11 Things to Do in Seattle at Night

One of the largest cities in the state of Washington is Seattle. With a futuristic feel, it's well worth a visit at night. Here's why

Andressa García

Andressa García

11 min read

11 Things to Do in Seattle at Night

Seattle at night | ©Snapwire

Whether you're taking in the vastness of the city from the Space Needle or hanging out in a bar at night, the options for enjoying the city of Seattle are truly diverse.

Here are some of the things to see and do at night. I will tell you that pubs are one of the favourite places to spend the night in Seattle.

1. Climb the Space Needle to see breathtaking Seattle postcards at night

Space Needle at night| ©Andrew Nash
Space Needle at night| ©Andrew Nash

In my opinion there are few better romantic plans than booking your ticket to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass and climbing to the top of Seattle. It's definitely an icon of the city that you can't miss on your visit. From the top, you can enjoy a 360º view of the city and the Pacific Ocean, and if you go at night, the view is even more beautiful.

The tower is open to the public until 21:30, so you can go at night to appreciate the lights that illuminate the city in all its splendour. If you want to go in the last shift of the night, you have to bear in mind that you can do so up to half an hour before closing time.

Please note that the entrance times to the tower may change depending on the time of year. Ticket prices range between 30 and 35 euros per adult. Although there are cheaper tickets for children and seniors.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: You can drive to the tower or take public transport using the Seattle Monorail which will drop you off at Westlake Center Station.
  • Price: From 35 euros for adults. The cost may go up or down depending on the age of the person.
  • Date and time: Open daily from 9am to 11:30pm in summer. In the rest of the seasons it is open from 12:00 to 17:00.

Book your ticket for Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass

2. Take a nighttime cruise on Elliot Bay

Boating in the harbour| ©Byron
Boating in the harbour| ©Byron

If there's one thing you can't do without doing, it's to venture out and book your cruise along the Seattle waterfront. One of the best times to take this tour is definitely after dark.

If you're with your partner, this can be a perfect way to start the night. It's also an activity you can do with family or friends to enjoy the view of the city from Elliot Bay.

The tour can include drinks as well as snacks to while away the afternoon and evening.

Details of interest

  • How to get there: To board you have to arrive at Pier 56 at Fisherman's Wharf in Seattle.
  • Cost: You can get this dinner on board for approximately 39 euros.
  • Date and time: Boats depart in the morning at 10:45am.

Book your Seattle waterfront cruise

3. Dare to take a ghost tour of the city

On the ghost tour| ©Rebecca Low
On the ghost tour| ©Rebecca Low

There are numerous things you can see and do in Seattle but, above all, you have to keep in mind that it's a city known for its ghost and vampire stories. So if you dare to have a ghostly adventure you definitely have to book a ghost tour of Seattle to get to know the most amazing stories of what was once the underground city of Seattle.

This is an ideal activity to do with friends or as a couple, and one of the most interesting things about this tour is that the expert guide will tell you in detail not only spooky tales, but also delve into the history of the city, from its founding to what it is and represents today.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: The meeting point is known at the time of booking and depends on the route of the tour.
  • Price: It can cost between 30 and 45 euros per person, depending on the duration of the experience.
  • Date and time: Tours take place every evening from Monday to Friday and start at around 8pm. It lasts approximately one hour.

Book a ghost tour of Seattle

4. Have fun in the good clubs of Capitol Hill

Nightlife on Capitol Hill| ©Aaron Brethorst
Nightlife on Capitol Hill| ©Aaron Brethorst

Capitol Hill is the quintessential district for vibrant nightlife, bars and dancing. That's why my recommendation for a night out is to visit this place.

Capitol Hill is full of pubs and bars where you can enjoy international cocktails. You can also find countless dance clubs, where even the most conservative people let their dance steps loose and let themselves be carried away by the rhythm of the music. In these places you can listen to the latest Latin rhythms.

If you're looking for a place to spend the evening with a few beers and a bite to eat with friends, Capitol Hill offers a wide range of exquisite cuisine, worthy of a place on one of the best food tours in Seattle. And if you're looking for an even more top-notch experience, you can book a food tour of Seattle.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: You can use any bus line that drops you off near Capitol Hill Station. The rest of the tour of the bars, pubs and dance clubs is on foot.
  • Cost: Depends on the bar and the prices for cocktails and food in each of them.
  • Date and time: Every day in the evening.

Book a food tour of Seattle

5. Check out the art exhibits at Chihuly Garden and Glass

At the Chihuly Garden and Glass| ©Care_SMC
At the Chihuly Garden and Glass| ©Care_SMC

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a stunningly decorated glass garden, ideal for visiting at night when the reflections of the glass contrast with the flowers inside, forming a truly spectacular show of colour, a sight to behold.

The garden is located right next to the Space Needle. I recommend you book your Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass tickets in advance so you don't miss the view from this iconic tower, which is truly wonderful. My recommendation is to visit the garden from the inside, where you will find three well-defined spaces, where you can appreciate not only the flowers and their colours, but also the greenhouse and other exhibits that change according to the season.

Although it is a place you can visit all day long, I advise you to do it at night, because only at that time you can better appreciate the way the crystals play with the lights of the internal exhibitions, creating colourful scenarios.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: The best way to get to the garden is by bus and stop at Denny Way and 5th Av. north.
  • Price: From 30 euros per person based on general admission.
  • Date and time: From 9am to 8pm daily.

Book your ticket for Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass

6. Don't miss a baseball game

Baseball Game| ©Al_HikesAZ
Baseball Game| ©Al_HikesAZ

Another unforgettable thing to do in Seattle at night is to watch a game of Seattle Mariners, the professional baseball team. Baseball is one of the quintessential American sports, along with basketball and football.

Before buying your tickets, you should bear in mind that the MLB season runs from mid-March to the end of September. As for prices, it depends on the seat location, but you can go from around €20 approximately.

And, of course, I recommend you go at least an hour in advance to enjoy the atmosphere of the game. Also, on many occasions, they give away free gifts to the spectators.

Book your Seattle Mariners tickets

7. Take a spooky tour of the Pike Place Market

At night at Pike Place Market| ©Kirk K
At night at Pike Place Market| ©Kirk K

During the day, Pike Place Market is one of the most popular places in the city. It's a market where you can do your daily shopping, and it's even an interesting tourist spot if you want to learn a bit of the city's history and, of course, take lots of pictures.

But when night begins to fall, the landscape of the popular market transforms and gives way to a unique opportunity to get to know the darkest and creepiest stories of this place. I'd say this is one of Seattle's creepiest, yet most interesting and historically rich places.

To learn the stories that are woven around this place, I recommend you book a tour with an experienced guide who will answer all your questions about the market and its history, as well as take you safely around the place. It's an experience to be had with friends or your partner and clearly not an activity I would recommend you include on your list of things to do in Seattle with children.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: You can use the Circulator or E-Line to get to Pike Place Market.
  • Cost: Admission is free, but if you want to take a guided tour, you'll have to pay a fee starting at 30 euros per person.
  • Date and time: Every day from sunset.

Book a ghost tour of Seattle

8. Take dance lessons at the Century Ballroom

Century Ballroom| ©Mai
Century Ballroom| ©Mai

Another activity you can do in Seattle at night is to attend a fun dance class. These clubs are open to all tourists who want to learn new steps or just want to have a good time.

One such place is the Century Ballroom, a hall where especially tropical rhythms such as salsa, mambo and similar rhythms are taught. Here you can find not only tourists, but also Seattleites who often attend these classes to release endorphins after the usual work.

Before visiting the place, I recommend that you visit their website to find out what is the calendar of events they present during the week or the days you are visiting the city. Their offer of dance classes is always changing. One of the things you'll love most about this ballroom is its large space for several couples to dance comfortably. Plus, its exciting atmosphere is sure to inspire you to come back for another night of dancing and fun.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: To get to the Century Ballroom you can use any bus route that will drop you off at the Pine St. station, as it is located precisely on E-Pine St.
  • Price: Prices vary according to what you want to do. You can pay for dance classes by the day or buy a gift card to get access to different dances. If you go as a couple you can pay from 160 euros for a four-week dance session. If you go solo, this price can be 80 euros. In case you want classes without appointments, you can pay between 25 and 50 euros.
  • Date and time: The dates change according to the dance offer they have available. The timetable is at night and is generally open from Monday to Friday.

9. Have a romantic date at La Gran Rueda

Seattle Ferris Wheel| ©Dr Zito
Seattle Ferris Wheel| ©Dr Zito

If there's one romantic activity to do in Seattle at night, it's riding the Great Ferris Wheel. Known as the Great Wheel, it's a favourite tourist attraction, and I'll admit it's one of my favourites. You can climb into one of the cabins to get to the top, from where you can enjoy incredible views of the entire city of Seattle and the Pacific Ocean.

One of the most popular plans on the Ferris wheel is the dinner from the top, where you can choose the food you want to eat directly from The Fisherman's restaurant. The dining experience is definitely one of the best food tours in Seattle, and to enjoy it you have to be in a group of at least four people.

On the other hand, if you don't want to go up on the Ferris wheel, seeing it from below is also really impressive at night, thanks to the LED lights that illuminate the wheel and create a spectacle that can be seen from different parts of the city. It's an incredible experience that I recommend you include in your list of things to do in Seattle in spring, because the weather is nice and the nights are clearer and starry.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: The Big Ferris Wheel is located on Alaskan Way on PIer 57 at Fisherman's Wharf in Seattle.
  • Cost: Tickets start at 11 euros per person and can go up to 50 euros if you want a luxury cabin.
  • Date and time: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 10pm. Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 11pm.

Traveller Tip

If you want to celebrate a special occasion on the Ferris wheel, whether it's a wedding or a baby gender reveal, you can arrange a personalised light switch-on.

10. Attend the theatrical and musical shows presented by Jet City Improv

Theatre at Jet City Improv| ©Olivejuice7
Theatre at Jet City Improv| ©Olivejuice7

Jet City Improv is an improv, theatrical and musical company that offers great nightly entertainment in the city of Seattle. If you don't want to spend the night in a club dancing or having a few drinks, then a good play or musical is the way to go.

The company usually teaches children of all ages throughout the year, but in the month of July they offer different entertainment options. Their offerings can range from comedy plays to film forums. It all depends on the programme.

As for tickets to Jet City Improv shows, many of them are free, but to enter certain shows you have to pay, so you will have to book your ticket before the day of the show.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: The company is located on University Way, so to get there by public transport you'll need to get off at the nearest station.
  • Cost: General admission is priced from 18 euros. If you are in a group, this figure could go down to between 12 and 14 euros.

11. Listen to live jazz at Dimitriou Jazz Alley

Dimitriou Jazz Alley| ©edgeplot
Dimitriou Jazz Alley| ©edgeplot

If there is one music that represents American culture, it is jazz. It's no wonder that in almost any city in the United States you can find a club, pub or bar where you can listen to this musical rhythm.

In the case of Seattle, the night is a good time to go to Dimitriou's Jazz Alley. This is a place where you can listen to live jazz performances while enjoying a pleasant moment with friends or family.

It's an activity that I definitely recommend on your list of things to do in Seattle in the summer, as the temperature is considerably cooler. The musical offerings vary, so I recommend you check the website for the schedule. As for the menu, the place offers an extensive menu of salads, appetizers, entrees, soups and side dishes. To complete the meal, they also offer a varied menu of desserts and cocktails.

Interesting details

  • How to get there: It is located on 6th Ave. in Seattle so you can get there by taxi or private car. Public transport can be used depending on when you arrive.
  • Cost: The price of admission varies constantly according to the artist performing at the venue. The menu has varied prices according to the dish or cocktail you order.
  • Date and time: Every day at night, except for special performances that have specific times.