Best Things to Do in Seoul: Top Attractions, Food & Hidden Gems

Seoul greets you like a city in motion — neon lights flickering, aromas rising from hidden alleyways, and a rhythm that pulls you in from the very first step. Each experience here feels layered, balancing modern sparkle with centuries of tradition, and nowhere is that contrast more vivid than in the things you can do across the city. We list below the best things to do in Seoul and don’t miss our 4 incredible day itinerary to structure your visit in the best way possible!

Few cities value skincare the way Seoul does, and there’s no better place to experience this than Areuke Spa. Here, experts analyze your skin with precision and design treatments tailored to your needs. From soothing essences to restorative masks, the process leaves you glowing and refreshed. It’s more than a pampering session — it’s a glimpse into the self-care culture Koreans live by. The technicians taught us which ingredients were best, and mapped out our 6 step routine for us to keep our faces looking young and refreshed.

No Seoul trip is complete without a stop at Olive Young, Korea’s most beloved beauty store. Aisles overflow with serums, masks, and skincare innovations you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re stocking up on cult favourites or experimenting with new finds, Olive Young turns shopping into an adventure — and a must for any beauty enthusiast. Armed with our new 6 step routine, we hunted for tax free bargains to fill up a carry on full of skin care products.

Needless to say, the trip to the spa right before this made us feel much more like experts. We dove in to the store knowing what we were looking for, and could tell apart the different ingredients!

For panoramic views that define Seoul’s skyline, head to N Seoul Tower. By day, the city stretches endlessly in every direction; by night, lights twinkle like constellations. Add to that the playful ritual of “love locks” clinging to the railings, and N Seoul Tower becomes more than an observation deck — it’s a symbol of connection in a sprawling metropolis. Visit by furnicular or climb Namsan Mountain by foot, we went for sunset and and although the clouds hid the colours, the view was breathtaking nonetheless.

Seoul’s food scene deserves its own spotlight. Think sizzling Korean BBQ, bubbling gamjatang, sweet, sticky hotteok, and crispy Korean fried chicken. Every bite bursts with flavour and every meal celebrates sharing. Eating here means pulling up a chair at crowded tables, passing plates, and discovering that food is the heartbeat of Korean culture. Wash it down with soju and beer, and you’ve had a great meal!

If you want to step into Korea’s royal past, Gyeongbokgung Palace is unmissable. Its sweeping courtyards, vibrant pavilions, and ceremonial guards transport you straight into history. The palace isn’t just a monument; it’s living proof that Seoul’s strength lies in honouring its traditions while embracing the present. Hire a hanbok and get in for free, and capture moments forever frozen in time.

When the sun goes down, Myeongdong Night Market comes alive. Vendors line the neon-lit streets, serving spicy tteokbokki, steaming skewers of eomukguk, and sweet hotteok hot off the griddle. The energy is infectious: locals and visitors jostle shoulder to shoulder, chopsticks in hand, laughter mixing with the aromas of street food. If you want to feel Seoul’s heartbeat, you’ll find it here so make sure to not miss it!

Wander through the winding alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional wooden houses stand gracefully against the backdrop of the modern city. The tiled roofs and carved doors whisper of another era, while cafés and artisan shops breathe new life into the neighborhood. It’s a living museum that lets you experience Seoul’s past without losing touch with its present.

It’s worth being reminded that the village is actually residential, so as you enjoy the beauty of it make sure to also keep the noise down to not disturb the residents.

For a quieter kind of magic, stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream. Lanterns reflect off the water, and tucked into this serene setting you’ll find the Outdoor Library, where rows of glowing shelves invite couples and friends to linger. It’s intimate, atmospheric, and a reminder that Seoul balances its electric energy with moments of stillness. We found a spot on the bank to sit and observed people on dates, on a lovely night stroll, families enjoying a lovely evening and a duck and duckling floating along the stream.

Inside COEX Mall, you’ll stumble upon Starfield Library, a soaring atrium of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stacked high with thousands of titles. It’s as photogenic as it is inspiring, a space where locals pause with novels and travellers wander in awe. Whether you stay to read or just soak in the atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable blend of culture and architecture. Right outside the mall is where Seoul’s most iconic district pulses with style and swagger, and where you can strike a pose at the Gangnam Style statue!

Cap off your night at Zoo Sindang, a bar unlike any other. Each cocktail takes inspiration from the Chinese zodiac, crafted with creativity and flair. I ordered the Horse, an inspired old fashioned plated on a spinning coaster, to mimic the horses on a carousel. The atmosphere feels playful yet refined, making every drink a story and every sip a discovery. It’s Seoul’s nightlife at its most imaginative, and a fitting way to toast the city.

Seoul is a city that effortlessly blends tradition and trend, where ancient palaces sit beside neon-lit streets and every meal feels like an experience in itself. Whether you’re wandering through historic neighborhoods, indulging in K-beauty treatments, or discovering hidden cafés down quiet alleys, this city has a way of surprising you at every turn. No matter how long you stay, Seoul leaves you wanting more — and chances are, you’ll already be planning your return before you even leave.