Early downtown towers, World's Fair icons and an old gas plant turned lakeside lawn each mark a chapter in how this city grew. Seattle landmarks carry that story from one era to the next, and our guides show you what makes each one significant and what you can find nearby, building on the city's own landmark records.
Start with the Space Needle and a ride on the Seattle Monorail, both born at the 1962 World's Fair. Then step back further in time at Smith Tower, which shows how the city looked when Pioneer Square was its center. Spend an afternoon at Gas Works Park, where an old gas plant became a lawn on Lake Union. For the bigger picture, browse Seattle's iconic landmarks and dig into our Seattle history guide.
Every landmark earns its title through a city preservation process. You might find a theater, church, apartment house or library on the list, and many are still in daily use. Many are also private property, so admire those from the street unless the building is open to the public.
It depends on the building. Theaters, libraries and museums welcome visitors, while many apartment buildings and offices are private.
The Space Needle is the city's best-known symbol. It was built for the 1962 World's Fair at what is now Seattle Center.
