travel plan in seattle

The Perfect 3 Days In Seattle Itinerary [2024 Guide]

Last Updated: February 3, 2024

While you could spend weeks enjoying the entire city, here is the perfect 3 days in Seattle itinerary to give you the best experience you can have during your visit.

Seattle, nicknamed the “Emerald City,” is about as green as you would expect its nickname to imply.

Like Ireland, Seattle benefits from many days of precipitation that leave it vibrant and green at any time of year.

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is both interesting in and of itself as well as a jumping-off point to explore many unique places in the area.

Whether you’re interested in heading north into British Colombia just a short drive away, or want to explore some of the lushest forests in North America, Seattle provides it all.

Of course, the city is a bustling metropolitan area that offers plenty of things to do in Seattle . With the likes of companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Boeing headquartered in the area, the city draws a large and diverse population.

There are professional sporting events offered throughout the year and the city attracts the top musicians and artists from around the world.

As such you could find yourself spending your 3 days in Seattle just checking out galleries, museums and other cultural attractions, exclusively entertaining yourself in sports and outdoor activities or finding quiet places in green spaces throughout the city to simply relax and enjoy the spectacular views and climate that Seattle has to offer.

READ MORE: Check out our 3 days in San Francisco itinerary for another epic USA trip!

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Enjoy Pike Place Market & Downtown Seattle

Mt. rainier national park, olympic national park, bainbridge island, san juan islands, day 3 – explore seattle center, when to visit seattle, getting around seattle, budget accommodation – hi seattle at the american hotel, mid-range accommodation – mayflower park hotel, luxury accommodation – the edgewater, a noble house hotel, budget – fremont brewing, mid-range – the pink door, high-end – andaluca restaurant, how to spend a perfect 3 days in seattle.

Three days is never enough time for visiting Seattle. However, to make the most of your time in Seattle we definitely want to make sure that you can see and do as many of the iconic things as possible.

As such, this 3 days in Seattle itinerary is going to keep you at the heart of the city for most of your time, while allowing for a day trip to one of several incredible places nearby.

Before you go on though, one of our biggest recommendations is to purchase a CityPass before you start your exploration of the city.

The reason is that by buying the CityPass ahead of time you get entry to 5 of the best attractions in Seattle, at a 46% discount , including the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, a harbor tour, and more.

It’s by far the most budget-friendly way to see all the top things to do in Seattle.

Of course, we’ve packed the itinerary with so much that you can choose to simply cut out those things that don’t interest you.

But know there’s no wrong way to spend the perfect 3 days in Seattle – rain or shine.

Starting your 3 day Seattle itinerary in Downtown Seattle will give you the best opportunity to enjoy this part of the city.

On this first day, wake up early (plan to be at the market around 8 am to beat the crowds!) and walk down to the famous Pike Place Market .

If you are a fan of Starbucks coffee shops, then make sure to get in line to grab a coffee at the first Starbucks which is just across the street from Pike Place Market.

After you get your latte to go, watch the fish fly at Pike Place and buy a bouquet of beautiful fresh flowers.

Pike Place Market has been selling fresh produce, local foodstuffs, crafts and flowers for over 112 years! It’s a must-see when you visit Seattle.

Explore Pike Place Market market and all it has to offer, sample locally grown produce and purchase homemade souvenirs.

Or just gawk at all of the vendors you’ll discover and their goods from around the world. Don’t forget to stop and be grossed out by the gum wall that’s located just outside the entrance to the market!

Pike Place Market is also a great place to grab breakfast or a snack while touring the area.

Stop at Daily’s Dozen Doughnuts for breakfast or Piroshky Piroshky for a savory snack.

If you want to beat the crowds and get a cool guided tour of Pike Place Market, check out this local tour .

Next, journey on down to the waterfront and head north towards the Seattle Great Wheel.

Watch fishing boats and cruise ships come in and out of the port while exploring several different piers along the waterfront.

At Pier 57 is the Seattle Great Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel with incredible views of the city. One of the largest Ferris wheels in the US at 53.3 meters, it has 42 climate-controlled gondolas that seat eight passengers each.

The ride makes three revolutions in 12 minutes and it’s the only Ferris wheel that extends over the water.

For lunch, make sure to stop at Ivar’s for a basket of delicious fish and chips.

From pier 57 it’s a short walk to the Seattle Art Museum . A world-class visual arts museum, SAM houses nearly 25,000 pieces of art from all over the world and has fantastic art galleries and exhibitions that shouldn’t be skipped.

Exploring the Seattle Art Museum is a great way to escape the rain if you happen to be visiting in less than stellar weather.

Touring the Seattle Aquarium or the Seattle Central Library is another fun option for rainy weather.

If you are an avid art lover, then be sure to check out the Asian Art Museum in Capitol Hill and the Olympic Sculpture Park located at the opposite end of the Seattle waterfront.

At the very end of the waterfront sits Pioneer Square . It is the historic center of downtown Seattle and is lined with Romanesque Revival-style buildings, hip eateries, and bars and is home to Seattle’s first skyscraper, Smith Tower.

If you are into history and museums then the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park museum is worth a look.

You can also check out the Museum of History and Industry located on the shores of Lake Union. Lake Union is a freshwater lake located entirely within Seattle city.

But the really unique part about Pioneer Square is the network of underground passageways and basements that use to be ground level in the1890’s.

You can wander these secret passageways by booking a tour , it’s worth it!

Next up, for an amazing view of the Seattle skyline and a fantastic place to watch the sunset, I recommend going to Kerry Park .

Take the bus up Queen Anne hill to get to the park. It’s a small park but the views are spectacular.

And if you happen to be there on a clear day, you will get to see Mt. Rainier in the distance!

After watching the sunset you can head back into town or wherever you choose to go for dinner.

The Pink Door is a popular choice for great Italian food and entertainment located near Pike Place Market.

You can end your night after dinner and head back to your hotel, or stay out a little longer and enjoy drinks and the Seattle nightlife. Capitol Hill is the area of the city with the best nightlife!

READ MORE: Use this guide to make sure you hit up all the best things to do in Seattle !

Day 2 – Daytrip to National Parks or Local Islands

The second day of your 3 days in Seattle is going to take you away from the city a little so that you can enjoy the natural sights and sounds of Washington.

If you are planning your trip for summer, then that is the perfect time to visit Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Park.

You could also plan to book a whale watching tour as summer is prime whale season in the Pacific Northwest.

If you aren’t visiting in the summer, plan on ferrying out to explore the beautiful Bainbridge Island.

It will be incredibly difficult to fit any two destinations into one day, so pick your favorite activity from below and plan to add whatever activities you miss to your bucket list for your next weekend in Seattle!

Plan to wake up early and grab a quick breakfast offered at your hotel. Then head out to Mt. Rainier National Park.

Located just over an hour from Seattle, Mt. Rainier can often be seen from downtown and thus makes for an iconic day trip.

If you have a car ( click here to find the best rental car prices in Seattle) , you can make your way out to the national park yourself. But if you don’t have a vehicle, you can join a small-group tour to enjoy the beauty of the National Park.

Enjoy the day spent hiking, driving through the park, or mountain biking through the trails.

Olympic National Park is a little further from Seattle than Mt. Rainer but both the drive to the park and the park itself are worth the day trip.

Unlike Mt. Rainier, which is located inland, Olympic National Park borders the Pacific coast. Thus it is a perfect place if you enjoy both mountains and water.

Spend half the day hiking through the lush rainforest of the Olympic Mountains and the other half walking along the beach.

Head out to Ruby Beach , in particular, to wait for low tide to reveal tidal pools full of all sorts of marine life such as colorful starfish and sea urchins.

Or simply make the day a trip of driving around the perimeter of the park and stop in any of the quaint seaside towns along the way.

Sequim , for instance, has a wonderful lavender farm where you can pick your own lavender and enjoy lavender ice cream and lemonade.

If you love camping, consider spending a night in the park during your next Seattle weekend trip.

READ MORE: Check out this fantastic guide to all the best things to do in Portland if you’re traveling up and down the coast.

Bainbridge Island is a popular day-trip destination from Seattle. With fares under USD $10 each way on the 35-minute passage, the journey from west Seattle across Puget Sound is as much fun as the island itself.

If you have a vehicle you can drive it onto the ferry to give you better access to explore Bainbridge Island. But no worries if you are without a vehicle.

Once you cross Puget Sound and arrive on the island there are tons of things to do that are well within walking distance of the port.

There are a handful of activities such as the Waterfront Trail, the Museum of Art and a variety of boutique restaurants and the best coffee shops to enjoy.

You can even rent bikes right next to the port and head out on your own adventure.

The ferry runs at least once per hour in each direction but there are plenty of places to stay on Bainbridge Island if you wanted to make a longer trip of it.

These islands are world-famous for whale watching tours between May and October.

Situated approximately halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, just off the coast of Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands have attracted visitors eager to sea kayak and/or watch for orca whales.

You can catch a ferry or join a tour from Seattle . And even if you happen to miss the prime whale-watching season between mid-May and mid-October, these islands are beautiful to explore by foot, bicycle or kayak.

At the end of this day it is likely you are exhausted from exploring the nearby areas.

But be sure to take in the Seattle evening by walking along the waterfront and/or stopping in for dinner or drinks and a handful of restaurants and bars nearby.

Or, depending on where you are staying during your weekend in Seattle, you may be able to take in the views from the balcony of your hotel.

READ MORE: Check out all of the best day trips from Seattle !

The final day of your 3 days in Seattle will take you into Seattle Center .

You can take the monorail, bus or walk there from your hotel. The Seattle Center is where you will find the famous Space Needle , which is a must-do during a day of Seattle sightseeing.

Get instant access and included entry to the Space Needle with your CityPass . Otherwise get in line for the Space Needle early as lines can get long!

After you ascend to the top of this iconic Seattle monument and take in the incredible 360-degree views overlooking Elliott Bay, it’s time to come back down to enjoy your next activity.

Next door to the Space Needle is Chihuly Garden and Glass. An exhibition center showcasing the glass artwork of Washington local Dale Chihuly, there are 8 galleries, a magnificent glasshouse, and a garden to explore.

After you are wowed by the beautiful glass sculptures, you can choose to watch a short video about Chihuly’s work and the glassblowing process.

Chihuly Garden is a unique experience that shouldn’t be skipped!

If you have kids then a visit to the Pacific Science Center must be on your to-do list!

There are rotating exhibits throughout the year, a butterfly house, laser shows, and an IMAX theater to keep you entertained.

From here you can catch the Seattle Center Monorail and cruise around between a handful of locations in the city center.

Alternatively, this is a great part of the city to explore on foot. As you walk through the center of Seattle keep an eye out for the various street art on display on the sides of various buildings.

Seattle is an artsy city and its street art illustrates the various facets of the creativity found within its city limits.

If you didn’t finish exploring the area surrounding Pike’s Place Market, make your way back over toward the water’s edge to enjoy the afternoon and evening.

Finish anything on your Seattle itinerary bucket list and have a bite to eat at any number of amazing restaurants.

And to wrap things up, if time and the seasons permit, you can catch any number of professional sporting events in Seattle.

The city is home to professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey and soccer teams. Plus there are almost always top-tier performers and musicians passing through Seattle at any given time.

Seattle Travel Guide

Now that you know how to spend 3 days in Seattle, here is a little more information about when to visit the city, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat.

Any time of year is a great for a weekend in Seattle, depending on what you want to do. The winter months are typically rainy, especially November-January.

But that always means fewer tourists. If you don’t mind rainy and overcast days and plan on skiing outside of Seattle, then plan on visiting in winter.

If you want to see Washington’s spectacular National Parks, then summer is your best option. Though, expect the summer crowds!

There is less rainfall during the summer months of June through August, it’s warmer and there are more sunny days than overcast.

If you want less rain but are traveling on a budget, plan to travel to Seattle during the shoulder season.

The best months to find cheaper hotels and fewer crowds are April to May and September to October.

The best way to get around during a weekend in Seattle is by public transportation. It’s affordable, takes you anywhere in town you’d want to go, and it’s so much more convenient than driving a car through the busy Seattle streets.

I do recommend renting a car if you plan on making a trip out to see the National Parks though.

But for just touring the city, walking and public transport is your best option.

The Link Light Rail system can pick you up from the Seattle Tacoma International Airport and take you close to your hotel, through popular Seattle neighborhoods like Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, and downtown.

And a one-way ticket should only set you back $3 or $4 bucks!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Seattle

There is a variety of options for accommodations on your Seattle weekend itinerary. From budget hostels to elegant hotels and private residences, you can find a great place to stay on any budget.

As our Seattle itinerary has most activities taking place downtown, this is the best part of town to stay and where you’ll find our best recommendations.

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle near Pioneer Square, the HI Seattle offers the best possible budget hostel experience in the city.

With options for shared dorms or private rooms, you can count on having as much or little space to yourself as you desire during your stay in Seattle.

Stay connected with WiFi throughout the hostel and enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning, coffee throughout the day and a common kitchen to save on meal expenses.

A moderately-priced hotel located in the center of Seattle, the Mayflower Park Hotel is a great value for your accommodation during your stay.

With WiFi, flatscreen television and spacious bathrooms with tubs each room gives you a feeling of luxury. Additionally, the highly-rated Andaluca Restaurant is located in the hotel, as is Oliver’s Lounge.

You can catch the monorail just outside the hotel and take it to the Space Needle or walk down to Pikes Place Market.

The Edgewater Hotel is centrally located just 15 minutes from both Pikes Place Market and the Space Needle. You will also have views of Puget Sound from your room and feast on meals in an on-site restaurant.

Enjoy complimentary coffee, a mini-bar and access to a fitness center during your stay.

Of particular interest are the in-suite fireplace, leather chairs and European-inspired bathrooms that make you feel luxurious.

Best Restaurants in Seattle

Seattle has no shortage in the variety and quality of food on offer. From fresh seafood to cold craft beers, you will not have trouble finding meals at any point during your 3 days in Seattle.

For delicious craft beer, a relaxing atmosphere, and some free savory snacks Fremont Brewing is at the top of the list for cheap eats in Seattle.

If the pretzels and apples don’t hold you over, hit up Cafe Turko just one block down the road for some authentic Turkish treats.

After visiting these spots, walk 5 minutes to see the famous Fremont Troll. Located under the George Washington Memorial Bridge, the Fremont Troll is a spooky yet funny troll sculpture that is popular among tourists.

The Pink Door is pushing the mid-range prices for their dinner menu. But the quality of the food is a case of getting what you paid for.

Enjoy fresh, authentic, and locally sourced Italian food served just steps from Pikes Place Market. The lasagna and risotto are particularly delightful.

Mediterranean-inspired meals at their finest meet fresh local ingredients at the Andaluca Restaurant .

Guests rave over the duck breast and pork chops while the classic paella is enough to fill you up for days. You can also grab a nice breakfast here as well.

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Lindsay Harvey

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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EPIC 3-DAY SEATTLE ITINERARY (2024)

The beautiful city of Seattle is surrounded by water, mountains, and luscious forests that adorn the landscape in a green veil all year round. There’s also acres and acres of parkland, perfect for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of busy city life! It is called the “Emerald City” after all, a title that was certainly borrowed from The Wizard of Oz .

Whilst Seattle is not some fantastical place inhabited by talking lions and dancing scarecrows – there is a giant petrified troll though – it’s still pretty magical. There’s lots to discover here, from gastronomic wonders to cultural icons to outdoor wonderlands.

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, you’ll need a little help.

We’ve written this 3-day Seattle itinerary to help on your adventure. You’ll want to explore all the best of the city without wasting any time because Seattle is one of those places where you’d hate to miss something.

Make no mistake: this great city has much to offer. This guide will give you our very best recommendations for when you visit Seattle yourself.

A Little Bit about this 3-Day Seattle Itinerary

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Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s a metropolis home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world including Microsoft and Amazon. It is located on the edge of the Puget Sound and at the foot of the Cascade Range mountain, both of which lend to its famous weather and natural beauty.

If you have your own car, you’ll need to know how to get around and what to do in Seattle during your time there.

First, you’ll need to know how you’re going to navigate this great city and learn to get around. The Link Light Rail takes trips between Downtown Seattle and the University District. You can expect a train through the station every 6-15 minutes.

King County Metro Transit is a bus service that runs throughout downtown Seattle and outlying neighborhoods. These buses stick strictly to their schedule which you can find on their website.

We recommend using an all-day regional transit pass! These are available at all ORCA vending machines and cost only USD $8. These cards give you access to all public transit in the Seattle area, including ferries.

Streetcars and the Seattle Center Monorail are also great ways to get around the city. No matter what transportation you decide to take in the Seattle area, they’re all fairly reliable and very safe.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

3-Day Seattle Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Seattle: Pike Place Market , The Gum Wall , Seattle Waterfront and Wheel , Seattle Center

Day 2 in Seattle: Capitol Hill , Starbucks Reserve Roastery , Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour , Smith Tower , Paramount Theater

Day 3 in Seattle: Burke Gilman Trail, University of Washington , Fremont Troll , Theo Chocolate Factory , Kerry Park

More Places to Visit in Seattle: Alki Beach , Grave of Bruce Lee , CenturyLink Field , Cruise Seattle Waterfront

With a Seattle City Pass , you can experience the best of Seattle at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

When deciding where to stay in Seattle , be sure to take note of where the tourist attractions are located and center yourself right in the middle. This way, you’ll spend less time traveling and more time doing the things that you’ve always dreamed of doing: seeing all the Seattle attractions that you possibly can!

Pioneer Square was Seattle’s very first neighborhood and home to the first settlers that came to live in the area. Being the oldest neighborhood means there’s plenty of history to learn about in the area, and the architecture is absolutely fascinating! The area has become known for its rich culture and is now a great place to come see Seattle’s best art.

University District or U-district, as it’s lovingly referred to by the locals, is a neighborhood for the young (or the young at heart)! Named after the University of Washington, this district is a hub of constant activity. Students from all over the world come to study at this famous university. Generally, staying in this neighborhood will cut down on transportation costs. This makes it a fun and vibey place to hang out, enjoy the happy hour specials, the active nightlife, and the constant buzz of youthful chatter!

If you’re thinking of staying in Seattle for a while, then you might like a VRBO in Seattle which has some good deals for extended stays.

Best Hostel in Seattle – City Hostel Seattle

If you enjoy being close to all the action, be sure to check out the City Hostel in Seattle. As you may have guessed by the name, the hostel is conveniently located right in the city center. City Hostel is located in the newly renovated 1920’s hotel that hosted the rich and famous from back in the day.

Love staying in hostels when you travel? Check out these awesome Seattle hostels.

Best Airbnb in Seattle – Renovated Retro Queen Anne Studio Apartment

Renovated Retro Queen Anne Studio Apartment, Seattle

Watch the flames flicker in the gas fireplace while cozily tucked up in bed. All kinds of fun pieces are on show here, from a carved-wood table and light-up neon screen to abstract canvases. Heated floors are a nice touch in the new bathroom.

Best Budget Hotel in Seattle – Roy Street Commons

Located in the central suburban neighborhood of Capitol Hill, this simple yet elegant hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re on a budget! Located just 3 kilometers from downtown Seattle and the Space Needle, you’ll have easy access to all the main Seattle activities.

Best Luxury Hotel in Seattle – Mayflower Park Hotel

The Mayflower Park hotel was built in 1927 and holds great historical significance. Located in the center of Seattle, the hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the major tourist attractions in Seattle, including Pike Place Market and the iconic waterfront. If you’re looking forward to living in luxury during your time in Seattle, this is the hotel for you!

On the first day of your Seattle itinerary, you’re going to visit many of the city’s famous attractions, like Pike Place Market, and ride the Great Wheel, see the Space Needle, and more. Let’s get the touristy stuff out of the way first.

9:00 AM – Visit Pike Place Market

Feel the true essence of Seattle at the Pike Place Market and get the opportunity to mingle with the locals. This busy farmer’s market was established in 1907, and it’s still going strong. What started as a standard place to buy your groceries has now become somewhat of a beloved hangout spot.

The Pike Place Market is the perfect trendy dockside attraction to help you get a feel for the Seattle vibe!

Try out a Seattle food tour for an inside look at the market.

There are plenty of things to browse through at the market, you’ll find everything from antiques and flowers, to fresh produce and buzzing restaurants.

From the market,

Of course, Pike Place Market is known for its incredibly fresh seafood. Sit at one of the many stalls, or opt for a takeaway and sit dockside while you indulge in your meal. You’ll have a beautiful view of the docks and won’t find a better ambiance.

Cost – Free.
How long should I stay here? 2ish hours; more if you eat here.
Getting there – The closest bus stops are located a couple of blocks away on 3rd Street. There are many different routes stopping on this street as well.

11:00 AM – Add to the Gum Wall

The gum wall is just what it sounds like – a wall that people have adorned with their used-up gum. It can be found just down the road from the Pike Place Market and has been collecting samples since the 1990s. This may sound gross, but hey, you’re making your mark on this beautiful city just like everyone else.

It all started when people were waiting outside for shows to start, and they needed somewhere to stick their used up gum. From there, it blossomed into a work of art – of sorts.

Nowadays people visiting the city make it their mission to add to this gooey wall of gum, and you should too!

Cost – Free (except for the gum).
How long should I stay here? 30 minutes tops.
Getting there – It’s literally next to Pike Place Market.

12:00 PM – Seattle Waterfront and Great Wheel

The Seattle Waterfront is located right next to the Pike Place Market, making it the logical next step in your Seattle itinerary. It’s a great place to go for a short walk as it offers excellent views over the Puget Sound and of Seattle’s Skyline.

The most noticeable attraction on Seattle’s Waterfront is the Great Wheel. Located on Pier 57, this iconic wheel shapes the Seattle skyline and gives you the gorgeous views of Seattle, day or night. This activity should not be missed by anyone who’s a sucker for nostalgic Ferris wheels.

Taking a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel is not only an iconic moment that every traveler should experience, but it allows you to get to know the city a little better. The city seen from above is really a sight to behold!

Each gondola on the wheel can hold up to 8 people, and each ride lasts approximately 10 minutes.

If you’re hungry, there are many seafood restaurants on the pier serving up fresh catches. The local crab and oysters are particularly good.

Cost – USD $14 for the Greet Wheel.
How long should I stay here? 2-3 hours.
Getting there – It’s a 5-10 minute walk DOWN from Pike Place Market.

3:00 PM – Seattle Center

Let’s move on to the Seattle Center where we’ll find many of the city’s most iconic points of interest. The Seattle Center was originally developed to host the 1962 World’s Fair and many of the landmarks here, like the Space Needle and Monorail, were built as exhibitions.

Nowadays, the Seattle Center is much more than just gimmicks. Aside from hosting many of Seattle’s best festivals, like Bumbershoot and Pride, the Center also has the Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, and Chihuly Garden of Glass.

You’ll have the rest of the day to wander around the Seattle Center as you like. Definitely drop by the Museum of Pop Culture if only to snap a picture of its psychedelic facade. Don’t miss entering the Chihuly Glass Garden either – the sculptures here are very beautiful and the way in which in their presented – like in a normal garden – is very very trippy. Most people combine the glass garden with a visit to the Space Needle using a dual ticket.

Note that if you want to enter the Space Needle and go to the top of it, you’ll need to reserve your place in advance. The Space Needle is particularly popular in the evening around sunset so if you plan on doing this, reserve WELL in advance.

Cost – $50 for Chihuly + Space Needle.
How long should I stay here? The rest of the day.
Getting there – There are buses that service the Seattle Center but if you’re coming from the Waterfront it’s easiest to just walk (20 minutes).

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We kick off the second day of our Seattle itinerary by visiting one of it’s most well-known neighborhoods: Capitol Hill. From there, we’ll pay a visit to a legendary coffee house and then go underground to see an alternative side of the city…

10:00 AM – Capitol Hill

Capital Hill was once the center of the counterculture movement in Seattle. Imagine beatniks, hippies, poets, artists, philosophers all mingling on a single street. Thanks to radicals like these, the neighborhood over time has become imbued with that special sort of quirkiness that you can really only find in the Pacific Northwest. Though it is was discovered long ago already by the tourist masses and has lost a bit of its original charm, Capitol Hill is still one of the cooler places to visit in Seattle.

The best thing to do in Capitol Hill is too just wander around and pop into whatever cafe or shop that interests you. Broadway is the main street of Cap Hill and probably offers the most shopping opportunities. There are some shops and cafes over on 15th and 19th streets as well and these will be a bit less crowded most likely.

Start the morning off with an espresso at one of the many coffee houses located in the northern part of the neighborhood. Espresso Vivace is one cafe that we recommend.

From there, head south. Keep an eye out for street murals and sidewalk graffiti.

Be sure to end your tour of Capital Hill at Dick’s Drive-In, a legendary burger joint that is among the most hallowed places in Seattle. This fast-food chain is ingrained in the local culture and eating here is like a right of passage. No Seattle itinerary would be complete with stopping at one of these.

Cost – Food/beverage varies.
How long should I stay here? 3-4 hours.
Getting there – There’s a light rail station at the bottom edge of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

2:00 PM – Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Starbucks is one of Seattle’s most iconic companies, so why not visit their place of origin? The Starbucks Reserve Roastery has become somewhat of a coffee museum, and is just nine blocks down from the original Starbucks store! The Starbucks Reserve Roastery was the first of its kind, opening in December 2014.

Here, you can learn all about Starbucks refined art of making coffee and enjoy an extraordinary range of products not served at your everyday Starbucks!

You’ll also be able to purchase souvenirs not available at other Starbucks stores. Be sure to explore the entire roastery as there is so much to learn. This Starbucks even includes a mixology bar, so if you’re in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, they’ll be happy to make you something very special. This truly is a uniquely ‘Seattle’ experience!

Cost – Free.
How long should I stay here? An hour or two.
Getting there – Bus 10 will take you directly from Capital Station to the Roastery.

3:00 PM – Underground Tour

Seattle suffered a great fire in 1889, instead of giving up, they built an entire city on top of the burnt-out city. This means that there’s now an entire underground city just waiting to be explored! This is the only way to explore the many underground Seattle tunnels that the city has to offer.

The tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, and then leads to where it all began: Seattle’s birthplace, Pioneer Square! You’ll then plunge underground for a spectacular time-capsule view of the burnt, buried city.

Guides will be telling you all the stories that Seattle pioneers wouldn’t want you to hear, as well as all the ins and outs of what made the city tick. This extremely unique tour will send shivers down your spine. It’s an eerie feeling to know that an entire city lies buried underground.

The tour ends at Rogues Gallery, an underground gift shop, where you’ll find displays of old memorabilia. You can then head back to Doc Maynard’s Public House for a quick drink or push on.

Cost – $22.
How long should I stay here? The tour is 75 minutes long.
Getting there – Take a 5-minute rideshare or walk 20-25 minutes from the Starbucks Roastery.

5:00 PM – Smith Tower

We’ve all heard of the Space Needle in Seattle, but it always has long queues and the waiting time can be more than a visitor can afford to spend when only spending 2 or 3 days in Seattle. This is why we recommend the viewing platform at the Smith Tower.

Seattle’s original skyscraper, Smith Tower, offers a great history lesson while also providing some of the best views of Seattle. Built in 1914, the Smith Tower has been an iconic Seattle skyscraper for over 100 years.

The tower offers a unique visiting experience, including historical exhibits and an observatory with an open-air observation deck. You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy 360-degree views of Seattle and beyond.

Instead of eating at the expensive restaurant in the Smith Tower, go elsewhere. Copal is a great little restaurant just a few minute’s drive from Smith Tower! They serve Latin American dishes and have a great variety of tapas options. Copal has a vibey atmosphere and has become a great hit among the locals. Be sure to stop by, even if it is for just a nibble.

Cost – $20.
How long should I stay here? 1-2 hours.
Getting there – The Smith Tower is down the street from Doc Maynard’s Public House.

8:00 PM – See a show at the Paramount Theater

The Paramount Theater is not only the oldest but the most prestigious theater in Seattle. In fact, we would go as far as to say that it’s a Seattle icon (not as big as Nirvana though).

Why is it so iconic? Well, the Paramount Theater is known for Broadway shows, famous musicians, plays, and productions that rival the world’s best. The architecture too is also noteworthy: the theater is designed in an ancient Chinese style complete with a golden dragon!

What better way to end your second day in Seattle by attending a show at one of its proudest landmarks?

Usually, there are multiple shows going on each week. To see a full list of upcoming performances at the Paramount, be sure to check the official website.

If there are NOT able to attend a show at the Paramount, we suggest sticking around Pioneer Square and heading to the nearby International District (consisting of Chinatown). There are a number of cool bars around and some stellar Chinese food as well.

Cost – Prices vary depending on what’s showing.
How long should I stay here? As long as the show lasts.
Getting there – Walk up to 4th Street and catch a bus heading towards downtown. There are several that stop near the theater.

We’ve saved the best for last in this Seattle itinerary. Today will feature some of the most interesting and magical places in Seattle. We’ll get to visit a university, a chocolate factory, and even a local troll…sounds like a fairytale already right?!

We end the day in the Queen Anne neighborhood, which features one of the most impressive panoramas in the entire city. Soak it in folks.

9:00 AM – The Burke Gilman Trail

Whether you’re feeling up for a bike ride, or a gentle stroll, getting your body moving is always the best way to start the day. The Burke Gilman Trail is a beautiful trail that’s frequented by many locals every morning, so you’ll feel completely safe!

The Burke Gilman Trail is a multi-use recreational trail that stretches an impressive 27-miles (43 km).

It starts at 11th Avenue and extends along the Lake Washington Ship Canal. If you’re looking for the perfect way to mingle with the locals and get to know Seattle a little better, then consider taking the trail in the early morning.

We suggest starting from Warren G. Magnuson Park. The park itself is worth exploring – see the art installation “A Sound Garden” – and is a reasonable 3 miles away from our next stop: the University of Washington. Visiting the park and walking the 3 miles shouldn’t take longer than a couple of hours.

How long should I stay here? Depends how much you want to walk.
Getting there – Depends on where you start. If you start from Warren G. Magnuson Park, Bus 65 and 75 stop at multiple places in front of it.

11:00 AM – Tour the University of Washington

Checking out the University of Washington’s campus is not just for soon-to-be college students, it’s also for inquisitive people who like to do a little sightseeing during their trips. You can explore on your own, or take a student-lead tour, but we recommend taking the time to venture out on your own.

So why tour a university? It just so happens that the University of Washington is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. The architecture of the buildings is absolutely gorgeous.

There are buildings that date back to 1861 and these are nothing less than grand. In the spring, the campus is shrouded in cherry blossom trees, making it an absolutely stunning setting.

There are many different faculties on-site worth checking out and many of these are like attractions onto themselves. The Henry Art Gallery, campus library, and Mary Gates Hall should all be visited. Lake Union is also very close by and lots of people launch their canoes and paddleboards from the local marina.

Once you’re finished touring the campus be sure to drop by the Blue Moon Tavern, either for lunch or a quick drink. This was a famous watering hole for many famous icons of the counter-culture movement, including Tom Robbins, Theodore Roethke, Ken Kesey, and Dylan Thomas, among many others.

Getting there – The Burke Gilman Trail runs parallel to the University of Washington.

3:00 PM – The Fremont Troll

We’re going to be making a quick stop at a local favorite in Seattle: the Fremont Troll.

Originally commissioned by the city as a sort of “urban renewal” project, the statue literally serves no purpose, besides attracting curious travelers and perhaps deterring any would-be billy goats that might want to cross the bridge. It’s a testament to how unique and irrelevant Seattle can be and has become one of the most beloved places in the city.

How long should I stay here? Less than an hour.
Getting there – Bus 31 and 32 depart from the Meany Center at UW and stop right in front of the troll. Travel time is 15 minutes.

4:00 PM – Tour Theo Chocolate Factory

The Theo Chocolate Factory Tour is an hour-long interactive chocolate experience. During the tour, you’ll discover the origins of cocoa and how they create their chocolate from scratch. You’ll also get the opportunity to explore the inside of the factory and see where the magic happens. It might not be quite as extravagant as Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but it sure is close.

Aside from the chocolate farm, where you’ll indulge in a tasting, there’s a chocolate bar located right next to it. Handmade confectionery is high on the list of crowd favorites, but you’ll also get the chance to taste a wide range of treats known to be their nationwide best sellers.

Cost – $12 per person.
How long should I stay here? Less than 2 hours.
Getting there – It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the Fremont Troll.

6:00 PM – Kerry Park

We end our 3-day Seattle itinerary on the best note possible, by visiting a park that features arguably the best view of Seattle there is. Kerry Park, located in the Queen Anne neighborhood is very small itself but affords spectacular views of the city. From here, one can see the Space Needle, the Seattle skyline, and the imposing Mt. Rainier in the background. Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, maybe some chocolates from Theo, and enjoy the view. Few other panoramas can really compete with this one.

Aspiring photographers: be sure to bring a longer lens or a zoom camera. The city is close but not THAT close so you’ll need a little extra range to get the best photos.

How long should I stay here? As long as you like.
Getting there – It’s a bit tricky to reach Kerry Park, especially from Fremont. There is no convenient bus a walking time is around 45 minutes. Best to take a rideshare or taxi.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Seattle

Queen Anne is a haven for sightseers and culture vultures. This centrally located neighbourhood is home to Seattle’s most iconic landmarks and attractions and one of the best places to stay in Seattle for first-timers.

Take in the stunning Seattle skyline from Kerry Park.
Take the elevator to the top of the world-famous 184-meter tall Space Needle and enjoy panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound and beyond.
Indulge in your love of SciFi, comics, graphic novels and more at the Science Fiction Museum.

If you’re staying for more than 3 days in Seattle, you’re going to need a few extra activities and Seattle day trips to add to your itinerary! Here are a few of our favorite activities. We’ve included everything from a boat tour to additional landmarks to explore.

Whether you’re in the mood to wake up with a refreshing dip in the Puget Sound, or simply spend the morning walking along the shore with your feet in the sand, Alki Beach is the perfect place to do it!

Enjoy the fresh sea-breeze before the crowds descend on this all-too-famous beach. The views of the Seattle skyline are absolutely spectacular, and they make for a great photo opportunity!

You can spend the morning observing the boats going in and out of the harbor and watch the gulls dipping and diving into the water.

Alki Beach is very popular and can get a little crowded, but it’s a must-visit location while you’re in Seattle. This is why we recommend going in the early morning.

How long should I stay here? 3-4 hours.
Getting there – Take the ferry from the main Waterfront terminal towards West Seattle and then bus 775 from Seacrest Marina. The journey across Eliot Bay is quite scenic.

The Grave of Bruce Lee

This one is for all the kung-fu fans out there!

Few people know that Bruce Lee actually spent a good portion of his younger life living in Seattle (and teaching martial arts there) before hitting it big in Hollywood. His wife was from Seattle herself and together they owned a home there. When Bruce Lee eventually passed away, his remains were placed in the Lakeview Cemetery at Volunteer Park.

The gravestone itself is fairly simple, consisting of nothing but a rock effigy. His brother, Brandon Lee, is buried next to him with an equally austere monument. People can visit here to pay their respects if they like and, in fact, it’s quite a popular thing to do in Seattle .

If you wanted to spend more time in the vicinity and turn this activity into a half-day, you could spend some extra hours walking around Volunteer Park. The Asian Art Museum is also located in the park and it’s a fairly good one too.

Cost – Grave visitation is free.
How long should I stay here? As long as you like.
Getting there – Volunteer Park is located just north of Capitol Hill and next to Lake Union. There are a couple of bus stops around the park that you can use – line 49 and 10 are both convenient to use.

Watch a game at CenturyLink Field

CenturyLink is Seattle’s largest athletic stadium and home to some of the most ferocious fans in the country! The stadium was built between 2000 and 2002 to replace the crumbling Kingdome. It can hold up to 69, 000 people but has one of the smallest arenas out of all football stadiums in the US. This helps to funnel the shouts into a mighty “crow.”

Seahawks fans are some of the most passionate fans in the game of football. In fact, in 2013, fans broke a record for being the loudest fans in the world.

CenturyLink holds a couple of other records too! It was the first NFL stadium to install FieldTurf artificial turf. Because the stadium is an open-air stadium and the area gets heavy rainfall, the grass turf would have been very high maintenance and been damaged rather easily.

One thing to keep in mind when selecting your seats is that the roof of CenturyLink stadium only covers about 70% of the seated area. Sitting in the open-air section puts you closer to the game and is lovely in warmer weather, but when it rains it could be a little uncomfortable. So, be sure to check where you’re sitting and what the weather is in Seattle before booking your seats.

Cost – The average price of a ticket is around $130.
How long should I stay here? Going to a football game is a full-day affair.
Getting there – CenturyLink is actually quite close to Downtown Seattle so you could potentially walk there (30 minutes from Pike Place). Otherwise, take the light rail to the Stadium station.

Elliot Bay Mini-Cruise

Enjoy an hour-long narrated cruise, where you can listen to the history of Seattle and see magnificent views of the Seattle skyline from the water. You’ll see panoramic and up-close views of the Seattle shipping port and surroundings.

Don’t forget to bring your camera along for the ride, as you’ll see some incredibly unique views of the Seattle area from the water.

During your trip, you can enjoy snacks along the way just in case you’re feeling hungry. If you’d like a full meal, that can be arranged prior to your cruise. If you’d like to plan ahead, you could enjoy a USD $10 discount for booking online ahead of time.

The ship can take up to 70 people, so there should be plenty of space for you and your entire traveling group. Note that you won’t get very far into the Puget Sound with only an hour either – you’ll need to book a longer tour if you want to go further afield.

Cost – Around $30.
How long should I stay here? The mini-cruise is 1-hour long.
Getting there – You’ll need to arrive at the Waterfront first; double-check with the tour operator which pier you’ll be departing from.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

When you’re planning your Seattle itinerary, you’re sure to be wondering: “when is the best time to visit?”

Well, we’ve got all the info for you right here! Although there isn’t a wrong time to visit Seattle , everyone has their preferences.

The quiet season extends from November to March. During this time Seattle experiences heavy rains, although this brings with it all the cozy feelings that Seattle is so famous for. From June to August, Seattle experiences its busy season, and many tourists pour into the city as the rains subside.

Seattle is a fairly cold city all year round, so be sure to pack warm clothes , or leave space in your luggage for the gorgeous jackets you’ll be buying while you’re there. Here’s what you can expect from Seattle throughout the year:

Travelers will be happy to know that Seattle is rated as one of the safest cities for walkers. Although the city gets a bad rap in the US, you’ll never feel as if you’re in danger. While traveling, you always need to take precautions, so here’s what you should be doing to stay safe in Seattle .

It’s advised that you stay away from quiet areas at night. It’s best to stick to the well-lit areas that attract a lot of people. Pick-pocketing takes place in Seattle, just like every other major city, so be sure to keep an eye on your possessions at all times.

Seattle does have a large population of homeless people , and although few of them are dangerous, they may hassle you for money. Don’t be surprised by this, but do feel free to decline.

Just to be safe, be aware of your surroundings and stick to more populated areas. Although it is unlikely that anything should happen to you during your trip to Seattle, it’s always best to be cautious.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Seattle

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Seattle itinerary.

Is 2 days enough for Seattle?

Seattle is ideal for a weekend break but we recommend 3 days to make the most of it.

What is the best time of year to visit Seattle Washington?

September to October offer the best compromise between the weather, crowds and prices.

How many days do you need in Seattle?

3-4 days is the ideal amount of time to explore the city and take a day trip.

What should you not miss in Seattle?

Pike Place Market, the gum wall, the Space Needle and Seattle Waterfront are just a few on the list.

Final Thoughts

One thing we can all agree on is that Seattle is an incredibly dreamy city! It’s not surprising that Seattle has become the setting for many sitcoms and romcoms.

Seattle has so much to offer, from the hustle and bustle of the great big city, to the fresh air and beautiful views that the natural surrounds provide. It’s no wonder visitors struggle to stay away- once they’ve visited once, they’re sure to return!

No matter when you decide to visit, or where in Seattle you stay, you’re guaranteed an awesome time!

Get ready for a great adventure! If you’re ready to fall head over heels for this paradise in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to start organizing your Seattle itinerary soon!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in Seattle Itinerary

Last Updated on February 19, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the premier destinations in the Pacific Northwest, planning a 2, 3 or 4 days in Seattle itinerary is often a necesitity if you’re planning a trip to this region. Located along the Puget Sound overlooking Elliott Bay with Mount Rainier towering in the distance, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time.

Whether you’re looking for a short trip to see the highlights of the city center or want to head out on a day trip to the surrounding area, spending a few days in the Emerald City is never a bad idea.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Seattle?

Generally speaking, 3 days is the sweet spot for how many days to spend in Seattle.

With only 2 days in Seattle, you can get a sense of what the city has to offer and maybe visit a couple of the most popular museums or spend an afternoon in Pike Place Market. If you have 3 days in Seattle, you have plenty of time to hit all the major highlights, ranging from the Space Needle to the famous Gum Wall.

Should you have 4 days, you can use three days to explore the city at your leisure then dedicate the fourth day to a day trip outside the city.

Seattle is tucked in a pocket of National Parks: Olympic , North Cascades , and Mount Rainier . The lush landscape around the city provides ample opportunities for its visitors to spend some time outdoors during their visit.

Getting To & Around Seattle

Most visitors from afar will arrive in Seattle by plane through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC). From the airport, it’s a quick 20-minute drive to downtown Seattle. You can take a taxi, pre-booked transfer or call a rideshare. You can also opt to take the Link Light Rail into downtown.

You won’t need a car to get around Seattle. There is public transportation throughout the city, rideshare, and taxis. You can also take a ferry to nearby islands in Puget Sound if that is something that appeals.

It’s also a very walkable city, with most of the major highlights clustered together. However, you might want one if you’re planning on taking a day trip outside the city or are exploring some further flung Seattle neighborhoods.

Having a car available allows you greater flexibility when exploring the area around the city or visiting surrounding national parks. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices across many major companies if you would like to rent a car for your trip.

2, 3 or 4-Day Seattle Itinerary

The perfect itinerary for Seattle is a blend of relaxing and exploring. Here’s what you should consider doing for 2 to 4 days in Seattle. If you plan to visit several attractions then you can consider buying the Seattle CityPass .

Day 1 – Space Needle & Surrounding Attractions

Space needle.

The Space Needle is what makes Seattle’s skyline so iconic. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and has since become the top thing to do in Seattle. On a clear day, visitors can clearly see Mount Rainier as part of their 360-degree view of the city.

Take the elevator to the top, but don’t be shocked if your ears pop on the way up. At the top of the Space Needle, you’ll find a museum, outlook deck, and restaurant.

You can pre-book tickets here or buy a combined ticket here for the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Lines to visit the Space Needle can get long, so make sure to plan your visit during off hours if you want to avoid crowds as much as possible.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Seated directly below the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass. It’s one of the coolest things you can do in Seattle. The museum opened in 2012 and showcases the intricate blown glass artwork of Dale Chihuly.

The glass is at its best on a sunny day. You can more easily enjoy the outdoor portions of the museum when the sun is out. Visitors can purchase their tickets in the lobby using kiosks or in advance online here . The museum does tend to get busy during the peak hours, so try to plan a visit in the morning.

You can sit in the back garden, beneath the Space Needle, and enjoy the scenery with a snack or drink from the cafe. And if you want to enjoy more art in the Emerald City, the Seattle Art Museum isn’t located too far from the Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Museum of Pop Culture

You probably noticed the Museum of Pop Culture immediately upon arriving at the Space Needle. It’s a weirdly-shaped, rounded building with vibrant metallic colors on the outside. This will be a favorite activity for fans of science fiction, music, and more.

MoPOP captures cultural icons and highlights from our history. It’s one of the world’s most immersive pop culture museums. You can purchase tickets in advance online.

General admission tickets grant you access to 11 permanent exhibits. They’re timed entry tickets, so MoPOP is not usually as crowded as other non-timed entry museums.

Alternatively, you can use this time to explore the South Lake Union neighborhood and maybe head to the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) or the Pacific Science Center.

Day 2 – Pike Place Market, Gum Wall, Aquarium & More

Pike place market.

Start your second day in Seattle at Pike Place Market—Seattle’s original farmer’s market. Here you’ll find local sourced foods, flowers, and crafts.

There are several floors in the market. The main floor is where you’ll find stands selling locally caught seafood, flowers, and produce.

Grab a bite to eat, or a souvenir, before venturing further into the market where you’ll find used bookstores, record stores, and a variety of quirky stores that you won’t find anywhere else.

Be sure to check the event’s calendar before you visit to see if there’s any live music or art shows happening while you’re there. It’s also worth taking the time to wander along the Seattle Waterfront. You can also take a marketing tasting tour or an early access market tour.

First Starbucks

You can find the first Starbucks coffee shop right across the street from the main entrance to Pike Place Market.

It’s a fun stop to make even if you don’t head inside for a cup of coffee. On most days, the line to enter the store is massive.

If you’re a coffee buff, there are countless other great Seattle coffee shops in the city to enjoy without the wait. You can also take a coffee culture tour to learn more about city’s coffee scene.

It’s common knowledge that Seattle boasts its fair share of quirky sites, but the Gum Wall wins out over most. Located in the same vicinity as Pike Place is this infamous wall.

It started in the 1990s when local patrons began plastering their chewed wads of gum on the wall. Since then, it became commonplace for visitors to the wall to add their piece.

The Gum Wall covers part of Post Alley. The Gum Wall is a cannot-miss site in Seattle.

Miner’s Landing and Seattle Great Wheel

Located on the waterfront below Pike Place Market at Pier 57 is Miner’s Landing. It’s a boardwalk lined with restaurants and activities that make it a great stop for everyone, especially those traveling with kids.

Here you’ll find Seattle Great Wheel, a massive Ferris wheel that gives great views of the Sound, Wings Over Washington, Salish Sea Tours, Klondike Arcade, and a variety of restaurants serving fresh local seafood.

It’s an excellent place to stop in for lunch after a morning at Pike Place.

Seattle Aquarium

If you’re a lover of marine wildlife, make sure to stop into the Seattle Aquarium. It’s located just down the street from Miner’s Landing and full with all the marine habitats you could hope to find.

The museum prided itself to constructing exhibits whose design captures the habitats it holds. For example, the Crashing Waves Exhibit is a 40-foot wave tank that replicates the Washington coast’s intertidal zone.

Visitors can explore Life on the Edge, two large touch pools, or Life of a Drifter, which features a 12-foot doughnut-shaped glass exhibit that holds a giant Pacific octopus, plankton, sea stars, and more. These are just a couple of examples of what visitors can expect to find at the Seattle Aquarium.

Day 3 – Dig Deeper in Seattle

Underground tour of downtown.

If you’re looking for something to do during your that is a little more eclectic, consider a tour of the city’s underground tunnels. The tunnels were the street level for the Seattle center in the 1800s but began to fall apart when the streets were elevated.

Today, they are a unique deep dive into Seattle’s history. Visitors can sign up for a 75-minute walking tour and hear stories of Seattle’s early days from knowledgeable tour guides. Tours can be booked in advance here.

Pioneer Square

After your tour of the Seattle Underground, you might pop out in Pioneer Square. This is a popular neighborhood in central Seattle that is filled with restaurants, art galleries, and museums – such as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park museum where you can learn about Seattle’s history in the mid 19th century.

You can relax in Waterfall Garden Park or visit the food trucks in Occidental Square. It’s a good place to stop for a break before pivoting to the next activity that takes you to the Fremont neighborhood.

Fremont Troll

Continue your day exploring the more weird sides of Seattle by visiting the Fremont Troll. Tucked away in the Fremont neighborhood is a massive troll sculpture under the Aurora Avenue Bridge.

The troll was installed during Halloween in 1990 by Steve Badanes, who had never sculpted before. The troll stands at 18-feet tall and has a single metal eye that’s a Volkswagen Beetle hubcap.

Make sure to snap a picture of you sitting on the troll’s hand as he appears to be crawling out from beneath the bridge.

Gas Works Park

If you want a nice local park to lounge in one afternoon, check out Gas Works Park which is not far from the University of Washington. This isn’t just your average city park. The park sits on a 19.1 acre plot of land that used to be the Seattle Gas Light Company.

Today, the old gasification plant still stands, but the park has been expanded to include a large play area and a hill that is popular for flying kites. You can also get a nice view of Seattle.

Capitol Hill Neighborhood

Capitol Hill is one of the most densely-populated neighborhoods in Seattle. It’s largely considered the “hippest” area of Seattle, which is why you should plan to spend one evening of your Seattle itinerary enjoying the nightlife.

There are bars, clubs, coffee shops, and local shops selling a variety of goods along with some of the best restaurants in Seattle. Volunteer Park has walking trails, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and panoramic views of the city and Lake Union from the top of the hill.

Day 4 – Day Trip from Seattle

If you’re spending more than long weekend in Seattle and are fortunate enough to be able to see Seattle in 4 days, then you can use the final day of your time in Seattle to go on a day trip.

There are countless options from a number of beautiful national parks to heading to some of the islands in the Puget Sound — such as Vashon Island , Whidbey Island , Bainbridge Island or even the San Juan Islands — to visiting some of the natural sites just outside of the city.

There is so much to see on your Seattle trip that lies outside of the city limits that it’s worth it to allot more time than simply seeing Seattle in 3 days.

Visit a National Park

If you have 4 days to spend in Seattle, try to spend at least one of those days exploring the beautiful natural spaces around the city.

Mount Rainier is one of the best day trips from Seattle. It’s the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range and Pacific Northwest, and it’s just under 90 miles from Seattle. The most popular spot for a view is Panorama Point, where you can get views of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens.

Another option is Olympic National Park. You can see the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle’s waterfront as you look out across the Sound. It takes just over two hours of driving to reach the park and visitors are instantly rewarded for their traveling. Here, you’ll find beaches, mountains, and even a rainforest. There are several easy day hikes.

Finally, you could head north to North Cascades National Park. Here you’ll find quintessential snow-capped mountains and turquoise alpine lakes. Diablo Lake is a must-see, but it also tends to get busy at the lookout point. You can also pay a visit to nearby Leavenworth–a small German-inspired town that has been named one of the most charming towns in the United States.

For all of these national parks, it’s worth your time to spend more than one day if possible.

Snoqualmie Falls

If you’re looking for a day trip out of Seattle that requires less travel time than a national park and some ease to get to Seattle and back, look no further than Snoqualmie Falls.

This 268-foot waterfall is one of the most popular places to visit during your Seattle itinerary and for good reasons. This impressive waterfall plunges into a deep cavern that is an impressive sight year round, but especially in the spring and fall.

Visitors can admire the view from the observation deck or head out on a nearby trail. Snoqualmie Falls is only about a 30-minute drive from Seattle. If you don’t have your own transport you can book a day tour that also visits some nearby wineries.

Where to Stay in Seattle

The Mediterranean Inn – The perfect base for a trip to Seattle, this hotel is located within spitting distance of the Space Needle. They offer several, clean and modern double, queen and king rooms along with a great terrace and a fitness center on site.

Inn at the Market – This boutique hotel located at Pike Place Market is a great choice for those looking for a high-end base in Seattle. There are standard and king rooms available – all including a fridge and mini bar – and there is also a lovely rooftop terrace with unbeatable views.

HotelHotel Hostel – Those visiting Seattle on a budget will love this hip, highly-rated hostel in the center of the city. There are shared kitchen facilities, good common areas and both dorms and private rooms to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Seattle!

If it’s your first time in the city, stick to the highlights. If it’s a return trip, consider adding more off-the-beaten path places to your plan. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll enjoy yourself in Seattle.

Are you planning to visit Seattle? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

Hello Audrey, I enjoyed this article! I will be visiting Seattle and traveling solo. I want to be sure to stay in a “safe” neighborhood. I am considering both hotels and AirBnBs. Do you have any tips for me?? Thank you! Stephanie

Trips to Seattle: A Complete Guide

aaaaimages/Getty Images

Seattle is an amazing vacation destination for families, for couples looking for a romantic getaway, for active and outdoorsy adventures, or for solo travelers. The Emerald City is filled with unique attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, a fresh local food scene, and outdoorsy pursuits galore.

Planning Your Trip to Seattle

Best Time to Visit : Summer, when the weather is warm and dry, and the days are long.
Language: English
Currency: U.S. Dollars
Getting Around in Seattle : Driving is the most common way to get around, but if you want to stay right in the city, there’s a bus system as well as some light rail.
Travel Tip: Always pack layers when you travel to the Seattle area. Even in the summer, some days or evenings might be cool so a light jacket is never wrong to bring along. In other seasons, weather can vary day by day or even within the span of a single day and a rain jacket is a valuable item to pack, though despite its reputation, Seattle actually sees less rainfall annually than other cities like Boston or New York .

Things to Do in Seattle

Seattle is known for its major attractions like Seattle Center and Pike Place Market, but it’s also an amazing destination for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

Seattle Center: Seattle Center is home to many attractions all in one spot. It’s popular with residents and visitors alike. The Space Needle is within its bounds and offers great views of the city. Festivals and events are common throughout the year and include cultural festivals, Northwest Folklife, Winterfest and more. And there are plenty of individual attractions here too, from the Pacific Science Center and MoPop, to Chihuly Garden and Glass, to KeyArena, to the International Fountain.
Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market is an iconic farmers market and the oldest continuously running one in the country . You can buy fresh produce, meats and flowers, but you’ll also find restaurants and eateries galore, as well as shops to explore. Don’t miss the famous Pike Place Fish Market where you’ll see the workers throwing fish, but make sure to wander beyond that as you'll find everything from unique spices to rock shops and artist-made goods within.
Seattle Waterfront : Just down a giant set of stairs behind Pike Place Market, the Seattle Waterfront is home to places like the Seattle Aquarium, the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, the Seattle Great Wheel , and Wings over Washington , as well as spots like Ivar’s to stop and eat along the water.
Watch the Seattle Seahawks play at the CenturyLink field and join in the cheering—the fans earned a Guinness World Record in 2013 for loudest crowd roar .

Explore more things to do with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Seattle , the best free things to do , or kid-friendly attractions in Seattle .

What to Eat and Drink

From seafood to produce, Seattle is known for fresh and delicious food across the board. Seattle is located right on the shores of the Puget Sound, which connects to the Pacific Ocean, meaning we get seafood galore. Don’t miss locally caught salmon and Dungeness crab! You’ll find no shortage of restaurants in town that take advantage of local ingredients as Northwesterners take pride in all things local. Tom Douglas is one of the city’s star chefs and his restaurants are all centrally located in or near downtown Seattle and include Northwest cuisine (Etta’s), Greek (Lola), Asian fusion and more. The Northwest in general also puts a focus on locally sourced or organic ingredients, and a number of restaurants factor that into their menus, including The Barking Frog in nearby Woodinville wine country.

Seattle is also known for its microbrewery scene. The Ballard neighborhood has a number of microbreweries, and you’ll find larger Pyramid Brewing and Elysian Brewing in SoDo and Capitol Hill respectively. If you’re not a fan of beer, there is lots of local wine to try due to both Eastern Washington, but also Woodinville Wine Country right outside of Seattle.

Explore more places to eat and drink with these pieces about the top affordable upscale restaurants , view restaurants and where to eat seafood in Seattle .

Where to Stay in Seattle

For the quintessential Seattle experience, stay in the heart of downtown where you won’t need to worry about driving to get to most of the city’s key spots. Options include the Hyatt Regency, Four Seasons as well as a number of boutique hotels. There are also plenty of budget hotel options, too. However, staying downtown means dealing with parking (you’ll pay for parking just about everywhere), traffic and crowds. If you prefer something quieter and more intimate, look to Seattle’s other neighborhoods. Capitol Hill is a fun part of town for nightlife, parks and local shops. Likewise, Ballard, Fremont , and Wallingford have local shopping and fun things to do like the Ballard Locks or going to visit the Fremont Troll.

Explore more about where you can stay in Seattle with this list of the city's best hotels or the top budget hotels .

Getting There

Seattle is easy to get to via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport , which is less than a half hour south of the city. You can take light rail from the airport to the city, and then use Metro Transit buses to get around, but it’s best to rent a car so you can get out of the city core. You can also get to Seattle via Greyhound or Amtrak.

Money Saving Tips

Explore Seattle’s museums on the first Thursday of each month as many open their doors for select hours for free.
Seattle’s parks are amazing and all free to visit.
Use the light rail for some local trips and skip paying for parking in the downtown core.
Buy a CityPass to save on admission to the top attractions if you plan to do more than one top attraction during your visit.
Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun in Seattle with this list of free things to do .

Visit Seattle. "Seattle Facts."

Visit Seattle. "All About Pike Place Market."

Guinness World Records. "Seattle Seahawks Fans 'Cause Minor Earthquake' With World Record Crowd Roar." December 4, 2013

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Seattle Travel Guide: 3 to 5 Day Itinerary ideas to explore the Emerald City

Planning a trip to Seattle? Here’s what to see and do if you have anywhere from three to five days in this vibrant city. Explore top attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Find recommendations on where to stay and what to eat in this ultimate Seattle itinerary guide. You might also like our guide on the Best Things to do in Seattle .

Seattle is famous for 3 things: coffee, rain, and the Space Needle! And when you are in Seattle, expect to get all three.

The city is the undoubted gem of the Pacific Northwest. The city has a beautiful location in Puget Sound and stunning natural scenery all around. It is a popular cultural and foodie destination. It is the tech hub of the country and rivals the Bay area in ingenious innovations. Whether you are visiting Seattle on your way to Alaska or traveling here for a weekend getaway, Seattle will keep you busy and happy – unless it rains.

Also Read: Best Things to do in Washington State

Oh yes, the downpour that you keep hearing about is for real. But it’s the same rain that nurtures the surrounding evergreen forest and earns Seattle its nickname of the Emerald City. The city has plenty of outdoor attractions and many national parks within easy reach. You should definitely visit some of them during your visit to Seattle.

Ultimate Seattle Itinerary Ideas

To explore everything that Seattle has to offer at a leisurely pace we recommend spending at least 3 to 5 days in the city. And that’s why in this post we cover a range of itineraries from 3 days in Seattle, Seattle 4 day itinerary, and even a 5 day Seattle itinerary. Wherever we have mentioned optional attractions you can pick and customize your itinerary as per your interests. Explore the best things to do in Seattle based on our recommendations and enjoy your time in the Emerald City.

3 Days in Seattle

If you have 3 days in Seattle then you have a couple of options. You can either spend 2 days in the city and use your last day to explore the outdoors or you can spend all 3 days exploring Seattle’s most popular attractions as well as hidden gems. We have tried to cover both these options in this post.

Day 1 – Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Olympic Sculpture Park

Start your day in Seattle at the Seattle Center. Admire the beautiful blown glass ornaments and artwork at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Then see the 360 views from the top of the Space Needle. See movie props and costumes and experience pop trivia at the Museum of Pop Culture. End your day at the Olympic Sculpture Park by the Elliott Bay waterfront.

Seattle Center

Seattle Center is the primary attraction in the city and must-visit for first-timers. The Seattle Center is home to many of the city’s top attractions. Along with the museums, theaters, and paid attractions, the Seattle Center also has hiking trails, public artwork, children’s play areas, street performers, and food trucks. The Seattle Center is fun for the whole family and makes for a memorable day in the city.

Cityscape in Seattle downtown, Seattle, Washington

International Fountain

The International Fountain is a large water fountain designed by Japanese architects for the 1961 World’s Fair. The fountain was renovated in 1995 and is one of the main attractions of the Seattle Center. There is a 12 minutes long light and sound show throughout the day when the fountain shoots water 120 ft up into the air – it is gorgeous to see.

The surrounding area is also great for people watching. Kids, as well as adults, enjoy getting wet and splashing about in the water during summer. If you have kids, then we recommend bringing along bathing suits so they can enjoy playing in the International Fountain.

Optional: Seattle Children’s Museum

The Seattle Children’s Museum is a great place to take your babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and preteens for a fun interactive day of learning. This is also a great indoor attraction for kids on rainy days. The museum has many play areas and there is a lot of room for open-ended play and exercising creativity.

The museum has an art station, a theater where kids can dress up in costumes, and a play town. This last one has a play grocery store, a play fire station, a cafe, a post office, and more making it a favorite with kids. They can easily spend three to four hours at the museum playing with the different toys and sections.

Optional: Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture is one of a kind attraction in Seattle. This is a must for pop culture fans and includes exhibits from popular movies, musicians, and TV shows. Entire sections are dedicated to genres like sci-fi, horror, grunge, etc. The museum also holds traveling exhibitions. Some of the previous and current ones include Minecraft, Pearl Jam, the Tattoo Culture, and the Seattle based music band Nirvana.

Architectural detail of building. MoPOP Museum, Seattle, Washington

The permanent exhibits are equally amazing. In the guitar gallery, you can find guitars belonging to iconic musicians. You can understand how an electric guitar works and hear popular music clips. In the sound lab, you can record your own songs and learn to play drums, keyboards, guitars, and other instruments. In the fantasy section, visitors can see movie props, costumes, and rare artifacts of classics like The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter films, Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Science fiction fans will love photographs, props, and more from the Star Trek franchise, the Battlestar Galactica TV series, and movies like Back to the future and Men in Black. The exhibition is especially popular with teens and older kids but visitors of all ages will equally enjoy the unique experience of seeing the pop culture artifacts in person.

Optional: Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is an interactive science museum and a great option if you are visiting Seattle with the kids. They have a variety of exhibits about dinosaurs – and seriously who doesn’t love dinosaurs – the Planet Earth, human body and medicine, etc.

Arches of The Pacific Science Center, Seattle, Washington

The butterfly house has many colorful butterflies fluttering all around you. In the IMAX Theater kids can experience stunning movies and documentaries. Inside the Laser Dome at the Pacific Science Center, you can see beautiful laser music shows. The Sonic Boom exhibit outside the center is also amazing.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

Dale Chihuly is a world-famous glass sculptor, and he was born right here in nearby Tacoma. He now lives in Seattle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum dedicated to his stunning blown glass artwork. We had previously seen some of his glass work at the Bellagio in Las Vegas but the Seattle Museum is much more vast. Entry to the museum is expensive but worth it.

Seattle Chihuly Garden and Glass Hully Garden and Glass Hall Exhibithion, Seattle, Washington

The exhibits are inspired by a variety of themes including Native American culture, Navajo textiles and weaving traditions, the marine life of the Pacific Northwest, colorful flowers and plants, chandeliers, Japanese artwork, etc. Some of the sculptures are also located in the outdoor garden and perfectly blend with the surrounding landscape.

The highlight of Chihuly Garden and Glass is definitely the suspended floating flower sculpture located in the greenhouse. This sculpture is also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seattle. The museum also has a small cafe and a souvenir shop where you can actually buy small glass sculptures. We recommend keeping aside at least an hour or two to see the entire museum collection. Inside, you will find an incredible array of glass sculptures.

Space Needle

Needle Space at sunset, Seattle, Washington

The Space Needle is the most distinguishing landmark of the Seattle skyline. The building was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair which was held in Seattle. The tower has a unique flying saucer-shaped rotating restaurant and observation deck located at a height of 520 ft. Visitors can take an elevator up to the top of the tower and see panoramic views of the area from the deck.

On a clear day, you can easily see the islands of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline below you. Visiting the Space Needle is pretty high up on any Seattle Bucket List and we would encourage you not to skip this attraction.

Travel Tip: Entry to both the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass is expensive but if you plan to visit both – and we recommend that you do – you can purchase combo tickets which are much cheaper than the individual attractions.

Outside the Space Needle on the Broad Street Green, you will find the Williams Memorial Totem Pole. It is erected in the honor of a Native American woodcarver and a talented artist who was unjustly killed by a Seattle police officer in 2010. The totem pole is iconic to the Northwest Coast and dedicated as a public work of art. The pool has beautiful wood carvings of an eagle, a raven, a First Nation woodcarver, and other symbols. It is a very thought-provoking piece of art and a fitting memorial for the artist.

Beyond these attractions, the Seattle Center has many other things to do including the Bill and Melinda Gates Visitor Center, the Pacific Northwest Ballet performances, and the Seattle Center Armory which is a food court with over a dozen restaurants serving various cuisines. We recommend dining here or trying out one of the food trucks at the center between your sightseeing.

Olympic Sculpture Park

And your first day in Seattle at the Olympics Sculpture Park. This park is part of the Seattle Art Museum and is free to enter. Located by the Elliott Bay Waterfront, the park has beautiful views of the city and Puget Sound. You would be surprised to know that it is built over a former train yard.

But even more beautiful than the views are the stunning sculptures inside the park. You will find sculptures by talented artists such as Richard Sierra and Alexander Calder. The park has a network of trails that you can follow to see all the sculptures. The park also has a vivarium which can be seen by appointment only. This is an excellent place to enjoy the sunset views before heading to one of Seattle’s popular dining spots.

That’s it! You have completed Day 1 of our awesome Seattle itinerary. Now it’s time to go back to the hotel and rest for an equally awesome Day 2 at the city’s other popular attractions.

Day 2 – Pike Place Market, Historic Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, Waterfront Park

If you are a foodie then Day 2 in Seattle is for you. Today you will be visiting attractions such as the Pike Place Market and the Chinatown International District. Here you will find many eateries, cafes, and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Seattle is famous for its fresh seafood and refreshing coffee and on Day 2 you can have both of them. You will also be understanding the history of Seattle in Pioneer Square and taking a stroll by the beautiful Waterfront Park.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country. It was established in 1907 and is an iconic attraction. Inside the market, you can find fresh produce, seafood, eateries, grocery stores as well as stores selling books, antiques, and collectibles. The market is spread over 9 acres, 13 buildings, and 6 levels, and navigating it is almost an art form. Here are some of the things you should watch out for while exploring the Pike Place Market.

Original Starbucks

Of course, you have to visit the first Starbucks store inside the historic market. It is located at 1912 Pike Place and usually has long crowds of tourists waiting for their cup of coffee. This is where Starbucks began in 1971. Everything in the store is original right from the Starbucks sign on the top of the store to the furniture and the counters. Ordering a hot or cold cup of coffee at the counter is sure to give you goosebumps!

Pike Place Fish Co.

These are the guys that began the famous fish throwing tradition at the market. To save time during peak hours and make sales more efficient, these fishmongers throw fish from the display cases to the sales counter. Once in a while, they may also throw a fish directly to a customer. It is fascinating to watch the whole large fishes fly over the market and should be on the top of your Pike Place bucket list.

Fish at Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington

Rachel the Pig

Meet the mascot of the Pike Place Market – Rachel the Pig – located at the corner of Pike Place and Pike Street. This life-size bronze sculpture is actually a piggy bank that weighs over 550 lbs. Visitors from all over the world enjoy stuffing world currencies into the piggy bank. This is also a popular photo opportunity in Seattle

The Gum Wall

This notorious attraction is similar to the Bubblegum Alley of San Luis Obispo. It basically has pieces of gum stuck to the wall. You will find visitors adding their own pieces of gum to the wall but we would not really recommend this for an obvious reason: It’s yucky! Instead, just view the wall from a safe distance, take a photo for the ‘gram, and be done with it!

Optional: Pike Place Market Food Tour

The market is famous for its dining scene. You can eat popular Seattle dishes such as salmon and chips, chowder soup at Pike Place Chowder, Rachel’s ginger beer, chocolate-covered cherries, piroshki – which is a Russian bun filled with meat or cheese, and more. The best way to visit the most popular eateries without getting lost in the market is by taking a food tour.

Other things to do at the market include the Giant Shoe Store museum on the 4th level, buying comics at the Golden Age Collectibles also on the 4th level, seeing magic tricks at the Market Magic shop, thrifting at the Rummage Hall, buying pots and pans at the first Sur La Table store, etc. The market also has a variety of buskers from acrobats, magicians, musicians, painters, artists, and living statues and is great for people watching. Last but not the least, take a stroll along the Pike Place Market Front and enjoy the waterfront views of Seattle.

Optional: Seattle Aquarium

If you have kids who love fishes and marine life, then take them to see the Seattle Aquarium. The aquarium is conveniently located near the Pike Place Market and is small enough to be easily seen in an hour or two. The aquarium has a variety of exhibits including fish from Puget Sound, marine mammals such as seals and otters, coral reefs, Pacific Northwest shorebirds, etc. But the real highlight of the aquarium is the underwater dome from where you can see marine life from the Puget Sound such as salmon and rockfish.

Aquarium Seattle and frontview, Seattle, Washington

Historic Pioneer Square

Historic Pioneer Square is where Seattle began. This was the original downtown built in 1851 and has many historic buildings in the Romanesque style of urban architecture which was prevalent in the time period. Take a stroll around the square to appreciate the architecture and the historic vibe of the area.

Admire the beautiful Iron Pergola, which was once the waiting station for a cable car route. The wrought-iron decoration and the Victorian-style architecture make the pergola one of Seattle’s top photo spots. The street lights here are also beautiful. Adjacent to the pergola is the Pioneer Place Park. The park has a bust of the Suquamish chief, Chief Seattle, after whom the city is named. Here are some of the top attractions in Pioneer Square.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is the primary attraction of Historic Pioneer Square. It is located in the Cadillac Hotel building. The park actually consists of a free museum that traces the city’s history. It narrates how the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s and the subsequent migration of prospectors to Canada’s Yukon territory shaped the fortunes of Seattle. At the museum, visitors can understand how the Gold Rush was instrumental in making Seattle the city that it is today. The exhibits are informative and very well arranged while the staff is helpful with queries. Expect to spend about an hour to see the film and the exhibits.

Waterfall Garden Park

Located in the center of Pioneer Square, this small garden goes almost unnoticed. It is a charming little garden with a 22-foot artificial waterfall that cascades down the rocks. A patio with tables and chairs overlooks the waterfall. The garden has an interesting history as the birthplace of UPS. The park is constructed in place of the original UPS building where the company began in 1907. The park also has a memorial dedicated to UPS and the landscape is full of Japanese plants. We recommend visiting this hidden gem of Seattle while in Pioneer Square.

Optional: Underground Seattle Tour

When Pioneer Square was initially built, the streets were one to two stories below what you see today. When the entire area was rebuilt after the Seattle Fire, the street height was significantly raised to prevent flooding. The old streets were turned into unused passageways of the Seattle Underground. Visitors can tour these streets on a guided tour of the area. You can also participate in ghost tours of this historic neighborhood.

Other things to see and do in Pioneer Square include the open-air Smith Tower Observatory, the Fire Department Museum, the Tlingit Indian Totem Pole, etc. The neighborhood also has many art galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants in the renovated buildings and is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Chinatown-International District

The Chinatown-International District is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Seattle. This area is home to Seattle’s Asian American communities and has unique stores, famous restaurants, and historic landmarks. It started out as Chinatown but grew to comprise Japantown, Little Saigon, Filipinotown, and the Korean community.

Some of the must-visit attractions in the area include the Historic Chinatown Gate, the Wing Luke Museum which has a great collection of Asian American artifacts, Kobe Terrace Japanese park, the Hing Hay Park, and the vast Japanese grocery store Uwajimaya which has everything from a manga comic book section to a food court.

The neighborhood is a delight for foodies. You can try noodles, dim sum, pho, and more in this area. To know the best restaurant in the area, check here .

Waterfront Park

Seattle’s Waterfront Park stretches from Pier 57 to Pier 59 and is the perfect place to spend an evening. In the park, you will find benches, lamp posts, viewing platforms, picnic tables, trees, and the Waterfront Fountain sculpture. The park has stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the waterfront. You can see as far as the Magnolia Bluffs and Discovery Park as well as the Olympic mountains.

Kids especially love this place as they can see the activity on the water including ferries, sailboats, docked ships, shipping containers, cranes, etc. The waterfront also has coin-operated telescopes to see the islands and marine life in Puget Sound. You can spot seals and islands like Bainbridge Island and Blake Island.

Optional: Seattle Harbor Cruises or Ferry Rides

You can take a variety of harbor cruises from the Seattle waterfront. The most popular option is the narrated hour-long harbor cruises by Argosy cruises. You can also go on a whale-watching cruise during the migration season or charter a sailboat for the day. Ferries to islands such as the Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound also depart from here. For a cheap option to see the Seattle skyline from the water, take a passenger ferry to West Seattle and back. The skyline looks pretty awesome from the water and is a great way to spend time in Seattle.

Optional: Seattle Great Wheel

A great option for couples and families is a ride on the Great Seattle Wheel. This Ferris Wheel is located right on the waterfront and during the ride, you have beautiful views of the city skyline and the iconic Space Needle. The individual gondolas are climate controlled, so the wheel is a good attraction even in adverse weather. The Ferris wheel also has a special VIP gondola with push red leather seats and a glass floor, and it is perfect to propose or for a date night.

The ferris wheel on the waterfront of Seattle, Washington

Optional: Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum in Downtown is housed in an architecturally stunning building and has a vast collection of Native American, African, and European art. The museum foyer also has interesting sculptures and is beautiful to see. If you love art, then we recommend visiting this museum while in downtown. The 48 feet high Hammering Man sculpture outside the museum is also must-see.

Optional: Benaroya Hall

The Seattle Symphony performs at the Benaroya Hall and watching the orchestra perform is a great experience. If you love classical music and are planning a visit to Seattle, then purchase the tickets in advance and plan a trip around the performance. The Benaroya Hall also hosts lectures and exhibitions which are worth seeing.

We hope you enjoy our itinerary for day two in Seattle. We recommend picking one or two paid attractions such as a tour, a museum, or a kid’s attraction and customizing the day as per your interests.

Day 3 – Ballard, Discovery Park, Capitol Hill

Spend your day three in Seattle exploring the often overlooked areas of the city. Visit the Ballard neighborhood and see the Ballard locks in action. Hike along the Magnolia Bluff at Discovery Park and see the lighthouse. End your day exploring the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Take a stroll in Washington Park and dine at the area’s restaurants.

Ballard Locks

A highlight of the Seattle area is the Ballard Locks. Also known as Hiram M Chittenden Locks, these locks were constructed in 1911. Locks are built to facilitate the transport of ships and other watercraft between two water bodies of differing levels. It is not often that visitors get a chance to view locks in action and the Ballard Locks is one of the best places to see them in the country. At the locks, the freshwater of Lake Washington empties into Puget Sound which is 22 ft below. Walkways about the locks allow visitors to see the activity in the canal.

Fish Ladder

A fish ladder was built in 1976 near the locks to allow Salman to migrate from the Puget Sound to the Sammamish River during the spawning season. The spawning season is from June to September and during this time visitors can see the migrating fish through glass windows in one of the weirs of the fish ladder. It is fascinating to see the swimming fish while the sea lions chase and try to catch them. Visitors can see a variety of salmon and other fish of Puget Sound.

Carl English Jr Botanical Gardens

Also located in the same complex is the Carl English Jr Botanical Garden. Located to the north of the locks the garden is filled with beautiful plants, flowers, and trees. There are trails located inside the park which visitors can use to see the different species. The park also has an arboretum and a specimen garden. The Ballard Locks Visitor Center is located near the garden and has a small museum with exhibits about the construction of the locks.

In short, the Ballard Locks area is a great place to spend a couple of hours outdoors in Seattle. This is especially great for families, as kids have many educational opportunities to see the working locks and the migrating fish.

Ballard Sunday Farmers Market

If you’re visiting the Ballard Locks on a Sunday, then make sure to stop by the Ballard Sunday Farmers Market. It is a good farmers market and has a lot of fruits and vegetable produce, prepared foods, local artisans, and fresh salmon. The market is quite popular so expect a lot of crowds. You can get items like pasta, pies, cheese, meats, bread, and cider. The year-round market takes place rain or shine and is a great way to spend a Sunday.

Discovery Park

Located on Magnolia Bluff, Discovery Park is the largest city park in Seattle. The park has amazing coastal trails, beaches, and stunning views of the Puget Sound. The park is located on the site of the former Fort Lawton and has many unused military buildings. Fort Lawton helped to defend Seattle and the Puget Sound against enemies. The fork is now decommissioned.

Along with the beaches, the park also has meadows and forests and is a great place to spot wildlife in the Seattle area. The Discovery Park environmental learning visitor center is a great place to pick up maps, learn information about the commonly spotted birds, and enjoy hands-on learning experiences for the kids.

Discovery Park is park on the shores of Puget Sound in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Washington

West Point Lighthouse

Also located in Discovery Park, is the West Point Lighthouse. It juts out into the water and is surrounded by the beach on three sides. The recently restored lighthouse marks the northern end of Elliott Bay and helps ships navigate the Puget Sound. The charming whitewashed lighthouse is one of the most photogenic lighthouses in Washington State.

The lighthouse is 23 ft high and on the National Register of Historic Places. At the visitor center, you can pick up maps showing marked trails to the lighthouse and nearby beach. The round trip trail is about 3 miles but has uneven terrain. It easily takes up to an hour for the one-way hike. Families with kids and those who can’t work can take a park shuttle to the lighthouse during summer or obtain a special permit at the visitor center which allows them to drive to the lighthouse.

West point lighthouse in Seattle, Washington

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill neighborhood is one of the most laid-back and trendy neighborhoods in Seattle. It has hip cafes, bars, eateries, boutique stores, live music venues, etc. and is great to explore on foot. It is a haven for coffee lovers as you can spend hours trying out the different coffee houses in the area. A must visit while in Capitol Hill is the Volunteer Park which has many attractions including a museum, a conservatory, a wading pool, and a free observation deck.

Optional: Volunteer Park Conservatory

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is housed in a beautiful glass building. It has a Victorian-style architecture and a vast collection of plants changing from ferns, cacti, succulents, and palms. The green conservatory looks especially inviting in the winter when the surrounding landscape is cold and bare. The conservatory has a very tropical feel and is a great place to take photographs.

Optional: Seattle Asian Art Museum

The Seattle Asian Art Museum is located inside the Volunteer Park. While the museum is on the smaller side it has many beautiful exhibits including paintings, sculptures, vases, etc. The collection ranges from ancient to contemporary art and covers many countries. This is a great place to spend an hour or so for art lovers. The museum is free for children under 14 and also on certain days of the month. From the museum, you can also get good views of Volunteer Park.

Water Tower

Volunteer Park is also home to the historic red brick structure of the Water Tower. The tower was built in 1906 and it is over a hundred years old. Entry to the tower is free. There is an observation deck at the top of the water tower which can be accessed by climbing the spiral staircase. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower from where you can see stunning views of Seattle.

Seattle Japanese Garden & Washington Park Arboretum

The Seattle Japanese Garden is located in Washington Park in Capitol Hill. It is a part of the Washington Park Arboretum and has a small entry fee but worth the visit. The park has beautiful Japanese maple and cherry blossom trees as well as traditional Zen garden decor including water features, bridges, and a tea house. In the autumn you will see trees covered in gold, red, and purple while a variety of blossoms bloom all over the garden in spring. You can also participate in a traditional tea ceremony at the Japanese Garden.

The Washington Park Arboretum has many other attractions besides the Seattle Japanese Garden. Covering an area of 230 acres, the arboretum is simply huge and home to a variety of plants and trees from different parts of the Pacific Rim including New Zealand, Australia, and China. The Arboretum has nice trails along well-labeled plant species and provides a fun, educational experience. This is also a good place to bike, jog, or run.

Seattle Japanese Garden & Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle, Washington

Elliott Bay Book Company

If you love books and independent bookstores then you must visit the Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle. This bookstore was originally located in Pike Place Market and had a beautiful exposed brick interior. It is said to be the inspiration for Cafe Nervosa in Frasier. The new location in Capitol Hill is equally inviting. It has a great selection of books – both old and new – and a cafe located inside that serves steaming hot cups for Seattle’s dreary days.

End your day by enjoying the nightlife and dining scene of Capitol Hill. We hope you liked our recommendation for 3 days in Seattle.

Alternative Day 3 Seattle Itinerary – Day trip to Mount Rainier National park

Mount Rainier National Park, Seattle, Washington

If you’re looking to explore beyond the city limits, then you will love our option for day three that includes a trip to Mount Rainier National Park. The drive to the national park is spectacular. You will experience mountain vistas, wildlife, and charming mountain communities. The park itself is at its most colorful summer through fall.

Mount Rainier is the peak that towers over the Seattle City skyline and provides a panoramic background to the downtown buildings. It is an active stratovolcano located in the Cascade Mountain ranges. Mount Rainier and the surrounding areas are protected by Mount Rainier National Park. This is one of the country’s most visited national parks and sees millions of visitors every year. The park is located two and a half hours (~95 miles) away from Seattle and can be easily seen as a day trip from the city.

Mount Rainier is the tallest peak in Washington State. The national park has glaciers, miles over miles of hiking trails, viewpoints, and scenic drives. The foothills of Mount Rainier are covered with old-growth forests and alpine tundras. The peaks are covered in snow throughout the year but in summer you will find a profusion of wildflowers on the slopes. You can even forage for berries in the national park, including huckleberries, blueberries, salmonberries, etc. Here are some of the things that you can do if you have just one day at Mount Rainier National Park.

Jackson Visitor Center, Paradise

The Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center located at Paradise is the most popular visitor center of Mount Rainier National Park. This side of the park is partially open year-round. Inside the visitor center, you will find many exhibits and videos explaining the national park’s wildlife and geology. This is also a good place to get park maps, buy souvenirs and water bottles as well as use the restrooms. The Paradise Camp Deli is your one-stop for all food needs. The nearby historic Paradise Inn is a great place to stay and is worth a quick look for its beauty.

Paradise area

The Paradise area of Mount Rainier is situated at a height of 5400 feet. The region has a lot of subalpine meadows and is popular in the summer for wildflower viewing. The hikes in Paradise are also great for foraging for wild berries towards the end of the summer. The Paradise area remains open in winter and is the center for all snow activities. The views of Mount Rainier from Paradise are breathtaking, making this one of the most popular areas of the park. If you are coming on busy summer weekends, we recommend reaching paradise as early as you can to avoid the crowds.

Mount Rainier National Park Wildflowers Meadow, Seattle, Washington

Nisqually Vista Trail

At just under a mile long, Nisqually Vista Trail is a popular short paved loop trail near Paradise Inn. It is accessible and stroller friendly so a favorite with all types of visitors. From the trail, visitors have good views of the Nisqually glacier and wildflowers in summer. The trail is also popular in winter for snowshoeing. A walk along this trail is one of the easiest ways to see Mt. Rainier.

Narada Falls

Located on the route from Paradise to Longmire area, the Narada Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in the park. The falls are a mile to the west of Paradise Visitor Center. The two-tiered falls are 176 feet tall. The upper tier has multiple streams cascading down the rocks face while the lower tier is a single fall that plunges 17 feet below. Visitors can see the waterfall from the road as well as take a short trail to get closer to the falls.

Skyline Trail

At 5 and 1/2 miles, the Skyline Trail is not an easy one. In spite of that, it is one of the most popular trails in the Paradise area. The trail has amazing views of the subalpine wildflowers and the mountains. If you can’t complete this trail, you can always walk on it partway and then return. A great stopping point is the Panorama Viewpoint which is located 2 miles into the hike.

Sunrise Visitor Center

The Sunrise Visitor Center is located near the northeast side of the park and hence is closest to the city at 2 hrs 20 mins or 95 miles. It is located at an altitude of 6400 ft – quite higher than the Paradise region. Sunrise is also the highest point in Mount Rainier that you can reach by car. The road to Sunrise is open from July to September end. Due to the unique location of the Sunrise area, visitors can have panoramic views of the National Park. The views from this aptly named visitor center look best during the earlier part of the day. Sunrise is the second most visited area of the park and also gets quite crowded on holiday weekends.

Sunrise Rim Trail

After checking the visitor center and getting park maps, experienced hikers can hike the entire Sunrise Rim Trail. This trail is 5 miles long and will lead you to incredible views of the Emmons Glacier 3000 ft below in the valley. If you still want to see the views but want an easier hike then follow the Sunrise Rim Trail up to Shadow Lake which is 1.3 miles into the hike. This small alpine lake is beautiful and is the perfect place to picnic. Many trails run around the lake and you can head back after exploring the area. Avid hikers can continue past Shadow Lake to Glacier Overlook and the Burrough mountain tundras where the hike ends.

Sunrise Nature Trail

Start hiking the sunrise nature trail from the picnic area. This loop trail is 1.5 miles long and goes through the mountain meadows. On the trail, you will have stunning views of Mount Rainier and other peaks of the Cascade ranges. This trail is good for all skill levels. If you can do only one hike in the Sunrise area, then do this for the beautiful views.

Other popular things to do in Mount Rainier – if you have more time – include the famous Groove of the Patriarchs hike through huge old-growth trees, the Longmire homestead and museum, Christine falls, etc.

During winter Mount Rainier National Park is a paradise for outdoor lovers. While some areas of the park are closed during this season many others are open for activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Seattle Itinerary 4 days

If you have 4 days in Seattle, then you have quite a few options. Here are some ideas to customize your Seattle 4 day itinerary:

Day 3 and Day 4 in Seattle – Option 1

On Day 3 in Seattle explore the Ballard Locks region followed by Discovery Park and West Point Lighthouse. Then spend the day exploring Capitol Hill as mentioned above.

On Day 4, Make the scenic road trip out to Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle. See the park’s highlights including Paradise Visitor Center. Hike in the national park and see some of the beautiful waterfalls. Then visit the sunrise area if it’s open. Take photos of the stunning beauty of Mount Rainier, understand the geology and natural resources of the park at the visitor centers, have a picnic by the alpine lakes, and enjoy the day out in nature before returning to Seattle.

Day 3 and Day 4 in Seattle – Option 2

You can spend day three in Seattle exploring the beautiful neighborhoods of Ballard (Ballard Locks and Farmers Market), Magnolia (Discovery Park and West Point Lighthouse), and Capitol Hill (Volunteer Park Conservancy, Water Tower, and Washington Park Japanese Garden and Arboretum).

To spend your day four in Seattle, consider a day trip to one of the islands in Puget Sound. Bainbridge Island is a popular favorite with tourists. You can easily reach the island by a ferry from Seattle. There are many things to do on Bainbridge Island including museums, stores, boutique shopping, restaurants, etc.

Day 3 and Day 4 in Seattle – Option 3

Spend your day three making the day trip out to Mount Rainier National Park and doing one of the strenuous hikes to explore the beauty of the park. See the beautiful wildflowers bloom in summer, go foraging for berries, swim in the cold mountain lakes, enjoy the glacier views, and spot wildlife like mountain goats and marmots.

The next day, enjoy a relaxing day on Bainbridge Island. This is the perfect escape from the city life of Seattle and a chance to relax your feet after the tiring day spent hiking on Mount Rainier. Relax on the beach, see the museum of art, go shopping on the island, and eat fresh seafood.

Here’s what you need to know about Bainbridge Island:

Day trip to Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island, Beach view of Seattle, Washington

There is no better way to spend a day in Seattle than take a ferry to the many islands in Puget Sound. Bainbridge Island is a great option as it is easily accessible by ferry and has plenty of things to do. The island has stunning natural beauty, lots of beaches as it is surrounded by saltwater on all sides, and an ‘away from it all’ vibe. Here are some ideas to spend your day on Bainbridge Island.

Ferry to Bainbridge

To reach Bainbridge Island take the Washington State ferry from Pier 52. The ferry ride is short and lasts for just about 35 minutes. The ferry terminal has a visitor’s kiosk where the friendly staff can hand you maps and guide you to things to do on Bainbridge Island.

Washington State ferry during sunset, Seattle, Washington

Bainbridge Museum of Art

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is a small free museum that has a great variety of artwork by local artists from the Puget Sound. The artwork features a variety of themes from the Pacific Northwest. The museum building itself is also beautiful and it is an easy walk from the ferry terminal on Bainbridge Island. The museum is good to visit for art and culture lovers.

Biodel Reserve

The Biodel Reserve is a public park located on the northeast tip of Bainbridge Island. On the reserve, you will find meadows, ponds, gardens including a beautiful Japanese garden. You can also see a variety of wildlife at the reserve.

Bainbridge Island Historical Museum

You can discover the history of Bainbridge Island at this museum. The museum exhibits narrate the story of the island from its discovery to the tall shipbuilding industry to other events that significantly impacted the island. The museum has a variety of public records, films, videos, newspaper clippings, and artifacts related to past events.

Bainbridge Island beaches

The island has a total of 32 miles long coastline which is full of beautiful beaches, coves, and rocky bluffs. Many of the beaches feature coastal trails and are great for hikers. Some of the best beaches for sunning and swimming are found in Rockaway Beach Park, Fort Ward Park, and Fay Bainbridge Park.

Other things to do on Bainbridge Island include the Saturday Farmers Market, Bainbridge Garden, Kids Discovery Museum which has great play areas for children, the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center, and The Bainbridge Island Japanese American exclusion memorial. The memorial honors those islanders who were wrongfully placed in internment camps during World War II.

Seattle Itinerary 5 days

If you have 5 days in Seattle, then you have a lot of options. Here are some of our recommendations:

One of the simplest itineraries is as follows: You can easily spend 3 days in Seattle followed by a day trip to Mount Rainier and then a relaxing day at Bainbridge Island.

You can also visit Mt Rainier on Day 1 followed by 3 days exploring Seattle. Then spend a day on Bainbridge island followed by a whale-watching cruise.

Alternatively, you can also cover Seattle City, Mt Rainier, and a scenic coastal day trip out to the Olympic peninsula. To plan a day trip to Olympic National Park, read our post on the Olympic peninsula loop trip here.

We hope you enjoyed our post to planning the Ultimate Seattle Itinerary. Let us know if you have any trip planning questions or want to share any new attractions through the comments.

The Ultimate Seattle Itinerary

With underground street tours and sky-high towers, craft ale tasting sessions and breathtaking boat trips – there’s so much to pack in to your Seattle itinerary.

The Pacific Northwest is the United States’ latest travel trend, with gorgeous forests, wild coastline and some of the country’s coolest cities. Of these, Seattle ranks high, known internationally for its pioneering coffee culture, edgy museums, vibrant cultural scene and delicious gastronomy.

Are you looking for ideas for your Seattle itinerary? This city offers something for everyone, whether you’re a culture vulture or an outdoor adventurer. Each neighbourhood of Seattle has its own unique character, from the upmarket vibes of Queen Anne, to the grungy artistic scene in Fremont. You’ll find soaring landmarks, great shopping, and some of the best fresh seafood in the country.

Take the link light rail to Columbia City and enjoy the amazing farmer’s market, or hang out downtown in Pioneer Square and simply watch the world go by. Once you’ve tired of the city lights, the glorious forests and beaches of the Pacific Northwest await you – the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature.

Whether you’re planning a long trip, or simply looking for ideas for a quick 1-day Seattle itinerary, I’ve got plenty of ideas for you! Coming up is my guide to all the best things to do in Seattle.

Top Things to Do In Seattle

1. wander around pioneer square.

Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood, and the heart of the city – Pioneer Square is perfect for a leisurely wander and the ideal place to kick off your Seattle itinerary. This part of town is named for the earliest settlers in Seattle, but today it’s a thriving, bustling quarter packed with art galleries, bookshops, and trendy bars.

There are plenty of sights to see, including the Totem Pole, the Smith Tower Observatory, and Occidental Park. You can even take a tour of all the secret underground passages that run underneath the city. Don’t forget your camera, as the turn-of-the-century buildings are gorgeous .

2. Take The Ferry To Bainbridge Island

One of the most popular things on any Seattle itinerary is a trip to Bainbridge Island. This beautiful natural spot is just a short ferry ride away from the city. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy a fabulous view of the Seattle skyline as you make the 35-minute journey.

There are plenty of picturesque trails that run along the beach and through the woods, offering a real breath of fresh air after a day or two in the city. For those with a taste for the great outdoors, it’s possible to rent kayaks and paddle boards to enjoy the water on hot days, or simply kick back with a picnic and admire the views. Bliss!

3. Take A Ride On The Seattle Great Wheel

Located on Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel is one of the biggest of its kind in the United States, and offers phenomenal views at its 175ft apex. Enjoy magnificent panoramas of the city skyline, Lake Union, the Pacific Ocean and even as far as Mount Rainier.

The wheel is lit up beautifully at night, but I think it’s best enjoyed at sunset, when you can admire the last rays of the day with a glass of champagne in your hand in one of the VIP carriages! This is an absolute must for any Seattle itinerary, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

4. Visit The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

The Klondike Gold Rush was a turning point in Seattle’s history, when tens of thousands of people flocked to the fledgling city, hoping to use it as a base from which to launch gold prospecting expeditions near the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon territory.

The Seattle branch of this fascinating national historical park is located in downtown Pioneer Square, and includes a wonderful museum where you can learn about the story of the people who flocked to Canada in the hope of changing their destiny.

You can even try your hand at gold panning with specialist tours run by the park rangers! This is a really fun activity if you’re planning a longer stay and looking for things to do on a 3-day Seattle itinerary.

5. Have Lunch At Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a Seattle institution, and one of the most visited attractions in the whole city. The original spot was an open-air fish market, founded in 1930, and is best known for its fish-flinging stall vendors, who still entertain customers today by hurling the fish from the display case prior to selling them!

Pike Place Market has expanded over the last century, and is now a fantastic place for a slap-up lunch, whether you fancy tasting an authentic clam chowder (I’d recommend Jack’s Fish Spot) or the iconic Seattle Joe’s Scramble served at local favourite Lowell’s.

6. Explore the Olympic Sculpture Park

Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park is one of the city’s most unusual attractions. Constructed on an industrial wasteland close to the downtown waterfront, this incredible art museum is now one of the nicest green spaces in the city.

View from Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park covers 9 acres and is filled with impressive works of art, and the views over Puget Sound are wonderful. This amazing and unique museum is a must for art fans, and will allow you to see another side of the city.

7. Go For A Hike In Seward Park

A short drive from downtown Seattle takes you to one of the most beautiful natural spots in the region: Seward Park. Located on the Bailey Peninsula, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean, this stunning park is covered with forest.

It’s the ideal place to take a breath of fresh air on your Seattle itinerary, with lovely forest trails, pretty beaches and plenty of outdoor activities like mountain biking and boating on offer. An afternoon out in this pretty location is one of the best things to do in Seattle.

8. Admire The View From The Space Needle

Seattle’s hills provide plenty of scope for awesome views, but for the best panorama in the city, head up to the top of the iconic Space Needle. This immense tower stretches 605 feet up in the air and is topped with a rotating viewing platform.

The view from up here is second-to-none, and the revolving glass floor will leave you with your heart in your mouth as you literally see the city unfold beneath your feet!

Located in Lower Queen Anne, the cultural hub of the city, the Space Needle is a must-see attraction, even if you‘re only planning a 1-day Seattle itinerary.

9. Catch A Show At The Triple Door

Seattle has a lively music and entertainment scene, and one of the best venues in town has to be The Triple Door. This popular joint offers good food, excellent cocktails and some truly fabulous acts, attracting talent from all over the world.

Housed in a 1920s movie theatre, Triple Door oozes old world charm, and offers an impressive range of performers, ranging from burlesque and jazz music, to world music, folk and indie rock. What’s not to love? If you’re looking for evening entertainment on your 4-day Seattle itinerary, this is the place to come.

Where To Stay In Seattle

The edgewater.

The Edgewater Hotel is arguably the best-located hotel in downtown Seattle, perched on the waterfront overlooking Elliot Bay. This is the only hotel in the Seattle centre where you’ll have a beautiful waterfront view, cosy rooms with rustic furniture and roaring fires, and your very own in-house barista for that perfect morning cup of coffee!

The Beatles famously stayed here, dangling their legs from a bedroom window as they fished in the waters of Puget Sound. Come here for a little slice of music history and enjoy some live music in the wood-panelled bar. The Edgewater is a luxury lodge with a difference.

Check availability and latest prices at the Edgewater here

Inn At The Market

As the name suggests, this superb hotel is located in the heart of Seattle’s iconic market: Pike Place. You’ll be at the centre of the action, with access to the hustle and bustle of the market, but once you’re tucked up in one of the beautiful rooms, you’ll enter a cocoon of tranquillity.

Each room is decked out in luxury furnishings with plenty of personal touches, and you can order room service direct from Café Champagne, one of Seattle’s best French restaurants. The Inn At The Market is one of the best places to stay in Seattle, and the perfect romantic retreat for couples.

Check availability and latest prices at the Inn at the Market here

Kimpton Palladian Hotel

If you’re looking for something a little different during your stay in Seattle, look no further than the Kimpton Palladian Hotel. Located in Belltown, and surrounded by lively bars and boutiques, this stunning hotel is an ideal jumping off point to explore the cultural side of the city.

Enjoy the Olympic Sculpture Park, visit the Aquarium, or take in a show at the Moore Theatre – you’ll be perfectly placed to get in on the action. Back at the hotel, the rooms are spacious, and comfortable, with quirky furnishings including their famous pop art pillows! Make sure you don’t miss the chance to sample fresh seafood at the highly rated Shaker + Spear restaurant.

Check availability and latest prices at the Kimpton Palladian here

I hope that this list has given you plenty of ideas for your Seattle itinerary. There are so many amazing things to do in Seattle, I’m sure that the Emerald City will win you over in a heartbeat, and no doubt you’ll be planning your return trip very soon!

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to seattle [updated for 2024].

Seattle is a lovely city, surrounded by the beautiful Elliot Bay and Lake Union, with gorgeous mountains towering in the background. As a city, Seattle isn’t overwhelmingly large, or too complicated to tackle in a weekend, but it still has a big city feel and all of the services and excitement you expect.

We’ve put together this essential travel guide to Seattle to help you quickly plan an outstanding Seattle trip, whether you’re going for a weekend, or a week. In this Seattle travel guide, you’ll find the best hotels , things to do in Seattle, restaurants to enjoy , breweries , and more.

If you love being near the water, you’ll love visiting Seattle . The natural beauty is astounding, and if you are lucky enough to visit on a nice summer day with blue sky, you’ll never want to leave. In Seattle, you are surrounded by water with Elliot Bay on one side, Lake Union in the middle, and Lake Washington on the other side.

» Check out these top instagrammable spots in Seattle to soak up all the beauty.

Are you planning your trip to Seattle?

Get into the city on the Sound Transit Light Rail or get an Uber or Lyft.
Rent a car at the Seattle airport through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in Seattle See all hotel options

The Westin Seattle – Can’t get a better location, great rooms at a good price.
Sheraton Grand Seattle – Great location in the middle of town, walkable to everything.

Best Tours and Experiences in Seattle: (if you do nothing else, do these!)

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour

Table of Contents

About Seattle

Seattle is a large cosmopolitan city, covering around 90 square miles. The city incorporates many smaller communities and historical neighborhoods, like Ballard, Belltown, Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market, Fremont, Greenlake, Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, SoDo and University districts.

While the downtown core is where much of the activity happens for tourists, each of these neighborhoods contains unique and varied attractions. So you’ll want to plan activities in all areas of the city in order to see it all.

When to Visit & Weather Considerations

The Seattle area is known for rain. If you trust the movies, it’s always raining in Seattle. But that’s a bit unfair because the city’s annual rainfall averages less than 40 inches. It’s not a lot. Typically, it will mist or light rain for a bit of the day and then clear up to blue skies in the evening.

Most of the time, the weather in Seattle is a mixed bag. But in the summer, from July through September, it is glorious! Temperatures are hottest during the months of July and August, peaking at around 77°F, only sometimes getting up into the 80s.

If you can visit in the summer, you’ll get the best weather, but the prices will be high. Hotels in the city center can become excessive and it will be cheaper to stay just outside the city on the light rail line.

January is the coldest month, when temperatures during the daytime average 46°F, and it rarely ever snows.

What To Do In Seattle

Seattle is an excellent vacation destination, thanks to its notable landmarks and monuments, museums and art galleries, parklands, and recreational activities.

Top attractions include:

The Seattle Center and Space Needle, which was constructed for city’s World Fair in 1962

Pike Place Market

Fisherman’s Terminal
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Smith Tower Observation Deck
Seattle Art Museum
Museum of Pop Culture
Seattle Aquarium on the Waterfront
Fremont Troll
Gasworks Park & South Lake Union
The Great Wheel

If you’re looking for the ultimate list of things to do in Seattle, here are all 43 fun things we love to do in Seattle.

Top Tourist Attractions

The line to get in to the "original" Starbucks in Pike Place Market

One of our favorite things to do in Seattle is exploring the waterfront and Pike Place Market , a 9-acre permanent farmers market that’s been around since 1907.

You can grab a drink at the original Starbucks location, watch the cheese curds being made at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (you’re going to want to get a tub of curds and possibly a grilled cheese sandwich there!), grab a bouquet of flowers from the market stalls, or just wander around taking it all in.

There are some really great places to eat in Pike Place Market. If you have time, make a reservation at The Pink Door and Place Pigalle . Then save time for wine tasting at The Tasting Room .

Seattle Parks

On a nice day in Seattle , you can see the sunny sparkling off the water and it draws everyone out to enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities, from kayaking on Lake Union to enjoying a picnic at Gasworks Park or taking a long walk along Elliot Bay at Myrtle Edwards Park.

Popular parklands in the Seattle area include Discovery Park, Freeway Park, Green Lake Park and the Washington Park Arboretum.

If you want to get outside of Seattle, check out these things to do in the Puget Sound , that are all within day-trip range of Seattle. You can go wine tasting in Woodinville within 30 minutes of Seattle to taste all that great Washington wine. We also recommend taking a trip to the San Juan Islands which you can do by ferry. The islands are some of the best spots along the Pacific coast to view whales from shore .

Tours & Day Trips in Seattle

If you want to participate in any tours, it’s always a good idea to pre-book for popular tours. They sell out fast. Here are our favorites:

3-Hour Seattle City Tour
Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour
Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour

What & Where To Eat In Seattle

Seattle is known for it’s breweries and great restaurants. Seattle takes its coffee very seriously and is famous for being the origin of Starbucks, with the first store still in operation at Pike Place Market.

If you’re in the Pike Place Market area, don’t miss a stop at Beecher’s for some of the best local cheese and Rachel’s Ginger Beer for a quick refreshment. Grab a bowl of chowder at Pike Place Chowder. For dinner, make a reservation at The Pink Door or Matt’s in the Market .

In Capitol Hill, there are dozens more restaurants you’ll want to try. It’s easy to walk up to this neighborhood from downtown – no car needed. Be sure to visit the incredibly popular Kedai Makan for Malaysian street food, Spinasse for exceptional Piedmont cuisine, Terra Plata for farm to table, and Quinn’s Pub for one of the best burgers in town.

Our favorite Seattle breweries
Our favorite Seattle restaurants
Where to find the best pizza in Seattle
Where to find the best burgers in Seattle
Where to find the best taco trucks in Seattle

Transportation

One of the most popular ways to travel around the city is on the Metro Transit Buses, which are cheaper outside of peak hours. Renting a car is the easiest transport option so you can get around easily without waiting on buses, but parking can be difficult in the city center.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is just a 15 minute ride from the city center. You can take the light rail from the airport directly into the city in about 45 minutes. Or rent a car from the airport and begin your journey.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Seattle is the type of city where you need a car to get around if you’re planning to get out of the downtown area at all. If you’re just going to be exploring downtown, you can really easily take the light rail from the airport to anywhere in downtown, and you won’t need a car.

We still highly recommend staying downtown, no matter how you choose to explore the city. Just beware that parking can cost as much as $30-40 a night at area hotels. Here are our recommended Seattle hotels.

Crowne Plaza Downtown – this is a nice, affordable luxury hotel that is right in the middle of the action. Very walkable. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor | check prices on Expedia.com
Hotel Vintage – for a more boutique hotel feel, check out this place. It offers a free wine happy hour every day. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor | check prices on Expedia.com
Seattle Westin – also in a very good location in downtown, this hotel is lovely inside and there are dozens of restaurant at its base. ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor | check prices on Expedia.com

>> Save time and money with the Seattle CityPass .

Essential Travel Guide to Seattle

(This guide is copyrighted. If you want to display this guide on your own site, please credit https://www.savoredjourneys.com.)

Tours to Book:

Guide to Seattle’s Pike Place Market + Hotels Near Pike Place Market

5 Best Taco Trucks in Seattle

11 Best Must-Try Restaurants in Seattle

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Top 17 Food and Drink Events in Seattle

7 Best Ways to Enjoy Seattle on a Sunny Day

48 Top Things to Do in the San Juan Islands

43 Fun Things to Do in Seattle

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US on Pinterest , Instagram , Facebook for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

4 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Seattle [Updated for 2024] ”

I’ve only been to Seattle once but would like to return. Thanks for the information.

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Exactly How to Spend 2 Days in Seattle: A Complete Guide

Seattle is a city that seems to be in a constant state of change. Over the past decade or so, it has seen a rapid rise up the list of American cities to both visit and live in thanks to the thriving cultural scene (it’s the hub of music and theater in the Pacific Northwest), eclectic food and drink scene, and natural beauty surrounding the city.

Growing up in the Seattle area, I wasn’t really aware of just how incredible Seattle and the area surrounding it really are. I mean, I had never been to ANY of the three national parks in Washington State until I was in my 30’s.

Today, after spending more time in and around Seattle as a functioning adult and having more perspective after years of traveling around the world, I think Seattle is a world-class city (and I also think the price to live in Seattle reflects that now).

It’s on the water, has access to the mountains within 90 minutes, attracts a wide range of different types of people (which means it has a great food and drink scene), and has the best events calendar of any city in the Pacific Northwest.

Does it have its problems? Definitely. But every city does. And it’s hard to not be in love with Seattle on a sunny summer afternoon when Mount Rainier is out (a common barometer for a good weather day) and the city comes alive with people out and about soaking up the precious sun.

Seattle is an great city to explore, though two days is not nearly enough to do, see, and eat everything the city has to offer. We’re going to do our best to help you figure out EXACTLY what to do, see, eat, and drink over two days to make you fall in love with Seattle like we have.

In this guide to spending 2 days in Seattle, we’re going to help you plan an amazing trip to Seattle and help you get a good dose of what makes Seattle so special.

Over the course of a couple days, you’ll cover the main attractions, get a taste of the food and drink scene, the natural beauty surrounding the city, and the amazing neighborhoods you’ll find throughout Seattle that locals love.

Plus, we’ll give you some of the crucial logistics – like where to stay and how to get around – to help make your trip a breeze.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it (almost).

Why am I the right person to craft a guide to Seattle, you ask? Seattle holds a special place in my heart. Midway through 4th grade, my family moved from Northern California to Bellevue, and I spent the next 15+ years in the great Pacific Northwest, including time living and working in the city.

We recently moved to Portland, and find ourselves visiting friends and family in Seattle several times a year thanks to the short drive between the cities.

I’ve done everything on this list, and have taken countless visiting friends and family on some variation of this itinerary.

I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and purchase something, I make a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. It goes without saying that I would never recommend something I wouldn’t use or do myself.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Since you’ll only be in Seattle for a couple of days, you’re going to want to stay in a central area.

We’d strongly urge you to stay in Seattle’s Downtown Core – which we think of as Downtown, Belltown, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill – for two reasons.

First, it’s the most convenient place to stay in terms of being within 10-15 minutes of basically every single place on the itinerary below, either on foot or by tapping into Seattle’s handy public transportation network.

Second, it’s the easiest to get to from the airport thanks to the Light Rail (more on that in the sections on getting to Seattle and getting around Seattle, which you’ll find below).

Our other favorite neighborhoods – Fremont and Ballard – are a bit far out for spending two days in the city, but are definitely worth visiting.

PS: We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect place to stay in Seattle . For more detail on each of these areas, you’ll want to head there.

If you want a good blend of location and vibes/food and drinks, stay in Belltown .

Belltown is immediately adjacent to Downtown Seattle, which means it has a very urban feel. Tall buildings, lots of noise, people everywhere – you get the idea.

It is about as central as you can be to places like Pike Place Market (literally a few minutes away at most), and is packed with some of the best food and drinks in Seattle.

We’ve stayed at the Ace Hotel in Seattle before, which is a surprisingly good value, and liked it.

Hôtel Ändra , a Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel with an excellent cozy fireplace on the ground floor, is another great option in Belltown.

If you want to be as central as it gets, stay in Downtown Seattle .

Ideally on the northern end that borders Belltown, near Pike Place Market (we would avoid the area near Pioneer Square).

If you stay in Downtown Seattle, you’ll be within five minutes of Pike Place Market, and walking distance to both Seattle Center and the Light Rail, which will take you further afield (and to the airport).

The State Hotel is on our list for a future trip – we’re suckers for subway tile in the bathroom, and you can’t beat the location a block away from Pike Place Market (or the rooftop with views of Elliott Bay).

If you want to be in a neighborhood packed with good food and drinks, stay in South Lake Union .

Just north of Belltown is South Lake Union, which is, as you might guess, at the south end of Lake Union.

On the plus side, it’s central, just a few blocks from Seattle Center and the Space Needle. On the… opportunities side, it’s Amazon central.

South Lake Union was literally built by Amazon – all of those tall buildings? Amazon.

We have personally stayed at the CitizenM in South Lake Union, and highly, highly recommend it! It was our first CitizenM experience, and we’ve now stayed in three of their hotels around the world in the past couple of years.

It’s an excellent value, and more traditional hotels should take notes on the modern, streamlined experience. Seriously, we LOVE CitizenM (read about why in our CitizenM Seattle write up).

Getting to Seattle

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – “SeaTac” for short – is the best option to fly into.

It has the most flight options, and it’s well connected to the city with the nifty Light Rail system, which will get you into Downtown Seattle from the airport in about 45 minutes for just $3.

For reference, because there’s a ton of traffic on that route, it could take you 90 minutes in a Lyft to travel that distance.

Getting Around Seattle

In general, we’d spend most of your time in Seattle walking, if you are willing and able. The downtown core – Downtown Seattle, Belltown, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill – is all fairly compact and walkable.

For those times where you want to go a bit further – like to Fremont or Ballard – you can either take public transportation or a rideshare.

In this section, we’ll cover all of those different modes of transportation (except walking, which seems pretty self-explanatory).

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Seattle?

Let’s start with whether or not you need to rent a car.

For a two day trip to Seattle, we would not recommend renting a car .

The reason? With two days, we’d recommend spending all of your time within Seattle’s city limits, which means you’ll be covered by some combination of Light Rail, buses, and rideshare apps.

If you rent a car, you’ll have to worry about parking it. Which is not a huge deal in most places, although places like Ballard and Capitol Hill can be a little bit of a nightmare.

We think you’ll find that your rental car will spend most of its time parked in a hotel garage, which will cost you somewhere in the vicinity of $50 a day.

Especially given the extreme costs of renting a car these days, we bet it will work out to be cheaper to take a Lyft everywhere you need to go.

We recently did a very similar calculation for a trip to Denver, and it turned out to be several hundred dollars cheaper to just Lyft around when we needed to go places that walking or public transportation could take us.

Using Public Transportation in Seattle

I know this is a bit of a controversial take because every city loves hating their public transportation systems (we certainly do it in Portland), but Seattle’s public transportation system has taken some pretty big steps forward over the past decade or so.

The two main forms of public transportation you’ll want to focus on are the Light Rail and the bus.

The Light Rail is fantastic for getting into the city from the airport, and also for zipping around the downtown core.

There’s a station in Capitol Hill, and a couple of stations downtown, so it’s a good option for getting between downtown and Capitol Hill (or to the University of Washington).

Here’s a handy guide for using the Light Rail to get from SeaTac to the city center.

Buses are a good option for going shorter distances. They’re relatively frequent (this is our main complaint in Portland), especially on “ RapidRide ” routes, which often have service every 15-20 minutes.

A single ride within Seattle is going to cost $2.75 (some rides coming from Bellevue or further out are $3.25), and you can either tap your credit card when you board or pay the driver with cash (exact change required).

You can use King County Metro’s handy Trip Planner to see routes, schedules, and fares for whatever journey you need to take.

If you’re planning on riding the bus a lot, it’s worth investing in an Orca Card , which is a prepaid card that you can scan when you board rather than digging out cash every time. Plus, the only way to get the unlimited day pass (which is a good value) is by using an Orca Card.

It costs $3 for the card, and you can get a day pass that will give you unlimited local rides for $8 (so a total of $11 per person).

You can buy them at the airport Light Rail station on arrival, or at the Light Rail stations downtown ( here’s the map of where to buy one ).

With that day pass, you’ll be able to cover all the ground in the itinerary below.

Rideshare Apps in Seattle

When we don’t have a car in Seattle, we usually use Lyft to get from the downtown core up to Ballard and Fremont (or anywhere else in that vicinity).

There are certainly some public transportation options to make that journey (from Pike Place Market, the D Line is your best bet to get to Fremont and Ballard), but they’ll take you 30-45 minutes (if not more).

Lyft is our favorite of the various rideshare apps, mostly because they feel marginally less evil than Uber.

The Best Time to Visit Seattle

When you decide to visit Seattle is going to have a pretty significant impact on your experience.

In terms of the “best” time to visit, the clear answer is the summer – specifically mid-July through August – which is when you’re most likely to experience the long, warm days that make the six months of drizzle all worth it in the end.

In the summer , it’s going to be somewhat warm, clear, and blue. Summer days where you can see Mount Rainier to the south, Baker to the north, and the Olympics to the west are the absolute best. There’s nothing better. Anywhere.

However, summer comes with higher prices and more tourists. So be prepared to pay a bit more to see Seattle at its best.

In the shoulder seasons – spring and fall – it’s going to oscillate between nice weather and dreary gray days. You might get lucky, you might not. Either way, it’s not a bad time to visit, and you’ll find lower prices. Be prepared for cooler temperatures (layers are your friend!) and some drizzle.

For what it’s worth, between spring and fall we strongly prefer visiting in the early fall (September through mid-October) when the weather is very similar to summer, but crowds are thinner and prices are lower.

Ah, winter in Seattle. Winter is gray and drizzly. Basically every day. And sometimes it drops into the 30’s and 40’s. And it gets dark at 4:30pm.

I know this, because over the past few years I’ve spent most of winter at my mom’s house in the Seattle suburbs, and it is pretty dreary.

HOWEVER, it’s also the best cozy season, whether it’s in a coffee shop or in front of the fireplace in your hotel.

Winter is also the cheapest time to visit, and the areas around Seattle like the Cascades and Mount Rainier turn into a winter wonderland. Instead of hiking, go skiing at Stevens Pass.

How to Spend 48 Hours in Seattle: A Perfect 2 Day Seattle Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered all of the logistics that you’ll want to know as you’re planning your trip, on to the itinerary itself!

A note at the top, because it’s so top-of-mind for us and the city as a whole.

Seattle, like a lot of cities on the west coast (read: all the major ones) has a housing crisis that has led to an exploding unhoused population around the city. And they are very visible, particularly in areas like Pioneer Square.

We’re not going to solve gentrification and the housing crisis in Seattle in this guide, but you should know that the unhoused folks you see around the city are largely harmless.

Remember that they, like you, are human, and many (but, crucially, not all!) suffer from mental illness and addiction, which is a very sad and sometimes uncomfortable thing to witness.

It’s not something to dissuade you from visiting Seattle, which is a great city, but it is certainly something to be aware of, because you will see it during your trip.

Day 1: Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, and Capitol Hill

On your first day, focus on exploring Seattle’s downtown core and hitting the highlights – Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, and Capitol Hill – to set yourself up for a second day going further afield.

But First, Coffee

Name a more iconic duo than Seattle and coffee. Go ahead, we’ll wait.

Turns out that caffeine is a great antidote to the short, gray winter days, and there is basically a place to find pretty good coffee on just about every corner in the city.

However, Matt – ever the coffee snob – refuses to settle for “good enough” when it comes to coffee.

One thing you should definitely NOT do is go to the so-called “first Starbucks” at Pike Place Market .

Please excuse my slight digression here – there are fewer things I’m more passionate about than my disdain for this very specific Starbucks location.

Mostly because it’s a fraud.

It’s not the first Starbucks location (that location has long closed) and it’s not any different than any of the sixteen other Starbucks locations within two blocks aside from the fact that there’s almost always a giant line.

Plus, while Starbucks is technically “local” (their headquarters are in SoDo down by the stadiums), you can get better coffee at the same price AND support a local small business in the process by simply choosing one of the independent shops nearby.

Here are three great coffee shops in the center of Seattle for your morning dose of caffeine (for more recommendations, read our guide to the best coffee shops in Seattle ).

Victrola : Victola is one of the OG’s in the Seattle coffee scene, and I really like both their location in downtown and their location in lower Capitol Hill, which is where they do their roasting (and host regular cuppings every Friday morning at 11am). The location a few blocks away from Pike Place Market is the place to go before you start this itinerary.
Monorail Espresso : Another classic, Monorail Espresso has been a staple of the ever-changing Seattle coffee scene since 1980 (!). The espresso is king here (go elsewhere for filter coffee), and their location on Pike is your best bet because it’s open on weekends (some of their other downtown locations aren’t).
Elm Coffee Roasters : The best specialty coffee of these three choices, I think, but also the furthest out of the way if you’re going to Pike Place Market. Elm is in Pioneer Square (they used to have a cafe in South Lake Union too), and is worth the journey. They have a bunch of interesting single origin coffees, and usually have at least one of them on filter and espresso to try.

Pike Place Market

Take note y’all: it’s Pike Place Market – there’s no “s” (P.S. that’s how you can tell if someone is actually from the Seattle area or not as you’re reading other guides).

We struggle with the word “touristy,” which gets thrown around often as a pejorative for attractions like the Colosseum and Louvre. On one hand, yes, those places are packed with people at all hours of the day and can be kind of unpleasant at peak times.

On the other hand, we also think those places are 100% worth visiting, and it’s all about how you visit them.

That’s exactly how we feel about Pike Place Market. Is it “touristy?” Yes. Should you go to Pike Place Market? Also yes.

In our opinion, Pike Place Market is best in the morning, which is when you’ll find fewer people wandering around. On the other hand, you might not feel like tasting cheese or beer at 8am, so mid-morning it is!

Pike Place Market is full of energy, and you’ll find everything from fresh-caught oysters to amazing candied nuts, and even a wall full of gum. The Gum Wall is straight up gross. It’s literally people’s used chewing gum. Is that really where you want to take an Instagram photo?

Here are our favorite stops while you’re at Pike Place Market:

The upstairs market area , with the fresh seafood stands (including the famous flying fish, which is worth watching) and flower vendors is worth meandering through.
Ellenos Greek Yogurt : Exactly what it sounds like – amazing frozen Greek yogurt. Plus delicious toppings.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer : Awesome ginger beer with all sorts of flavors. They also serve cocktails, which may or may not be good for your mid-morning visit, depending on what kind of weekend in Seattle you’re planning.
Beecher’s Cheese : Their flagship cheese is fantastic – one of our favorites. Their cafe at Pike Place has all sorts of cheesy goodies. Get the mac & cheese if you can handle gluten.
I’ve never actually been, because gluten, but Piroshky Piroshky is one of my brother’s favorite spots.
The Alibi Room , which is just under Pike Place, is one of my favorite bars in Seattle, and was where I took Alysha on our first trip to Seattle so she could try the woodfired pizza (and I could drink my sorrow away at not being able to try it).
Indi Chocolate : YUM. It’s really, really good chocolate. Do I really need to say anything else? They make it at Pike Place too!

If you’re a foodie, I’d recommend investing in a guided tour of Pike Place to dive a little deeper into the history, and, more importantly, the best things to eat and drink.

My brother gave my mom this tour of Pike Place Market a few years back as a gift, and they really enjoyed it.

Both tours include enough food to be considered a light lunch, so come hungry! You’ll taste things like cheese, clam chowder, and more.

Walking the Seattle Waterfront and the Olympic Sculpture Park

Once you’ve had your fill at Pike Place Market, it’s time to walk to Seattle Center, which is the location of the iconic Space Needle, the most famous part of the Seattle skyline.

On the way, we’d recommend going a bit out of your way to walk along the Seattle waterfront (past the Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel, which we strongly recommend skipping) and then stopping at the Olympic Sculpture Park.

Here’s a map .

The Olympic Sculpture Park is a permanent art installation put on by the Seattle Art Museum that features a few giant red sculptures, which (on a clear day) are backed by the snow-covered Olympic Range in the distance. It’s a nice spot, and is worth the short detour.

Seattle Center

There’s a bunch of stuff to do and see at Seattle Center, but you’ll need to prioritize based on your interests.

With a short time in the city, we’d probably opt to spend your time by walking around the base of the Space Needle, visiting the International Fountain and Vita at KEXP for coffee, and then hitting one of the museums (we really like MoPop).

First, let’s talk about the Space Needle, which is the most distinctive landmark in Seattle.

I (Matt) don’t think you should go to the top.

I’ve been to the top exactly once, and it was when I was a small kid and we were visiting Seattle to see if we wanted to move there from the Bay Area.

It’s really expensive, and there’s a better view (that includes the Space Needle) just up the street for free (we’ll get to that in a second, don’t worry).

Whatever you do, definitely do not eat at the restaurant on top , where the food is decidedly mediocre, at best, and very expensive. There are much better options for a special occasion ( Canlis and Il Nido are the first ones that come to mind).

With that part out of the way, let’s talk about the other cool stuff at the Seattle Center.

It’s worth stopping by the International Fountain .

It’s a fun fountain that sprays water up in the air, often to a soundtrack. There’s plenty of seating along the rim, where you can watch the kids frolic in the water while they’re parents watch them closely. Good people watching here.

The other place to go that isn’t a museum is Vita at KEXP , which is one of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle .

It’s run by local roaster Caffe Vita, and they serve good coffee with a nice selection of both single origin beans and specialty drinks.

The main reason I like it is that the space is really cool – it’s a real life radio studio for KEXP, and it’s a high-ceilinged space that features imagery of Seattle’s music scene over the years. There’s even a record shop onsite to really bring home the Seattle vibes.

Now onto the museums you should check out at Seattle Center, depending on your timing and interests.

MoPop : This funny looking building of different shapes and colors is distinctive, not only for its exterior, but for what’s inside. It’s very much a different kind of museum than a lot of the other museums you’ve visited on your travels. It’s interactive, and focuses on all things pop culture (lots of music), and is a fun activity for all ages, including adults. Definitely my top pick out of the three attractions here, and my high school prom was here back when it was the EMP (Experience Music Project).

Chihuly Garden and Glass : This is a cool permanent art installation celebrating the work of Dale Chihuly . The Glasshouse, a gorgeous 4,500 square foot space full of natural light and home to a colorful 100 foot long sculpture of flowers hanging in the middle.

Pacific Science Center : This is an experience for kids. In elementary school, we used to come here for field trips. They have all kinds of hands-on exhibits, and it’s a perfect rainy day activity for families in Seattle. Adults, probably skip it.

My number one tip for your visit to Seattle – and I tell this to everyone (real life and internet peeps) who will listen – is that you should skip going to the top of the Space Needle and head straight to Kerry Park.

Why? For the best views of the Seattle Skyline , including the Space Needle and a sweeping view out over Elliott Bay with Mount Rainier towering over the city (on a clear day, anyway).

The problem with going to the top of the Space Needle is that when you’re viewing the Seattle skyline from there, you’re missing what is probably the most iconic symbol of the city. Because you’re standing on top of it.

Once you’ve finished meandering your way around Seattle Center and the base of the Space Needle, head up Queen Anne Ave N , at the northwest corner of Seattle Center, and walk up the hill to Kerry Park . ( Here’s a map )

This is where you’ll find that postcard-perfect great view of Seattle. You’ll have a view of the Space Needle in the foreground, backed by the Seattle skyline and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier poking its giant face out in the distance.

Plus, views over Puget Sound to the west.

It’s pretty spectacular, and is probably worth coming back at the end of the day for sunset (or waking up early for sunrise).

An Evening in Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill, which is east of Downtown Seattle on the other side of I-5 (which runs down the middle of the city, kind of like Portland), is our favorite neighborhood in Seattle.

It’s quirky, hip, central, and full of great places to eat and drink. We love it, and think you will too.

Spend your time in Capitol Hill exploring on foot. Start at the southwest corner, where you’ll find the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, and make your way northeast from there to around Cal Anderson Park. Here are some of our favorite spots along that route.

Whatever you do, definitely stop by Elliott Bay Book Company , which is our favorite independent bookstore in the city.

Here are some of our other favorite spots for dinner and drinks in Capitol Hill for an afternoon / evening trip.

To eat:

Dick’s Drive In (Cheap Burgers) : A Seattle OG and, arguably, one of Seattle’s icons, Dick’s is very simple. Affordable burgers, good fries and milkshakes, and no substitutions. It’s a popular late night spot.
8 oz Burger (Fancy Burgers) : Higher end burgers with more innovative toppings and different meat options (including veggie). Great happy hour meal deals from 4-6pm and 9pm-close Monday to Friday where you can get a burger meal for $12-15 and beers for $6. When my cousin is in town, she demands to go here at least once.
Kedai Makan (Malaysian) : Malaysian food isn’t something you come across terribly often, especially in cities off of the west coast, so this is a fun spot to try something a little different. Make a reservation in advance, it’s a popular spot. We haven’t been here ourselves because it’s not good for Matt (who has Celiac Disease and needs to eat gluten free), but it would be top of our list if it were safe.
Carmelo’s Tacos (Tacos) : An unassuming taco truck with Mexico City-style tacos. And burritos (but we’re all about tacos). Here is their Cap Hill location on Google Maps.
Molly Moon’s (Ice Cream) : The OG Seattle ice cream shop with locations all over the Seattle area at this point. Their flavors range from the usual to funky, and they are another one of Seattle’s iconic can’t-miss spots.
Frankie and Jo’s (Ice Cream): If dairy and/or gluten are an issue for you, Frankie and Jo’s is there for you! They’re a gluten free, plant-based ice cream shop with a location in Cap Hill. All of their ingredients are posted for transparency, and the cones are gluten free too (though if you’re a Celiac and avoid oats like Matt, many of their flavors and cones are off limits).

For drinks:

Cocktails : Arguably, this is where Capitol Hill really shines on the drinks front. Some of Seattle’s best cocktails are shaken and stirred in Cap Hill. Tavern Law and Canon (the latter have 4,000+ spirits on hand, and a HUGE list of whiskeys available) are two of the best. Rumba , a rum focused bar on the edge of the neighborhood closer to downtown, and the reservations-only bar inside, Inside Passage , are also worth looking at, especially if (like Matt) your taste in cocktails skews towards the rum/tequila end of the spectrum.
Wine : There are two solid wine bars a few blocks apart in eastern Capitol Hill. Otherworld is a cozy little wine bar and shop with a rotating cast of wines by the glass and bottle. Footprint is a wine bar focused on wines on tap, which is a more sustainable way to make wine than glass bottles.
Cider : Did you know that something like 90% of the apples consumed in the US are grown right here in Washington State? Specifically over in eastern Washington near Wenatchee. There is only one choice for cider in Cap Hill, and it’s Capitol Cider (recently rebranded as A Stir?). They have 170 ciders between taps, bottles and cans.
Beer : For a massive variety of different beers, mostly local, we like Chuck’s Hop Shop on Union (it’s called “Central District” on their website, if you’re confused). Outer Planet (they brew their own beer), Stumbling Monk (they focus on Belgians), and the Elysian Brew Pub (their original location) are also all good options.

Day 2: Discovery Park, Ballard, and Fremont

On your second day, spend some time in the northern part of the city, which is where you’ll find our favorite hike in Seattle and two of our favorite neighborhoods in the city.

Note that if you’re in Seattle on a Sunday, you should make sure this is Sunday so that you can hit the excellent Ballard Farmers Market , which we’d call a must-do in Seattle.

This day is definitely less convenient in terms of getting around, but there are some helpful bus lines that will connect the downtown core to Fremont and Ballard (and back); route 33 runs from downtown up to Discovery Park, route 40 runs between Fremont and Ballard and Downtown, and the D line is an express bus that connects Downtown and Ballard.

A Morning Hike in Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a huge park – the biggest in Seattle, in fact – on the northwest side of the city. Sitting on the Puget Sound, the highlight of the park (we think) is the trail down to the beach and the West Point Lighthouse.

We called this a hike in the description of today’s activities above, but it’s really more of a nice, easy walk. There’s a little bit of up and down, but it’s a pretty easy “hike” on the whole.

Along the way, you’ll walk through dense forest full of mossy, ferny undergrowth that is peak Pacific Northwest, traverse some bluffs with great views of the Puget Sound, and end at the Lighthouse where you might see the resident bald eagles hanging out on the antennae (or in the tops of the trees).

In terms of getting between Discovery Park and your next stop, Ballard, we’d recommend walking across the Ballard Locks , which is the place where salmon travel upriver during the summer. There’s a cool exhibit about salmon in the visitor center on the north side of the canal, too.

That means that you’ll want to end your walk at the northern end of the park (head for this parking lot ) to put yourself in position for getting to Ballard.

This is the route we’d follow, which starts at the south parking lot, heads out to the Lighthouse, and then follows a path along the beach before ending with a brief climb through the forest to get to that north parking area.

From there, it’s an easy walk to the Ballard Locks, or a Lyft to Ballard itself.

With Fremont, Ballard forms the northwestern edge of Seattle’s city center (we’d call the more residential neighborhoods to the north outside of the city center).

It runs along the ship canal, which connects Seattle’s lakes to the Puget Sound, and that canal was essential for Ballard’s economy in the past, when it was known for industry and fishing and canning.

At one point, Ballard was an independent city, but Seattle’s growth swallowed it up in 1907 and it has become one of the most desirable places to live in Seattle.

That history as an independent city gives it a very “city within a city” vibe, which we like. It’s far enough out to be quieter and more low-key than the downtown core (which makes it a bad place to base yourself), but has plenty to do, see, eat, and drink to keep you busy.

We mentioned this above, but if you are in Seattle on a Sunday, you absolutely should not miss the Ballard Farmers Market , which is our favorite market in Seattle.

There are stalls from local farms, ready-to-eat foods, and other local small businesses selling pottery, hot sauce, cider, and more.

Here are some of our other favorite spots in Ballard in no particular order.

Root (Coffee + Plants) : If you like light roast coffee, this is the best place in Seattle for you to come. They have a rotating selection of some of the best roasters in the US – like Sey and Ilse – along with a few international treats.
Venue : An art gallery featuring work from local artists, including Red Umbrella Designs , one of our favorite Seattle artists.
Mox Boarding House : We have one of these down in Portland, and it’s a really good time for a drizzly afternoon. Cozy space with every board game under the sun.
La Carta De Oaxaca : Good Oaxacan food right in the heart of all the action. Mexican food is so diverse, and this is a good spot to experience the magic of Oaxacan food, with fresh masa served in all shapes and sizes.

One other recommendation would be the industrial area east of Ballard, which is where some of Seattle’s best breweries are found.

Stoup Brewing , Reuben’s Brews , and Yonder Cider / Bale Breaker Brewing are all within a few blocks of each other, and make for a good brewery crawl, if that’s what you’re into.

Gas Works Park

Gas Works is a bit of a detour from Fremont itself – it’s on the opposite side of Fremont if you’re coming from Ballard – but we think it’s worth it on a nice evening for the great view of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union.

To get there, you can hop on the bus (route 40) in Ballard and then walk along the Burke Gillman trail, which is a very popular trail for runners and cyclists in Seattle. Here’s the map .

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at Gas Works is the remains of the gas plant that give the park its name.

The big, rust-colored buildings are a look-don’t-touch situation for the most part, but you can walk into the buildings that have been renovated and learn about the history of the location.

Like we said, the highlight here is the view of Seattle across the water. To get that postcard view, head up the grassy hill in the middle of the park.

Fremont is a fitting spot to end your trip because it’s the best food neighborhood in the city, we think, which means you’re ending on a high note. It’s one of the neighborhoods, along with Cap Hill and Ballard, that we continually find ourselves visiting whenever we’re in Seattle.

Fremont is on the northern side of Lake Union, and the core is very walkable and relatively compact (though a few of the spots below will require a bit of a walk). From that core, it gets very residential, very quickly.

The most famous spot in Fremont is probably the Fremont Troll, which is a troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge that has become a famous tourist destination over the years. Here’s a good read about the history of the troll.

After Gasworks, it’s likely getting toward the end of the day, and Fremont is a great place to close out your day with dinner and drinks.

Here are a few of our favorite spots in Fremont.

Ester’s Enoteca (Italian/Spanish) : This unassuming spot right on Fremont Ave is our go-to spot to get food to take to Schilling. They have gluten free options for most of the menu (which is why we like it), which takes inspiration from some combination of Spain and Italy.
Lupo (Pizza) : The first of two great pizza options in Fremont, this is all about the sourdough, wood-fired crust. Make a reservation if it’s a weekend.
My Friend Derek’s (Pizza) : Self-proclaimed “pretty good” Detroit-style pizza. Take out only, and it’s a tiny place so their hours are wonky – make sure to check to see when they’re open.
Joule / Revel (Korean-inspired) : Owned by two James Beard nominees (in 2022) who happen to be partners, these two sister restaurants are both in Fremont, and are both worth getting a reservation at if you’re looking for a nice dinner spot to close out your trip.
Kamonegi (Japanese) : Run by another James Beard finalist in 2022, Mutsuko Soma, this spot just outside of Fremont’s main strip is all about the handmade soba noodles.
Made in House (Korean) : A little more casual than the restaurants above, this is a nice spot for a late lunch because they do close at 4pm. They’re known for their Bibimbop and Bento (which is essentially a sampler). If there are two of you, we’d order both and share them!
Brouwer’s Cafe (Beer Bar) : Cozy, candlelit, kind of romantic. They’re primarily a beer bar with a slant towards Belgian beers, but have a good cider and whiskey selection too.
Schilling Cider (Cider Bar) : They have 35+ ciders on tap, and even more in bottles. The thing we like about going to Schilling is that it’s not just their own ciders – they also have ciders from around the Pacific Northwest and even a few international ciders to try. Plus board games and they’re dog-friendly. No food, but you can bring your own.
Imperfetta (Wine Bar) : Primarily a retail shop, but they also have a few bottles open for glass pours most nights. No kids allowed at any time (21+).

What to Do with More Time in Seattle

Here are a few ideas for things to add with more time in Seattle.

Ride the Ferry to Bainbridge Island and Back

This is the first thing we’d add, especially if it’s a nice day.

The ferry ride is roughly 60 percent of the fun of going out to Bainbridge, which you can absolutely do even if you don’t have a car (bonus: you don’t have to wait in the car line for the ferry on the way there or back, you can just walk on).

Don’t miss Proper Fish for excellent fish and chips served in newspaper with mushy peas (this is the way) and Blackbird Bakery .

We like this option so much we have an entire guide dedicated to planning a day trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island .

Learn About Seattle’s History at MOHAI

The long acronym stands for the “ Museum of History and Industry ” and the museum is right on the shores of Lake Union.

On a rainy day (there are plenty of them in Seattle) this is a great place to go spend a few hours learning about Seattle’s history as a gold rush town and then a tech hub (which are sort of similar in their effects on the city’s trajectory, when you think about it).

Sitting in the shadows of the numerous Amazon skyscrapers in SLU is probably a fitting location for a museum about Seattle’s meteoric rise, we think.

Take a Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is one of our favorite places in Washington State, and though it’s a long day, it’s doable as a day trip from Seattle (even without a car).

The thing that makes Rainier impressive is that it’s a huge mountain surrounded by land that’s at sea level, which makes it all the more imposing.

The only way to do it without a car is to take a guided day trip (we’d choose this small group hiking/snowshoeing tour ), which means you don’t have to rent a car, but you’re relatively limited in what you’ll get to do and see.

If you do want to rent a car, we have an entire guide dedicated to planning a day trip to Mount Rainier .

What to Do with Less Than 2 Days in Seattle

If you have 24 hours, we’d essentially do the first day of this itinerary as written.

Another option would be to swap Capitol Hill for Fremont (or Ballard), depending on what you’re interested in, but using the combo of Pike Place + Seattle Center as an anchor for your morning is the right approach, we think.

We also have an entire separate guide to spending one day in Seattle , which basically covers that idea in more detail.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

Travel , Travel Guides , USA · Last Updated: February 17, 2024

A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visiting Seattle

A first timers travel guide to visiting seattle.

Traveling to Seattle for the first time? In this Seattle Travel Guide, I’m going to narrow down the best things to do in Seattle because this city has so much to offer! The stunning views of the water, cool neighborhoods, and evergreen forests alone will keep you occupied for days. There is a reason why they call it the Emerald City. Not only that but there are endless iconic views to see, delicious food to indulge in, and some of the best day trips to take. In this blog, “A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visting Seattle” to help you plan your trip!

When to Visit Seattle

Usually, the first thing people think of when they hear Seattle is RAIN. Unfortunately, it’s known for being one of if not the rainiest city in the US. While the former statement is true, there are plenty of months out of the year when Seattle is pleasant to visit. May through September are the driest months out of the year so if you plan a trip during that time you should be golden. We visited in late July and were lucky enough to have 75-degree sunny days the entire trip!

Things to Know Before Visiting

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to travel from the airport to downtown take the Sound Link light rail. Tickets are only $2.75 and it takes roughly 40 minutes. The train is super clean and safe and it’s a great way to beat traffic.
Seattle is crazy about coffee! Support the smaller shops you see around the city.
The city is extremely hilly. I was unaware of this before visiting so make sure to bring comfortable shoes.
Since the city is primarily on the water, the temperatures drop at night time (even in the summer).

Things to Do in Seattle

Pike place market.

Pike Place Market – the most iconic place in Seattle. This farmers market has a little something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it be to grab delicious food, pick up some flowers, or have yourself a ginger beer. There is no shortage of things to do at Pike Place Market. Mid-day crowds can be more than you’d like to endure but have a little patience, it’s a popular spot! Below I’m sharing the best places to eat and visit in the market:

Pike Place Market Food

Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Beechers Cheese
Three Girls Bakery
Piroshky Piroshky
Matt’s at The Market (restaurant)
The Pink Door (restaurant)
The “First” Starbucks (more on that below)

Also, the food stands on the street are also great options. We had sweet corn from a vendor and it was delicious!

Another favorite was Post Alley. A cute alley with multiple shops and restaurants!

Chihuly Garden & Glass

The Chihuly Garden & Glass museum is a MUST SEE when you’re visiting Seattle! It’s located adjacent to the space needle so you get stunning views of that as well. The most famous sculpture is by far the one pictured above. The Artist, Dale Chihuly, drew inspiration from his two favorite buildings to create this masterpiece. The Saint-Chapelle in Paris and the Crystal Palace in London. Dare I say it, it is my favorite part of this Seattle Travel Guide. The museum costs $30 per person to visit and at the moment you need to reserve a time slot (try to get a morning spot for an empty glasshouse). BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE !

Lastly, you may recognize this artist because he most famously is known for all the beautiful glass sculptures in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas (they have a mini version of the ceiling at this museum). 10/10 recommend!

The Space Needle

The Space Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, The Space Needle is another iconic spot to visit when in Seattle. Standing at 650 ft tall you can visit the observation deck above or opt to enjoy the rotating restaurant at the top. We decided not to visit since many locals have said it’s not worth the visit to the top, enjoy from below. If you decide to visit the top, tickets range from $27-$40 and you can book them with your Chihuly Museum tickets.

Visit Kerry Park

A postcard view if I’ve ever seen one! The view from Kerry Park is hands down the best view in Seattle and is not to be missed. Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood it’s a popular place to catch a sunset. We visited at 8:30 a.m. and had the small park to ourselves for a bit. Highly recommend!

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268 ft waterfall that is located 30 minutes outside of downtown Seattle. It’s one of the state’s most popular attractions and if you rent a car make sure to check it out. There are two viewing areas for the falls, the upper and the lower. To access the lower falls (our personal favorite view) there is a mildly easy 0.8-mile hike. We visited first thing in the morning and there were not many people around. Free to visit!

Visit Bainbridge Island

This quaint island is located 25 minutes from Seattle and is known for its rustic character and small-town charm. It’s the perfect day trip from Seattle and can be reached by ferry (Washington state ferries schedule here it’s only $9 roundtrip). There is a small downtown area with a few restaurants and charming shops to browse. You can also rent bikes, and kayaks, walk the waterfront trail, go on a hike, and visit the art museum.

You’re able to take your car over on the ferry as well. If you decide to do that you can visit the Bloedel Reserve (a beautiful garden located on the north side of the island). Finally, the best part about visiting Bainbridge is the ferry ride to and from. The views from the city are truly unmatched!

The “First Starbucks” or Starbucks Reserve Roastery

The First Starbucks is located at Pike Place Market and at all times has a line wrapped around the block for the experience of visiting the “First” store. I continue to put first in parentheses because technically this is not the first store even though it’s advertised as such. You can learn more about that in this blog post but nevertheless, if you’re a huge Starbucks fan, this spot is cool to visit! Finally, there is a Starbucks Reserve Roastery located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Visit the Amazon Spheres

It’s no secret that the e-commerce giant, better known as Amazon, was founded in Seattle. The company still has its headquarters there today and these three spheres are a part of that. They created these spheres as an outlet where employees can use and think and be surrounded by nature. The public is able to visit the spheres on the first and third Saturday of every month. Make sure to book reservations in advance!

Drive around Queen Anne Neighborhood

Home to the iconic Space Needle, Queen Anne is a mixture of residential and city vibe. We enjoyed driving around the neighborhood bordering Kerry Park and marveling at the gorgeous Victorian homes. You could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring this part of the city (note that it is very hilly). Don’t miss the iconic Victorian Brian Coleman house, it’s straight out of a fairytale!

Breakfast at Biscuit Bitch

I have mixed feelings about this place. Don’t get me wrong the food was DELICIOUS but the service and ordering system was very unenjoyable. They have two locations one in Belltown and the other in Downtown Seattle. Whichever one you choose expect to wait at least an hour for your food. They only accept orders through their website so it’s best if you order before visiting so you don’t have to wait!

Visit Mount Rainer, National Park

Did you know that Mount Rainer National Park has an active volcano? This beauty ascends 14,000 above sea level and you can catch a view of it from multiple parts of the city (on a clear day). The national park is located an hour from Seattle city and has over 260 miles of hiking trails, campsites, and beautiful meadows. Some parts of the park are seasonal and during the summer the wildflower meadows are straight out of a fairytale. Find more information about visiting .

Visit Olympic National Park

Don’t miss my ultimate 2 days in olympic national park itinerary. it covers all the best things to do when visiting this stunning national park, the gum wall.

The Gum Wall is a local legend. Even with that, I have to say I was not impressed by this. I think it’s quite disgusting but it’s iconic in Seattle so everyone needs to walk through the alley at least once. Fun fact: in November 2015 the Pike Place Preservation Society cleaned off the entire wall to preserve the brick underneath. It took them 130 hours and they were able to clean off 2350 pounds of gum.

Hike Rattlesnake Ledge

This hike is not for the faint at heart, but my god the views at the end make it worth it. Rattlesnake Ledge Hike is located 35 minutes from downtown Seattle. This trail is 1.9 miles to the top but the entire time you are hiking uphill. And when I say the entire time, I mean the entire time! It took roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the top and 40 minutes to walk back down. Make sure to bring loads of water, a snack for when you reach the top and wear comfortable shoes. When you’re finished you can cool off by swimming in the lake!

Sunset Drinks at The Nest

Another favorite in this Seattle Travel Guide is The Nest. It’s located in the Thompson Hotel and has some pretty epic views of Seattle. It’s the perfect place for a cocktail before dinner. It can get pretty busy during the weekends so plan to visit during the week! The Pea Diddy cocktail is a favorite.

Dinner at The Pink Door

This Italian restaurant is located in Post Alley and is quite unique and eclectic. Known for its burlesque shows and circus theme it’s one of the city’s most popular restaurants. The terrace has pretty views of the water and the food was VERY good. I highly recommend booking a reservation as you could be waiting hours for a table without one.

Walk Around Capitol Hill

The Capitol Hill neighborhood has a completely different feel than downtown Seattle (more of a local spot!). It’s known for its hip bars and eateries. You can spend an entire afternoon here walking around and checking out the cute shops! Here are some of our favorites:

Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Glasswing Shop
Scotch & Soda
Terra Plata

Grab an Ice Cream Sundae at Molly Moon’s

Another local legend, Molly Moons has multiple locations in and around Seattle. They are known for their sundaes (I had the warm brownie sundae and 10/10 would recommend it). Lastly, 90% of their products are sourced from the Pacific Northwest so when you support Molly Moon’s you’re supporting the surrounding community as well!

Catch a Mariners Game at T-Mobile Park

I’ve been to many baseball stadiums throughout the years and all I have to say is the Mariners fans sure know how to party. This stadium was bursting with energy and they even had a party deck with a DJ and all. If you’re visiting during baseball season it’s easy to get to using public transit and a fun way to experience the city!

Listed below are other activities that will be fun for a first-time visit if you have time:

Gas Works Park
Olympic National Park
Washington Park Arboretum
Olympic Sculpture Park
Golden Gardens Park
Woodinville Wine Country
Pacific Science Center
Seattle Pinball museum
Flight Aviation Center

Where to Stay in Seattle

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support and will continue to share the best properties, things to do, and items I truly use and love!

For a first-time visit, I would recommend staying downtown as there are a copious amount of things to do in close vicinity. We stayed at the Thompson Seattle and would highly recommend staying there. Not only was it a block away from Pike Place Market but the room views were so dreamy, the beds were comfortable, and the service was unmatched. You can BOOK YOUR STAY HERE !

Seattle Travel Guide: What to Pack

For most months of the year, it’s safe to have a rain jacket and umbrella on hand. Along with that, here are some of my go-to packing favorites:

comfortable walking shoes
light jacket for the evenings
activewear: I’ve been living in this two-piece set from Amazon and these bike shorts are my go-to
hiking shoes for those outdoor adventures
Basics: I always find the best basics on Amazon basics .

Thank you for reading my “A First Timers Travel Guide to Visiting Seattle” I hope it gave you insight into planning your trip and if you have any questions be sure to comment below! Check out more of my USA travel guides .

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February 6, 2024 at 12:19 am

thanks for the information

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Do you have a mail book on seattle. If so please send to Sandra Newcomb 2411 SE 13th Street Battleground WA. 98604

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Seattle Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

I love visiting Seattle. The food is incredible and diver, there’s a robust music and art scene, lots of great bars, a lot of history, and plenty of nature. The quality of life is just really high here.

And, while the city is famous for its cloudy days, if you can find a sunny day when you’re here, you’re in for a real treat as the city (and region) is gorgeous.

Try to spend at least four days here.

This travel guide to Seattle can help your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most of your visit.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Seattle

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Seattle

Neon sign saying 'Public Market Center' with people clustered around historic market buildings in Seattle, Washington.

1. Visit the Seattle Center

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair and home to the 605-foot (184-meter) Space Needle, this city landmark is a mini-entertainment complex. There is the International Fountain, the Experience Music Project, the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, the Pacific Science Center, the Museum of Pop Culture, and a variety of different gardens. Many different festivals take place here as well, including Seattle Pride, Bumbershoot (music festival), and Bite of Seattle (food festival). If you want to go up to the Space Needle’s observation deck, admission is $35-39 USD depending on the time of day (before 11am is the cheapest while 11am-5pm is the most expensive).

2. Stroll through Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States (it opened in 1907). This nine-acre area boasts countless shops, restaurants, stalls, galleries, antique dealers, and cafes selling everything from crafts and artwork to fresh produce. Make sure you watch the fish throwers (fish mongers who throw fish to each other when one is sold) or one of the countless buskers for some good entertainment!

3. Visit the Seattle Art Museum

With a heavy focus on modern works, you’ll find a lot of great art here (there are over 25,000 items in their collection). There are always special exhibits (when I was there it was Picasso) and they have special museum nights with live music, drinks, and interactive activities. Admission is $20 USD when purchased in advance and $23 USD otherwise. Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month (including special exhibitions).

4. Relax on Alki Beach

Sticking out onto Puget Sound, this 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) long beach is where the first white settlers arrived in the area in the 1850s. Today, it’s a chill spot to kick back and relax on the shore, watch the cruise ships pass by, enjoy a meal at one of the oceanfront restaurants, take a tour of the historic lighthouse, or just lounge away the day. Bring a book and enjoy the view!

5. Head to Pioneer Square

Once the heart of the city, Pioneer Square is the site where the city’s founders first settled in 1852. History abounds with cobblestone streets and classic 19th-century red brick buildings lining the 90-acre (36-hectare) district. Today, there are lots of hip bars and trendy cafes in the neighborhood that make it a great place to relax and people-watch. The area is also home to the first art walk in the country, which started in 1981 and has been going strong ever since. Join in on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm-10pm!

Other Things to See and Do in Seattle

1. take an underground tour.

The Seattle Underground Tour offers a humorous stroll through subterranean storefronts and sidewalks from when the city was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889. Tours are 75 minutes and cost $22 USD. If you’re into ghosts, they also run an Underworld Tour of Seattle’s old red light district ($27 USD) and Paranormal Underground Tours where you even get to use paranormal investigative equipment to hunt for ghosts yourself ($33 USD).

2. Explore Hing Hay Park

Located in the Chinatown-International District, Hing Hay Park is where you can watch chess players in action or participate in morning Tai-Chi. There are also lots of events held here in the summer, including concerts and theater performances. Nearby are plenty of karaoke bars as well as lots of places to grab a bubble tea. If you want to find out more about Seattle’s Asian-American community, visit the Wing Luke Asian Museum, which highlights the art, culture, and history of Asian Pacific Americans (admission is $17 USD).

3. Visit the Boeing Museum of Flight

This museum showcases air travel through the ages. As an avid traveler, it’s super interesting. There are over 150 planes here, as well as the original Boeing “factory.” They have the original Air Force One, a Concorde jet (one of only four on display outside Europe), a full mock-up of the first lunar lander, and more. Admission is $25 USD. Every first Thursday of the month from 5pm-9m, admission is free.

4. Watch boats at the Ballard Locks

Opened in 1917, these locks provide a link for boats between the Puget Sound and the Ship Canal. Over a million tons of cargo pass through the locks each year (they handle more boat traffic than any other lock in the US). Stop by the Fish Ladder Viewing Gallery where you can get an aquarium-like view of salmon migrating through the locks (migrations take place between June and September). There’s an aquaculture museum attached, and you can also take tours of the locks. Admission to everything is free.

5. Learn about the Gold Rush

In 1897, news of the gold discovery in the Canadian Yukon sent throngs of prospectors up north. This, in turn, brought many people to Seattle, who used it as a gateway to the north. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park offers an interesting look at this formative period in North American history. In addition to the two floors of exhibitions, there are also several films that shed light on the city’s transformation and the impact of the gold rush on Seattle’s development. Admission is free.

7. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

This amazing Frank Gehry-designed building looks like a smashed guitar from the sky. Inside are colorful and immersive exhibits that cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Nirvana, the Seahawks, and other local pop culture. There’s a massive pillar made out of guitars inside, as well as a Science Fiction section and a Hall of Fame for sci-fi and fantasy creators. Tickets start at $28 USD.

8. Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

The Starbucks Reserve is a wonderland for coffee addicts. There are exclusive drinks on offer that you won’t find at standard Starbucks stores, and you can learn more about the roasting process as well. It’s one of the most unique Starbucks experiences you can have. You can also visit the original Starbucks just 9 blocks away at 1912 Pike Place (it opened in 1971), but there’s not much to see and do here other than enjoy a cup of coffee. Be prepared for long lines at the Roastery.

9. Take a free boat ride

Seattle has a fun tradition: every Sunday volunteers from the Center for Wooden Boats (a living museum where you can rent a boat and learn to sail) take people out on Lake Union for free. Boats generally set sail between 11am-7pm and it’s first-come, first-served — so show up early! The center also has several exhibits including displays of historic wooden boats and boat photography. From Wednesday-Sunday, you can take a row boat out on the water yourself for one hour, free of charge. Admission is to the center is also free.

10. Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located in Belltown, this gallery showcases the jaw-dropping work of Dale Chihuly, one of the most famous blown glass artists in the world. Intricate and multi-colored blown-glass work is displayed throughout a series of indoor and outdoor installations, including a lush garden filled with various colorful glass sculptures. Inside is a 100-foot long sculpture in reds and oranges — one of Chihuly’s largest suspended works. There are also glass-blowing demonstrations throughout the day as well as special events and talks. Check the website for details. Admission is $30-35 USD depending on what time of day you visit (it’s cheaper before 11am). You can also get a combination ticket to visit the garden and the Space Needle for $55-64 USD.

11. Relax on Bainbridge Island

Nearby Bainbridge Island offers a nice reprieve from the busy city. It’s filled with over 150 acres (61 hectares) of gardens, meadows, ponds, and even a nature reserve. Make sure you stop for ice cream at the Mora Iced Creamery! You can take the 30-minute Bainbridge Island Ferry ($9.25 USD one-way; there is no charge to return to Seattle if you’re a pedestrian) across and then get a bicycle rental for the day for about $35-45 USD (most bike rentals on the island require advance booking).

12. Take a food tour

If you’re a foodie like me, Savor Seattle Food Tours offers an amazing overview of some of Seattle’s best foodie areas, including Pike Place Market, for $49 USD. There’s also a VIP tour of Pike Place Market for $56 USD, just in case you want to go a little more in-depth. Not only will you get to eat some great food but you’ll learn about the food’s history and the culture behind it too.

13. Take a trip to Vancouver

If you’re here for a while, consider taking a trip to Vancouver , Canada. It’s just a 2.5-hour drive away and is one of my favorite cities in the world. There are tons of amazing places to eat (including great sushi places), lots of nearby hiking (don’t miss the Grouse Grind), and relaxing views of Stanley Park. It makes for a perfect weekend getaway.

For more information on other cities in the United States, check out these guides:

Austin Travel Guide
Boston Travel Guide
Chicago Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
Las Vegas Travel Guide
Los Angeles Travel Guide
Miami Travel Guide
New York City Travel Guide
Philadelphia Travel Guide
San Francisco Travel Guide
Washington D.C. Travel Guide

Seattle Travel Costs

Streetscape with buildings leading down to the waterfront in Seattle, Washington.

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds costs around $50-59 USD per night in peak season and $37-47 USD off-peak. A basic double private room with an ensuite bathroom costs $159-209 USD in peak season, and $86-100 USD off-peak. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. My favorite hostel in the city, Green Tortoise, includes free breakfast.

Camping is available outside the city for those traveling with a tent. A basic plot for two people without electricity costs around $30 USD per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $175 USD per night in peak season and $125 USD in off-peak season. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Seattle has tons of Airbnb options. Private rooms start at $50-65 USD per night while entire homes/apartments cost at least $125 USD. Expect prices to be double (or more) if you don’t book early.

Food – Seattle is known for its seafood (including fresh oysters and sushi) and Asian cuisine, especially Vietnamese and Japanese. You can really splurge on meals here, but luckily, the city also has plenty of cheap food options. Chinese food is your best bet for cheap eats as the Chinatown here is massive and has tons of restaurants. If you’re on a budget, start your food search there.

A cheap meal at a sit-down restaurant costs around $15-20 USD, while a three-course meal with a drink costs at least $45-55 USD. For fast food, expect to pay around $10 USD for a combo meal. Large pizzas start at $16-18 USD.

Beer costs around $7 USD while a latte/cappuccino costs $5 USD (though, this is the land of coffee so you can easily spend more). Bottled water is $2 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay between $55-65 USD per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Seattle Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Seattle, expect to spend about $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, public transportation, cooking your own meals, and doing free activities like hitting the beach or visiting the free museums. If you plan on drinking, add around $10-15 USD per day.

A mid-range budget of $175 USD per day covers staying in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eating out for some meals, having a couple of beers, taking the occasional Uber to get around, and doing more paid activities like the Space Needle or the art museum.

On a “luxury” budget of about $395 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car or take Ubers everywhere, visit Vancouver, and do more paid tours and activities, such as a food tour. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Seattle Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. A rising cost of living has made it more expensive than in the past. It’s not going to be the cheapest place to visit but there are still some ways to cut your costs. Here are some ways to save money in Seattle:

Pick up a CityPASS – This discount ticket offers entrance to five of Seattle’s biggest tourist attractions for $115 USD, saving you nearly 50%!
Eat in Chinatown – For the cheapest food in the city, go to Chinatown and eat your heart out. You’ll find filling plates of food here for under $10 USD.
Get a cheaper aerial view of the city – Skip the Space Needle and head to the Starbucks on the 40th floor of the Columbia Tower downtown for a panoramic view over the city. It’ll just cost you a drink!
Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free! Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can share their insider knowledge about the city while helping you save money by letting you sleep on their couch for free. It’s the best way to meet locals and get inside tips.
Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Seattle Free Walking Tours has a couple of walking tours that can teach you about the history of the city. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings.
Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink here so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with built-in filters that ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Seattle only has a few hostels but they are all budget-friendly. Here are my suggested places to stay:

Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel
HI Seattle at the American Hotel
HotelHotel Hostel

How to Get Around Seattle

Monorail passing by the Frank Gehry-designed Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, Washington.

Public transportation – Seattle has a robust public transportation system, with buses, ferries, a streetcar, and a light rail. Fares are $2.25–3.50 USD, depending on where you’re going.

You can purchase tickets at the station or via the Transit GO Ticket app. You can also purchase a reloadable ORCA card for $3 USD, which tracks different fares and transfers automatically. Day passes are $8 USD.

The Seattle Center Monorail runs between Westlake Center and Seattle Center at the bottom of Queen Anne hill. The monorail departs every ten minutes and the full trip only takes two minutes! A one-way fare is $3.25 USD. You can use your ORCA card for the monorail too.

Ferries vary in cost depending on where you’re going. For example, a ticket from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is $9.25 USD one-way (no charge to return to Seattle if you’re a pedestrian).

Bike rental – Seattle is very bike-friendly. Seattle’s dockless bike share program is called JUMP. Bikes cost $1 USD to unlock and then $0.36 USD per minute.

Taxis – Taxis start at $2.60 USD, and then each miler after that is $2.70 USD. The flat rate taxi fare from the airport to downtown Seattle is $40 USD. If you’re on a budget, skip them.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a cab.

When to Go to Seattle

Personally, I think autumn is the best time to visit (September-October). The high season (summer) is over, so room rates have dropped and tourists have flocked elsewhere. It’s still warm, with temperatures averaging 60°F (15°C) and with less rainfall than spring.

On the other hand, summer is a great time to visit if you don’t mind paying a little more for your room. It’s always warm, averaging about 75°F (23°C) and people are out enjoying the weather. There are always events and festivals going on too.

Winter is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 39-47°F (4-8°C). The plus side? There are almost no tourists around!

No matter what time of year you visit, you’re likely to encounter some drizzle or rain. Pack some rain gear and a warm sweater.

How to Stay Safe in Seattle

Seattle is a very safe place to backpack and travel. Most neighborhoods are safe to explore, especially the touristy areas, but there are a handful of places to avoid because of higher than normal violence or mugging risks. This includes around King County Courthouse and Pioneer Square, as well as the area between Pike and Pine. Don’t explore those places alone after dark.

Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in high-trafficked areas, like tourist attractions or on crowded public transit. Always keep your belongings secure and don’t wave any flashy valuables around just to be safe.

There aren’t a ton of scams here but if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Seattle Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Seattle Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

Where to Stay in Miami: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina

The 6 Best Hotels in Austin

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How to spend the perfect 3 days in seattle – a seattle weekend itinerary.

Seattle is one of the most diverse cities in the country to explore, which is why I get excited when readers tell me they’re planning a trip to the area. No matter what time of year it is, if you can spend at least 3 days in Seattle, you’ll start to see why so many people love visiting each year.

I should know – I’ve lived in the area for over 20 years, so I feel confident recommending some of the best things to do in Seattle for 3 days. It’s fun watching my friends and readers explore the city based on my recommendations, which is why I love writing these guides. While I had an itinerary for one day in Seattle , I kept getting emails asking for a longer itinerary, which is how this article was created.

In this post, I’ll give you suggestions on where to stay during your weekend in Seattle, information on Seattle transportation, and then a suggested 3 day Seattle itinerary. Feel free to make it your own to customize it based on what you want to see when you visit.

Looking for the ultimate Seattle travel guide written by a local that tells you all the best places to go and what to see? My new ebook is now live, so click here to buy your copy!

Table of Contents

How to Plan Your 3 Days in Seattle

This 3-day Seattle itinerary will take you through three different parts in and around the city. Here are some tips on how to plan your Seattle weekend before we get into the itinerary.

Where to Stay During a Weekend in Seattle

Included in your 3-day itinerary for Seattle are some recommendations for a few mid-range hotels in the Downtown area. While I have a complete guide on where to stay in Seattle , these hotels are close to the city center, and many Seattle attractions are within walking distance.

CitizenM Seattle South Lake Union – This 4-star hotel is a 10-minute walk away from the Seattle Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture. Amenities include a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a complimentary breakfast each morning. (Rates start at $104 per night)
Mayflower Park Hotel – This historic 4-star hotel is in an excellent location and has metro access. It is in the center of the Seattle Business District, close to many popular attractions. Amenities include eateries, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. (Rates start at $149)
The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel – This luxurious hotel is pricier, but with good reason. It is only a five-minute walk from Elliott Bay and the Seattle Great Wheel. The Bookstore Bar & Cafe is an excellent perk of the hotel. (Rates start at $188)

How to Get Around Seattle

The city is fairly easy to navigate, with many public transportation options available during your time in Seattle in three days. I recommend getting an ORCA card for the bus, train, and ferry. The card costs $5, and users can top it up with additional money for public transport services.

Link Light Rail

South Transit’s Link Light Rail makes transporting through the city easy on your Seattle vacation. There are five stations in downtown Seattle transporting you from Westlake to the International District. Fares range from $2.25 to $3.50, but it’s best to get day passes for your three days in Seattle if you’ll be taking the Light Rail more than twice in one day.

South Transit also has express busses that you can pay for with your ORCA card. You can take different busses depending on your needs and where you want to go. Busses have multiple stops a day, running from 7:30 am to 11 pm.

If you miss the bus times, there is also a Night Owl bus service for anyone who needs a ride between 12 am to 5 am.

Seattle has an excellent bike share service in the city, which is a fun service that allows you to borrow a bike when you need it. Cyclists can pick a bike-share bicycle to ride – these are parked in the designated parking spots. Once done, they park their bicycle in the designated parking spots for the next rider to use.

Make sure you know Seattle’s rules of the road when you ride in the city .

A car isn’t needed when you’re only planning on visiting Downtown. Parking is expensive, and the city is prone to traffic jams (plus driving up the huge hill isn’t fun!). However, if you’re planning on taking a day trip from Seattle during your 3 day trip to Seattle, a car would be the most convenient option.

One lane of the streetcar in the city runs from Downtown to Lake Union. A streetcar is a great way to take a leisurely trip through the city, and it provides incredible viewpoints of Seattle and people-watching. Fares start as low as $1, with the highest price being $2.50.

Visitors can ride the ferry to other neighborhoods close to the city. Ferry rides can be paid for using the ORCA card as well and don’t take very long. Visitors can climb on the ferry by foot, bicycle, or car. Just make sure to check online first to see the ferry times and to confirm there aren’t any delays.

3 Day Seattle Itinerary – What to Do & See

Now that you know what you need to know before planning a trip to Seattle, let’s look at your Seattle itinerary for 3 days of the city’s must-see neighborhoods and restaurants.

Day 1 – Explore Downtown and the Waterfront

Downtown and the waterfront is a must-see while in Seattle. The beautiful views of Puget Sound and the smell of the ocean will make you forget you’re in the big city and is personally one of my favorite parts of living here.

Start your first morning off right by ticking a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island off your Washington State bucket list . The island has lots to do, including a few museums and parks.

This ferry departs every day from Elliott Bay, just off the Alaskan Way. Ferry rides are available every 90 minutes, and it only takes 35 minutes to get to Bainbridge Island . Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than the departure time to make the ferry you want.

While you can drive on the ferry if you feel like exploring the island, there’s no need to since the main area is only a few minutes’ walk from the ferry. You’ll also save money by walking on instead of driving.

Once on the island, stop by a nearby diner for a hearty breakfast before exploring the island’s beautiful landscapes. I recommend stopping by Streamline Diner for a traditional American breakfast with indoor or outdoor seating.

Mid-morning

After breakfast, take a short walk over to the Bainbridge Island Museum Of Art . Admission is free, so you can enjoy exhibitions and shows from local artists at no cost. Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is also worth visiting while you’re here and is a good place to stop when looking for winter things to do in Seattle .

Bainbridge’s main business road is down the road from the museum on Winslow Way. Go shopping or stroll through the many stores while you’re there. If you’d like to go on a nature walk, head to the waterfront to visit the Waterfront Park and Trail .

When you’re done, take a ferry back to Downtown Seattle and make sure to put Pike Place Market on your 3-day itinerary in Seattle. Nearly 110 years old, this famous farmer’s market is still going strong. While it is more of a tourist trap, I still recommend everyone visits at least once.

This popular spot is a large market filled with artisans, artists, restaurants, shops, and much more. It’s open every day from 9 am to 6 pm, with some restaurants remaining open until midnight, so you have plenty of time to try famous Seattle food and get your Seattle gifts .

Try a two-hour chef-guided tour of Pike Place to get a good idea of the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. The tour is excellent for anyone who loves food tastings and trying new flavors. Afterward, you get a 10% discount voucher to use at any of the shops at the market.

The tour should fill you up a little, but if you’re still hungry, you can try out the many places Pike Place Market has to eat. My personal favorite is Pike Place Chowder , especially on a cold day (but prepare for a line).

Late-Afternoon

Just a 10-minute walk from the market will take you to the Seattle Aquarium, the ninth largest aquarium in the US. It is open daily and has six major aquatic exhibits, which will teach you plenty of fun Seattle facts about sea life during your weekend in Seattle. There is a cafe and gift shop on site if you need a snack or gifts.

Right across from the aquarium is the Seattle Great Wheel , which is fun to see at night during your 3 days in Seattle. This Ferris Wheel gives riders a panoramic look over the whole of downtown Seattle. The view is even more spectacular when it is done at sunset, so you may want to come back and bring your camera at night. You can also ride this for a fee if you want a higher viewpoint.

After a long day of activities, take it slow in the evening. By now, you should be ravenous after an eventful day. The waterfront has a great selection of fresh seafood restaurants in the area. If you want to try local seafood, I recommend Elliott’s Oyster House for good food and a beautiful view of Puget Sound.

Finally, end the perfect day of sightseeing with a stop at The Nest Rooftop Bar for a nightcap. This fun bar is located in the heart of downtown Seattle, and it is well-known for its amazing nighttime views over Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountain Range, so you wouldn’t want to miss these perfect Seattle photo spots .

Day 2 – Walk Around Seattle’s Neighborhoods

The Emerald City has dozens of neighborhoods, so it would be a shame if you didn’t visit at least a few of them on your vacation to Seattle.

On day two of this weekend trip to Seattle , you will spend the most time in Fremont. There’s also time to explore Capitol Hill and Belltown in the afternoon and evening.

The easiest way to get to Fremont if you don’t have a car is by bus. You can take the 5, 26x, 28x, 40, or 62 bus routes. Travel time is only 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your chosen course. You can also take an Uber or Lyft for a quicker journey.

Start the day with breakfast and a coffee at Milstead & Co to fuel you up for the day. This rustic coffee shop brews and sells its own coffee, so here’s your chance to try local coffee beans.

After, enjoy a pleasant stroll of Fremont’s best artworks and sculptures. The first stop is the Fremont Dinosaurs Topiary and then a four-minute walk to the Fremont Rocket . Your last stop is visiting the Fremont Troll statue that lives under a bridge.

Mid-Morning

Gas Works Park is another spot worth visiting when in Seattle for 3 days. This park has a fantastic panoramic view of the whole of Fremont. You could even bring your breakfast along and have a picnic on the hill, overlooking the substantial gas tanks on display as well as Lake Union (and you may even see a hot tub boat on the lake).

Before heading back on the road, be sure to check out Fremont Brewing Co for some local beer. They have covered outdoor seating and are both kid and dog-friendly, which I love.

Before lunch, make a stop at the Space Needle and get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful city during your Seattle three day itinerary. You can use your Seattle CityPASS card to enter this famous Seattle landmark seen in almost all photos of the city. I don’t recommend spending too much time here, but if you do have 3 days in Seattle, then it is fun to go to the top for the viewpoint.

Then, satisfy your grumbling stomach and make a stop Dick’s Drive-In . This burger shop is a local favorite with several locations around the area due to its affordable burgers, fries, and shakes. You can get all three for under $10, and you’ll be plenty full after.

instagrammable spots in seattle chihuly space needle

Now that we’ve cured the hunger, it’s time for a stop at the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Art (two perfect Seattle rainy day activities ).

The Chihuly Garden is a fantastic garden filled with colorful glass art. Its founder, Dale Chihuly, has had this long-term exhibition since 2012, and it’s a highlight in most Seattle tourists’ eyes.

The Museum of Pop Art has multiple exhibitions and interactive stations covering everything in popular art today. Exhibits range from Hip Hop to Disney and then Science Fiction, and it’s sure to have something for everybody.

Buying a Seattle CityPASS is a great way to save money on ticket costs, as you’ll be able to see multiple Seattle attractions for one price!

After Belltown, we’re moving up to spend the evening in Capitol Hill . This neighborhood is east of Seattle’s Downtown, and it’s easy to reach by bus (or you can really get your steps in by walking up the hill).

This is one of the city’s most trendy neighborhoods and there are plenty of fun places to visit in Capitol Hill . The area hosts some events, including the Seattle Pride Fest in June and the Capitol Hill Block Party in July. It is also well known for its fantastic restaurant and bar options.

There are too many places to explore in just one weekend in Seattle, but here are a few recommendations. Stop at Altura for Italian cuisine with handmade pasta, red wine, and a romantic Seattle setting . They have tasting menus with wine pairings for an elevated dining experience.

NUE is a great restaurant to go to if you’re in the mood for some exotic flavors. Their dishes are inspired by Pakistani, South African, and Malaysian cuisine, and the Jumbo Chicken Wings and Pineapple Cornbread is a crowd-pleaser at this restaurant.

If you’re in the mood for a nightcap and a bar that’s a bit funky, try out Unicorn . This carnival-themed bar sells food like corn dogs and a fun mix of cocktails. They’re located in the heart of Capitol Hill, with an arcade downstairs to release your inner child.

There are also plenty of small music venues in the area, so make sure to check them out to see who’s playing. Some of my favorites include Neumo’s and Chop Suey .

Have more time? You may be interested in a Seattle itinerary for 4 days .

Day 3 – Head Outdoors to the Arboretum and Chinatown

On the last of your 3 days in Seattle, it’s time to take a fun day trip around the city. Take a nice scenic drive to the Washington Park Arboretum , which is particularly scenic during the fall in Seattle . You can rent a car and take the 10-minute drive or take the bus and Light Link Rail depending on where you’re staying.

The Washington Park Arboretum and Japanese Garden are in Madison Park and a beautiful thing to do in Seattle in the spring . The Arboretum is a popular park in Seattle that gets thousands of visitors yearly, and it’s free of charge and open to the public every day until 8 pm.

The park has many activities for the whole family to enjoy. Take the Arboretum Tram Tour to visit six continents in one hour. The tour teaches you about plant species from over 100 countries found in the park. You’ll also get to sample a beverage from the 16th century.

Tip: Pack a picnic basket to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the garden if it’s a nice day when looking for what to do in Seattle in 3 days.

top instagrammable spots japanese gardens

The Arboretum also has a Japanese Garden in the park, one of the best Instagrammable spots in Seattle, so I recommend stopping here during your Seattle 3 day itinerary. While entry to the Arboretum is free, the Japanese Garden is not. Admission is $8 , and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

The Japanese garden is 3.5 acres of refuge from the urban city, which provides a nice break during your visit to Seattle in 3 days. The park has beautiful bridges over Koi ponds and Japanese plants otherwise not seen in the United States.

After you visit the park, you might want to take a dip in the sea at Madison Park Beach if it’s warm out. The beach includes a bathhouse and plenty of seating. If you’re not feeling brave, you can walk around it instead.

There are plenty of places to go shopping and eating opposite the road. I recommend trying out Cactus Madison Park for its bright decor and Mexican cuisine.

After a long day of traveling, it’s back to the city center of Seattle to the International District. This part of town is also known as Chinatown, and it’s every Seattle foodie’s dream. Seattle has a high Asian population, and 15% of Seattle residents are Asian American. There are actually three southeast Asian neighborhoods in this district – Chinatown, Japantown, and Vietnam town.

We’ll start our immersion tour by admiring the Cherry Trees at Kobe Terrace during your weekend in Seattle. This area is embellished with Mt Fuji cherry trees. In spring, all of the flowers bloom for a truly enchanting sight. The trees and Yukimodoro stone lantern were gifts to the city from residents in Kobe, Japan.

While in the area, visit the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience . You can take a quick two-minute drive there, but I’d suggest the five-minute walk instead. Admission is $17 , and this is the only American museum that tells the history of Asian Pacific Americans.

Our final dinner stop is in Chinatown for some dim sum at Harbor City Restaurant , just a short walk from the Wing Luke Museum. This small eatery looks unsuspecting from the outside, but it has the best authentic dim sum in the city, and it won Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award in 2020.

Before you leave the beautiful city, be sure to visit Uwajimaya for some cute Japanese treats to give to your friends and family as souvenirs from your trip.

If you want to extend your time in the area, check out some of my favorite Seattle road trips to take.

While there is so much to see in the city, this post should have given you plenty of ideas about what to do during your 3 days in Seattle. If you’re unable to do it all, you’ll just have to plan another trip back!

Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a Seattle local who's obsessed with exploring all things Pacific Northwest, especially hiking, road trips, and national parks. She's been to hundreds of places all over the region and started this website to help others discover the beauty of the area and create their own trips.

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Plan, Ready, Go

How to Spend 1 Day in Seattle (by a Former Local)

Seattle, Washington, is a gem of a city in the great Pacific Northwest. While I would recommend a trip to Seattle of at least a couple of days, you still can see a lot with just 1 day in Seattle .  

There are a ton of great things to do in the heart of the downtown and waterfront plus amazing options for day trips outside of the city as well. I was born in Seattle and lived in the area for the first 29 years of my life. I believe it’s truly one of the best places to visit in Washington State .

One-day Seattle itinerary highlights

Stop by the original Starbucks at 1912 Pike Place and consider visiting the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for a unique coffee experience.
Visit the iconic Pike Place Market early to avoid crowds and see the famous fish-throwing.
Snap a picture at the unique Gum Wall in Post Alley, near Pike Place Market.
Enjoy a waterfront lunch at Ivar’s Fish Bar on Pier 54.
Don’t miss the Space Needle , one of Seattle’s most photographed landmarks, and if time allows, visit the Museum of Pop Culture or Chihuly Garden and Glass nearby.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclaimer.

To see the best of Seattle in one day, just follow our itinerary below. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Grab your FREE printable travel planner today.

If you have more time to spend in Seattle than one day, check out my perfect Seattle weekend itinerary or my 4-day Seattle itinerary.

Itinerary: What to see in Seattle in one day

A Seattle one-day trip won’t give you a lot of time to see the city sites, BUT you can still see some of the best. If you’re planning your first visit to Seattle, I recommend following this itinerary, as it’s really intended for first-timers.

If it’s NOT your first time, don’t worry. I have a lot of other suggestions in this post for things to see in Seattle in one day.

You might want to consider buying the Seattle CityPASS . Based on how much you cram into your day, it could actually save you money. And you’ll get admission to many of Seattle’s premier sites and attractions.

Need help planning your trip to Seattle? Check out our list of the essential travel planning resources .

Explore the iconic Pike Place Market

Aside from the Space Needle, Pike Place Market is one of those sites that is just quintessentially Seattle .

From flowers to amazing produce and from artisanal foods to fine handcrafts, you’ll love exploring every inch of this amazing place. Make sure to stop by Pike Place Fish in the Main Arcade. They’re the guys who throw the fish. You really can’t miss them, because they’ll be surrounded by tourists.

fish market stall at the Pike Place Market in Seattle

If you’re driving to the Market, there is paid parking available in their garage. If you stay at one of the hotels we recommend (see below) you can walk to Pike Place Market.

Pike Place Market recommends making your visit before noon if you can, while there are smaller crowds. During peak summer travel times, weekdays are your best bet to avoid crowds.

Consider taking a behind-the-scenes guided tour of Pike Place Market with early access before all the crowds arrive. Take a look here .

Photo spot: Gum wall

Address: 1428 Post Alley

Just a few steps away from Pike Place Market and the people throwing fish, you’ll find the Gum Wall. Yes, it’s weird. But it’s also kind of marvelous.

If you can stomach it, the Gum Wall is a fun and unique Seattle photo spot . You may also contribute to the wall if you wish.

In November 2015, more than one ton of gum was removed from the wall and everything was cleaned. Apparently, the sugars in the gum were causing damage to the bricks. More gum was added starting immediately after the cleaning was completed.

the author posing by the gum wall in Seattle

Enjoy lunch on the water at Ivar’s Fish Bar

Address: 1001 Alaskan Way

For lunch (especially if the weather is agreeable), head to the water to Pier 54 and Ivar’s Fish Bar . It’s just about the most Seattle thing you can do for lunch.

Beware. The seagulls will want your fries. I’m serious.

For a higher-end Ivar’s dining experience, you might like Ivar’s Acres of Clams right next door. They offer both indoor and outdoor (deck) seating, which is right on the water.

Other waterfront dining options include Elliott’s Oyster House and The Crab Pot (near Waterfront Park and the Seattle Great Wheel). Incidentally, my sister and brother-in-law had their wedding rehearsal dinner at The Crab Pot.

Check out the oldest Starbucks store

Okay okay. The Starbucks located at 1912 Pike Place is not the first Starbucks store, but it is the location where the first store moved in the mid-1970s. And it’s been operating there continuously ever since.

If you’re a Starbucks fan (like me) you won’t mind waiting in the long line of tourists to see the inside of the store and pick up one of the Seattle souvenirs that you can only find in that location.

If what you actually are looking for is a cup of coffee then I recommend that you head to the Starbucks location on 1st and Pike Street . It’s a large location where you can get Clover brewed cups of Starbucks Reserve coffees. Soooo good.

three small metal coffee pots with three small coffee cups

For the full Starbucks Coffee experience take an excursion to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery at 1124 Pike Street. They offer unique drinks plus coffee experiences like origin and brew comparison flights. Also…more souvenirs. It’s amazing.

Space Needle

Address: 400 Broad Street

After lunch and coffee (or coffee then lunch), make your way over to the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle has become an internationally recognized symbol for the city and is one of the most photographed structures in the world.

It has undergone a multi-year renovation and preservation process and now includes the world’s first and only rotating glass floor .

Be advised, that the Space Needle is not an inexpensive attraction to visit; however, it is a pretty unforgettable one. They do have a few different ticket options to help you plan the best experience for you. The Space Needle participates in Seattle CityPASS but you will still need to reserve your timed entry.

Museum of Pop Culture or Chihuly Garden and Glass

To round out your Seattle one-day trip, pay a visit to either the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or Chihuly Garden and Glass. Both are located adjacent to the Space Needle.

Designed by Frank Gehry—and once called the Experience Music Project—the Museum of Pop Culture offers exhibitions and educational programs dedicated to creativity and contemporary pop culture.

MoPOP recommends that guests purchase their tickets in advance.

Detail of Museum of Pop Culture Facade in Seattle

Chihuly Garden and Glass is an indoor and outdoor long-term art exhibition dedicated to the work of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly’s artwork really needs to be seen in person to be believed. The museum recommends that visitors plan to spend one to two hours touring the exhibitions.

Featured tours and activities in Seattle, Washington

If you’re in Seattle because you’re about to head off on a cruise, you might enjoy this pre-cruise guided tour . It includes hotel pick-up and port drop-off so that you’re guaranteed to get to your ship in time. Check it out here .

Or perhaps you’re not really a city person and want to get out of Seattle completely. With this guided day trip to Mount Rainier , you’ll take in stunning views and learn more about this important natural landmark.

Other great things to do on a Seattle day trip

While I think my itinerary is the best way to visit Seattle in one day (especially for a first-time visit), there are any number of things you could use as substitutions for my recommendations.

Or if you’re planning a little bit longer visit to the Emerald City, you could use some of these to fill out your itinerary.

The Seattle Great Wheel

Right on the water at Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel is the tallest Ferris Wheel on the West Coast and extends 40 feet out over Elliott Bay.

Seattle Aquarium

Also located on the Seattle Waterfront (at Pier 59), the Seattle Aquarium would be a great option to add to your itinerary especially if you’re traveling with children. I spent many happy school field trip days as a child at the Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo (see below).

Seattle Art Museum

I’ve visited premier art museums all over the world, and I think that the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) easily stands up next to many of them. They have an impressive permanent collection of contemporary art and frequently offer special exhibits of major artists and artworks.

SAM is located at 1300 First Avenue about one block from Pike Place Market . SAM participates in First Free Thursdays, which offers free access to area museums on the first Thursday of each month. First Free Thursdays at SAM includes both general admission and special exhibits.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals.

Ride the monorail

Even if you’re not planning to use the Seattle Center Monorail for transportation, it’s still a fun and cheap activity you can try out.

It departs about every 10 minutes from one of two stations, Westlake Center or Seattle Center, and it only takes about 2 minutes to get from one end of the line to the other.

Depending on where you’re staying, it’s a convenient way to get from your hotel (if you’re staying near Westlake Center like at the Mayflower Park) to the Space Needle. The Westlake Center monorail station is just about a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market.

Woodland Park Zoo

One of the premier zoos in the U.S., Woodland Park is not conveniently located near downtown attractions like the Seattle Aquarium but is worth a trip if you have the time and ability to get there.

This is another great option that those traveling with children might especially want to check out. WPZ strongly recommends that guests purchase their tickets ahead of time online.

If you don’t have a car with you, you could use an app-based ride share like Uber or Lyft, or take a Seattle Metro bus (#5 to Phinney Ave. N. and N. 55th St.) to use the West Entrance.

Where to stay in Seattle

Mayflower Park Hotel —Stay in the heart of downtown Seattle within walking distance of Pike Place Market and just steps from the Westlake Center monorail stop, making is super easy to get to the Space Needle, Seattle Center, MoPOP and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Check rates and availability here .

Hotel Ändra —Also within convenient walking distance of the Seattle waterfront and the Westlake Monorail station, Hotel Ändra offers unique boutique accommodations. It’s also about a 15-minute walk to the Space Needle. Check availability here .

Ace Hotel —located in the popular Belltown neighborhood, Ace Hotel offers affordable accommodations just more than a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. It’s also about a 7-minute walk to Olympic Sculpture Park. Check out available rooms here .

When to visit Seattle

You’re going to find the best weather in Seattle between July and September (when it’s drier and temps average in the 70s and upper 60s), although it can actually get quite hot.

You’ll also find a lot of tourists at the top sites like Pike Place Market (okay that one is always busy—even in the dead of winter in my experience) and the Space Needle during those months.

Yes, Seattle is rainy. It has more rainy days than most cities in the U.S. but it’s not nearly the rainiest city by annual rainfall. The months with the most rainy days are typically November through February and into March.

What to pack for Seattle

Now, while the summer weather in Seattle can be wonderful, it can also be quite hot. Follow weather reports closely and plan accordingly. Seattle is a city where I definitely recommend packing to wear layers . Check out my post about packing for an overnight trip for my best tips and advice.

The rest of the year, be prepared for at least overcast skies and some rain. You might not necessarily need an umbrella . Often a rain shell with a good hood is sufficient.

Seattle is also a very casual city. Comfort is generally the rule of the day.

How to get to Seattle

The best way to get to Seattle is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) . There are many ways to get from SeaTac to your accommodations, including:

Link Light Rail runs from the airport to several stops including downtown Seattle
King County Metro and Sound Transit buses
Shared van ride services like Capital Aeroporter
Ride share like Uber and Lyft
Check to see if your hotel offers an airport shuttle

Final thoughts on things to see in Seattle in one day

Seattle, Washington, is a stunningly beautiful city that’s a unique combination of sleek and modern alongside rugged natural scenery. To visit Seattle in one day will require some planning, but you can definitely see the best of the best with just a day trip.

Especially if it’s your first visit, I recommend you stick to the top sites and then do more when you have the chance to go back. As a Seattle native, I’m a little biased about the Emerald City. I hope you love it as much as I do.

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Seattle City Council approves plan to evaluate pedestrian-only Pike Place streets

Pike place market a step closer to limiting cars.

It's a decades old debate. Should car traffic be banned at Pike Place Market? Folks who want to the cars gone are one step closer to getting their wish.

SEATTLE - It's a decades-old debate – should car traffic be banned at Seattle's Pike Place Market?

People who want the market's streets to have fewer vehicles are one step closer to getting their wish.

On Tuesday, the Seattle City Council approved an evaluation under the Transportation Plan to determine whether some streets through Pike Place Market should remain pedestrian-only instead of open to vehicle traffic.

The plan was a comprehensive 20-year vision for the city's streets, sidewalks and public spaces. It was sponsored by Seattle City Council member Rob Saka of District 1, Chair of the Transportation Committee, the plan represents the culmination of a collaborative effort involving the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Mayor’s Office and the Council over the past two years.

People walk past the Pike Place Market, Seattle's top tourist destination on March 09, 2022, in Seattle, Wash. (John Moore/Getty Images)

That plan also included an amendment sponsored by District 7 Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle, who came out against the plan, arguing vehicle access needs to be preserved, especially for delivery drivers.

"I am proud to have sponsored this amendment that will bring SDOT, Pike Place Market PDA, Pike Place Historical Commission, and others into the same conversation. It creates a process for evaluating the future uses of Pike Place that ensures everyone has a seat at the table – from its residents, vendors, and visitors to first responders," said Councilmember Kettle. "This project will evaluate the functions, needs, and users of Pike Place to balance the continued multiple uses of the street such as emergency access, deliveries and logistics, and public use. This review will be led with the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority and this review will include Council district representation, public safety, and other community stakeholders."

What will the Seattle Transportation Plan do?

The Seattle Transportation Plan aims to address safety, equity, sustainability, mobility and economic vitality, livability and maintenance and modernization.

Key objectives include preserving and modernizing aging infrastructure, increasing sidewalk access, reducing traffic fatalities and injuries and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

The plan outlines more than 81 projects to be pursued over the next two decades, with a focus on improving transportation infrastructure across the city.

While the plan does not include specific funding, it will guide future funding decisions, including those related to the proposed Transportation Levy renewal.

What's next?

SDOT is tasked with developing an implementation strategy by September 2025, considering available funding sources, including the potential renewal of the Transportation Levy.

Mayor Bruce Harrell's proposal for the Transportation Levy renewal is anticipated to be formally transmitted in the coming weeks. The Council’s Select Committee on the 2024 Transportation Levy is scheduled to convene for the first time on May 7 to consider the proposal.

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Seattle City Council unanimously passes Seattle Transportation Plan

The Seattle City Council just unanimously passed the Seattle Transportation Plan —a 20-year vision for the future of Seattle’s streets, sidewalks, and public spaces.

The legislation is sponsored by Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Chair of the Transportation Committee. It is the culmination of a two-year collaborative process between the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Mayor’s Office, and the Council.

“Seattleites deserve safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. Over the past few months, I’ve been out with SDOT crews filling potholes, inspecting bridges, and assessing sidewalks. They are some of the most hardworking, dedicated public servants we have. It’s time we commit to our transportation goals and give them the resources they need to succeed. That’s what this plan is all about,” said Councilmember Saka .

“It’s time for us to prioritize the bold basics of local government. From filling potholes to expanding access to public transit, this 20-year vision for the future of Seattle’s roads does just that. Local government can’t solve every problem on its own, but when we put our mind to it, we can build world-class transportation infrastructure,” said Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee.

What will the Seattle Transportation Plan will do?

The Seattle Transportation Plan’s goals are safety, equity, sustainability, mobility and economic vitality, livability, and maintenance and modernization. To achieve these goals, among other things, the plan intends to:

Preserve, modernize and maintain our aging bridges, roads, sidewalks, and other critical infrastructure;
Increase access to sidewalks—particularly by constructing NEW sidewalks, improving bike lanes, and enhancing public transit opportunities;
Reduce the number of traffic deaths and serious injuries; and
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make our roads more efficient.

The plan includes an expansive and aspirational list of more 81 projects that could be pursued to achieve these goals over the next 20 years.

While the Seattle Transportation Plan does not include specific funding, it is intended to guide future funding decisions. That includes the proposed Transportation Levy renewal.

Learn more via SDOT’s Seattle Transportation Plan webpage .

What’s next?

The Seattle Transportation Plan calls for SDOT to create an implementation strategy by September 2025. That implementation strategy will take into account all the funding available for the transportation projects. Much of that will depend on the potential renewal of the Transportation Levy.

The Mayor is expected to formally transmit his proposal for the Transportation Levy renewal in the next few weeks. It will then be considered by the Council’s Select Committee on the 2024 Transportation Levy , which is scheduled to meet for the first time on May 7 at 10:30 AM.

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How to plan your dream vacation

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself.

An inviting miniature beach vacation scene sits inside a yellow suitcase. The vacation scene is set on a periwinkle backdrop and features an airplane flying into the scene and a train driving across the pull-out handle of the suitcase.

MARIELLE SEGARRA, HOST:

You're listening to LIFE KIT...

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SEGARRA: ...From NPR.

Hey, everybody. It's Marielle. You remember the early part of the pandemic when the days of isolation stretched into months? At night, I would lay on the floor of my apartment with my eyes closed and listen to guided meditations, to try to take myself to a happier place. One time the prompt was something like, picture yourself doing something that brings you great joy. The first thing that popped into my head was an image of me wandering the cobblestone streets of some small European village, probably in France. The sun was shining, and every step I took was a feast for the eyes. Medieval houses, colorful flowers resting in vases on outdoor tables, patisseries with gorgeous pastries in the window, just waiting to be eaten.

I didn't realize until that moment just how much I missed traveling and how badly I wanted to look at something outside of my four walls or the blocks of my neighborhood. The next year, I took a three-week trip to the U.K. and France, and I ate those pastries and wandered until my feet hurt and filled a hole that had been growing inside of me.

Big trips can do that. Lale Arikoglu knows what I'm talking about. She's the articles director at Conde Nast Traveler.

LALE ARIKOGLU: On a really basic level, I think it's just being able to have a break from the crush of regular life, whether that's work or childcare or school, wherever it may be, you know, the opportunity to just take yourself out of your routine and be somewhere else and get to immerse yourself in that place to me is, like, the main draw of it.

SEGARRA: Now, when we talk about a big trip, that could mean different things depending on your travel style and your budget. You know, it might be a long road trip or an extended stay at a cottage in the woods or a multi-city tour on another continent. But it's typically something you save up for and plan months in advance. Lale has a big trip coming up. She's going to Peru.

ARIKOGLU: I've been waiting to do it for a long time. The reason to go there is for a friend's wedding. And now I'm building a trip around it, and it's going to be about ten days long with multi-stops, you know, having to choose multiple places to stay. And logistically, you know, it's actually taking some thought and some planning. One of the things that we're going to do when we're there is hike Machu Picchu. There's a group of us going. And Machu Picchu - it's a dream to see and experience.

SEGARRA: Now, it's easy to get bogged down in trip planning. And it might stop you from booking the thing entirely, but Lale says, do it. It's worth it.

On this episode of LIFE KIT, Lale shares her best tips on planning the big trip of your dreams. We'll talk about where to start your search, what logistical questions you should ask yourself and how to actually relax and enjoy yourself once you're there.

SEGARRA: Let's say I do want to take a big trip, right? I'm feeling that itch to travel, but...

ARIKOGLU: Right.

SEGARRA: ...I don't have a destination in mind yet or a duration. I'm really starting from scratch. Where does the planning start?

ARIKOGLU: When you start the planning, you've really got to think what you want to get out of the trip. You know, If you really just want to decompress and relax and rest, then you probably don't want to do some like multi-stop European city trip, right? You probably don't want to hike Machu Picchu. Perhaps it is that you're incredibly bored of your surroundings, and you need adventure and you need excitement. And therefore, you're going to be thinking of some really different destinations. It might be that you're traveling alone for the first time. You've decided to do a solo trip. You know, where is a place that might feel comfortable for you as a solo traveler, but still feels like it's taking you out of your comfort zone? So I think it's sitting with yourself and thinking, OK, what is, like, the goal here? That's takeaway one. Ask yourself what do you want to get from this? Set the mission of your trip.

It feels like another really important detail at the beginning is budget, right? Like, how much money do you realistically want to spend on this trip or can you afford to spend?

ARIKOGLU: And, you know, that's going to look different for everyone. If we're talking big trips, rarely are they spontaneous, right? You're planning for a long time. So that also allows you to save and finance for it. No, there's lots of great savings apps that can just, you know, that take a little bit of money out of your paycheck every few weeks, and you can kind of start, like, a travel fund that way. I think that's quite a nice way to do it. But I think, you know, you can do a big trip on a budget. It doesn't have to be, I think, a lavish, international trip. I mean, you know, we're going into spring and summer, there are so many incredible national parks to see, there are so many amazing, very diverse, different cities. There's, like, so much on your doorstep, so I think you can really argue, you don't have to cross continents to have a big trip. And so if that feels a more affordable way to get away for a couple of weeks, then, you know, look in your backyard.

SEGARRA: Right. I wonder, too, like, part of budget, besides money, is also time. Like, how much vacation time do you have? Do you have any tips for people who don't have that much vacation time?

ARIKOGLU: So I think if you look at the calendar and you look at where the holiday weekends fall, There are some tricks to being able to kind of, like, turn your limited number of vacation days into - kind of you can stretch it out if you bookend it with a holiday weekend or something like that. But on the flip side, it's also most expensive time to travel, right? There is an argument for choosing shoulder season, so that's not traveling to a destination when it's at its peak. And this is great for your own personal experience, but it's also in terms of helping that destination deal with overtourism, overcrowding. If we're talking about Europe, for example, the summers are getting hotter. So avoiding those really intense, hot, summer seasons can actually be really advantageous for your own travel plans.

SEGARRA: Yeah. That seems like maybe the next thing to consider as you're planning a big trip before you start looking at destinations is what time of year are you looking to travel?

ARIKOGLU: Definitely. And that's more of a luxury for some people because If you're having to navigate school holidays, then you're a little bit more limited. But again, it's sort of when you're thinking about carving out those goals and what you want to get out of the trip. Maybe it's the seasonality that's really important. Maybe it's all you want is hot weather and a beach. You know, if you're planning some summer travel, you could totally flip things on its head and go experience winter somewhere. I went to Patagonia when it was entering into their fall in Chile, and it was a really magnificent time to be there, and it was when New York City was going into spring. It felt like upside-down land to be choosing to do that, and it was so wonderful. It was great.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think there's a lot of room for creativity there. And also, as you said, like, it opens up more possibilities if you consider going places during the shoulder season.

ARIKOGLU: And you get to be in a place and actually be in the place with the people who live there. One thing in August, if you go to Europe, everyone who lives there has, you know, gone off somewhere else on vacation to escape the heat and the tourists, and so, you know, you're in Rome with just all the other tourists and none of the Romans.

SEGARRA: All right, so takeaway two. Before you land on a destination, think about your constraints. What time of year do you plan to travel? For how long? What budget are you working with? If you're short on time, you can make use of holidays or pick a destination closer to home. If you're short on money, think creatively. You know, maybe you do a road trip through some parks or cities nearby.

SEGARRA: It seems like another thing to consider here is, how much do you like crowds? Because for me, it kind of ruins a trip or an experience if everywhere I go is super crowded. I get very overwhelmed by that and overstimulated.

ARIKOGLU: And it's also, you know, who are the crowds? Because there's been times when I've gone somewhere and I've gone and done the same bucket list site that everyone else is, and you're sort of standing there and you're thinking, What am I actually here for? Well, what is the purpose of this? What am I getting out of it? What am I giving to this destination other than just being another member of the crowd?

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think that's an important question, right? 'Cause, like, we have been talking about what are you looking to get out of it, for the most part. But there's another side to this - right? - and it's what am I giving? And also, what am I taking? Like, am I taking too much from this place?

ARIKOGLU: I think about that a lot. When you're planning, be really thoughtful about where you're spending your money. When you're choosing a hotel, is it a hotel that is locally owned? What restaurants are you booking? Where are you shopping? Where are you buying your souvenirs? You know, I think there's lots of ways to be really thoughtful about, you know, how you spend your money, and that can go into your budgeting, as well.

SEGARRA: I know there are certain places that at a certain time, at least, they said, please, tourists, like, please stop coming or stop coming during this time.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. When a destination says that, I mean, it's something to be taken so seriously because they're usually destinations that have an infrastructure or an economy that really relies on tourism. So things have to have gotten pretty bad for a destination to say, take a beat, not right now, and listen to that, and, you know, the place will be better for it when you do go see it.

SEGARRA: I picture it as if you were, like, going to - going over, like, a friend's house uninvited, or, like, if they were like, please, today's not good. Like, our whole family's sick, like, we're all throwing up, and then you were still banging on the door, like, hey, what are you doing? Can I come stay over?

ARIKOGLU: I think that is a perfect analogy. Perfect. And no one wants to be that person.

SEGARRA: No.

ARIKOGLU: I'd hate to be that person.

SEGARRA: That'd be weird behavior.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah.

SEGARRA: Takeaway three, travel responsibly. Research the places you're interested in, and make sure they want tourists at the time you're looking to visit. When you're booking, consider putting your money toward the local economy rather than international chains. Also, learn about whatever destination you choose. Be open to the cultural practices and languages there. And be a respectful visitor.

Anything else that people would want to figure out before they start narrowing down or looking at destinations?

ARIKOGLU: I think it's also thinking about who you want to travel with. Someone can be your best friend, but they can be your worst roommate. I think travel's kind of the same, so kind of finding someone to travel with or a group of people to travel with who you're aligned with in the planning stage, rather than when you get there and then you suddenly discover you all want to do different things. So I think communicating right off the back what you all want out of the trip and what you're excited about and also being really honest with each other about finances.

If you're on a group trip, I mean, it's like splitting the bill, but a thousand times worse. And so I think if you can kind of, like, set some parameters at the start and be really honest about what you feel comfortable spending money on because inevitably, there is going to be some people on the trip who want to spend more money on some things than others.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And it seems like that conversation, there should be some form of that before you book anything.

ARIKOGLU: Yes, 100%. And, you know, I think even if you don't feel comfortable doing it, speaking up if something just feels too expensive.

SEGARRA: All right. So takeaway four, figure out who you're traveling with. You might prefer to travel alone, or if you're going with friends, partners, or family, just make sure you're on the same page about what you want from the trip - the pace, the activities and how much money you can spend.

SEGARRA: OK. So it sounds like we've given people a lot of things to consider before they choose a destination. Once they've done this soul searching, how can they start to find destinations that fit those desires and limitations?

ARIKOGLU: For me, part of the fun of travel planning is doing the research, whether it is a trusted travel publication or reading some books you love or going on to - you know, there's, like, a ton of just, like, online communities of people who love swapping travel tips and actually, I think, can be really helpful.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think it can be helpful maybe to in the brainstorming stage to just, like, not go in too deep but just make a list of places that seem exciting to you and that might fit your parameters. Like, I have a Google Doc, and it's just, like, places that I would be really excited to go.

SEGARRA: When you are considering a destination, how helpful is social media - is - like, seeing where your friends are going or where influencers are going? Is it a good idea to follow those trends?

ARIKOGLU: I think it can be useful in picking things you want to do once you're there, particularly if it's, like, based around, like, big events or openings. You know, we have our best places to go list that runs every year. It could be, like, new train routes, new hiking routes, new museums that have opened, things that are happening in destinations centered around an anniversary. So, you know, kind of consulting those sorts of lists and rounds up as well can be very helpful. But I think, you know, going back to what we were talking about in terms of over tourism or overcrowding - you know, on social media, you will see people at the same spots time and time again. And they're usually spots where just around the corner, there's also something equally beautiful to see.

SEGARRA: Yeah. Like, I remember when Santorini was really popular. And it's like, whew - like, if you could actually see what was going on behind that photo, like, you would hate being there because it's so - it's just way too many people...

ARIKOGLU: Right. Right.

SEGARRA: ...All lining up to take a picture in - against that beautiful backdrop.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And, you know, it's Santorini. It's all beautiful. It's all amazing.

SEGARRA: OK. So takeaway five is to choose a destination. And cast a wide net when you're brainstorming 'cause you never know what's going to catch your eye. Also, Lale says, do your best to think outside of the current travel trends. Though you can use them for inspiration.

So once you've got a destination in mind, how can you start to sketch out the details of the trip? And I guess I should say, how much detail do you really need to figure out?

ARIKOGLU: So I was going to say, don't overschedule yourself, and don't overbook yourself. I think I've been guilty of doing that before, and then you realize that you have no downtime. It might seem like you're being really efficient, but you need a little bit of spontaneity on your trip. Don't overschedule. If there are a few key things you really want to do that you feel you will be crushed if you don't get to do it, then book it. Make sure that's arranged all in advance. So maybe it's finding one thing on each day of your trip. That's what you center your day around and you can frame your itinerary around that, but I wouldn't overschedule.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And then I think when you look at these things potentially sketched out on different days, then you say like, you know, that seems too busy. What's the most important to me here? Like, which of these activities do I want to book ahead?

ARIKOGLU: Right. You know, if you're suddenly realizing - you're like, I am cramming a lot in if I try to go to these three places, then choosing which one to let go.

SEGARRA: Yeah. 'Cause that's always a consideration, too. Like, if you're flying somewhere far, you might think, well, I'm already going to Poland, should I also do Germany?

SEGARRA: There's that impulse, you know? Or I'm going to Poland, so I want to see all of Poland. But that can make for a very frenetic kind of trip.

ARIKOGLU: And you wouldn't tell someone who was visiting America to be like, well, you've come all the way to America, so if you're going to New York, then you also need to go to New Orleans.

SEGARRA: Right, right. Exactly. That's Takeaway 6 - keep your schedule light and malleable. Lally recommends picking only one activity to do for each day of your trip and then building a flexible itinerary around those.

You know, it occurs to me that another element of a big trip when I'm going into them - I know that something's going to go awry during it.

ARIKOGLU: Always (laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah.

SEGARRA: I remember being in Barcelona when I was in college. I went by myself for, like, a week. And I speak Spanish, but it wasn't fluent at the time. And I just got - I just missed being able to easily say what I wanted to say, and I went into, like, a Wendy's or something because I just wanted something kind of American. And I got some chicken nuggets. I couldn't think how to say nuggets in Spanish. Like, I was like, is that even a word, like, in Spanish, or did they just say nuggets? And I just broke and started speaking in English because I was trying to only speak Spanish. And I was like, I give up. Like, can I get some chicken nuggets, please?

ARIKOGLU: The true American in you comes out screaming at chicken nuggets in a foreign McDonald's.

SEGARRA: Yeah, yeah, give me my nuggies.

ARIKOGLU: (Laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah, I just - like, sometimes you just need to go roll up into a ball and eat your chicken nuggies and be by yourself for a minute and then come back out, you know?

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. I mean, like, travel so much of the time is sort of, like, infantilizing because you're so powerless. But it's, like, the same in an airport. You're just sort of powerless at a certain extent when things go wrong. And I think my approach to it - to sort of very taxing and challenging air travel schedules, with connections and potential miss flights and lost luggage and all the things that come with that - is to sort of just give myself up to the airport gods, and just as soon as I'm, like, through TSA, just be like, what will be will be. I'll get there eventually and just, like, I'm powerless. And that's been, like, for me, quite liberating. And it also means that I'm not the person screaming at some poor gate agent when things go wrong.

SEGARRA: Yeah, it's a moment of - it's actually an opportunity for mindfulness. Like, I think that could even be helpful going into a big trip, to tell yourself, like, something is going to go wrong. Yeah, just keep that in mind.

ARIKOGLU: Oh, my God, so much of travel is about being tired and hungry.

SEGARRA: We're really selling this.

ARIKOGLU: I know.

SEGARRA: (Laughter).

ARIKOGLU: I'm like, my whole job is to travel. It's great.

SEGARRA: Isn't it terrible? Yeah.

SEGARRA: I try to remind myself, like - what is the point? - like, go back to those goals. What is the point of this? It's to have a good experience, to meet those needs, to give myself what I've been craving.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And I don't know. This sounds a little cheesy and a little trite, but anyone who gets to travel is really lucky. Ultimately, it's a real privilege that you get to do it. And it's such a freedom and it's such a special thing.Don't make it stressful.

SEGARRA: That's our final takeaway. Something on your trip is bound to go wrong. So once you're there, sit back and try to surrender. After all, traveling in the first place is a treat.

SEGARRA: OK, jet-setters, time for a recap. First, figure out what you want from this vacation. Decide your budget and time constraints. Commit to traveling ethically. Make sure you're aligned with the people you're traveling with. When you choose a destination, cast a wide net and have fun with the research. Don't overschedule yourself, and once you're there, relax and roll with the punches. For more LIFE KIT, check out our other episodes. We've got one on how to find cheap flights and another on how to pack your suitcase like a pro. You can find those at np.org/lifekit. And if you love LIFE KIT and you just cannot get enough, subscribe to our newsletter at np.org/lifekitnewsletter. Also, we love hearing from you, so if you have episode ideas or feedback you want to share, e-mail us at [email protected].

This episode of LIFE KIT was produced by Margaret Cirino. Our visuals editor is Beck Harlan and our digital editor is Malaka Gharib. Meghan Keane is our supervising editor and Beth Donovan is our executive producer. Our production team also includes Andee Tagle, Clare Marie Schneider and Sylvie Douglis. Engineering support comes from Robert Rodriguez. I'm Marielle Segarra. Thanks for listening.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Sounders look to bounce back with stretch of road matches ahead

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The Seattle Sounders have a challenging week ahead as the team travels to the East Coast to take on D.C. United on Saturday (4:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV , 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM) and the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday.

“We know this stretch is huge,” said forward Jordan Morris . “And playing two games on the road against really good teams is not going to be easy.”

It has been a bumpy road for the Sounders so far this season with the team only having one win to show for after eight matches.

“We have to find a way to turn that around,” said Morris. “Especially the last game, against a rival at home, losing the way we did was not acceptable.”

The Sounders currently sit in 12th place out of 14 clubs in the Western Conference after last Saturday’s 2-0 loss against the Vancouver Whitecaps. So, identifying alterations in the team’s approach to recent matches has been a focus during this week’s training.

Increasing cohesion is something the team is looking to improve upon moving forward.

“We're maybe playing more as individuals versus a collective and when we're at our best work, we work as a collective group,” said Morris. “I think the main message is, be united as a group, work hard for each other, celebrate the little things and get back to what we're good at.”

Morris believes the extended away trip will benefit exactly that.

“It's good to be together as a group for an extended period of time,” he said. “I think that could be helpful in terms of bonding together.”

The coaching staff also recognizes their significance in terms of match outcomes and how they can impact results as the team looks ahead to the remainder of the season.

“We have to continue to train what we believe in. I thought at the back end of last season we ended up in second place with a lot of the same group playing a certain way and being really solid in what we want it to look like and that hasn't quite come out enough lately, especially in the final third,” said Assistant Coach Andy Rose. “So, [we need to] continue to work, continue to give the players confidence, continue in training to really push the levels, push the standards, make sure everybody's on the same page and bought in and reward guys that are doing that.”

A couple daunting road tests on the horizon, the team’s mindset is to take it game by game, with their main priority being Saturday's match against D.C. United.

“All focus has to be on D.C. and really go in there with the belief that we can get three points,” said Rose. “We understand it's going to be a really tough game. They've got a new coach this season, a really good coach, and they play with a ton of energy and a lot of belief. So, for us, it needs to be really thinking about the fundamentals and ensuring that technically, we're really sound on the ball.”

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Wednesday, Apr 24, 2024, 05:51 PM. The Seattle Sounders have a challenging week ahead as the team travels to the East Coast to take on D.C. United on Saturday (4:30 p.m. PT; Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM) and the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday. "We know this stretch is huge," said forward Jordan Morris.

The Perfect 3 Days In Seattle Itinerary [2024 Guide]

Day 1 – Enjoy Pike Place Market & Downtown Seattle

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9:00 AM – Visit Pike Place Market

11:00 AM – Add to the Gum Wall

12:00 PM – Seattle Waterfront and Great Wheel

3:00 PM – Seattle Center

10:00 AM – Capitol Hill

2:00 PM – Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

3:00 PM – Underground Tour

5:00 PM – Smith Tower

8:00 PM – See a show at the Paramount Theater

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11:00 AM – Tour the University of Washington

3:00 PM – The Fremont Troll

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6:00 PM – Kerry Park

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The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in Seattle Itinerary

How Many Days in Seattle?

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