
I’m a huge book nerd and always seek out independent bookshops when I travel. I was blown away by the sheer number of them in Seattle! So, if you’re looking for free indoor activities Seattle, I recommend exploring the city’s bookshops.
Across the city are fun and unique bookstores, so there’s a store for everyone! Or, you can be like me and visit a whole bunch of them to dodge the raindrops.
One of the best bookstores in Seattle to visit is Elliott Bay Book Company. Located in the Capital Hill neighbourhood, this sprawling bookshop has multiple levels and over 150,000 titles. Plus, it’s also home to a fabulous cafe, Little Oddfellows. In addition to the books and café, they also host a number of book readings.
Another great nearby shop is Twice Sold Tales. I’m a sucker for second hand books and cats, and if you are too this is the shop for you! Along with an extensive inventory, the shop is home to four cats that live among the books.
In the maze of Pike Place Market, you’ll discover a few more bookshops. My favourite is Lionheart Bookstore! In the lower levels of the market, the Lionheart has been a staple for over 60 years. And among the books is the charming owner singing or reciting poetry for the unsuspecting customers.
BLMF Literary Saloon is another must stop book stop in Pike Place Market! With towering stacks of books from floor to ceiling, this shop is all sorts of cozy. It’s full of treasures for great prices.
There’s nothing that screams rainy day activities quite like books! If you’re keen to explore more bookshops, check out Horizon Books, Ophelia’s Books, and Arundel Books.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Another fantastic item on the list of things to do on a rainy day in Seattle is visit Chihuly Garden and Glass. Located right next to the Space Needle, it’s easy to dodge the rain by running between the two.
Washington artists Dale Chihuly is best known for his incredible blown glass art. At Chihuly Garden and Glass you can explore his creative and whimsical work through eight unique galleries. Plus, the main attraction is the Glasshouse.
The Glasshouse is a massive space covering 4,500 square feet and 40 feet tall. Thanks to its glass roof you’ll get a cool view of the Space Needle from below. Inside is also a huge colourful sculpture that spans 100 feet, which is one of the largest suspended sculptures by Chihuly.
This art museum is also home to an incredible bar worth spending some time in. The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass is home to many of the artist’s pieces too. With a blend of art and artful cocktails, it’s a truly unique experience in Seattle! You can grab a fun drink or pair it with some delicious food that’s made using local ingredients.
More Indoor Activities in Seattle
Seattle Art Museum – There are many great museums for those looking for rainy day activities in Seattle. One of them is the Seattle Art Museum, which is often referred to as SAM. The museum has a large collection that includes everything from paintings to sculptures. Plus, it operates three unique places to visit, including another museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Catch a Show at a Theatre – Are you looking for fun activities in Seattle for adults? Add catching a performance at one of the iconic theatres in Seattle! You can catch Broadway shows at two of the city’s historic theatres, Paramount and 5th Avenue Theatre.
Volunteer Park Conservatory – If you want to experience the beauty of the outdoors during the rain then head to the Volunteer Park Conservatory. This stunning Victorian greenhouse is a landmark in Seattle. Inside you’ll find an incredible botanical garden that includes a variety of houses. Explore ferns, palms, cacti, and more! Plus, you’ll even spot a number of sculptures inside.
Museum of History & Industry – Another interesting museum in Seattle to visit is the Museum of History & Industry. Also known as MOHAI, the museum is home to a massive collection of almost 4 million pieces. The collection includes a wide array of items, from textiles to a Boeing B-1 plane, that tell the story of the history of Seattle and the Puget Sound region.
Pacific Science Center – Close to Space Needle and other main Seattle indoor attractions is the Pacific Science Center. With a number of buildings to explore, there’s plenty to do and see in the facility. It’s home to IMAX® theaters, a tropical butterfly house, planetarium, and hundreds of hands-on science exhibits!
Tip for Visiting Indoor Seattle Attractions
Do you want to know how to save money on Seattle indoor attractions? Purchase a Seattle CityPass!
The CityPass for Seattle includes admission to five attractions. Along with entry into the Seattle Aquarium and Space Needle, you can choose from three additional sights to visit. These include the Woodland Park Zoo, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, and an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour.
That’s 5 attractions, most of which are on the list of indoor things to do in Seattle! And the best part is that the CityPass saves you 46% on visiting these top sights!
Where to Stay in Seattle
Depending on what your budget is or style, there is a diverse range of hotels in Seattle to choose from. I highly recommend staying downtown and close to the main attraction, especially if you are not driving.
Ace Hotel Seattle – I stayed at the Ace Hotel in the Belltown district during my visit. I loved the location; it was a short 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market and Olympic Sculpture Park. Set in a historic building, the rooms are simple yet chic. Along with rooms with private baths, budget travellers will like their rooms with shared bath.
Hotel Theodore – This stunning boutique hotel in downtown Seattle has an ideal location close to top attractions. Hotel Theodore is a short walk from Pike Place and steps from the subway and monorail. Adorned with pieces of art from MOHAI, the rooms have pillowtop beds. There’s a coffee shop and restaurant within. Plus, along with complimentary bike rentals, the hotel has umbrellas for guests!
Inn at the Market – This hotel is in Pike Place Market! Along with a great location, Inn at the Market boasts epic views from a rooftop deck as well as in each room. They also feature custom made beds and linens as well as floor to ceiling windows. You’ll also find three restaurants that include French, sushi, and all-day breakfast.
Hyatt House Seattle Downtown – Another fabulously located hotel is the Hyatt House. In under 5 minutes you can walk to the Museum of Pop Culture and the Space Needle. Rooms feature plush beds and seating areas. Along with complimentary breakfast, there’s a bar and restaurant where you can grab a burger and drink before you retire for the evening. Plus, the hotel has a rooftop deck with epic views of the Space Needle!
In Conclusion: Indoor things to do in Seattle
Don’t let a little rain deter you from visiting Seattle, Washington! There are lots of exciting and fun indoor things to do in Seattle to keep you dry when it rains. Plus, as long as you pack an umbrella, great rain coat, and curiosity, you’ll have a fabulous Seattle getaway!
Bucket List of the 10 Best Things to do on a Rainy Day in Seattle
Pike Place Market
Space Needle
Food Tour
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Underground Tour
Seattle Art Museum
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Pacific Science Center
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Aquarium
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