Seattle is a city that offers more than just stunning views of Puget Sound and Space Needle selfies. It’s a place filled with stories—some spooky, some inspiring, and others just plain fun. Whether you’re interested in uncovering ghostly tales, exploring world-class art, or catching a ballgame, Seattle’s diverse experiences deliver something for every traveler. We especially love the Seattle: Terrors and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour for its spine-tingling storytelling, and the Seattle Art Museum for a chance to get up close with global masterpieces. These tours showcase the city’s layers of history and culture, making each outing a memorable part of your trip.
To help you navigate Seattle’s many offerings, here’s a quick overview. We’ve picked six standout experiences, ranging from eerie ghost walks and immersive art visits to sports outings, historic skyscraper tours, Nordic cultural explorations, and active fitness passes. Whether you prefer wandering dark alleys or admiring contemporary art, this list will guide you to the best options to suit your interests and schedule.
1. Seattle: Terrors and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour
If you’re intrigued by Seattle’s darker side, this haunted walking tour delivers spine-chilling stories with a local haunted history expert. For about $27, you’ll explore sights like the old Suquamish Burial Grounds and the Northwest’s first mortuary. The tour runs for around 1.5 hours, often in the evening, creating a perfect atmosphere for ghost stories and urban legends.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on both history and hauntings. The guide shares tales from the spooky Butterworth Building, known for its ghostly past, and unravels legends from Post Alley and the Gum Wall—yes, that slimy stretch of colorful sticky notes with a haunted reputation. You’ll also stand on haunted ground at Suquamish Grounds and learn about Seattle’s first corpse elevator, adding layers to the city’s story of death and life.
Reviews highlight a consistent appreciation for the guide’s knowledge and storytelling skills. “Christine was very informative and such a great person all around,” said one reviewer, capturing the friendly yet eerie vibe. While some mentioned voice projection issues, overall, this tour offers genuine scares paired with historical context. It’s ideal for those comfortable with walking, urban legend fans, or anyone wanting a different perspective on Seattle’s streets after dark.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy spooky stories mixed with local history, this tour provides an entertaining, slightly creepy way to experience Seattle’s twists and turns.
2. Seattle: Seattle Art Museum Admission Ticket
Art lovers will find a treasure trove at the Seattle Art Museum, where over 25,000 works from around the globe are on display. For $30, you get a full day to wander through diverse collections, making it a flexible choice for any itinerary.
This museum excels in showcasing Native American art from the Pacific Northwest, which is both beautiful and meaningful. You’ll also find striking African, Asian, and Australian Aboriginal pieces, offering a comprehensive look at different cultures. The exhibits range from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations, so there’s always something new to discover. The museum’s central location in downtown makes it easy to combine with a stroll through Pike Place Market or a coffee break at a nearby café.
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, especially praising the variety of exhibits. One visitor mentioned, “I loved the variety of exhibits. Also, it was nice to be able to take photos as I enjoy creating reels and including art to help express the theme of my reels makes them more interesting.” It’s a great option if you want an enriching cultural experience that fits into a flexible schedule.
Bottom Line: For art enthusiasts, this museum offers a rich, diverse collection in a convenient downtown location, perfect for a half-day or a leisurely full day.
3. Seattle: Seattle Mariners Baseball Game at T-Mobile Park
Nothing beats the thrill of a live baseball game, and catching the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park is a quintessential Seattle experience. For around $49, you’ll get a ticket to see a Major League game, with the action lasting about three hours.
What makes this outing special is the electric atmosphere and the sense of community in the ballpark. From lively chants to crowd cheers, you’ll feel the city’s sports passion firsthand. The mobile ticket system makes entry smooth, and the concessions offer a variety of local favorites, from hot dogs to craft beers. Depending on the game day, you might see the Mariners face top teams, adding excitement to your visit.
Guests often comment on the fun, energetic environment. It’s perfect for sports fans, families, or anyone looking to experience Seattle’s local culture in an informal way. Keep in mind, game dates vary, so check the schedule and book early if you want the best seats or specific matchups.
Bottom Line: For a lively, authentic Seattle activity, attending a Mariners game offers a memorable evening full of energy and local pride, especially during the summer months.
4. Smith Tower: Observatory Access Ticket
For a historic view of Seattle’s skyline, the Smith Tower Observatory offers a unique experience. For just $23, you can ascend to the 35th floor and enjoy 360-degree vistas from one of the city’s oldest skyscrapers — the first skyscraper west of the Mississippi.
What makes this experience special is riding the building’s original brass elevator, which adds a nostalgic touch. The tower’s architecture and design tell stories from the Prohibition era, and the panoramic views are stunning—especially at sunset when the city lights flicker to life. You can also enjoy craft cocktails or shareable bites in the tower’s bar, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening.
Reviews mention the excellent views and friendly staff, with some noting the historical significance adds depth to the visit. It’s ideal for those who want a quieter, more intimate experience compared to busy observation decks. If you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want the best photo backdrop, this place is a winner.
Bottom Line: A visit to Smith Tower combines history, architecture, and panoramic views, making it a great choice for a leisurely, scenic outing.
5. Seattle: National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket
Discover the stories of Nordic immigrants and their influence on Seattle at the National Nordic Museum. For $20, you gain access to exhibits covering 12,000 years of Nordic history, art, and culture.
Located in Seattle’s beloved Ballard neighborhood, the museum offers a deep dive into Nordic traditions and contributions. You’ll see artifacts, photographs, and displays that tell the story of Scandinavian, Finnish, Icelandic, and other Nordic groups. It’s an insightful visit that offers context on how these communities helped shape the city’s development.
While reviews are limited, visitors appreciate the meaningful exhibits and the chance to learn about a less-covered aspect of Seattle’s multicultural fabric. It’s best suited for travelers interested in cultural history or those with Nordic roots seeking a connection.
Bottom Line: If you’re curious about the Nordic influence in Seattle, this museum offers an educational, enriching experience—perfect for a quiet afternoon.
6. Seattle Premium Fitness Pass
For active travelers, the Seattle Premium Fitness Pass provides flexible access to gyms and studios across the city. At $24, you can choose from various locations and activities, from yoga and Pilates to spinning and weight training.
What sets this apart is the 365-day validity, letting you exercise at your convenience without feeling rushed. Plus, there’s no penalty for canceling classes up to 2 hours before, making it a low-stress way to stay active. It’s ideal for fitness-focused travelers who want to keep their routine intact, whether during a short trip or a longer stay.
Guests love the savings—up to 70% off regular prices—and the freedom to choose classes that fit their schedule. The variety means you can try different workouts or stick to your favorites. The only caveat is you need to be comfortable with exercising independently and managing your own schedule.
Bottom Line: The Fitness Pass is a great way to stay motivated and healthy while exploring Seattle, especially for travelers with an active lifestyle.
How to Choose Your Perfect Seattle Experience
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. If urban legends and spooky stories excite you, the Terrors and Ghosts Tour is a good pick. For art lovers, the Seattle Art Museum offers a versatile cultural fix. Sports fans will enjoy the Mariners game, especially during the warmer months. History and scenic views are well served by the Smith Tower, while culturally curious travelers might prefer the Nordic Museum. Fitness enthusiasts should consider the Fitness Pass, especially if they plan an extended stay.
Think about what excites you most—whether it’s walking through haunted Seattle streets, admiring art, cheering at a game, or enjoying panoramic views. Book your tickets early, especially for popular events like the Mariners game or museum visits, to avoid missing out.
Final Thoughts
Seattle’s variety of tours and experiences ensures there’s something for all. History buffs and ghost lovers will appreciate the Terrors and Ghosts Tour, while culture seekers can’t miss the Seattle Art Museum. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to cheer about at T-Mobile Park, and the Smith Tower offers a historic vantage point of the city’s skyline.
No matter your interests, these carefully selected tours allow you to experience Seattle in a rich, authentic way. To make the most of your trip, consider booking tickets ahead of time and adjusting your choices to match your travel style. With such a range of options, Seattle is ready to surprise and delight you—so get planning and enjoy every moment!