SEATTLE · MUSEUMS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 8 museum visits justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Use your admission ticket to explore Seattle’s Museum of Flight at your own pace. See more than 160 aircraft and spacecraft, enter historic planes, view the full-scale Space Shuttle Trainer, and allow at least three hours. Simulators and the 3D movie cost extra.
“The guided tour is a must and block off at least three hours to get the full experience. I recommend touring Air Force One and The Concorde.”
Enter the Seattle Art Museum near Pike Place Market for a full day of global art, from ancient Mediterranean objects to modern works, Native American pieces, and Australian Aboriginal art. An English-speaking greeter helps you get started, and your ticket also gives access to current exhibitions, Market Seattle, and the SAM Shop.
“The Museum was intresting and the collections as well...!!!”
Spend a full day exploring Seattle’s Museum of Flight, from a Boeing 747 cockpit and rare M-21 Blackbird to the Space Gallery and Personal Courage Wing. Your $29 ticket covers admission, while simulators and the optional 3D film cost extra. Audio guides are available in seven languages.
“Einzigartiges Museum mit tollen, sehr gut restaurierten Exponaten aus unterschiedlichen Zeitzonen. Für Luftfahrtenthusiasten ein Muss.”
At Seattle’s Museum of Illusions, you can walk through a life-size kaleidoscope, appear to grow or shrink, challenge gravity, and test how your brain reads reality. The mobile-ticket visit includes more than 50 visual, sensory, and educational exhibits and lasts anywhere from a few minutes to about 90 minutes.
“Nothing special not a lot of activities to choose from. Not worth the money. So expensive for less experience.”
Spend a full day at Seattle’s National Nordic Museum in Ballard, exploring Nordic Journeys, visiting exhibitions, Viking objects, Sámi culture, modern design, and the story of Nordic immigration to the Pacific Northwest. Admission is self-guided, wheelchair accessible, and allows same-day reentry.
“We could not use our tickets because we were iced/snowed in to our home in Portland! We were very disappointed.”
Explore Seattle’s Museum of Illusions at 1330 5th Ave, near Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Your one-day ticket gives you access to more than 50 interactive exhibits, including holograms, illusion rooms, sensory displays, and a life-size kaleidoscope.
At Seattle’s Original Selfie Museum, you can spend one to eight hours moving through more than 30 photo zones with creative props and lighting displays. Bring your own phone, try different poses, and ask Olha for help with photos and posing if she is working during your visit.
“Simple and effective setup. Multiple and creative props. The selfie photobtaker provided was extremely helpful for those going alone. Great experience”
Travel from downtown Seattle to Snoqualmie with a private guide, visiting the Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie Falls observation deck, and a short lower trail. The three-hour outing includes pickup and downtown drop-off for up to five people.
“Great experience with an enthusiastic and helpful guide. Great views of the waterfall and fascinating stop at the railway museum.”
Pick a waterfront, a market aisle or a mountain road.
