Seattle is a city for the curious. That’s me. You get to experience water, mountains, and neighborhoods with distinct personalities, and there are iconic sights like the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier that bring the city alive.

On my trip, I wanted to experience everything that felt representative of the city, some place I had seen before and some that were totally unexpected. If you’re planning a visit, here are nine things I’d recommend doing while you’re there.

1. Pike Place Market

No Seattle itinerary is complete without a visit to Pike Place Market. It’s lively and whatever you might be looking for, you can probably find: fresh flowers, seafood, books, handmade goods, sweatshirts and more.

To me, Pike Place is not just a quick stop. It’s one of the places you probably want to take your time to wander through and even return to more than once while you’re in the city. Explore the lower levels and browse all the local vendors, especially if you like trinkets or one-of-a-kind items. If food is a priority, I’ve shared a full breakdown of what to eat in Seattle, including places you can find at or near the market.

2. Snoqualmie Falls

Outside the city, Snoqualmie Falls is a dramatic change of pace. The waterfall is quite literally powerful and surrounded by lush greenery that feels distinctly Pacific Northwest. One of the things I love about traveling is experiencing how different the terrain and greenery are than at home on the east coast.

It’s an easy half-day trip from Seattle and the trail to get to the waterfall is not strenuous; in fact, it’s quite a beautiful and peaceful walk. Even if you don’t hike the surrounding trails, though, the viewpoints from the top are amazing and make the visit worthwhile.

3. Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll is one of the more quirky stops in Seattle. Settled under a bridge in the Fremont neighborhood, this massive sculpture clutching a Volkswagen Beetle is a super quick stop, but a fun one. Cities always have a playful side you can find through street art and installations, and if you care to spend more than a few minutes here, you can explore Fremont’s shops and cafés as well.

4. Ferry to Bainbridge Island

One of the best views of the Seattle skyline is from the water. Taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island is inexpensive, easy, and scenic. I should mention here that Seattle is the kind of place that you’ll end up walking quite a bit, even once you arrive at Bainbridge Island. If you love walking or hiking, then I imagine you would love this destination.

Once you arrive, you can explore the charming downtown area, stop by local shops, or just enjoy a walk around the island at a slower pace before heading back. Even if you don’t spend much time on the island itself, the ferry ride is really nice, especially if you enjoy being on the water.

5. Seattle Art Museum

Located downtown, the Seattle Art Museum is a great stop that doesn’t require an entire day. I find an art museum everywhere I go, and this one did not disappoint. The collections rotate regularly and spans global art, which is incredible to see. Another element I loved about the museum is that the shop features items you can purchase from local artists like the bucket hat I’m wearing below.

It’s well-situated for a walk through the city and then a meal nearby or a stop at the Seattle Public Library.

6. Seattle Public Library

You wouldn’t necessarily think of going to the library when you travel to a new city, but the Seattle Public Central Library is actually a destination in its own right. It’s architecturally striking and it’s one of the most interesting public libraries I’ve visited. Stop by the shop to purchase used books and other fun items, but I’d also recommend a stop at the Red Hall for a cool photoshoot if nothing else.

7. Boehm’s Candies

This is a bit of a hidden gem. Boehm’s Candies is a family-run chocolate shop. In addition to purchasing chocolate, you can also take a tour of the facility to see how the chocolate is made and decorated. If you happen to make it here, definitely grab a few of the original truffles.

8. Space Needle

You can go to a couple vantage points around the city for nice views of the Space Needle or you can actually visit the Space Needle and go to the top for sweeping views of the city, surrounding water, and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier in the distance. In my opinion, it’s a bit pricey, but if this is your kind of fun then I’d say it’s worth it for first-time visitors.

9. Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park combines industrial history with open green space and has one of the best views of downtown Seattle. Take a blanket to sit and relax or take a walk to enjoy views of the skyline. It’s such a simple activity to do, but I think that’s what I found most beautiful about the city of Seattle. There are so many locations and opportunities to spend time outdoors just taking in fresh air and stunning views.

Don’t Skip the Food

Seattle’s food scene deserves its own spotlight. Fresh seafood and Asian cuisine are highly recommended, and the dining options are one of the highlights of visiting the city. If you’re deciding where to eat or planning your trip around meals, I’ve shared a full guide to Seattle food that breaks down exactly what’s worth trying and where to find it. Pairing that guide with this list of things to do will give you a well-rounded Seattle experience.