10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Seattle

The Seattle Great Wheel is a bayside Ferris wheel in Waterfront Park. At 175 ft tall, the gondola-style attraction offers epic views of the city skyline at all hours of the day. It’s a good idea to time your ride on a weekend to enjoy the Great Wheel Seattle Light Show and its over 500,000 LED lights.

Standard tickets give you access to a 20-minute-long experience with views of the Seattle Aquarium, Smith Tower, and Pike’s Place. If you want to really splurge, opt for the VIP experience to enjoy leather seats, a boom box, champagne, and a souvenir t-shirt.

The Space Needle Tower has been the centrepiece of Seattle’s skyline since the 1960s. It’s a must-visit, especially at night. Soak up a panoramic view of the city with a post-dinner cocktail while relaxing on reclining glass benches. If you want to look closer at your favourite Seattle spot, slot a few quarters into one of many telescopes gracing the 520-ft-high observation deck.

The skyscraper offers a host of world-class dining options that open until 11 pm. With standouts like the fast-casual Atmos Café, show-stopping mixology of The Loupe Lounge, and the Sunset Champagne experience, the Space Needle Tower serves as an excellent date night spot in Seattle.

Seattle is surrounded by natural landscapes, including the towering Mt. Rainier to the east and the Puget Sound to the west. The city is a prime location for a sunset cruise, with most cruises depart from the MOHAI docks just north of Downtown. To get there, simply hop on the streetcar to the Fairview station.

You can board one of Soundview Cruises’ vessels to enjoy a fully narrated tour of Seattle’s iconic sights with a glass of local wine. If you feel like spoiling the family with a full dinner at sea, consider chartering a boat through operators like Enchantress Cruises or Sailing Seattle. Soak up the last rays of the sun as it sinks into the horizon.

Waterfront Park is the centrepiece of Downtown Seattle, home to signature attractions, dramatic views and an exciting nightlife scene. Iconic landmarks such as the Seattle Great Wheel and Seattle Aquarium flank the park. Pier 62 – a panoramic space atop old piers – is a great place for a romantic bayside picnic. You can also peruse local public artworks, which are illuminated beautifully at night. Live street performers provide unique entertainment all around the park.

To ramp up your evening post-picnic, sample Seattle’s renowned beer scene by heading a block east of Waterfront Park. Standouts include the Seattle Bar Hall and Old Stove Brewing.

The Smith Tower is the lesser-known but first behemoth of the Seattle skyline. Considered the tallest building west of the Mississippi River in 1914, the iconic structure has stood as the city’s cultural centrepiece for nearly a century.

Today, Smith Tower offers a host of after-dinner options for all types of travellers. Soak up breathtaking views from atop its open-air observation deck or check out its numerous historic exhibits. You can even enjoy a fancy evening with a cocktail at the onsite speakeasy-style bar. The Smith Tower is just next to several Seattle attractions, such as the Seattle Great Wheel and Seattle Art Museum.

The Theatre District in Seattle is centred around the iconic Space Needle and surrounding streets. Whether it’s classic musicals, cabarets, or modern inventive shows you are after, the city’s diverse theatre scene has it all.

Be inspired by top Broadway shows at the historic Paramount Theatre, or enjoy unique interpretations of classics at the Seattle Repertory Theatre and Book-It. If magic and cirque are more your speed, don’t miss the unique Teatro ZinZanni. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time, as the locals are huge supporters of the arts.

Comedy shows and clubs in Seattle are excellent for those looking for a laugh-filled evening out with friends and family. See everything from seasoned stand-up comics in iconic locales to newcomers ad-libbing every moment during an improv show.

For a classic comedy show experience, check out the Laughs Comedy Club. It hosts a variety of stand-up and open-mic nights in an intimate room. Improv lovers should check one of Jet City Improv’s 3 shows, especially the hilarious 'redubbing of movies' show. Time your visit in April to enjoy The Highlarious Comedy Festival, which takes place in the famous Eclectic Theatre.

Seattle’s under-appreciated barcade scene lets you reconnect with your childhood. Check out Fremont’s Add-a-Ball basement arcade inside an old scooter repair shop, or opt for a more nostalgic vibe at the Hillside Bar in Capitol Hill. Don’t leave the city without popping in Vidiot, an old-school arcade with a pirate ship-style bar.

If you are an avid gamer or just love a good competition, this is the evening activity for you. Challenge your friend to a game of Mortal Kombat or see how many levels you can complete in Pac-Man.

Live music is an integral part of Seattle’s nightlife scene. This is due to influential acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Pearl Jam, as well as a plethora of venues and dive bars offering nightly acts all over the city.

Iconic spots include the indie-rock haven Neumos, The Showbox (a historic venue built in the 1930s), and the Nectar Lounge. If you're looking for a more low-key evening in Seattle, stroll the lively Pike Place Market to enjoy live performances by talented street buskers.

Seattle’s nightclub scene is constantly evolving, with a steady rotation of up-and-coming clubs and longstanding establishments all over the city.

Start your night at Trinity, a legendary Pioneer Square District spot with 3 unique rooms offering a little something for everyone. If raving is your jam, check out Capitol Hill’s moody Q Nightclub or the Monkey Loft – both bringing in top-tier EDM DJs. End the night at Dick’s Drive-In for a greasy burger – a Seattle late-night staple that’s best enjoyed after 2 am.