planning your trip to seattle

The Best Time to Visit Seattle

Seattle Weather & Climate

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Budget Seattle Hotels

Driving in Seattle

How to Get Around Seattle

The Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Skiing Near Seattle

Swimming in Seattle

National Parks Near Seattle

The Best Parks in Seattle

Museums in Seattle

Theater in Seattle

Live Music in Seattle

48 Hours in Seattle

Day Trips From Seattle

Tours to Take in Seattle

Local Food to Try in Seattle

Nightlife in Seattle

Breweries in Seattle

Your Trip to Seattle: The Complete Guide

Trips to Seattle: A Complete Guide

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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

What to do with 24 hours in Seattle

A Travel Guide for How to Visit Seattle on a Budget

8 Best Things to Do on the Downtown Seattle, Washington Waterfront

The 28 Best Day Trips From Seattle

Top 12 Washington State Attractions

The 40 Best Things to Do in Seattle

Plan Your Trip to Washington State

12 Best Free Attractions in Seattle

Your Trip to Vancouver: The Complete Guide

Travel Editors and Writers Share Their Favorite Food Crawls for 7 US Cities—From New Orleans to Austin

9 Coolest Seattle Landmarks

The Top 10 Neighborhoods to Explore in Seattle

Seattle Tourist Attractions - On and Off the Beaten Path

Your Trip to Portland, Oregon: The Complete Guide

The Grand Hyatt Seattle – An Amazing Place to Stay in Downtown Seattle

Restaurants with a Scenic View in Seattle

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The Best Weekend Trip to Seattle: My Perfect 3 Day Seattle Itinerary

last Updated: April 24, 2024 Seattle Washington

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Washington and trying to plan the perfect long weekend trip to Seattle?! I promise you, after reading this 3 day Seattle itinerary, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to make it to the Pacific Northwest!

There’s a reason Seattle’s called “The Emerald City”. It’s a dynamic city with a booming tech industry, thriving coffee culture, and an active and outdoor lifestyle – easily the crown jewel of the PNW! Add in quirky and hip neighborhoods, tons of green space, world-class cuisine, and that iconic Space Needle, and you’ll be planning your weekend in Seattle faster than you realize!

And oh, the views! Washington State’s largest city (yes, that’s Seattle we’re talking about!), has scenic views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, plenty of islands (hello Bainbridge and Whidbey!), plus Mount Rainier (when she ain’t hiding)!

Now that I live in California , I make it to Seattle every other year. And quite honestly, I’m never ready to leave! There’s way too much to do – but follow my Seattle itinerary and you’ll get to all my favorites.

I’ve been to the city a handful of times – 3 days in Seattle for some fall foliage, a quick trip en route to Olympic National Park , and most recently, a long weekend in Seattle to visit some close friends who recently moved there.

And get this – The Emerald City was actually my first ever solo trip (way back when in 2015 ). So you could say the city holds a special place in my heart, as it was where I discovered my love for solo travel and the first place I truly felt empowered.

If that sounds like your kinda fun, you’ll wanna plan your 3-day Seattle weekend getaway right away! I’m sharing an extensive guide to help you plan out your best Seattle itinerary possible. Grab a coffee (the city’s known for its caffeine after all…), and let’s get started!

Weekend in Seattle Itinerary Logistics 

Where is seattle and how to get there .

Seattle is a major port city in the Pacific Northwest, located in the state of Washington. It’s nestled between the picturesque Puget Sound to the west and the stunning Cascade Mountain Range to the east, meaning views for days and days (and days). 

The city is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, and is even within driving distance to 3 major national parks ( Olympic , Mt. Rainier , and North Cascades). Plus there’s easy access to a whole slew of small islands (Bainbridge, Whidbey, and the San Juan Islands to name a few), and other scenic spots in Northwest Washington. 

Looking at a map, you’ll see Seattle’s pretty much equidistant between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Canada (a little over 3 hours from both). Talk about a great spot to live for epic weekend trips!

Flying to Seattle

When you fly into Seattle, you’ll be heading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (airport code SEA), also known as Sea-Tac Airport. It’s the primary airport serving Seattle and the surrounding region, and the largest in Washington State. Make sure to get a window seat – the views are some of the best I’ve seen!

Sea-Tac is a major hub for a few airlines, including Alaska, Delta, and Southwest – meaning you can find tons and tons of nonstop flights to Seattle. For reference, my flight from San Francisco was quick and easy, only an hour and a half direct (and after flying all the way to Tanzania that summer, I was so down for a super quick flight).

Getting from the Airport to Downtown Seattle

Once you get to Sea-Tac, you’ll need to make the 14 mile trek to downtown Seattle.  

You can plan to rent a car (not recommended as parking in downtown Seattle is pretty limited and expensive), take a taxi or ride-share ($40-50 based on traffic), or use a shuttle bus (a cheaper alternative for solo travelers). 

Don’t mind taking public transit?! I highly recommend taking The Link Light Rail – it’s easily one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel from SEA to downtown Seattle. 

The ride to downtown Seattle takes about 35-40 minutes and costs less than $3 for adults. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it super convenient!

Driving to Seattle

Seattle is in the middle of oh so much, and close to plenty of other regions, both in the US and Canada. The city is well-connected by major highways, including Interstate 5 (I-5) along the coast, Interstate 90 (I-90) through the Cascade Mountains – beware it gets super snowy in the winter, and US Route 2 (US-2). 

Here’s driving distances from major nearby-ish spots:

• From Mount Rainier National Park : ~1 ½ hours, 80 miles
• From Olympic National Park : ~2 ½ hours, 150 miles
• From North Cascades National Park : ~2 ½ hours, 130 miles
• From Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) : ~2 ½ hours, 150 miles
• From Portland, Oregon : ~3 hours, 180 miles
• From Whistler, British Columbia (Canada): ~4 hours, 215 miles
• From Spokane, Washington: ~4 ½ hours, 280 miles
• From Victoria, British Columbia (Canada): ~4 ½ hours, 180 miles (includes a ferry crossing)
• From Crater Lake National Park , Oregon: 6 ½ hours, 400 miles
• From Boise, Idaho: ~8 hours, 500 miles

Coming from Canada? Remember to bring your passport and add in extra buffer time for border crossings!

Regardless of where you’re coming from, you may actually wanna keep your car parked in a garage for the duration of your weekend in Seattle. Parking is tough and pretty expensive, and you don’t really need it (much) if you follow this Seattle itinerary anyways! 

I’ve only had access to a car on one of my trips, and while it made getting to some neighborhoods a bit easier, you can totally get by with walking and the occasional Uber/Lyft.

Public Transport to Seattle

Prefer to travel to Seattle by public transport? No worries! Seattle is well-connected to other major cities by both bus and train, especially other spots in the Pacific Northwest.

Greyhound and FlixBus connect Seattle to a whole slew of different cities in the US and Canada, including Portland, Chicago, and Vancouver. Just beware of all the potential transfers – it may take way longer than you think, depending where you’re coming from of course.

Amtrak provides train service to Seattle via the Cascades and Empire Builder routes. Note that The Seattle Amtrak Station (Seattle King Street Station) is located about a mile from downtown Seattle. You may wanna call an Uber to your hotel if you don’t feel like carrying your luggage all that way – I would, no shame!

Ferry to Seattle

If you’re coming from nearby islands or the Olympic Peninsula, you can even take Washington State Ferries (WSF) to reach downtown Seattle. By far my favorite way to enter the city! 

Make sure to stand on the upper deck for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Range, and the city’s iconic skyline. Psst – it’s usually unbelievably windy up here, so you’ll definitely wanna bring along a windbreaker or warm fleece!

And as you sail across the Puget Sound, look out for wildlife – it’s not uncommon to see seals, birds, and sometimes even orca whales (!!!).

Most ferries end at Colman Dock in downtown Seattle, right on Alaskan Way (only a 15 minute walk to Pike Place Market). 

Planning to do a longer Washington road trip?! You can drive your car right onto the ferry, for an extra fee of course, haha!

How to Get Around Seattle

Walk : Time to get in those steps! Many of the popular attractions you’ll wanna see during your weekend in Seattle are easily accessible by foot! I think I walked almost 20k steps (over 8 miles) every day, so definitely wear comfy walking shoes and slather on that sunscreen in the sunny summer months. 

While Seattle doesn’t have as many horrendously steep hills as San Francisco does, there is some elevation! Particularly as you walk away from the waterfront into the city, like walking from Pike Place to Capitol Hill. 

But depending on when you visit, it may just be too wet to walk long distances, so plan on alternate means of transport (Uber or public transit).

If you follow my suggested 3 day Seattle itinerary, you’ll be visiting a whole bunch of neighborhoods, which you definitely cannot get to all on foot. The Downtown Core, including Pike Place, Belltown, Seattle Center, and Capitol Hill are all walkable from each other, but you’ll need to take either ride shares or public transit to get to the others.

Monorail : Headed to the Seattle Center from downtown Seattle and don’t wanna walk the mile? You can take the monorail, which was actually built for the 1962 World’s Fair!

It only runs between two stations: the Westlake Center Station in downtown Seattle (a few blocks from Pike Place Market) and the Seattle Center Station (near the Space Needle) but it’s a quick (2 minutes!!!) and convenient route between two of the most popular Seattle activities.

By Car: If you’re just planning to explore downtown Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods, you honestly don’t need a car. I’d only really recommend it if you’re planning to explore areas outside the city itself (perhaps a national park or two if you’ve got more time). 

Most of the city is pretty walkable, and there’s also public transit and Uber within the downtown area. Plus, street parking can be pretty hard to find, and hotel parking can get rather expensive. 

And don’t worry, you can even get to Bainbridge (included on this weekend trip to Seattle!) by just walking and using public transit!

Public transit: Seattle has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, a light rail, and a streetcar network. Perfect if you’re planning to follow this 3 day Seattle itinerary and don’t want the hassle of driving in a big city. 

Here’s the major public transit to use here:

• King County Metro Transit: This is an extensive bus network that covers Seattle and the surrounding areas. Use the nifty trip planner on the website to easily figure out what route to take! There’s just way too many buses to remember them all! 
• Sound Transit: This company operates regional buses and the Link Light Rail within the Seattle metropolitan area (which you can take from the airport). There’s also connectivity to neighboring cities like Bellevue and Tacoma.
• Seattle Streetcar: The Seattle Streetcar runs two lines – the South Lake Union Line (from Belltown to South Lake Union) and the First Hill Line (from Capitol Hill to Pioneer Square).
• Washington State Ferries : Thinking about taking a day trip? You’ll probably be using the ferries! They run all day every day (look at the exact schedule of course), and head to spots like Bainbridge, Bremerton, and Whidbey Island.

Local tip: Planning to take a lot of public transit during your 3 days in Seattle? Grab an ORCA card (One Regional Card for All) at a station to save a bit of cash! Having an ORCA card makes taking public transit super easy – you load funds onto the card and use it for buses, light rail, monorail, streetcars, and even the ferries. Way better than buying new tickets every time!

When to Plan your Seattle Itinerary 

Exactly when you plan your Seattle itinerary will drastically affect your trip. Technically, there’s 4 seasons here, but I’d aim to visit in what I consider dry season.

Seattle sparkles from April through October, with days bursting with sunshine, getting into the high 70’s/low 80’s during prime summer months. But shh – let’s keep that little detail to ourselves. Everyone thinks it basically rains 24/7.

And yes, it’s true. Seattle does get some rain. A lot of rain actually – but only in certain months. 

I’ve visited in May, June, September, and October and had all kinds of weather. Rain, sunshine, nasty clouds, overcast skies, clear nights, and misty mornings. Just gotta come prepared – as they say, there’s no bad weather, just wrong clothing.

Is it really as rainy as everyone makes it out to be?! Yes, but not really… Seattle does have a reputation for being a rainy city, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. While it does receive a fair amount of precipitation, it’s not as consistently rainy as some stereotypes suggest. 

According to The Seattle Times, there’s even different kinds of rain in Seattle (some that evaporates before it even reaches the ground)!

And get this – in terms of annual rainfall, Seattle receives LESS rain (around 38 total inches) than some other major US cities, like New York City, Miami, and even Houston. Who would’ve thought?! It just comes in the form of annoying mist and drizzles instead of all at once in massive thunderstorms.

While Seattle does have a high number of rainy days, it doesn’t typically rain all day, every day. Rain showers can be relatively short-lived, interspersed with periods of dry weather! Just bring a raincoat and you’ll be fine (and maybe leave those expensive sneakers at home).

Psst – leave that umbrella at home; true Seattleites don’t use them. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb! 

Summer (June to August): Peak Tourist Season

Everyone loves visiting Seattle in summer (including me!), and it’s easy to see why! It’s by far the most popular time to plan a weekend trip to Seattle, and when I’d go if I had to choose. It’s peak tourist season, with longer daylight hours (the sun doesn’t set until after 9pm!), and there’s hardly any rain. 

Temps are comfortable in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, and sometimes even getting into the 80s°F. It’s the perfect time to be outdoors, hanging out in Seattle’s green spaces, along the waterfront, and hanging out on rooftop bars and observation decks. You could even go to the beach (yes, there’s a few here in Seattle)!

But because of this nearly perfect weather (much needed after a dark and wet winter), expect tons of crowds, higher accommodation prices, and lots more traffic.

Spring and Fall: Shoulder Seasons (March – May and September – November) 

Spring and fall are considered the shoulder seasons in Seattle. 

In spring, there’s cherry blossoms blooming, colorful tulips, and tons of greenery. The temps are mild (mid-50s to mid-60s°F) with plenty of spring showers. It’s a great time to visit as long as you bring a rain jacket! 

Fall brings vibrant fall foliage (head to Discovery Park!), cooler temperatures (especially at night), and the return of rain. You should kinda expect to see some rain if you’re planning a Seattle itinerary in the fall, although there’s typically not tons until about November or so.

Note that there’s been an increasing amount of smoke from wildfires in September, so always check on air quality if it smells a bit smokey before spending too much time outdoors.

Winter: Low Season (December to February)

People like to hate on winter in Seattle, and I get it – the city is extremely wet with tons of overcast skies and drizzly or light rain almost every day. It’s fairly chilly and super moody, with temps in the upper 40s to mid-50s°F, although it’s hardly ever below freezing (even at night). 

Overall, winter is pretty mild compared to other parts of the country (there’s no snow here!), but yup – it’ll be wet! Plan your 3 days in Seattle during the winter if you’re excited about all the indoor activities; there’s tons of museums to check out, cute coffee shops to relax in (I mean, Starbucks was founded here in Seattle afterall!), and tons of restaurants to indulge in.

But honestly, if you wanna see Seattle in all its glory (highly recommended), I’d steer clear of winter. There’s just too much gorgeous natural scenery to miss out on!

Where to Stay in Seattle

If this is your first time planning a weekend in Seattle, you’ll undoubtedly wanna stay close to all the action and main attractions. This means getting a hotel downtown, preferably near Pike Place Market !

Downtown Seattle

When you think of Seattle, you’re most likely thinking of downtown! This is where you’ll find the ever-so-popular Pike Place Market (with its dozens of stalls), the Seattle Central Library, the infamous gum wall, and the “original” Starbucks. 

It’s super central to the rest of the city, and you can easily stroll from Pike Place to the waterfront, Pioneer Square, the Seattle Center, and even Capitol Hill. This is where we stayed on our last visit, and I LOVED being able to walk almost everywhere!

In Downtown Seattle you’ll find a huge range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with rooftop skyline views (!) to budget-friendly chain hotels and cute boutiques. Can’t go wrong with any – it’s easily the best location!

There are a few downsides of course, including budget (it’s typically more expensive), noise levels (since it can be busier), and parking costs/availability if you plan to rent a car.

Here’s a few hotels to check out:

• Pali Hotel Seattle : A cute and comfy boutique hotel smackdab in the center of downtown Seattle (right across the street from Pike Place Market)! I love the eclectic decor and trendy ambiance – especially the attached restaurant. 
• Thompson Hotel : A chic stay with epic design details and dizzying views! Make a reservation for rooftop drinks at sunset – the view of the waterfront is phenomenal! 
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle : A luxury boutique hotel with a sophisticated yet playful design. And only a few blocks from Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the waterfront (and right next to the stunning Seattle Central Library). 
• Green Tortoise Hostel : On a tight budget? Consider staying here – I stayed at this hostel on my first ever trip to Seattle when I was traveling solo, and had the best time. You can’t really beat its location – it’s less than a block from Pike Place! Save your pennies for an extra macaron from Le Panier (one of my faves).

Belltown is located just north of downtown, known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and lots of art galleries. It’s a great choice if you wanna be a few minutes from downtown, but in a less touristy area. 

I recommend checking out:

• Ace Hotel Seattle
• Hotel Ändra
• Hotel Five – A Staypineapple Hotel
• The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown

Capitol Hill 

Capitol Hill is such a vibe! It’s roughly a 20 minute walk (uphill I might add) from downtown, and it’s a great mix of historic charm and contemporary style, with a vibrant arts and music scene. 

It’s a super diverse neighborhood, known for being eccentric and LGBTQ+ friendly, with tons of indie shops, laid-back coffee shops, and a creative arts scene. 

There’s not tons of hotels in Capitol Hill, but here’s my suggestions:

• Silver Cloud Hotel
• Sonder at Solis

Other Important FAQs about Visiting Seattle 

• Is a weekend trip to Seattle really enough?! 3 days in Seattle is the perfect amount of time for seeing the city’s highlights, plus even a half-day trip to Bainbridge! Yes, you’ll probably be sad to leave, but hey, you can always come back! Think of a long weekend trip to Seattle as a sampler; you may even be convinced to move here! Guilty!
• Where’s the best coffee in Seattle? Ask 5 Seattleites and you’ll get 5 different answers, haha. Probably because they take their coffee very seriously here. Espresso Vivace, Cafe Allegro, Victrola Coffee Roasters, Anchorhead Coffee, and Caffe Ladro are all classic and solid choices. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is pretty cool, too!

• Where to watch the sunset in Seattle: I’m a sucker for sunsets, and if the sky is clear, you bet there’ll be a great one! I recommend Kerry Park (my favorite by far!), the observation deck of the Space Needle or Smith Tower, a rooftop bar with a cocktail in hand (highly recommend The Nest), or Alki Beach.
• Are there beaches in Seattle? Yup – I was kinda surprised too! These aren’t the kinda beaches where you’ll find people sunbathing and swimming tho – this isn’t Southern California or Hawaii , haha. The water is COLD, but there are pretty great views of the Olympic Mountains, so there’s that! Head to Alki Beach and Golden Gardens Park – the two most popular ones.
• Is the Seattle CityPASS worth it? Honestly, probably not. I only recommend it if you’re planning to go up the Space Needle twice – once during the day, and once at night. It also includes access to the Seattle Aquarium, plus your choice of 3 of the following: an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Decide for yourself though!

• Why is Seattle nicknamed The Emerald City? Easy question – because of all its lush greenery and natural beauty! Even year round, since there’s so many evergreen trees in the area.
• A note on the homeless population: Just like in San Francisco (and many big cities on the West Coast), there’s a fairly large homeless population in Seattle. You’ll undoubtedly see some tent cities (what we call a large group of tents) during your 3 days in Seattle. Just remember – they are people too, and the local government is trying to figure out how to help them as best they can.

So let’s get to it — the ultimate Seattle weekend getaway itinerary coming right up! Be prepared for lots of coffee, that stunning skyline, and if you’re lucky, a peek or two of Mt. Rainier!  

Long Weekend in Seattle Itinerary 

Like most of my itineraries, it’s rather fast paced. If you’d rather take it slow and have a more relaxing 3 days in Seattle, either eliminate a few activities or stay an extra day! Also, this is Seattle we’re talking about – you may need to adjust some things based on weather. But don’t worry, a cozy coffee shop is never too far!

Psst: This Seattle itinerary assumes you have 3 full days in the city. Meaning you got here the night before and can start your first full day the next morning. You can probably squeeze everything in on Day 1 if you arrive in the early AM, but depending on your travel style, you may feel kinda rushed.

Seattle Itinerary Day 1: Main Tourist Attractions

Morning: Half Day at Pike Place Market 

Time for your first day of your weekend trip to Seattle! And we’re waking up early today because we’re off to the market! 

I’m sure you’ve heard of Pike Place Market – it’s a true icon of Seattle, established way back when in 1907. And get this – it’s one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States!

There’s so much to see and do here, and of course eat! You can either do a DIY food tour or guided tour at Pike Place (highly recommended – just look at those raving reviews). But whatever you do, wear your stretchy pants – the market’s got so much good stuff. And skip breakfast today; you’ll be eating your way through the market for breakfast and lunch!

Psst – there’s no S in Pike Place. Call it Pikes Place and everyone will know you’re a tourist, haha. 

There’s dozens of places to visit in Pike Place (way too many to list), but here’s a small sampling of my favorites!

• Piroshky Piroshky: I come here EVERY SINGLE TIME I’m in Seattle, even if I’m just visiting for a day. The line is always long, but don’t worry, it goes super fast. My favorites are the potato and cheese piroshky, chocolate cream hazelnut roll, cinnamon cardamom braid, and the cheddar garlic roll. We missed them so much we bought a box of $50 worth once and kept them in our freezer for months, haha.
• Beecher’s Homemade Cheese : Kinda an institution around here – definitely get a cup of mac and cheese and/or a grilled cheese to share. And make sure to ask for samples – they happily give them out (the cheese curds are my favorite)! Watch the huge vats of cheese spinning around, it’s wild!
• La Panier: There’s a reason the line’s always out the door. A French bakery known for their macarons, freshly baked bread, and chocolate eclairs. The croissants are oh so buttery and flaky… mmm I want one right now, haha. Worth the wait, I promise.

• Mee Sum Pastry: Everything is delicious, but the BBQ pork humbows (best in the city!), red bean sesame balls, and truffle shumai are the most popular. I especially loved the chicken shrimp chive dumpling on my last visit – way more filling than I thought it’d be, and a nice change from all the sweet stuff! Come early and everything will be super fresh and steamy.
• Ellenos Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt infused with modern flavors & toppings?! Yes please! Even if you don’t think you like Greek yogurt you gotta try it. Think marionberry pie, passionfruit, and even lemon curd. Only of my favorites at the market. Edit: Unfortunately this spot recently closed – fingers crossed they find another location pronto!
• Truffle Queen: An Italian grocery store that sells all things truffle! Truffle pesto, truffle salt, truffle cream, and more truffle samples. What could possibly be better?! The second you walk in you’ll smell the deliciously intoxifying scent of truffles – my favorite! Still kicking myself I didn’t pick up some truffle olive oil! Stop here for some wine tasting, too!
• Pike Place Chowder: Come here if you’re looking for some of the creamiest, flavorful clam chowder you’ve ever had. Not sure it beats the chowder in San Francisco or Monterey, but it’s damn close. Definitely opt for the sourdough bread bowl if you’re sharing – the bread soaks up all the soup and it’s delicious! 
• Rachel’s Ginger Beer: The best place in the city for ginger beer – they’ve got a ton of different flavors (white peach, mango, and passionfruit vanilla are my faves), and you can even add booze and/or pineapple Dole Whip soft serve to them! Super refreshing on a hot day (yes, Seattle does have some of those!). Another must during any 3 day Seattle itinerary.

• Storyville Coffee: Great coffee with an even better ambiance, and super friendly staff (they even bring you water with your coffee). Kinda hidden on the third floor, but worth the short trek up. While it doesn’t have the best coffee in the world, it’s an experience for sure. Sit by the fireplace, sip your latte, and do some people watching. Great on a rainy day! 

Local tip: Buy a bag of beans and you’ll get a free drink! Plus a free mug for first time visitors! Get a cinnamon roll to go with your coffee – and ask for it to be warmed; absolutely divine!

• Maiz : A relatively new savory spot, and easily one of the best tacos in town. Coming from California (and visiting Mexico every year), I have really high standards for Mexican food. And Maiz didn’t disappoint one bit. They have different proteins every day (I tried their chicken mole, and wow, so much flavor!), and make their own tortillas right in front of you from their special house ground masa. Super authentic Mexican drinks as well (like horchata, atole, and Mexican mocha). I’ll most definitely be back!

• Gum Wall: One of Pike Place’s most iconic spots! Easily Seattle’s dirtiest, grimiest, and stickiest alley in all of the city. Kinda disgusting and gross, but a must during any weekend trip to Seattle. A great spot to take photos (just don’t get too close), and a much-larger version of the gum wall down in San Luis Obispo.

If deciding where to eat seems wildly overwhelming (or you’re solo and have no one to share things with), I’d 100% recommend a guided food tour of Pike Place Market . The tour (led by a local chef!) makes 9 different stops (with about 15 small bites) and you even get to skip the line at most (great for those pressed for time).

You’ll also check out a secret garden (that grows food), learn about bean-to-bar chocolate, and the history of the market. Read reviews and book your Pike Place Market food tour here !

Psst – there’s even a guided tour for all you plant-based folks !

I also love Three Girls Bakery, Daily Dozen, World Spice, indi Chocolate, and all the fresh produce markets within the main market. Told you there’s lots to see, do, and eat here!

Other things to do at Pike Place Market: 

• Wander inside the market and check out the artisan stalls and hundreds of independent businesses
• Check out the beyond gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers (the type changes based on the season) from the Flower Market
• Watch the fishmongers toss fish back and forth to each other at The Pike Place Fish Market
• Take iconic tourist photos with the The “Public Market Center” sign 
• Say hello to the iconic pigs around the market – the famous one being right across from the fish market

Should you visit the iconic Starbucks at Pike Place Market?  

That’s completely up to you of course. In my opinion, if you’ve only got 3 days in Seattle, I’d skip it. The line is always horrendously long and no, it doesn’t move too quickly (you’ll easily wait over an hour if you don’t get there super early). 

Plus, the menu is the same as every other Starbucks around the country. I’d visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery later on during your weekend trip to Seattle instead – it’s way larger and there’s lots to see there (plus, espresso martinis!).

AND – get this, it’s not even the original Starbucks location like everyone thinks it is! It’s the second – the first unfortunately burned down.

Read Next: The Complete Guide to Pike Place Market (tons more info and foodie spots!)

Afternoon: Seattle Center

Up next – the Space Needle and Seattle Center, but first a quick detour to either the Olympic Sculpture Park or the Amazon Spheres. Unless you’ve got a friend with Amazon access or you’re lucky to be there when the spheres are open to the public, you won’t have much choice.

Quick Detour Choices

Olympic Sculpture Park: Walk 15 minutes north on Alaskan Way and you’ll bump right to the Olympic Sculpture Park! Operated by the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), it combines art, nature, and stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. What is it? An outdoor sculpture museum and public park!

Notable pieces include Alexander Calder’s “Eagle” (my favorite), Louise Bourgeois’s “Father and Son,” Richard Serra’s massive “Wake”, and Jaume Plensa’s “Echo”. A great place to hang out for a bit and go for a stroll. And right on the way to our next destination!

Amazon Spheres: Futuristic glass bubble domes with an indoor garden inside? Sign me up!

How’d you like to work there?! Hopefully not during your 3 days in Seattle though! The Amazon Spheres are just that – an innovative workspace located at the company’s corporate headquarters in downtown Seattle. 

The three interconnected domes are designed to mimic the look and feel of a tropical rainforest, and yes, there’s a huge collection of plants (over 40,000 of them!) and indoor gardens throughout! And even a large fish tank!

Traveling with an Amazon employee?! Time for them to whip out their badge! After 4 trips to Seattle, I finally made it inside the Amazon spheres – I’m lucky that my husband just so happens to work for the company now!

The spheres are not typically open to the general public, so there’s two ways to access them:

• Restaurants inside the spheres: If you don’t have badge access and really wanna see the spheres, you can admire the unique architecture from the outside and/or have a meal here. Note that while the restaurants are technically inside the spheres, you cannot enter the private workspace area. I stopped inside Willmott’s Ghost and wow, I loved all the pastel colors and eccentric, yet modern design. 
• The Spheres weekend public visits: Every first and third Saturday of each month, the Spheres are open to visitors by reservation only, free of charge! Reservations become available 15 days before the date . If the dates work out, I highly recommend you go!

Seattle Center Attractions

Next up, make the short walk over to the Seattle Center,  located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. This is where you’ll find Seattle’s most popular attractions, like the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Gardens and Glass Museum, and the Pacific Science Center.

Depending on how long you spent at the market (no judgments – you could easily spend a full day there!), choose from the following activities:

Space Needle: The Space Needle is to Seattle what the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco . The most iconic symbol of Seattle! It’s an obvious choice, and although wildly crowded and overpriced, heading up to the observation deck is worth it once in your life (as long as the weather cooperates).

If your Seattle itinerary falls over the weekend, expect massive crowds (especially on clear, sunny summer days). We went on a Sunday afternoon and waited almost an hour I think… Definitely give yourself enough time to wait on line and then enjoy your time at the top (30-60 minutes for most people). 

Once you’re at the top (520 feet up), look out for landmarks like the downtown skyline, Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, and even the distant San Juan Islands on a clear day. I loved the new floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor viewing platforms, and there’s even a rotating bar with glass floors (a bit nerve wracking if you ask me!).

Buy tickets here! If you’re planning to visit both the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, definitely buy a combo ticket ! You’ll save some money!

Cloudy and/or rainy? I’d skip a ride to the top – the views won’t be nearly as impressive and visibility won’t be great at all. Save your $40 bucks or so.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Even if you’re not a museum person, you’ve gotta go here. It’s SUCH a fun spot, and definitely not like any other museum I’ve ever been to. The museum is totally interactive, and there’s exhibits that cover all things pop culture, like music, science fiction, fantasy, video games, and more.

Don’t miss the Sound Lab (where you can test out rock ‘n’ roll instruments), the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and the Indie Game Revolution (I loved playing video game demos from independent game developers). On my last visit, there was a huge exhibit all about Prince – I could get enough! Also check out the exterior architecture of the building – the permanent iridescent ombre effect is so cool (and a great spot to take some photos).

Chihuly Gardens and Glass: An entire art museum (and sculpture garden) dedicated to the breathtaking glass artistry of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. One of my favorite spots in all of Seattle – I’ve been numerous times and still wanna go back, haha! 

Have you ever seen the stunning glass flower ceiling in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas ?! Yup, that’s Dale Chihuly too!

Remember – if you’re planning to visit the Space Needle as well, buy a combo ticket for both . You’ll save about $20!

Pacific Science Center: A family-friendly science museum featuring plenty of hands-on exhibits, a tropical butterfly house, and even an IMAX theater. I’ve never been but heard it’s great for kids!

Local Tip: Check out the UpGarden P-Patch Community Garden . Most people planning a Seattle itinerary have never heard of this garden located on the roof of a nearby parking garage. Worth the short walk over. There’s even an airstream and a classic car right in the garden!

Night: Dinner and drinks in Belltown  

For your first night of your 3 days in Seattle, I recommend staying close by and hanging out in Belltown. Here’s some of my favorite spots for dinner and drinks:

• Rocco’s : A lively Italian-American eatery serving up some of the largest New York-style pizzas in Seattle. There’s an endless amount of toppings – we loved our 3 Pigs and Lasagna split pie. PS – the pies are HUGE (four of us were sharing one and we had tons left over).
• Serious Pie: Tom Douglas’s take on gourmet wood-fired pizzas with innovative toppings and locally sourced ingredients. The space is casual yet upscale, and you’ll probably wanna make a reservation.  
• Lola : A Mediterranean-inspired menu with Greek mezes like lamb and pork meatballs, chicken skewers, and pita with dips. Brunch is also really good, so add this to your weekend in Seattle if you’ve got time – the made-to-order donuts are heavenly. Another Tom Douglas Restaurant so you know it’s good.

• Pink Door: I’ve admittedly never been, but this eclectic Italian spot has been on my Seattle bucket list for years. Make a reservation a few weeks/months in advance – it’s popular for a reason. 
• Navy Strength: Come here for creative, exotic, and expertly crafted tiki-style drinks in a tropical-inspired setting. My friend’s drink even went up in flames – purposefully, haha.
• Bathtub Gin : A speakeasy-type bar hidden behind the gin shop. Come for the cozy, Prohibition-era ambiance, stay for the curated selection of craft cocktails.

Weekend in Seattle Day 2: Exploring Local City Neighborhoods 

Note: Greater Seattle is larger than you think! You’ll either wanna drive today, or use public transit or ride shares. Nothing is too far away, but it’s way too far to walk everywhere!

Morning: Brunch in Ballard and Beyond

Brunch at Sabine Cafe: The perfect early-morning pick me up! We loved this trendy Middle Eastern-style brunch, complete with seasonal lattes and a sunny, outdoor terrace with colorful murals. 

There’s lots of savory and sweet options, like Turkish eggs, perfectly cooked za’atar potatoes (really, don’t miss them), tahini and date greek yogurt, oat pancakes, avocado toast, cinnamon rolls, and mascarpone toast! Such a great spot with some old world charm.

Ballard Farmers Market (Sunday’s, year round): I swear, I’ve been to lots of farmers markets around the globe, and the one in Ballard was easily the best one yet. 

There’s a huge variety of vendors (it’s not the same thing a million times over), with locally grown produce (omg those heirloom tomatoes looked so juicy and I was drooling over all the berries), cheeses/jams/breads, handmade pottery, food trucks, and so much more. Definitely gets busy here, so prepare for some crowds!

Ballard Locks: An interesting place to learn about boats and locks! The Ballard Locks lets boats and salmon pass between the salt and freshwater of Washington Lake. 

There’s also a fish ladder and sometimes seals playing around. If you’re lucky, you may catch the larger vessels being lowered or elevated – pretty cool and reminds me of our time in Panama a tad!

Discovery Park : Itching to get in an early morning hike? Head over to this urban oasis! There’s tons of trails (the park is over 534 acres so you’ve got your pick!) with forests, meadows, beaches, and dramatic sea cliffs overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

We did a short 2 mile walk/hike, and even got to see Rainier peeking out for a bit! 

Afternoon: Fremont and South Lake Union

Fremont : A quirky and artistic neighborhood close to Lake Union, home to the Fremont Troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge, more public art installations, and a variety of cafes and shops. 

There’s also the Fremont Brewing Company, Gas Works Park (great for a walk with views of the Seattle skyline), Fremont Sunday Street Market (a good mix of antique and independent artists), and Theo Chocolate (with lots of free samples). 

South Lake Union: You could easily spend all day here – the freshwater lake is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of boating, kayaking, and scenic walks by the water. If you’re trying to cram lots into your 3 day Seattle itinerary, I recommend having lunch by the water and then either taking a 20-minute seaplane tour or a 2-hour locks cruise on Lake Union. 

A seaplane tour with Kenmore Air will give you an aerial view of the Space Needle, the houseboat communities, Elliot Bay’s dramatic downtown skyline, and the U of Washington campus. One of my favorite things I’ve done in Seattle to date!

South Lake Union is also where you can visit the REI Flagship location (the store is MASSIVE), and Espresso Vivace , said to be one of the best coffee spots in all of Seattle, if not Washington state.

Night: Kerry Park and Capitol Hill

Sunset at Kerry Park

My all-time favorite spot for sunset in Seattle, with stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. Here on a super clear night? You may get lucky and see ​​majestic Mount Rainier in the distance! It gets busy here, so come a bit early to secure your spot (the park really isn’t all that big).

Want something sweet or a pre/post-sunset drink? Check out Molly Moon’s Handmade Ice Cream (a woman-owned business with amazing seasonal ice cream flavors) and/or Bar Miriam (a trendy intimate cocktail bar with a great vibe).

Psst – depending what month you visit, you may wanna have dinner before heading to Kerry Park. The sun doesn’t set until way past 8:30pm in the summer months, so factor that in!

Dinner and Drinks in Capitol Hill  

• Tavolata: Two words. Fresh pasta. Come during happy hour for the best deal in town (a great mix of their full menu). Don’t miss the pappardelle and the spicy sausage rigatoni – my two favorites.
• Kedai Makan: Malaysian street food at its finest! I was honestly blown away by my nasi goreng (with such authentic flavors), and the space is so chic, yet laid-back at the same time. 
• Oddfellows Cafe : Stylish American farm-to-table food with a unique twist of classic and modern flavors. Sit in the beautiful courtyard – also a great spot for brunch!

• Pie Bar: A bar that sells fresh, homemade pie?! Sign me up. The inside feels kinda cramped and the service is nothing to write home about, but that pie, OMG that pie. The perfect way to end any night in Seattle.
• Gemini Room: A hip and trendy cafe and lounge with some creative craft cocktails – my blood orange marg was great. The space is kinda funky (with lots of mid-century modern decor) and gives off a subtle Mad Men loungey vibe that I loved.
• Unicorn : A bit grungy and oh so quirky, this gem prides itself for being an eccentric carnival-themed bar and arcade. Not really my vibe, but worth a quick look downstairs (there’s pinball machines and dancing!). I can see it being fun after a few drinks, haha.
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery: Coffee lovers, this is your place . And way more impressive than the Starbucks at Pike Place if you ask me. There’s multiple coffee bars, a roasting area, and you can even order an espresso martini flight. My kinda place. 

You’ll also find Victrola Coffee Roasters (known for their rich espressos) and General Porpoise (fluffy brioche donuts filled with creative flavors like lemon curd and chocolate marshmallow) here in Capitol Hill. 

These spots close a tad earlier in the day, so you may need to rearrange your Seattle itinerary if one of these is on your need-to-visit list.

Seattle Itinerary Day 3: Bainbridge Island, Waterfront, and Historic District

Morning: Half Day on Bainbridge Island 

On your last and final day of your 3-day Seattle itinerary, get outta the city for a bit! The surrounding islands are just too scenic to ignore for any longer! And Bainbridge Island makes for the perfect half-day trip, great if you’ve only got a weekend in Seattle or so. 

I was giddy the entire time on the island, soaking up the sunshine and admiring all those evergreen trees off in the distance.

Bainbridge Island is known for its picturesque and charming town, natural beauty, artistic community, and relaxed island lifestyle. It feels a tad like Sausalito (one of the best day trips from San Francisco ), but even quieter and less touristy.

I’d aim to leave Seattle no later than 8am, so you can take your time in Bainbridge and still have the rest of the day for more city exploring.

In half a day, you can stroll the charming town of Winslow (only a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal), visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, browse the local boutique shops (I bought a beautiful postcard here), stroll by the water and harbor, and learn about the island’s history at Bainbridge Island Historical Museum.

In terms of food/drink, have some fish and chips for lunch (I highly recommend Proper Fish), grab a local beer or two from Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse, indulge in a pastry from popular Blackbird Bakery, and/or have some ice cream at Island Cool Ice Cream (previously the famous Mora Iced Creamery).

Note that Bainbridge is fairly large, and if you wanna explore beyond the main commercial center (Winslow), you’ll need to bring a car or take the Kitsap Transit bus. 

How to Get to Bainbridge Island

Getting to Bainbridge Island from Seattle is so simple – it’s only a 30 minute ferry ride away, and costs less than $10 roundtrip ! AND you can even walk to the Seattle Ferry Terminal (also known as Colman Dock) from Pike Place in less than 20 minutes. Pretty sweet, right?

The ferry across the Puget Sound is kinda like an attraction in and of itself – make sure to stand on the top deck for stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains. It gets breezy up here so make sure to take a windbreaker with you! 

Always check the Washington State Ferries website for the most up-to-date information on departure times to/from Seattle. Pay close attention to the ferry schedule headed back to Seattle – depending on the season, there may only be one every two hours or so. You don’t wanna miss it!

Buy tickets at the ferry terminal or in advance on the ferries website. You can also easily tap your ORCA Card – just make sure you have enough cash loaded on!

Afternoon: Pioneer Square

Once you make it back from Bainbridge, walk a few blocks to Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic district. 

It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and kinda reminds me of Boston or Philadelphia with its cobblestoned streets, charming red-brick buildings, and rich history. 

Note: I’m saving this neighborhood for almost last, because, well, if you don’t make it here during your weekend trip to Seattle, don’t be too upset, haha. It’s great if you’ve got the time, but I honestly wouldn’t rush Bainbridge Island if you got on a later ferry than you originally wanted to.

The Underground Tour is the most popular thing to do in Pioneer Square, and it’s super quirky and honestly kinda wacky and odd. You go below the streets to explore the abandoned, historic storefronts and passageways of old Seattle. I learned tons about Seattle’s history, including the 1889 fire, the Red Light district, and lots about the poor sewage system, haha. Very informative!

Read reviews and buy tickets here (they sell out!).

Psst: If you’re claustrophobic, you may wanna think twice about doing the underground tour. Not that any spaces are super tight, but once you’re down below, you kinda can’t get back up unless you interrupt your guide.

A few other recs for Pioneer Square:

• Smith Tower: This is an iconic Seattle skyscraper that was once the city’s tallest building (at 35 floors). Head up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and Puget Sound – high on my Seattle bucket list! (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
• Occidental Square: A lively urban park with a super rich history! Lots of locals hang out here and have their lunch, and there’s some art installations and even food trucks nearby.

• Waterfall Garden: Secret and unassuming, I never would’ve found it if I wasn’t looking directly for it! The garden is known for its 22-foot artificial waterfall, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere. Great for some peace and quiet!
• Seattle Central Library: If you’re a book lover and/or have a thing for modern architecture, you’ll wanna add The Seattle Central Library to your Seattle itinerary for sure. The library is an architectural masterpiece – architect Rem Koolhaas designed a striking, glass building that’s so unique and innovative! If I lived here, I’d be here every single week.

Late Afternoon/Night: Seattle Waterfront 

Stroll along the Alaskan Way Promenade (a picturesque waterfront walkway), and you’ll come across a whole slew of other popular Seattle attractions. This whole area is super touristy and a little bit kitschy – kinda like Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco to be honest. While it’s not my favorite, it’s a must on any first-timer’s Seattle itinerary, even if you just walk around for a bit.

There’s three main attractions here:

Seattle Great Wheel: Located at the end of Pier 57 – Miner’s Landing, this is the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast, and reminds me of the one we have in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park ). 

You can hop on at any time of day, but it looks especially cool lit up at night – it’s covered in over 500k LED lights! 

Seattle Aquarium: With exhibits including an underwater dome, a window on Washington waters, pacific coral reefs, and marine mammals,  you could spend hours or so perusing the aquarium. They even have puffins!

This is not your typical aquarium – they put so much effort into conservation and sustainability.  Something more zoos and aquariums should be doing, in my opinion. And since the last entry is at 5pm, it’s a great late-afternoon activity if you’re looking for more things to do.

Harbor Cruise: If you’re into never ending skyline views (Space Needle included), an hour out on the water, and possible sightings of Mt. Rainier, you’re in for a treat. It’s the quintessential Seattle cruise experience , taking visitors on a fully-narrated tour in the Puget Sound, pointing out the important landmarks, and teaching everyone all about Seattle’s maritime history. 

Honestly, if you took the ferry to Bainbridge this morning, I’d skip the harbor cruise. It’ll kinda seem redundant to get back out on the same exact water, especially on the same day, haha. Plus, the ferry ride is way cheaper, almost $30 less. 

BUT if you’ve decided to skip Bainbridge and have a more relaxing morning, definitely take the harbor cruise ! I took it on my first trip to Seattle and it was one of my favorite activities! Next time I desperately wanna cruise around the harbor on a tall sailboat sunset harbor cruise !

So there ya have it – the best way to spend 3 days in Seattle! Will you be following this weekend trip to Seattle itinerary?! What are you the most excited for?

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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

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:

More on seattle.

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!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Top 17 Food and Drink Events in Seattle

7 Best Ways to Enjoy Seattle on a Sunny Day

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43 Fun Things to Do in Seattle

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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.

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Planning a trip to Seattle

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: February 25, 2024

Planning a trip to Seattle doesn’t need to be hard, we share the things to know before you go to Seattle in this guide, perfect for first-time visitors.

Known for its stunning waterfront views and iconic Space Needle, Seattle is a vibrant, diverse city. From an impressive market to famous landmarks, and quirky neighborhoods to unique cafes, there are plenty of things to do in Seattle that will keep you busy.

Seattle has to be on your USA Bucketlist , if not just to try a Starbucks from the original store .

Tips for planning a trip to Seattle

Best time to visit Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer, from June to August. This is when you experience mild and pleasant weather so you can enjoy the outdoor activities and explore the parks and waterfront. 

However, this is a popular time of the year so if you prefer fewer crowds, head to Seattle in late spring and early fall.

Avoid winter if you can, the weather is often rainy and overcast with cooler temperatures. However, if you are visiting at this time, enjoy the indoor activities in the city but also embrace the holiday season at the festive events and markets in the city. 

Getting to Seattle

Seattle can be reached a few ways, with many choosing to drive or fly to the city. 

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the main airport serving the city, offering numerous domestic and international flights. Direct domestic flights are available from the major US cities, from Las Vegas to Miami , and Honolulu to Boston . International direct flights to Seattle are available from destinations like Canada , UK , Japan , China , and Mexico, just to name a few.

You can drive to Seattle with Interstate 5 connecting the city to Portland and Vancouver with buses available from the same destinations. If you are moving to Seattle , you can reach the city via the highway with ease.

You can catch the Amtrak train to the city as well or visit Seattle before jumping on a cruise to Alaska . 

Getting around Seattle

Seattle offers several convenient ways to get around the city. 

Seattle has an extensive public transit system which includes a network of buses and a light rail system, serving most areas of the city. Buses can be used to visit the suburbs of Seattle. 

The Seattle Streetcar offers certain routes in neighborhoods including South Lake Union and First Hill. 

Seattle is also a bike-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, perfect for short trips around the city.

Plenty of neighborhoods in Seattle are walkable too, particularly ideal for those staying around Downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market, and the waterfront. 

A unique way to see Seattle is by taking a water taxi which operates routes across Elliott Bay.

Typical prices in Seattle

Hostel dorm beds can be found from under $100 whilst budget hotel rooms range from $95 to $120.

Midrange rooms begin around $135 whilst luxury hotel rooms begin at $215. 

Fast food and street food cost between $5 to $10 whilst a meal at casual restaurants range from $15 – $30. 

Fine dining restaurants range from $50 to $150 per person.

Save money in Seattle

Seattle can be an expensive trip but, when planning a trip to Seattle, there are ways to save money.

Accommodation in Seattle can be expensive so stick to budget-friendly options such as hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. 

Take advantage of the free and low-cost attractions in the city, like Pike Place Market and the beautiful Olympic Sculpture Park.

You can also head to the Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, and Seattle Asian Art Museum, with them all offering discounted or free admission days. 

Save money on paid attractions using the Seattle CityPASS or take advantage of the free walking tours on offer

Local theatres offer a pay-what-you-can for some performances and there are some small, budget cinemas in the city too. 

Best things to do in Seattle

When planning a trip to Seattle, there are plenty of things to plan into your itinerary.

Of course, you need to start your trip in Seattle with a visit to the iconic Space Needle; offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. 

Head to Pike Place Market, a historic market known for its bustling atmosphere, unique shops, and local foods. 

There are plenty of museums to explore, with the Museum of Pop Culture celebrating music, science fiction, and video games from all ages. 

Seattle Aquarium, located on the waterfront, is the perfect place to visit with children as is the Woodland Park Zoo. 

Discovery Park is Seattle’s latest city park which offers hiking trails and stunning beaches whilst Gas Works Park is a unique urban park with an industrial feel. 

Explore Seattle from the water by taking a harbor cruise or whale-watching tour and take advantage of the great coffee on offer in the city. 

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19 Most UNIQUE HOTELS in the US - Creative Travel Guide

Tuesday 13th of February 2024

[…] just minutes away from the popular Pike Place Market in the Denny Triangle of downtown Seattle, Hotel Max is a cool artsy hotel for art and music lovers and one of our favourite most unique […]

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.

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.

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Planning a Trip to Seattle- The Guide for Curious Travelers

Eliot Bay Marina, Seattle, Washington

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Planning a trip to Seattle? This Seattle trip planner will help you have a more intentional, meaningful, and enjoyable trip! It is a little different, instead of itinerary logistics (which we know you can find on some other great sites), we are here to help you better understand what makes Seattle unique and worth visiting. We have gathered some of the best resources for you to learn about the history, culture, and nature of Seattle before you visit. We have also included many tips to help you plan your trip and decide what to include in your itinerary.

How to Plan a Trip to Seattle

If you dive into information about the complex history, vibrant culture and breathtaking nature of the Seattle area before you go, you’ll come away a more educated traveler with much richer memories. 

As you gaze in awe from the top of the Space Needle you’ll understand the geologic forces that sculpted the stunning landscape. (Note that the Sky View Observatory offers a more affordable option!) You’ll know the stories of the people who have lived here for thousands of years. And those of many residents who continue to shape our world today.

Start With A Virtual Vacation

First, I suggest taking a virtual tour with one of my favorite local authors and tour guides, David B Williams. Learn how residents changed the topography of Seattle and the secrets of the ship canal and locks. He’ll show you the geology of nature around the area (and in the stones of the buildings downtown).

A way to view the area before your trip is through one of the many local webcams. Check out the cam on the Space Needle to see a live view of the region. Or peek in to see what the harbor seals and sea otters are up to on the live cams at the Seattle Aquarium.

Another not-to-miss resource you can enjoy from anywhere is the Orca Network . Follow them on social media and learn all about these majestic creatures and what you can do to protect them. You can even follow their most recent sightings in the area and be alerted to when you can listen to them on the hydrophone — a powerful, otherworldly experience!

Exploring Seattle and Its Complex Natural History

If you are a resident or are planning a long trip, The Natural History of Puget Sound by Arthur Kruckeberg is my best recommendation for any budding naturalist, scholar, or any of us in between. You’ll explore the interrelationships between the geology, geography, flora, fauna, weather, water, and people of the region. It’s comprehensive and inspiring, but if it’s too hefty for a quick trip to the area, read on for other resources!

Delight In the Geologic Wonder

The Seattle region is breathtakingly gorgeous! The mountains, lakes, and Puget sound itself would make even Slartibartfast weep with joy. An exploration of the geologic forces that sculpted the area is fascinating.

As a well-researched traveler, you can marvel at how the mighty volcanoes of the Cascade range were made by the subducting Juan de Fuca Plate off the coast. Or you can think about the steepness of the Denny retrograde as you huff and puff uptown from the shoreline in the heart of the city. 

While on a ferry, you can marvel at how Puget Sound was sculpted by incomprehensibly massive ice sheets. (The Cordilleran Ice Sheet, the last of seven to cover the region during the last ice age, was 3,000 feet high in what is now Seattle. That is five Space Needles high, and these sheets carved out the sound itself!) 

A little study can make a simple look around the region transformative. This is trip planning at its best!

Planning a Trip to Seattle: How To Discover The Story Behind The Dramatic Landscape

Ready to explore? Before you travel, enjoy these short videos about the particular geologic wonders of Washington state. Check out Nick on the Rocks , hosted on our local PBS stations. 

Enjoy walks through Seattle guided by geologist David B. Williams in his book Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City . Or take a deeper dive to understand the geologic story of the whole state with Roadside Geology of Washington.

Discover Resources To Explore Puget Sound

One of the most enjoyable natural wonders in Seattle are our shorelines. When you are planning a trip to Seattle, I suggest researching and crafting your itinerary around the low tides to experience the best of our beaches! A great place to start is by visiting the Seattle Aquarium website . Their website offers many activities to enjoy from home, including a robust collection for kids. You will be inspired to be a good steward of the local land and waters while you visit.

During the lowest daytime tides in the summer, and for a couple of evenings in the winter, you can find the aquarium’s team of volunteer Beach Naturalists at the local beaches. They love answering questions about the many sea creatures and geology of our beaches!

An excellent field guide is The Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest . I served as a beach naturalist with one of our kids, and this was one of the books the aquarium provided. It’s full of useful information and  photographs that make it easy to identify tidepool residents. 

These are just a few ways that you can discover and learn about the nature of Seattle before you travel. 

Exploring Seattle and Its Rich History

As you plan a trip to Seattle, you’ll discover a rich and complex history. Local editor and journalist, Knute Berger has a fun collection of short videos, Mossback Northwest . It’s a great way to get an overview of the area and also know details like who or what was Galloping Gertie? And what was the Great Swinomish-Husky Race? 

The Duwamish- The People of the Inside

The city is named after the great Duwamish chief, Chief Si’ahl (Chief Sealth, Seattle). The Duwamish and the other Coast Salish Peoples have a fascinating history and a modern day culture. You can learn about their rich culture and their fight for federal recognition by watching Chief Sealth (Seattle): The Suquamish and Duwamish Peoples or The Promised Land . 

Your study may inspire a visit to their longhouse in West Seattle, a trip out to Blake Island and Tillicum Village, or to the Burke Museum to see the stirring collection of artifacts from Coast Salish Peoples.

Today, the Duwamish continue to fight to have past treaties recognized so that they can become a federally recognized tribe. Interested in raising your voice to help? Check out Stand with the Duwamish .

The History of Japanese Internment in Seattle

Be sure and check out Jamie Ford’s best selling novel, Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet . The book poignantly tells a story from another ignoble chapter in the city’s history. It opens at the Panama Hotel , where Henry Lee discovers an umbrella owned by his childhood friend Keiko, who was taken to a Japanese internment camp. In the novel, her family’s possessions were stored, along with those of many others who were forced into the camps.

It is a beautifully told, moving story that has earned many awards. And you can visit, or even stay at, the real Panama Hotel while in Seattle.

I brought my mom to the International District of Seattle to see the hotel on her last visit to Seattle. She had been moved by the book and was equally stirred by the experience of being there in person. It would be very hard not to be!

You can order tea and explore the historic photos on the walls. Don’t miss the plexiglass covered floor near the bar. You can peer through and see some of the remaining possessions that were stored there as Japanese American families were uprooted. 

The History of Civil Rights and Labor in Seattle

Seattle has a proud history that includes fighting for the rights of the underrepresented. In 1919, the International Workers of the World helped to organize a strike by hundreds of unions in the city. Also in the midst of a pandemic, the protests lasted for five days. Thirty nine members were sent to jail as “ringleaders of anarchy.” 

In 1999, another protest happened in the city’s downtown core. Groups of mostly peaceful protesters stood up against the behemoth of the World Trade Organization. These protests are sometimes referred to as the Battle of Seattle and were the largest protests in the U.S. associated with economic globalization.

After George Floyd’s horrific killing in May 2020, a dedicated group of organizers and thousands of Seattle citizens repeatedly took to the streets demanding justice as part of the greater Black Lives Matter movement. They eventually created  the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (formerly CHAZ).  Although this administration has labeled the whole city an “anarchist jurisdiction,” CHOP covered just six city blocks and a park.

For more information about this history, check out the Civil Rights and Labor History Consortium website. The site is full of articles, photos, maps and even lesson plans. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of this rich history in the Seattle region.

This just skims the surface of ways that you can plan a trip to Seattle by learning about the history of the city. Share your favorite resources so others can learn from your recommendations.

The Top History Activities to do in Seattle

In addition to the activities listed above, here are more top recommendations for exploring the history of Seattle. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is in the heart of downtown and an easy stop on your trip. The free NHP highlights Seattle’s pivotal role in the Alaskan gold rush of the 1890s. The Seattle Underground Tour is a favorite we often bring out of town guests to. The current downtown around Pioneer Square is built over the early city structures from the 1890s. In this tour you get to tour underground passageways while learning about the history of the city. 

Depending on your particular interests in history, I also highly recommend the Museum of History and Industry, The National Nordic Museum and the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma.

Exploring Seattle and Its Remarkable Creativity

Everyone knows that one of the highlights of Seattle is the astounding creativity throughout the region. Start-ups, breweries, bands, video game companies and so many more– Seattle consistently ranks in the top ten cities for people pursuing these creative endeavors.

This may be rooted in our long dark winters and the time that gives us to devote to creative pursuits. Or perhaps it stems from the cultural crossroads in this multicultural metropolis. Whatever the reason, creativity is one of the great delights of the city. Read on to discover and learn more about the real Seattle before you travel!

Planning a Trip to Seattle: The Entertainment Scene

As you plan a trip to Seattle, be sure and include a live performance in your itinerary if you can. There are numerous festivals throughout the summer and many historic local venues for entertainment. The current live music scene is one the most enjoyable parts of living here.  Be sure and support local art and entertainment! 

If you want to learn more about the countless talented musicians and bands from the region you have many choices. In A Film About Jimi Hendrix , marvel at his genius as he plays live performances. The film also includes interviews with him and others. The documentary Hype! tells the story of the region in the early 90’s as the local grunge scene erupted into massive worldwide popularity. And, Pearl Jam 20 celebrates the band’s 20th anniversary (back in 2011!) with loads of great footage and interviews.

The city mandates that 1% of all city capital improvement project funds goes toward the installation of public artwork. This and the fact that there is a prolific street art scene, leads to a city that is stimulating even without setting foot inside our many interesting museums and galleries. To learn more about some of the public art exhibits and artists in Seattle , check out this collection of short documentaries from the Seattle Channel. 

Some of you best stops to explore Seattle’s creativity are our public library downtown (seriously, check it out!), the Seattle Art Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and MoPOP– a one of kind museum celebrating music, science fiction, horror and fantasy! The City Pass is your best bet for visiting most of these sites since the admissions individually add up quickly. 

Creativity also shines through in the city’s thriving food scene. Before you visit, enjoy the tantalizing podcast Seattle Kitchen hosted by local James Beard recipients, Tom Douglas and Thierry Raututeau. The stories and information will whet your appetite and help as you plan your restaurants, bars, and markets for your trip. Then, check out these great tips for visiting the culinary heart of the city, Pike Place Market.

Seattle Movie Night

Considering how beautiful it is in Seattle, it is really no wonder that there are many movies and television shows filmed here. As you plan your trip to Seattle, queue these up for Friday nights. Or, during Covid, maybe  Tuesday afternoons!

Sleepless in Seattle  has everything you would expect from from Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in Seattle in the 90’s. It is a feel good story that can offer the balm of an easier time with some nice shots of the Seattle skyline and beaches. When you visit Seattle and are out on Lake Union, you can see the famous houseboat from the movie. 

Or, cozy up with the family to enjoy The Last Mimzy , another film with beautiful shots of the region. This sci-fi classic can just as easily be enjoyed by adults. Based on All Mimzy Were the Borogoves and featuring Roger Waters on the soundtrack with Hello (I love you) , you can be confident that this is no ordinary family film. 

To see what local independent filmmakers are up to check out the Northwest Film Forum .  During Covid they are streaming indie films that they would otherwise be showing in their theater/school/hub for local filmmakers. When you visit their site, the films may, or may not, be featuring Seattle or local filmmakers. By the way, the NWFF was inside of the Capital Hill Organized Protest and screened free social justice documentaries during the existence of CHOP.

There are many great ways to enjoy and learn about the culture of Seattle before you travel. Share your favorite resources in the comments so others can learn from you!

Travel Tips

To wrap up my recommendations on the best way to discover and learn about the real Seattle before you travel, I leave you with just a few travel tips.

The best tip I can recommend is to learn a little more before you come so you can appreciate the city of Seattle from multiple facets. This can save you money as you’ll be knowledgeable enough to craft your own tours instead of hiring tour guides.

Another way to save, is to craft your itinerary around first Thursdays at many of our world-class museums for free or reduced admissions.  I also highly recommend that you take a ferry ride to get out on the water. This is a money saver and the stunning views are the same as those you would enjoy from tourist boats! The Bainbridge Ferry offers beautiful views and many wonderful things to do on Bainbridge. 

The next best tip is to plan on spending at least a couple of nights out of the city itself relishing the natural splendor of the area. Seattle is surrounded on all sides by national parks and monuments: Mount Rainier NP, North Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Mount Saint Helens NVM, and San Juan Islands NM are all no further than a few hours from downtown. We are excited to offer articles about visiting each of these parks in the future. 

I hope I have conveyed a small sliver of what makes this city so special. I look forward to reading your comments and learning about your favorite resources. 

What resources do you recommend that will help other members plan a trip to Seattle? If you’ve used any of these resources yourself– please add them in the commnets. We want to learn from you!

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13 thoughts on “Planning a Trip to Seattle: The Guide for Curious Travelers”

Seattle looks like a great city to visit, and I would definitely be doing some research before visiting it so that I don’t miss an important site, and also so I some history behind the sites.

It is a great city to visit, we are very grateful to live here! I agree, learning before visiting makes such a big difference.

Seattle and the surrounding area is so cool! So much to see, do, and eat! We visited in April 2017 and I would LOVE to go back! I liked your last comment about propaganda 😉

Thanks, Ashlee! That’s wonderful you have already been here. I hope you can return soon! I’ve lived here for a long time and am amazed at all of the new things we find to do. I can’t wait for things to open up again so we can support our local communities!

I love all the extra resources you gave to learn a bit more about Seattle! I can’t wait to go visit afyer learning a bit more about the area!

Thanks a lot, I am glad you found them helpful! I hope you have a wonderful trip when you come. 🙂

I love to explore history and interesting facts of the places I visit. Thank you for sharing that interesting facts. I find Seattle super nice place. I love it’s vibe;)

Me too, Ann, on all counts! 😉 Understadning the history of a location really creates such a depth to travel!

I’ve spent two nights in Seattle a few years ago and I really enjoyed the city. I should’ve read a bit more about its history but better late than never. I hope I can return one day and can spend a bit longer there and do all the things that I’ve missed the first time, like taking the ferry!

I’m glad you have already enjoyed Seattle and hope you can come visit again soon! Yes, a ferry ride is such a beautiful and affordable way to appreciate the area.

I miss traveling so much right now, but virtual is definitely better than nothing at all! I’ve been to Seattle a couple times but still have yet to learn more about its history — will try to do that before I go back again! I feel like it always gives us a better appreciation for the place! :]

I agree, learning a little (or a lot!) beforehand makes such a big difference on the quality of travel. I hope you can make it back to Seattle soon!

Wow such exciting information. I really love travel, it makes you feel life and enjoy it. I love meeting new people

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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!

Related Posts:

8 Best Stops on the Seattle to Portland Drive

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Olympic National Park Itinerary

The Perfect Seattle to Mt Rainier Day Trip Itinerary

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

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3 Days in Seattle Itinerary: Local’s Guide

Last updated on March 10th, 2024

Heading to Seattle? Our 3 days in Seattle itinerary + guide is full of must-see attractions, coffee shops, and restaurants, perfect for first-timers to Seattle (or Seattleites looking for ideas for their next weekend adventure). We first visited Seattle in 2014 and fell madly in love with the city. It truly has everything–tons of parks, cute neighborhoods, a big tech scene, bodies of water, gorgeous mountains, islands, professional sports teams, and so much more! And while we think you could spend a lot longer here, a long weekend in Seattle would be perfect for you to get a feel of the city.

• Why should you trust us to plan your weekend in Seattle?

We lived in Seattle for 3 years and explored so much of what this wonderful city has to offer and still find ourselves in awe of the scenery and endless things to do. During our time in Seattle, we took every chance we had to explore the city and the surrounding area. We have found some of the best activities and restaurants in town and know the best places for you to try! We’ve put together a 3 day Seattle itinerary and guide that includes all of our favorite places to hike, eat, drink, and more! It’s a very busy itinerary, but it will give you a chance to experience everything that makes Seattle special, and make you fall in love just like we did.

3 days in Seattle Map

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Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

Note: this blog contains affiliate links. Full disclosure– if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!

Want to find campsites all over the US? Try the Dyrt PRO for FREE for one month! The Dyrt is the #1 camping app in the US! Sign up for a FREE 30 day trial of their PRO version using our code AplusK ! The Dyrt PRO offers many incredible features to make finding campsites even easier (+ cheaper). Some of our favorite features are: -Offline maps, so you can find campsites without cell service -Map layers to find free camping areas (+ cell phone service map layers) -Discounts from PRO partners and on campground bookings (up to 40%!)

• See the first Starbucks. We suggest snapping a quick photo and buying a souvenir here and then grabbing coffee  at  Storyville Coffee or Seattle Coffee Works instead!
• Get a bag of hot doughnuts from Daily Dozen Doughnuts
• Wander down to the gum wall, which is a famous, but gross, Seattle landmark
• See fish being thrown at Pike Place Fish Market
• Have the best greek yogurt ever at Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt . We love the marionberry pie flavor!
• Get a piroshky (we like the beef and cheese) at Piroshky Piroshky
• Check out the views from the new MarketFront
• Drink ginger beer from Rachel’s Ginger Beer . This is a non-alcoholic drink (but they have alcohol options too) that is sort of like a fruit soda. It’s delicious!
• Buy a cheap bouquet of flowers
• Watch cheese being made and indulge in some mac and cheese from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese .
• Grab a bowl of Pike Place Chowder  
• Take the monorail or walk to the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle , Chihuly Garden and Glass , and MoPop . Depending on how much time you have and your interests, you can either visit all three spots or pick one or two. Tip: You can get a combo Space Needle and Chihuly ticket here .  
• Venture out to Discovery Park and take a stroll to the West Point Lighthouse. Start in the north parking lot, then follow the signs to the West Point Lighthouse/South Beach.  
• Enjoy the sunset at Kerry Park , a small park/overlook with the best view of Seattle, in our opinion. Fun fact: we got engaged here in 2014! While you’re there, make sure to walk down Highland drive to the other overlook for a great view of the Olympic mountains and to gawk at the beautiful mansions lining the street.  
• Afterwards, grab dinner and drinks at The Pink Door ! This is one of the top restaurants in Seattle and located at Pike Place Market. They have entertainment every night of the week. Make a reservation well in advance, because this place is popular!  

• Fremont: Stoneway Cafe —quick, cheap, and delicious! We recommend the breakfast burrito.
• Downtown : Biscuit Bitch or The Crumpet Shop —both are popular and quick spots right by Pike Place Market.
• Queen Anne: The 5 Spot —classic breakfast options + a special rotating themed menu.
• Ballard: Biscuit and Bean —order at the counter biscuit spot.
• Capitol Hill: Skillet —known for their chicken and waffles or Glo’s for a classic diner breakfast.  
• Snoqualmie Falls & Rattlesnake Ledge (<1 hour away)—These are two classic spots super close to the city and doable any time of the year. Between the two, it’s about 6.7 miles of hiking and about 1,800 elevation gain and neither require a pass to park. These are definitely some of the busiest spots in WA, but for good reason, they are beautiful and easy to access!
• Franklin Falls (1 hour away)—2.0 miles round trip, 400 ft elevation gain. This is an easy, but beautiful hike that takes you along a river, by a cool A-frame house, and ending with an epic waterfall!
• Snow Lake (1 hour away)—7.2 miles round trip, 1,800 ft elevation gain.  Note:  Snow Lake requires the Northwest Forest Pass. You can print a day pass in advance here .
• Lake Twentytwo (1-1.5 hours away)—6.8 miles round trip, 1,470 ft elevation gain. Heather Lake is another great and slightly shorter option just down the street from Lake TwentyTwo and is 5.4 miles round trip and 1,210 ft elevation gain.    Note:  Franklin Falls, Lake Twentytwo, and Heather Lake require the Northwest Forest Pass. You can print a day pass in advance  here .  
• Grab some post-hike caffeine and treats at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery . The space is gorgeous and you can watch them roast coffee!  
• If you have enough time after your hike, walk around the streets of Capitol Hill . Some of our favorite shops are The Elliott Bay Book Company , Standard Goods , Glasswing , and Retrofit Home .  
• Some pricier options: 8oz Burger Co or Witness  
• Enjoy ice cream at Frankie & Jo’s (vegan, but SO good! It’s our favorite ice cream shop!), Molly Moon’s (a Seattle classic!), or get ice cream sandwiches at Hello Robin .  
• If you’re not exhausted, grab drinks at Unicorn , Sol Liquor , Pie Bar , or Needle and Thread (A speakeasy that is a little pricey, but is a cool experience. Make reservations!)

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

• Grab coffee and breakfast ! Blackbird Bakery and Streamliner Diner are popular spots, but we love this hole in the wall spot at the back of a gas station called  Jake’s Pickup ! It’s not fancy food, but super delicious and would be great to take on a little picnic.
• Walk around the shops on Winslow Way and wander around the Waterfront Park.
• For a sweet treat, head to Mora Iced Creamery for ice cream!  
• Take the ferry back to Seattle and grab lunch from Paseo to enjoy at Gasworks Park , a cool former gasification site with lots of picnic space and a view of downtown Seattle.  
• Fremont Troll –a quirky and quick photo op
• Theo Chocolate store (free samples!). They also offer a tour for $14 , which is super informative and delicious!  
• Want to try some local beer ? Head to Fremont Brewing , Stoup Brewing , or Reuben’s Brews . Prefer coffee ? Head to Milstead ,  Cafe Umbria , Ballard Coffee Works , or Slate Coffee Roasters instead.  
• Additionally, if you have time, check out the Ballard Locks . You can watch the boats enter the locks and see the salmon on the fish ladder. It’s super fascinating and free!  
• Dinner in Ballard at Asadero (Awesome Carne Asada for a great price. One of our favorite restaurants!) , Stoneburner (make reservations in advance), or The Walrus and the Carpenter (it gets crazy busy, get here early!)  
• Lastly, enjoy dessert at Hot Cakes , an amazing spot with molten chocolate cakes and boozy milkshakes. A perfect way to end a long weekend in Seattle.

Have more time than the 3 days on our Seattle itinerary or just looking for more options? Here are some ideas of additional things to do!

• Dick’s Drive-In –the classic late night, cheap burger joint in Seattle.
• Marination Ma Kai –one of our favorite spots in Seattle! Affordable Hawaiian food with a view. You can take a quick water taxi ride from downtown Seattle over here too!
• Bongos –awesome outdoor seating and caribbean food!
• Teriyaki is very popular in Seattle, one top rated spot is Teriyaki 1st by UW.
• Matt’s in the Market –a spot at Pike Place Market that has views of Elliott Bay, the Olympics, and the market’s famous sign.
• General Porpoise –they have a location in Capitol Hill and new shop in Pioneer Square. The Pioneer Square location is gorgeous!
• Tilikum Place Cafe –known for their dutch babies!
• Anchorhead Coffee Shop
• Cascade Coffee Works
• Victrola Roasters
• Espresso Vivace
• Elm Coffee Roasters
• Moore Coffee Shop (cutest latte art!)
• Pioneer Square –Seattle’s original neighborhood. Flatstick Pub is a fun spot for mini golf and drinks!
• Attend a Seahawks, Sounders , or Mariners game.
• Visit a Farmers Market! Fremont and Ballard have theirs every Sunday and are the two best ones in our opinion.
• Kayak on the Puget Sound or Lake Union.
• Ride on an amphibious vehicle and see Seattle on the  Duck Tour .
• Explore the Olympic Peninsula . Check out our weekend road trip on the peninsula guide here .
• Mount Rainier National Park –we recommend hiking the  Naches Peak Loop or Tolmie Peak .​
• North Cascades National Park –we recommend checking out Diablo Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, and Heather Maple Pass Loop .
• Visit Leavenworth , a cute Bavarian village town in the mountains.
• Go to Deception Pass State Park and Whidbey Island.
• Visit the San Juan Islands. We love Orcas Island and Moran State Park .
• Future of Flight Boeing Tour

Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Book it on Tripadvisor and use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!

Planning your 3 days in Seattle

One of the first things that comes to mind when people think of Seattle is rain! Seattle is known for being cloudy and rainy, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s not as bad as people make it out to be! In fact, cities like Houston and Atlanta actually get way more inches of rain per year than Seattle. That’s not to say that it isn’t gloomy or rainy in Seattle, but the rain is more like a mist and it sometimes just adds to the city’s vibe. And if you have a good attitude about it, you can still have a lot of fun ! However, it doesn’t rain everyday of the year…Seattle actually has the best summers in the country! (Source: us, so it’s not scientific fact, but they are amazing!) While the winter months are definitely gloomy and rainy in Seattle, the summers are absolutely stunning! With highs in the 70s-80s (with the occasional 90+ degree day) and hardly any rain, the weather is absolutely perfect for a weekend in Seattle. Since Seattle is such a great launching point for many outdoor adventures, the summertime gives you the ability to go on endless hikes without worrying about snow or ice and have many chances to see views of Mount Rainier. The prices and crowds will be a lot higher though, so make sure to plan in advance and be prepared to see more people! Spring and fall are also beautiful times to visit Seattle! While your rain chances will be higher than the summer, you’ll get to experience some beautiful nature, like the cherry blossoms and tulips in the spring and the fall foliage in the fall. The crowds are also a lot lighter during this time and prices will be too! And if you do happen to visit Seattle in the winter , you still can have a great time! The nice thing about Seattle is that the winters are pretty mild and it rarely snows in the city. However, be prepared to get a little wet and bring a rain jacket and a positive attitude. Because we explored Seattle and Washington year round and always had a blast.

Seattle is home to one major airport, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as SeaTac. SeaTac is located about 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle, making it super convenient to get into the city. All major airlines fly into SeaTac, so depending on where you’re flying from, you should have a handful of options to get there. On your flight in, make sure to keep an eye out for Mount Rainier. Seeing her from the sky is one of the most magical experiences! Seattle is also located close to Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, BC , which are both 2.5 hours by car, assuming there is no traffic (there usually is!). So, if you are visiting either of these cities and have extra time, we highly recommend adding 3 days in Seattle to itinerary too! SeaTac airport tip: the best place to eat at the airport is Beecher’s and the best coffee is at Floret or Cafe Vita (which is next to Beecher’s).

From the airport: So you landed at the Seattle airport and want to head to your hotel or rental house. What’s the best way to get there? There are a couple options, but we recommend taking the Link Light Rail to downtown Seattle (it also goes to Capitol Hill!), which is a relatively quick ride (40 minutes) and super affordable ($3.00). Depending on where you are staying, you can either walk to your lodging or take an Uber/Lyft from the light rail station, which will still save you money. Another option from the airport is to just take an Uber/Lyft all the way to your lodging, but this can be $$$ and can take a while if there is traffic. From the airport to our apartment in Upper Queen Anne, the ride was usually $40. Which could be spent on more coffee or food! 😉

Around the city: Once you’re actually in the city, there are so many options of how to get around. We actually downsized to one car we moved here because of how great (and affordable) the public transportation is! For a lot of the major tourist attractions in the Seattle itinerary, you could easily walk (warning: the city is hilly!), bike, take public transportation, or Uber/Lyft. We wouldn’t recommend renting a car unless you plan to go into the mountains (which is a MUST in our opinion), as parking can be a bit tough in some areas. You can rent cars at various spots downtown if you want to just rent for a portion of your trip!

While most people will stay in downtown Seattle, besides Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle doesn’t have a ton to offer. It’s mostly made up of department stores, large retail chains, and businesses. We always tell people we know visiting Seattle to stay outside of downtown in one of the many neighborhoods that make the city special! We will cover these neighborhoods below, but you can also read more about them here . Undoubtedly, staying in one of these Seattle neighborhoods will give you a much more local experience! Note: We do like to warn people before they visit is that Seattle does have a large homeless population. You’ll notice this the most downtown and while we never had any issues, it’s just something to be aware of and prepared for.

Vacation rentals for a weekend in seattle

As always, we recommend vacation rentals for your time in Seattle! Seattle is home to so many cool neighborhoods, each with their own vibe. These neighborhoods typically do not have any hotels, so if you want to experience Seattle like a local, choose VRBO or Airbnb! Here are some of the top neighborhoods to stay in.

Capitol Hill A bustling, quirky, hip neighborhood just east of downtown Seattle. You can take the light rail from Capitol Hill to downtown and also to the airport, making it a super convenient spot. Some VRBO options:

• Option 1 : A clean and simple studio apartment
• Option 2 : A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment that’s centrally located
• Option 3 : A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with rooftop views
• Option 4 : A beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a rooftop deck and views of the space needle and the mountains!

Queen Anne There are two parts of Queen Anne, upper and lower. Upper Queen Anne (where we lived) is quaint and quiet, while Lower Queen Anne is closer to downtown and has a bit more energy. Both are great areas with easy access to all spots on this Seattle itinerary! Some VRBO options:

• Option 1 : A studio apartment just one block from Kerry Park
• Option 2 : A cute guest suite with fun decor
• Option 3 : A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment on the hill in Upper Queen Anne with a balcony

Ballard Ballard is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Seattle. It’s more north of downtown, but is home to lots of local shops, breweries, coffee, and restaurants.

• Option 1 : A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom family friendly home
• Option 2 : A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom contemporary flat

Fremont Fremont is another one of our favorite neighborhoods. Next to Ballard and across Lake Union from downtown Seattle, it’s home to quite a few items on the itinerary below.

• Option 1 : A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage
• Option 2 : A 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment
• Option 3 ​: A funky 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom house

Hotels for a weekend in seattle

Hotels can be super pricey in Seattle, especially in the summer months. If you’re more of a hotel over VRBO traveler, then check out  Motif ,  Inn at the Market ,   Hotel Max , or  Thompson Seattle .

If you’re looking for more Seattle or Washington ideas, check out all of our Washington posts. Some of our favorites are:

• Seattle Bucket List
• 10 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Seattle
• Our 37 Favorite Hikes in Washington
• 6 Seattle Day Trips
• 30 Free and Cheap Things to do in Seattle
• Our Favorite Cheap Eats in Seattle
• Watch all of our PNW videos

Have questions about Seattle? Send us a message on Instagram or email us at [email protected] ! We’re always happy to help 🙂

Pin this 3 Days in Seattle itinerary to help plan your trip!

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26 thoughts on “ 3 days in seattle itinerary: local’s guide ”.

Thanks so much! We will be in Seattle for 3 days before a flight overseas. Can you recommend a tour company for Mt Rainer and a hotel to stay at? Someplace close to the airport but with easy transportation to the Market?

Hi Rebekah! We have personally never done a tour, but have heard great things about Tours Northwest ! It is pretty pricey though, so you could likely rent a car for cheaper and explore on your own! If it’s spring/summer, Tolmie Peak and Naches Peak Loop are great trails and if it’s winter, Paradise has areas to snowshoe. As for a hotel, I’d recommend checking out somewhere along the light rail, as you’ll be able to get to the airport and the market super easily (both are right on the light rail or just a block or two away)! A few good options are: Motif , Grand Hyatt , and the Sheraton . Hotels are pretty pricey though depending on the time of the year, so if you like Airbnb I would check it out too and look in the Capitol Hill area to be close to the light rail. I hope this helps and have an amazing trip! 🙂

You hit everything! Have you been to Walrus and the Carpenter? That and the Pink Door, which you mentioned, are my two favorites!

Yay! We’re so glad you think we hit it all! ?? We haven’t been to Walrus and the Carpenter, but have heard amazing things. The Pink Door is delicious though! ?

Super helpful! I’m visiting Seatlle in a few weeks and I’m glad I came across your post.

We are so glad this was helpful John! Let us know if you have any questions about Seattle and have an AWESOME time!

Hi, we are visiting next week. Is there an inexpensive place to eat with nice water views?? Also are there tours of the houseboats on lake union??

Hi Missy! Marination Ma Kai is an awesome spot on the water in West Seattle with views of the skyline! It’s one of our favorite spots to eat. It’s Hawaiian inspired food and order at the counter and pretty cheap (we usually order a handful of items each). There is also Ray’s Cafe, a sit down spot in Ballard that has a water view. It shares a space with Ray’s Boathouse, which is pricier, just FYI!

As for house boat tours, Argosy Cruises does a tour on Lake Union! You can also rent kayaks and kayak in front of the house boats or rent a small electric boat (better for bigger groups). I hope this helps! Let me know if you have other questions and have an AMAZING trip! ?

Have you done a half-day/or full day trip to Canada?

We love going to Vancouver/surrounding areas for the day and have done many day trips! We would leave super early (which means no line at the border!) and come back late. It’s a long day, but sooo fun and you save a lot of money on lodging!

This is PERFECT! I’ll be in Seattle in about two weeks and have been trying to independently look up things to do, but this puts everything in one neat place! Thank you so much!

We are SO glad! That’s our goal with creating these guides! We have a Seattle Bucket List too if you need even more ideas. Have a great trip and let us know if you have any questions! 😀

Love your you tube channel and your blog. We actually subscribed to your you tube channel. We’re planning a trip to Seattle and Portland and been reading your blog and watching your you tube. Thank you for all the helpful information. We actually used your tips on our travel to Austin and everything has been great! We wished we had more time in Austin. We didn’t get to eat all the delicious food there but the ones that we tried that you’ve recommended were all delicious. Thanks again. 🙂

Hi Gigi! Thank you so much for watching, reading, and using our suggestions for your own adventures. It means so much to us!

I am working to plan a trip for summer 2022 and this has been very helpful! I was wondering if you have any suggestions or have ever done a whale watching tour? Are they worth it? Thanks!

Hi Nicole! We are so glad this was helpful! We personally haven’t done a whale watching tour in WA, but it is SO high up on our list! We have done whale watching tours in Hawaii and have always loved them. Some friends have done them at Orcas Island and loved it, so we’d suggest going out there if you can! It’s a gorgeous island!

When is the best time of year for whale watching?

Hi Linda! Usually between May and October!

We retired and moved to Sooke (from Toronto, Ontario) on Vancouver Island a year ago. We bought an RV last January, and have really been enjoying your van explorations on your YouTube channel – especially your visits to our beautiful island!

We’re planning our first trip to Seattle in a couple of weeks, and your videos and guides have been super helpful. (I think all we’ll be doing is eating!).

Thanks – wishing you safe and happy travels (and give Kona a hug from us – so adorable).

Congrats on the RV! Thank you for watching our videos and for reading our website. We hope you enjoy Seattle! Kona says woof 😀

On Bainbridge Island, surprised you didn’t mention Mora’s ice cream, one (if not the best) in the Seattle area and possibly the US. My husband and I moved to Seattle earlier this year from the Houston area and loving the PNW. Really enjoying your posts.

We surprisingly haven’t had it! But we will add it, as we know of many people who love it 🙂

Do you have any recommendations for places to get brunch/drinks at before a Sunday afternoon Seahawks game?

Hi Jessie! Sorry for the delay! Not sure if you still need a suggestion, but The London Plane is a really cool spot!

Great Blog! Can’t wait for the trip!

Have a blast!

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How to Plan a Trip to Seattle: Create Your Dream Vacation

• 13 May 2023

Best Time to Visit Seattle

To make the most of your Seattle vacation, plan your trip for the best time to visit. Weather in Seattle and peak season in Seattle are the sub-sections we will explore. Understanding these components is key to piecing together your ideal itinerary.

Weather in Seattle

Seattle’s climate is classified as oceanic or temperate marine, with mild, wet winters and cool summers. The average annual temperature ranges from 7 to 19° Celsius . Precipitation is frequent throughout the year but mostly concentrated in the winter months.

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, it’s best to avoid the rainy season from November to March when it tends to be cloudy and overcast most of the time. Late spring through early fall, particularly July and August , offer the warmest temperatures and driest weather.

However, it’s important to note that Seattle’s location means that weather conditions can quickly change. It’s always wise to pack for various weather possibilities and check local forecasts regularly.

Pro Tip: Pack layers for unpredictable weather patterns in Seattle.

Good luck finding a hotel room in Seattle during peak season – it’s like a game of musical chairs, except all the chairs are already taken.

Peak Season in Seattle

Seattle’s prime time to visit is during the bustling season due to its vibrant atmosphere. Peak vacation period in Seattle occurs from June-August, but tourist attraction spots are packed, and accommodation prices rise. Besides, Seattle’s weather is mild throughout the year, making it an ideal destination anytime. Opting early spring or fall with pleasant climate conditions comes with minimal crowds and lower rates. In addition to water activities and outdoor lighting art in summer, winter blues feature holiday festivals like gingerbread village display around Christmas that are must-visit destinations for tourists.

A unique fact about Seattle’s history : The Great Fire of 1889 destroyed 31 city blocks, prompting restructuring which became a foundation for modern infrastructure in Seattle today.

Finding the perfect travel accommodations is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the needle costs way more and you have to sleep on it.

Choosing Travel Accommodations

To plan the perfect trip to Seattle and create your dream vacation, you need to carefully choose your travel accommodations. If you’re unsure of where to stay, consider three options: hotels in Seattle, Airbnb options in Seattle, and hostels in Seattle. Each option comes with its unique perks, so it’s essential to weigh your priorities before making a final decision.

Hotels in Seattle

When planning your trip to Seattle, finding the right accommodation is crucial. Here are some things to consider when looking for hotels in Seattle:

• Location : Downtown hotels provide easy access to attractions but can be pricey. Staying at a hotel outside downtown can offer better value.
• Price : Prices vary depending on location and amenities. Decide on your budget before booking.
• Amenities : Some hotels offer free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, or gym facilities. Determine which amenities you need and make sure they’re included.
• Reviews : Check online reviews before booking to make sure the hotel meets your standards. Don’t forget to look for reviews on third-party websites as well.
• Pet-Friendly Options : If you’re traveling with pets, check if the hotel allows them beforehand and ask if there are any additional fees.
• Parking : Some hotels offer parking facilities while others may provide discounts at nearby parking lots.

In addition to these considerations, many Seattle hotels have unique features such as rooftop bars or views of the waterfront.

Seattle has an impressive amount of green spaces and parks with over 400 parks within city limits alone. The largest park is Discovery Park measuring over 500 acres .

According to a recent survey by TripAdvisor, Seattle is one of the top destinations for food lovers in the United States due to its vibrant restaurant scene and fresh seafood options.

When it comes to choosing the perfect hotel in Seattle, take into account your budget and preferences while considering location, amenities, and pet-friendly options. With all these factors considered, you’ll have an enjoyable stay in this vibrant city filled with stunning scenery and plenty of activities for all ages.

Seattle’s Airbnb scene is so hot right now, even the rain is scared to put a damper on your stay.

Airbnb in Seattle

For travelers considering Seattle, Airbnb offers plenty of enticing options.

• Seattle has over 5,000 Airbnb listings
• The options include private rooms and entire homes for rent
• Airbnb can be more affordable than hotels in some areas of the city
• Many listings are located in desirable neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill and Fremont
• Some hosts offer insider tips and recommendations for exploring Seattle like a local
• Booking an Airbnb allows for a unique and personalized travel experience

Aside from these benefits, many Seattle-based Airbnbs come with stunning views of the water and mountains.

One interesting thing to note is that according to Airbnb’s website, 57% of Seattle hosts are women .

Do you want to save money on accommodation and make new friends? Stay at a hostel in Seattle, where you can share a room with strangers and bond over your love for cheap beer and free breakfasts.

Hostels in Seattle

For budget-conscious travelers, affordable and comfortable accommodations can be found in Seattle. Here are some of the available hostels that cater to various preferences:

• Green Tortoise Hostel: Located within walking distance of Pike Place Market and Seattle Center, this hostel offers both shared dormitory rooms and private rooms with en suite bathrooms. Amenities include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a communal kitchen .
• City Hostel Seattle: This hostel is centrally located at the heart of historic Pioneer Square, offering private and shared dormitory-style accommodations with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi . The hostel also features a common area with TV and pool table.
• HI Seattle at the American Hotel: Situated in the International District, this hostel provides an experience full of culture and history unique to Seattle. It offers modern amenities such as free breakfast, Wi-Fi, bike rental, laundry facility, and a communal kitchen .
• Hostelling International Seattle at the 84 Union Building: This downtown location offers stunning views of Elliot Bay with easy access to public transportation providing single-bed rooms or shared rooms for budget-friendly prices.

For solo travelers looking to stay in vibrant neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Ballard neighborhoods or families needing more space and privacy there are many other accommodation options available.

Don’t miss out on staying within your budget using hostels for accommodation when traveling to Seattle. Book now to ensure availability.

If Seattle’s tourist attractions don’t impress you, at least the hotel bed might feel like home…if your home is a rainy, overpriced room with a view of a construction site.

Tourist Attractions in Seattle

To plan your dream vacation to Seattle, you need to know the top tourist attractions in the city. In this section on “Tourist Attractions in Seattle”, we will reveal the must-visit places that you shouldn’t miss during your trip. We will also introduce you to other tourist attractions that are worth checking out in Seattle.

Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Seattle

Seattle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, with several must-visit places that draw visitors from all over the world. These attractions are perfect for people of all ages and interests who are looking for an exciting adventure.

• Space Needle : Standing at 605 feet tall, this iconic observation tower offers a 360-degree view of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier.
• Pike Place Market : This historic farmers market is home to local vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, crafts, and other specialties.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass : This museum showcases a breathtaking collection of blown glass art by internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly .
• Museum of Pop Culture : This interactive museum is dedicated to pop culture in all its various forms, including music, film, video games, and more.
• Kerry Park : This picturesque park offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for taking photos.

For a unique experience outside these top-rated attractions, tourists can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the scenic Lake Union. They can also explore Seattle’s rich history by visiting Pioneer Square or take a stroll through Woodland Park Zoo .

Pro Tip: Seattle experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year. Visitors should pack rain gear or an umbrella to enjoy their stay without any hassle.

Seattle may be known for its grey skies, but these other attractions will add some color to your trip.

Other Tourist Attractions to Check Out

If you want to explore more attractions in Seattle, here are some recommendations for you:

• Visit the famous Pike Place Market , known for its fresh seafood and unique shops.
• Take a stroll through the Chihuly Garden and Glass , where you can admire stunning blown glass art pieces.
• Explore the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) , featuring exhibits on music, movies, and pop culture icons.
• Climb the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

In addition to these popular attractions, there are hidden gems worth discovering in Seattle. For instance, check out the Fremont Troll under the bridge or take a trip through time at the Georgetown Steam Plant Museum .

For an unforgettable experience, book a scenic seaplane tour over Seattle’s skyline and waterfront. Or hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island for picturesque views of Puget Sound. Each suggestion offers a unique way to explore this beautiful city and create lasting memories.

No matter what your interests are, make sure to visit some of Seattle’s exciting attractions beyond those mentioned in “Tourist Attractions in Seattle.” Plan your trip accordingly to maximize your enjoyment while visiting this vibrant city on the Pacific coast.

Seattle has so many activities to do, you might need a vacation after your vacation.

Activities to Do in Seattle

To explore the best activities to do in Seattle with the mentioned sub-sections as a solution briefly, plan a trip to examine Seattle’s coffee scene, visit Seattle’s museums, and go on a nature adventure. These sub-sections will enable you to enjoy different aspects of Seattle and make the most of your trip, whether you’re a coffee lover, culture fanatic, or nature enthusiast.

Explore Seattle’s Coffee Scene

Seattle’s coffee culture is a must-experience for anyone visiting the city. You won’t be disappointed with the unique aroma and flavors that you’ll explore in this thriving coffee scene.

• Visit Pike Place Market
• Drop by Victrola Coffee Roasters
• Experience Seattle Coffee Works
• Savor good coffee from Caffe Vita
• Taste fresh-brewed beans at Milstead & Co.
• Discover the art of latte at La Marzocco Cafe and Showroom

Apart from micro-roasters and artisanal creations, Seattle’s coffee scene offers more unique experiences such as coffee cupping sessions that allow you to learn about the flavors and roast profiles of different types of brews, or visiting roasting facilities to see bean processing from start to finish.

Don’t miss out on Seattle without immersing yourself in its coffee culture. Sip it slow and savor every moment, as it will leave an everlasting boost of energy that will last even after you have left the Emerald City.

Who knew feeling cultured could also involve feeling broke? The museums in Seattle will leave your wallet as empty as your head.

Visit Seattle’s Museums

Seattle is home to a variety of museum experiences, offering something for every interest and age group. From the Seattle Art Museum to the Museum of Pop Culture , visitors can immerse themselves in art, science, history and culture all across the city. While visiting these museums, one can expect to encounter world-class exhibitions, interactive activities and unique collections that showcase Seattle’s rich heritage .

In addition to traditional museums, Seattle also boasts numerous smaller galleries that feature local artists and emerging trends in contemporary art. These hidden gems offer a fresh perspective on the dynamic artistic landscape of Seattle. To truly appreciate the cultural richness that the city has to offer, a visit to its museums is a must.

Soak up Seattle’s enriched cultural heritage by immersing yourself in its numerous museum experiences. Don’t miss out on exploring some of the most captivating art and exhibits from around the world . Plan your visit today!

Experience the great outdoors in Seattle, where even the squirrels are hipsters and the air is infused with craft beer.

Go on a Nature Adventure

Seattle’s natural wonders are a must-see . Explore lush green parks, admire the waterfront, or go hiking in the mountains. With so many options, it’s easy to get lost in adventure. You can discover hidden gems and enjoy picturesque views of nature.

The Emerald City boasts an abundance of parks such as Discovery Park and Gas Works Park . Wander around acres of land filled with flora and fauna while relishing your solitude or company. For the ultimate fun, kayak through paddling trails of Lake Union or take a whale-watching tour in Puget Sound .

Seattle has some fantastic hiking destinations like Mount Si and Rattlesnake Ridge within close distance of downtown Seattle. The scenic route to these mountain trails will unravel mesmerizing views that will leave you speechless.

Discover how glacial forces shaped much of this impressive landscape at the Olympic Sculpture Park . It is adjacent to Myrtle Edwards park and offers some remarkable contemporary art installations that’ll keep you intrigued.

Seattle has always been known for its environmental awareness, making it possible for people around the world to see beautiful creatures up close at Woodland Park Zoo .

According to Seattle Met Magazine, 69 percent of Seattle residents live within a 10-minute walk from a park entrance – one more reason to lace-up those sneakers and go turn Seattle into your outdoor gym!

Planning your itinerary in Seattle is like trying to choose your favorite child – impossible and bound to leave you feeling guilty.

Planning Your Itinerary

To plan out your perfect trip to Seattle with specific attention to the itinerary, the section on Planning Your Itinerary with sub-sections How Many Days to Spend in Seattle and Planning Out Your Daily Schedule will help you in crafting your dream vacation.

How Many Days to Spend in Seattle

Seattle is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions and activities. To make the most of your trip, consider how long to stay. A suggested duration would be ideal, based on the availability of time and activities.

It is recommended that travellers stay no less than 3 days in Seattle to fully immerse themselves in the experience. In this timeframe, tourists can visit popular attractions such as Pike Place Market – home to the first Starbucks, local artisans boutiques, try some authentic Pacific Northwestern cuisine and more.

Moreover, there are also tours like Underground Tour and other sightseeing expeditions that offer unique perspectives on Seattle’s history and culture. These experiences should be planned beforehand in order to enhance tourists’ overall travel experience and guarantee their satisfaction.

Interestingly, The name Seattle comes from “ Sealth ,” the Anglicized pronunciation of Si’ahl , whose father was chief of the Duwamish tribe who lived on Elliott Bay when white settlers arrived in 1851. With a rich history dating back to Native American occupation through the present day tech boom – there is something for everyone in this thriving metropolis.

Get your itinerary in check, or else your vacation might turn into a never-ending episode of ‘Where’s Waldo?’

Planning Out Your Daily Schedule

To organize your daily routine, strategize on how to create an itinerary that meets your needs while satisfying any obligations. By planning out how exactly you intend to best utilize any available hours in a day, you can maximize productivity and accomplish your tasks efficiently.

Follow these simple 4-steps when designing your itinerary:

• Make an objective list of activities that must be completed within a set period.
• Estimate the time it would take to accomplish each task along with the breaks needed to recharge for the next activity.
• Plan out the schedule for each task by allotting specific start times and durations. You can make more time for activities by prioritizing essential tasks.
• Review the finished itinerary and adjust where necessary based on other commitments such as meetings, deadlines or unavoidable disruptions like traffic.

While drafting schedules, take into consideration environmental conditions as well, such as working at different locations or traveling distances which could impact transit times or accessibility.

Have you ever planned an itinerary and later realized it was far too ambitious? One summer vacation we tried visiting six tourist sites in two days only to discover that cramming too many sites into a tight schedule was not only unenjoyable but also exhausting. We learned to strike a balance between efficiency and relaxation when planning trips or outings.

Seattle’s traffic may be as congested as your sinuses during allergy season , but thankfully there are plenty of transportation options to get you where you need to go.

Transportation in Seattle

To plan your perfect Seattle vacation, transportation is key. With the sub-sections of Public Transportation in Seattle and Renting a Car in Seattle, you can decide which mode of transportation suits your needs best. Whether you’re exploring the city solo or traveling in a group, understanding your options and their benefits can help you make the most of your trip.

Public Transportation in Seattle

Seattle’s public transit system encompasses a variety of transportation options. Commuters can choose from buses, ferries, light rail trains, streetcars, and water taxis . Additionally, Seattle’s King County Metro Transit offers a pre-paid ORCA card , which allows for easy access to all modes of transportation. The city also boasts bike-sharing programs and car-sharing services for those who prefer alternative modes of travel.

Seattle has made significant investments in recent years to improve public transportation options and reduce traffic congestion. The Sound Transit 3 program is bringing expansions to existing light rail lines and adding new ones, including connections to the Eastside and Tacoma. Furthermore, the Center City Connector streetcar project seeks to connect existing streetcar lines and improve transit access throughout downtown Seattle.

According to USA Today, Seattle’s public transportation ranks among the best in the nation due to its efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Driving in Seattle is like playing a game of bumper cars, except the stakes are higher and the other drivers don’t care if you’re still alive at the end.

Renting a Car in Seattle

Seattle Car Rentals – Finding Your Wheels in the Emerald City

Need a car to explore Seattle? No worries, Seattle has got you covered. With plenty of car rental companies located at and near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, downtown and other hotspots, renting a car is easy and hassle-free.

In addition to traditional rental companies, there are several ride-share and peer-to-peer car rental options available as well. These options allow for greater flexibility in terms of pick-up locations and drop-off times.

For those looking for eco-friendly transportation options, a number of hybrid and electric cars are also available for rent in Seattle.

Pro Tip: When renting a car in Seattle, be sure to consider parking options and rates, as parking can be expensive in certain parts of the city.

If you’re hungry in Seattle, don’t worry, the city has plenty of options for both foodies and those with no taste buds .

Where to Eat in Seattle

To explore where to eat in Seattle with top-rated restaurants and the best places to try Seattle’s local cuisine, read on. This section is your guide to the culinary scene in Seattle, featuring the most popular eateries and the must-try dining experiences in the city.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Seattle

Seattle’s Finest Dining Delights

Seattle is home to some of the finest culinary specialties in the world. With a wide range of tastes and flavors to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down where to dine first. Here are five top-rated restaurants in Seattle that will leave your taste buds begging for more:

• Canlis – A classic fine dining destination with stunning views of Lake Union and exceptional Pacific Northwest cuisine.
• Paseo Caribbean – A casual eatery serving up Caribbean-inspired sandwiches and dishes bursting with bold flavors.
• Joule – A Korean-influenced restaurant with an innovative approach to meat-forward cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
• Din Tai Fung – A Taiwanese chain known for their signature soup dumplings and consistently exceptional service.
• The Walrus and the Carpenter – An oyster bar that offers a rotating selection of fresh, locally-sourced seafood.

For those seeking a unique culinary experience, look no further than Seattle’s food trucks. The city is renowned for its diverse collection of mobile eateries, offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to authentic Mexican street food.

Pro Tip: Make advanced reservations as most top-rated restaurants have waiting lists extending up to several months.

Prepare to get your taste buds Seattleized with these local eats that will have you saying ‘fish who?’.

Best Places to Try Seattle’s Local Cuisine.

Seattle’s culinary scene offers a variety of local delicacies to indulge in. Let us explore the top-notch locales offering an authentic taste of Seattle.

• For seafood lovers, Pike Place Market is the place to be, featuring fresh and diverse marine catches from Northwest waters.
• Theo Chocolate Factory offers handmade chocolate with exotic flavors like chai tea, gingerbread spice, and ghost pepper.
• Salumi is a family-owned business making artisanal cured meats for three generations, that pit masters swear by it!
• Come visit James Beard award-winning chef Edouardo Jordan’s restaurant Salare and relish soulful dishes that weave the stories of Seattle’s African American heritage.

Apart from these must-visit places serving robust flavors hailing from Seattle, Capitol Hill region’s street food vendors offer coffee roasted on-site with distinct herbs and spices.

Once, while strolling around Fremont neighborhood’s eccentric boutiques, I stumbled upon coffee shops selling locally sourced coffee grinds. Impressed by their sustainability model wherein they only purchase raw beans from farmers practicing eco-friendly methods . The fresh aroma lingered in my nostrils all day long!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to visit Seattle?

The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Seattle?

Some of the must-see attractions in Seattle include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Seattle Aquarium.

3. How do I get around Seattle?

You can get around Seattle using public transportation like buses, light rail, and streetcars, or by renting a car. You can also explore the city on foot or by bike.

4. Where should I stay in Seattle?

Some popular neighborhoods to stay in Seattle include Downtown, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Ballard. It all depends on your preference and budget.

5. What are some outdoor activities in Seattle?

Seattle offers a lot of outdoor activities such as hiking at Mount Rainier National Park, kayaking on Lake Union, cycling along the Burke-Gilman Trail, or whale watching tours on Puget Sound.

6. What is the food scene like in Seattle?

Seattle is known for its seafood, coffee, and local craft beer and wine. You can find fresh seafood at Pike Place Market, grab a cup of coffee at a local café, and enjoy specialty cocktails at trendy bars.

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Post written by: Lets Eat and Wander

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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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. 

3 Days in Seattle: A Perfect Seattle Itinerary

Ready to hit up Seattle? Plan the perfect three days in Seattle with this step-by-step Seattle itinerary.

With its amazing location amidst the water and mountains, Seattle is arguably one of the most unique cities in the United States.

Located on the Puget Sound surrounded by the Cascade mountain range, this city in the Pacific Northwest is a perfect weekend getaway for outdoor lovers and city goers alike.

With 3 days in Seattle, you can hit Seattle’s major highlights and get a glimpse of the local culture. ( And as you plan your Seattle itinerary, you can use this post as a guide! )

Seattle is full of quirky history and culture. It’s the birthplace of Nirvana and chicken teriyaki, and home to a confusing mix of local businesses and behemoths like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks.

It’s the most literate city in the country, and has the highest incidence of public library use. Plus, the food there is amazing.

Despite its reputation of being rainy AF all the time, it’s actually sunny or partly cloudy about half the year, with lower rainfall amounts than Chicago, New York, or Houston. Weirdly enough, Seattle locals buy more sunglasses than inhabitants of any other city.

But Seattle’s identity is slowly shifting. In the last few years, it started to grow and shift out of its prior grunge-filled glory with the rise of technology jobs and influx of young professionals in the region.

Despite this, we found Seattleites to be really nice and eager to share tips about their city. We put this post together to cover our favorite recommendations for a Seattle 3 day itinerary.

Because, when you’ve got 3 days in Seattle, do as the Seattleites do : wander the city on foot, eat and drink local coffee, and spend the rest of your time enjoying the great outdoors.

Handy Tips for Planning Your Seattle Itinerary

Things To Know About Seattle

It’s cloudy and drizzly for many months of the year , especially in the winter. You can cross your fingers and hope for sun, but plan for rain by bringing some waterproof travel boots and a rain jacket. ( We noticed people don’t really use umbrellas there. ) Imagine a city full of people dressed like hikers, and you’ve got Seattle.

However, it doesn’t get too cold, even in the winter. Despite the fact that it’s located super close to Canada, Seattle is protected from blizzards and cold weather due to its proximity to the ocean. You’ll want a lightweight jacket, but we recommend leaving your parka at home.

People tend to bike or walk rather than driving. Unsurprisingly, Seattle has the most bikers in any major US city. Needless to say, don’t worry about getting a rental car here – getting around is fairly straightforward.

You’ll still find ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft as well as public transportation, but it’s a pretty walkable city and you’ll want to take advantage of that, especially if it’s nice out. With the abundance of cheap things to do in Seattle, you can really keep your budget low if you opt for walking or biking during your trip!

Getting In & Around Seattle

To and from the airport.

Seattle’s International Airport (SEA) is serviced by most major US airlines and is a hub for Alaska Airlines. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you can take the Link Light Rail into town.

After baggage claim, follow signs to the Link Light Rail and pick up a ticket at the kiosk (~$2-4 one way, depending on your destination).

Forget renting a car – it’s expensive, it’s hard to park, and you won’t need one for 3 days in Seattle anyway.

Getting Around Seattle

To get around in Seattle and the surrounding areas, you can easily use public transportation or walk. In our 3 days in Seattle itinerary, we’ve grouped each day to be accessible solely by public transportation or by foot. No cars needed!

If you’re a good biker (we are not…), you can rent a bike and explore the city on wheels. Costs are reasonable and you’ll get the chance to explore Seattle in the greenest and most local-friendly way possible. But for non-bikers, walking and public transit work just as well!

For day trips to the mountains or the nearby islands, you can take a public ferry or local buses. You can check the Seattle ferry and bus schedules online, or book a guided tour (more information in day 3 below).

Where to Stay for Your Three Days in Seattle

Downtown .

As a visitor to Seattle, Downtown is where all the action is. In minutes, you’ll be able to walk from your hotel to major attractions like the Seattle Center, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Waterfront. You’ll also have easy access to public transportation on the Link Light Rail to and from the airport and around the city, as well as the ferries.

The charming, boutique Palihotel Seattle is the perfect place to stay. It has beautiful, industrial decor with brick wall accents, claw-footed bathtubs, bookshelves, and bright windows. But the best part of staying at the Palihotel is that it’s just steps away from many of these iconic Seattle sights.

Book the Palihotel now

Capitol Hill

If you’re looking for a neighborhood vibe with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife, look no further than the trendy Capitol Hill area. This neighborhood is popular with young professionals and has many walkable areas to get a feel for local life in Seattle. It’s also walkable to most of the major Seattle attractions.

Capitol Hill is full of lovely bed and breakfasts built in pretty old houses. One of the most popular and beloved is the Gaslight Inn . It’s got beautiful wood-paneled bedrooms, sparkly clean common areas, and is located in a big house with a colorful garden. Plus, a delicious breakfast is included!

Book Gaslight Inn now!

Belltown is a lively neighborhood just north of Pike Place Market. Home to a gorgeous sculpture garden and great waterfront views, it’s a fantastic and walkable place to stay. Belltown was formerly an industrial arts district that housed the city’s film industry.

Today, there are tons of hotels in this area, and it’s super tourist-friendly, with lots of shops and restaurants.

If you want to stay in Belltown, the *original* Ace Hotel is here and it’s a really unique place to spend a few nights. Built in a former Salvation Army halfway house, it’s now a trendy hotel with big windows, brick interiors, and eclectic decor. It’s got a very industrial vibe reminiscent of the history of Belltown and Seattle in general.

Book Ace Hotel Seattle now

Check reviews and compare prices for hotels & hostels in Seattle

3 Days in Seattle: A Step-by-Step Seattle Itinerary

Seattle itinerary day 1: seattle self-guided walking tour.

Rain or shine, on day 1, you’ll slide on your boots and get ready to hit the city on foot. This day of your Seattle itinerary will hit a lot of the “quintessential Seattle” landmarks, such as:

• Pike Market
• The Seattle  Waterfront

Pioneer Square

• Seattle Center & the Space Needle

Kerry Park Viewpoint

But it wouldn’t be any fun if we gave away all of our surprises…so keep reading for more information on each stop! We recommend following this itinerary in order so that you maximize your walking time and don’t turn around in circles, but feel free to modify the order to fit your needs.

Pike Place Market

No Seattle itinerary would be complete without Pike Place Market. It’s one of Seattle’s most iconic places to visit, but you’ll usually only see photos of its big sign.

Inside, though, there’s a maze of fresh produce, fish, cured meats, international stores, souvenir shops, and artwork just waiting to be explored.

You can explore the market on your own, or take a free 1-hour market walking tour with a local guide who can show you all the best spots in the market.

While here, you can wander around the building and try some free samples of local seafood, fruits, and baked goods. ( We had some smoked salmon and cherries that were to die for…I’m literally drooling as we speak! ) You can also grab some breakfast to go while you’re here.

Aside from food, there are tons of artisan kiosks and boutiques selling local wares, like handmade jewelry and the most adorable driftwood home decor ever.

If shopping isn’t your thing, wind your way through the stalls to catch beautiful harbor views from the backside of the market building. You can also check out the infamous Gum Wall, which we thought was pretty disgusting but definitely unique…

See the Original Starbucks?

You could also head to the Original Starbucks outside the market, but to be honest, the line was always super long while we were there and it’s really nothing special. We recommend peeking through the window and snapping a photo here, but heading to the Starbucks Roastery on Day 2 for coffee tasting instead.

Hang Out on the Seattle Waterfront

Located right next to Pike Place Market is the Seattle Waterfront , home to the Seattle Great Wheel (the ferris wheel), the Seattle Aquarium, and Myrtle Edwards Park, which offers stunning views of the city. The area is also full of seafood restaurants and shops.

While at the Waterfront, you can also hop on a short ferry ride to experience Seattle from the water.

We recommend a quick jaunt on the water taxi to West Seattle, which lasts 10-15 minutes and costs $4.75 each way.

On a clear day, you’ll get stunning views of the Seattle skyline and catch some fresh air on the water.

Once you’re back from your ferry ride, you can make your way to Pioneer Square . This is the most historic area of Seattle, and many of the attractions here revolve around the city’s strange history.

There are tons of cool things to see and explore in Pioneer Square, but since you’re short on time, we’ll just hit the highlights for now.

Take the Underground Tour: The Great Seattle Fire happened in 1889 and destroyed half the city. When the city was reconstructed, they built it two stories above the original foundation. The old structures of abandoned shops and buildings remain under the city, and you can explore them on a guided Underground Tour.

Pass Through the Waterfall Garden Pocket Park: There’s a super tiny park in Pioneer Square called the Pocket Park that might be the tiniest urban park you’ll ever see. It boasts a 22-foot artificial waterfall and was founded by UPS.

Visit an Art Gallery:  Pioneer Square is home to 50 art galleries, which represent a variety of eras, art forms, and artists from Seattle and all over the world. Every first Thursday of the month, there’s an Art Walk that includes free parking and admission into the local Pioneer Square galleries. Many cities do some form of an art walk, but Seattle’s was the original and it continues to be a local favorite activity.

Grab a Drink at Seattle’s Oldest Pub: The Central Saloon is Seattle’s oldest pub, built in 1892, and is a historic institution in Pioneer Square and Seattle at large. During the Gold Rush, miners used to kick back here and drink after a long day of work. Today, the pub hosts tons of local live bands and musical artists, and is an important hub for the city’s music scene.

Seattle Center & The Space Needle

After the Waterfront, head to the Seattle Center area, which is home to some of the cultural highlights of Seattle, including the Space Needle. While this area might seem touristy, it’s definitely one of the highlights of the city and is worth a visit, if not just to admire the modern architecture and see some of the really unique museums.

A few of our favorite things to do at the Seattle Center include:

The Space Needle : Ya know, that tall pointy thing with a disc at the top? Yup, that. You can take an elevator up to the top to see some of the best views in all of Seattle. There’s a restaurant up at the top that sits on a rotating floor. If you’re so inclined, you can have lunch or a snack there (but be warned, it’s  really pricey – you’re paying for the views!). ( Address:  400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109)

Chihuly Garden : A large exhibition dedicated to the colorful glass blowing works of Dale Chihuly. Here, you can walk through a literal glass garden full of colorful domes, flowers, and strangely-shaped glass works, all handmade by the artist. If you’ve never seen a glass art exhibit, I highly recommend it! ( Address:  305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109)

Pacific Science Center : This is the city’s science museum, perfect for young professionals and families alike! There are a bunch of exhibits inside, including a butterfly sanctuary and an interactive laser dome, which is pretty freaking awesome. Get your tickets here.  ( Address:  200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

KEXP : This is the headquarters of the famed KEXP radio station, which features up-and-coming musicians in live recording sessions. It’s an amazing place to visit if you love music, and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch a live performance. Aside from the recording area, there’s a coffee bar and a record store, too. ( Address:  472 1st Ave N, Seattle WA 98109)

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) :  The MoPop is a museum completely dedicated to what’s popular in entertainment and culture! Think music, TV, cartoons, sci-fi, and more. You can also rock out in their Sound Lab, which has instruments and DJ equipment you can fiddle around with. If you’re a music nerd like we are you’ll totally love this museum. ( Address: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

Top Tip: If you decide you want to do all of these things, you can buy a Seattle City Card which includes entrance to several of Seattle’s attractions, including the Space Needle.

Eat a Seattle Dog

For lunch or an afternoon snack, head to Dog in the Park , an unassuming hot dog stand near the Seattle Center. Here, you can order a traditional Seattle Dog , which is a normal hot dog topped with cream cheese and sauteed onions.

Maybe that flavor profile sounds kind of weird, but it’s actually pretty good. At the very least, it’s definitely one of those strange Seattle things you’ve got to try at least once!

One of the best viewpoints in the city of Seattle (and the best way to round out Day 1 of your Seattle itinerary) is at Kerry Park , located in the neighborhood of Queen Anne atop a hill.

You’ll definitely get some exercise making the 30-minute trek up here from the Seattle Center area – but the spectacular skyline and Puget Sound views are absolutely worth it. We recommend heading to Kerry Park towards the end of the day, when the sun is low over the water, or at sunset.

For dinner, we recommend heading back towards downtown (either walking or using a rideshare service) and grabbing a table at Shaker and Spear , a locally-owned restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes. Fun fact: the restaurant’s head chef, Carolynn Spence, was a challenger on Iron Chef ( yup, the TV show )!

While here, sample some raw oysters (a local treat that’s fresh from the water!) or try one of their grilled seafood specialties with a side of ginger Brussels sprouts. Wash it all down with a local Seattle beer or a Washington white wine.

Seattle Itinerary Day 2: Exploring Local Neighborhoods

Seattle’s downtown area has a lot to offer, but the real character of the city is hidden in its many neighborhoods.

On day 2 of your 3 days in Seattle itinerary, we recommend wandering through some of the neighborhoods. Read on for our recommendations, and choose 1 or more that sound interesting:

Buzzing Capitol Hill is the perfect place to kick back with a cup of artisan coffee or wander around in search of a good local bar. It is the heart of Seattle’s LGBT and alternative communities, giving it a very “non-mainstream” vibe. In the 1990s, Capitol Hill was also the epicenter of the grunge movement in the city.

After wandering around, you’ll see that this neighborhood values local culture and businesses, and you’ll find a variety of Seattle gems here.

Get a cup of artisan coffee: There’s arguably no better place in the city to get an artisan cup of coffee. Sure, you can go with a classic drip, but you can also try strange and unique blends like the barrel-aged cold brew at Starbucks Roastery . There are tons of little coffee shops in Capitol Hill so come ready for some serous caffeine.

Stroll through Volunteer Park: This is a cute park with a conservatory that houses many species of plants. Here, you can also visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum , which celebrates Asian contributions to the international art scene in a really unique building. There’s also a great view of Seattle’s skyline from here.

Cross a Rainbow Crosswalk: There are 11 rainbow crosswalks in Capitol Hill, painted in 2015 to celebrate Pride. Find one and cross it as you celebrate love and tolerance!

Listen to live music: As the home of the grunge movement, Capitol Hill has a few iconic live music venues that you can visit. The Crocodile is famous for once being a host to Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but today you can still catch big names like Macklemore there.

Neumo’s Crystal Ball Reading Room is another famed historic music venue that’s hosted artists like Muse and Adele. While in the area, you can stop in at a local record store to catch a glimpse at the city’s musical history.

Read a book:  Book lovers, rejoice! Seattle’s famous Elliot Bay Book Company is located in Capitol Hill. It’s an independent bookstore that’s basically a wide open room full of amazing reads, plus a coffee shop where you can sit back and bury yourself in a novel.

A charming residential area, Ballard was once an industrial town located at the end of a railroad line. Nordic settlers arrived here, drawn by the salmon fishing industry. Today, it’s a riverside community home to lots of breweries, a big park, and other noteworthy Seattle attractions.

One thing we loved about Ballard is that it’s aiming to become a completely carbon-neutral community. You’ll be in good company with lots of fellow walkers and bikers. Here are a couple of things you can see and do in Ballard:

Watch the Ballard Locks in action:  The Ballard Locks were built to enable boats to pass between the various bodies of water in the Seattle area. On a visit, you can see boats move between the sound and the canal via the locks, or take a kayak through them yourself. If you look carefully, you can also see salmon jumping and swimming upstream in this area.

Hang out in Golden Gardens Park: This is one of Seattle’s larger parks, and there are trails where you can hike to waterfront beaches or forests – take your pick! On clear days, you can take in the stunning views of the Cascade Mountains nearby. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

Visit the Nordic Heritage Museum: Much of Seattle’s history and population come from Nordic settlers, who arrived in the area in the 1800s. This museum details the history of the Nordic people in the Pacific Northwest and their influence on Seattle’s culture. 

Go to a brewery: There are tons of craft breweries in the Ballard area, in true Pacific Northwest fashion. You could literally spend all day hopping from brewery to brewery. We recommend trying the award-winning Hop Tropic at Ruben’s Brews .

If you thought the rest of Seattle was alternative and strange, wait until you get to Fremont. Filled with artwork, markets, and local businesses, Fremont proclaims itself as the “center of the universe.” It’s one of those places you’ll have to see to believe.

Within Fremont, there are tons of things to see and do. Some of the city’s best restaurants and bars are here, and there’s of course the offbeat art scene.

See the odd artwork:  There are lots of unique sculptures all over the Fremont streets, including a troll, a Lenin statue, and the “center of the universe” guidepost. You can also learn about Fremont’s quirky history and see its strange public artwork on a 1.5-hour guided walking tour , led by a local expert. 

Peruse the Fremont Sunday Market: Want to find strange handcrafts or antique gems? Look no further than the Fremont Sunday Market , which basically has a little bit of everything. It’s an enormous market where you can find all kinds of odds and ends, sold by a variety of local vendors.

Eat and drink at local haunts:  Fremont’s food scene is awesome. There are lots of local businesses where you can eat and drink to your heart’s delight. Indulge in delicious free-trade chocolate at Theo Chocolate . You can also take a tour of their chocolate factory, ya know, Willy Wonka style. Once you’re done with chocolate, you can grab a meal at Eve Fremont or RockCreek Seafood & Spirits.

South Lake Union

I was debating adding this one in here, but I figured since I enjoyed it while visiting, it was worth a mention. South Lake Union is where Amazon’s HQ is, and therefore it’s pretty office-like and corporate. However, there are TWO attractions of note here that you should definitely keep on your radar when you visit!

Hang out at the REI Flagship store: OK, OK. This might be because I LOVE REI, but I definitely spent a few hours perusing their gigantic flagship store in South Lake Union. They’ve got everything you could ever want for outdoor adventures, plus a rock wall!

Visit the Seattle Spheres: Amazon created the Seattle Spheres , which are giant glass golf balls full of plants and greenery, and they’ve become somewhat of a famous attraction in the city. While they’re specifically for Amazon employees, on certain weekend dates, non-employees can visit the Seattle Spheres too!

You can also explore the lake by kayak…kayaking in Seattle is one of the coolest activities!

Seattle Itinerary Day 3: Seattle Day Trips & Outdoor Adventures

Seattle is surrounded by beautiful mountains, sparkling water, and parks for days, so it would be a shame not to explore some of the surrounding areas during your time here.

There are a variety of activities you can do within an hour of Seattle’s city center, ranging from touring an airplane factory to hiking to a 360-degree viewpoint.

Many of these destinations can be reached by public transportation, but if you’d like to go hiking, I recommend renting a car from the city center for one day (so you don’t have to pay to park it inside of the city).

Read on for some of the best day trips from Seattle that you can do on day 3 of your trip:

Take a Hike

There are TONS of hikes in the Seattle area , ranging from easy trail walks to difficult technical hikes.

I recommend coming prepared for rain or drizzle with a waterproof shell and hiking boots. Here are a couple of the most popular hikes in the region – perfect for a day trip from Seattle!

Mount Si (8 miles) – One of the most iconic hikes in the Seattle area, this moderate trail leads up to a stunning viewpoint of the surrounding mountains.

Mailbox Peak (9.6 miles) – Mount Si’s more difficult cousin, Mailbox Peak offers panoramic views of the entire mountain region near Seattle. It’s pretty spectacular.

Twin Falls (2.6 miles) – An easy, family-friendly hike leading to a waterfall. Perfect for non-hikers or people who want a shorter trail to hike.

Rattlesnake Ledge (4 miles) – A popular trail leading up to a cliffside with views of a stunning lake and the forests and mountains surrounding it.

Wallace Falls (5.6 miles) – A leisurely trail that leads to a series of pretty waterfalls amidst tall evergreen trees.

For most of these hikes, you’ll need to rent a car. However, most of these trails are around 30 minutes from the city, so they’re pretty easily accessible. You can also try some of the hikes in Mount Rainier national park or go on  a guided day tour from Seattle . 

Hop on the Ferry to a Nearby Beach or Island

The ferry system is really well-run in Seattle, and it’s worth taking a day to explore the nearby islands and towns across the sound.

Trips on the ferry range from 10 minutes to over one hour, and each town area has its own charms and history.

While there are many you can choose from, here are some of the most popular island day trips from Seattle:

• West Seattle/Alki Beach
• Lopez Island
• Port Orchard
• Blake Island State Park
• Whidbey Island

Tour the Boeing factory

Ever wondered how an airplane is made? Book a guided Boeing factory tour and head to the Boeing Aviation Center to learn about the manufacturing and production processes for aircraft. You’ll get to see how the planes are made and meet the staff who do it every day. It’s an engineer’s dream come true!

Seattle Itinerary: Read Next

• Cool Things to do in Seattle
• The Ultimate USA Bucket List

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I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

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How to Spend 2 Days in Seattle: Itinerary & Things to Do

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: July 13, 2023

Categories North America , Travel Guides , USA

Home » How to Spend 2 Days in Seattle: Itinerary & Things to Do

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Ready for a thrill ride through the heart of the Emerald City?

Seattle, nestled between the sparkly waters of the Puget Sound and the majestic mountains, is a city of limitless experiences – a harmonious blend of urban charm and natural beauty.

Now, I know planning a trip to an unfamiliar city can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark.

But fear not, my friends! I’ve navigated the nooks and crannies of Seattle, and made all the wrong turns so you don’t have to. I’m here to guide you through your ultimate two-day extravaganza in the city of grunge, tech giants, and of course, coffee!

So, dust off that suitcase, grab your exploratory spirit and let’s dive right into the art of making the most of 48 hours in Seattle – getting around, and finding the coziest spots to rest your weary head after a day of Seattle-sized adventures. 

See Seattle’s top attractions, handpicked and packaged together at significant savings. Valid for 9 consecutive days from first use.

Includes entrance to the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium, PLUS your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions:

• Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
• Woodland Park Zoo

Chihuly Garden and Glass

In this post, you'll find...

Is 2 Days Enough in Seattle?

You’re planning a trip to Seattle, and you’re wondering if two days is enough time to see everything the city has to offer.

The answer is both yes and no. While two days is definitely not enough time to see everything Seattle has to offer, it is enough time to get a taste of the city and see some of its most iconic attractions.

While two days is not enough time to see everything Seattle has to offer, it is enough time to get a taste of the city and see some of its most iconic attractions. With a little bit of planning and some strategic use of public transportation, you can make the most of your time in Seattle and have a memorable trip.

Tips for getting the most out of a short trip

Seattle is a city with a lot of personality and a lot to offer. From the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. However, with only two days in the city, you’ll have to be strategic about what you choose to see and do.

One of the best ways to make the most of your two days in Seattle is to plan ahead. Make a list of the top attractions you want to see and prioritize them based on your interests. If you’re a foodie, for example, you might want to spend more time exploring Pike Place Market, while if you’re a history buff, you might want to spend more time at the Museum of History and Industry.

2. Use public transport

Another way to make the most of your time in Seattle is to take advantage of the city’s public transportation system. Seattle has an excellent light rail system that can take you from the Seattle-Tacoma airport to downtown and beyond. You can also use buses and streetcars to get around the city.

Related read: The 18 Coolest Landmarks and Instagram Spots in Seattle

What to See in Seattle in 2 Days

If you’re pressed for time and have only 48 hours in the Emerald City, here’s my top list of places that are a must-visit:

Pike Place Market

A bustling public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront. Started in 1907, it’s one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the US. From fish throwers, fresh produce, local art, to the original Starbucks store, it’s an explosion of sights, sounds, and smells. My favorite haunt is the ‘Gum Wall’, a quirky alleyway plastered with used chewing gum!

Here are some of the best things to do in Pike Place Market:

• Take a food tour of Pike Place Market
• Take a seafood-tasting tour or a plant-based food tour

Seattle Great Wheel

Towering over Elliott Bay, the Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel (and the largest Ferris wheel on the US West Coast!). Inaugurated in 2012, it quickly became a city icon. The 42 fully enclosed gondolas give you breathtaking views of Puget Sound, downtown, and if you’re lucky, Mt. Rainier!

Space Needle Observation Deck

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is arguably the most recognizable symbol of Seattle. Soaring 605 feet high, it offers stunning 360° views of the city. Fun fact: The Space Needle was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River!

🎟️ This combo ticket includes both entrances to the observation deck of the Space Needle and the nearby Chihuly Gardens!

Nestled next to the Space Needle, this exhibition is a dedication to the vibrant glasswork of Dale Chihuly, a Washington native. The enchanting mix of vibrant glass sculptures set amidst lush greenery feels like stepping into another realm.

Seattle Art Museum 

Showcasing a diverse array of art collections from around the world, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a cultural epicenter. I was particularly enthralled by the Native American and Pacific Northwest art. The museum’s exterior itself is a work of art!

Olympic Sculpture Park

An outdoor sanctuary for art and nature enthusiasts alike, the Olympic Sculpture Park is a vibrant green space peppered with large-scale art installations. This park, run by the Seattle Art Museum, is a beautiful transformation of an industrial site into a dynamic blend of art and nature.

Sculptures from acclaimed international artists are scattered along a Z-shaped path that descends from the city to the waterfront.

The jewel of the park is Alexander Calder’s ‘The Eagle’, a towering red structure contrasting beautifully against the city and seascape. Interestingly, the park, being a brownfield reclamation project, plays a significant role in habitat restoration. The Olympic Sculpture Park isn’t just about the art – the location offers spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

The best part? It’s free and open to the public year-round!

Fremont Troll

A delightfully quirky piece of public art, the Fremont Troll lurks under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge. This massive concrete sculpture is a beloved local landmark. The Troll, clutching a real-life Volkswagen Beetle, was created in 1990 by four local artists as part of a competition to rejuvenate the area under the bridge, which was becoming a dumping ground.

Today, the Troll is not only a testament to Fremont’s eccentric character but also a symbol of community rejuvenation and creativity. A visit to the Troll is an absolute must for those in search of offbeat tourist attractions. Don’t forget to climb onto the Troll’s massive arm for a fun photo op!

🤳 You can get up close and personal with the Fremont Troll on this 3-hour Seattle highlights walking tour – I highly recommend this to maximize your time here!

Pioneer Square

Seattle’s original neighborhood, this iconic neighborhood is the historic heart of Seattle. Characterized by Renaissance Revival architecture, it’s full of art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum here to learn about Seattle’s gold rush era.

A small public park located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, it offers one of the best vistas of Seattle. The park’s unobstructed view of the Space Needle standing tall before the city skyline is the most iconic image of Seattle.

Bainbridge Island

A quick ferry ride away from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle-bustle. Its rich history, boutique wineries, and quaint shops make for a perfect relaxed day trip.

West Seattle

West Seattle is a neighborhood that feels like its own little city. It offers beachfront views, watersport opportunities, and cozy eateries. Alki Beach Park here is a wonderful spot to get a panoramic view of the city skyline.

Museum of Pop Culture

Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000, this museum is a visual feast! It showcases some of the most iconic memorabilia from music history, sci-fi, and pop culture. Being a music lover, the guitar gallery here was my personal favorite.

Waterfront Park

Located on Pier 58, the park offers unobstructed views of Elliott Bay and a relaxed ambience. The giant squid sculpture and the sprawling ferris wheel nearby give it a distinctive character.

Capitol Hill

Known for its vibrant nightlife and counterculture, Capitol Hill is a hotspot of activities. From indie stores, coffeehouses, to a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, this neighborhood is brimming with energy.

Seattle Center Monorail

The monorail is a fun and efficient way to travel between downtown and the Seattle Center. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it’s now an integral part of Seattle’s modern cityscape.

Seattle’s ice cream scene is a delight for sweet-tooth enthusiasts. Try Molly Moon’s for their unique flavors. My favorite is the ‘Scout Mint,’ made from locally baked cookies.

These places are not just tourist spots, they offer a deeper look into the culture and spirit of Seattle, making them worth visiting – even if you’re only here for a short trip! 

How to Spend 48 Hours in Seattle: 2-Day Seattle Itinerary

Buckle up, fellow travelers, as we’re about to dive into a whirlwind 48-hour adventure in Seattle. We’ll visit some iconic landmarks, get a taste of the local culture, and maybe even stumble upon a hidden gem or two!

Day 1 in Seattle

Your Seattle exploration should undoubtedly begin with coffee, as any self-respecting trip to Seattle should. As a certified coffee junkie myself, I recommend trying Victrola Coffee Roasters . It’s a charming cafe with an onsite roaster where they roast beans from across the globe.

Once caffeinated, head to Pike Place Market – a bustling bazaar with vendors selling all sorts of goodies. Don’t forget to visit the famous fish throwers at Pike Place Fish Market; it’s quite a spectacle! Also, drop by the first-ever Starbucks store while you’re there.

💡 Pro tip: The market can get crowded, so get there early to avoid the rush.

Next, mosey on over to Seattle Waterfront Park, which is just a stone’s throw away. Take the Water Taxi to West Seattle for some breathtaking views of the city skyline.

After your scenic commute, make your way to Seattle Space Needle. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Seattle. You can even walk (or sit) on the glass floor of the observation deck. It’s really trippy being up so high and seeing straight down below!

🎟️ Pre-book your tickets for the Space Needle in advance to avoid waiting in line!

Nearby, you’ll find Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture, both worth a visit if time allows. Finish off your day at Alki Beach Park in West Seattle. The beach offers a stunning backdrop for an evening stroll with views of the city and mountains.

Seafood lovers should stop by Salty’s on Alki for a bite; their clam chowder is divine!

Day 2 in Seattle

Day two calls for a deeper exploration of Seattle. Kickstart your day with a city tour. I had a great time with the Seattle City Highlights Tour . It was a fantastic way to uncover the city’s history and quirks with a done-for-me itinerary.

Post-tour, set off for Capitol Hill and pop into the Seattle Art Museum (again, pre-booking tickets online will save time here!). The unique blend of classic and contemporary art at this Seattle Museum left me truly mesmerized. The facility has grown from its original 1926 pieces in 1933 to almost 25,000 today.

Your next stop is the charming neighborhood of Queen Anne. At Kerry Park, you’ll get a postcard-perfect view of the city, Space Needle, and if you’re lucky, Mount Rainier too! I suggest carrying a picnic basket and grabbing a spot for lunch with a view. In the afternoon, Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, awaits you. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and learn about Seattle’s gold rush era.

Don’t miss the Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour for a sneak peek into Seattle’s underground past! I wasn’t able to snag tickets on this trip, which I’m super bummed about. But it’s on the top of my list for my next Seattle trip!

End your day at the Seattle Great Wheel. Get tickets for the Great Wheel online and enjoy an enchanting view of the city as the sun sets. Don’t forget to treat yourself to Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream, it’s the perfect nightcap. I swear by their Stumptown coffee flavor!

This itinerary gives you a taste of what Seattle offers. Remember, it’s not just about the places you visit, but the memories you create and the coffee you sip!

Getting around in Seattle

Seattle’s transport system is as diverse as the coffee shop scene. I mean, we’ve got everything from ferries to bikes.

Let’s see how you can turn your Seattle trip into a smooth ride (pun intended!).

Public Transit

Trust me, public transit in Seattle is a breeze. Like that one time when…

• King County Metro Buses:  They’re as regular as rain here. Just grab an ORCA card from any major transit station or online. Load it up online, at a transit station, or at participating retailers around the city, and you’re good to go. It’s like a magic carpet ride around the city. I remember, once I ended up in this quaint little bookstore, just by hopping on a random bus. Adventure much?
• Sound Transit Light Rail:  This one’s a no-brainer, folks. The Light Rail is your express ticket from the airport right to the heart of the city. You can buy a ticket at any station using the ticket vending machines or use that handy ORCA card. A bit like the Hogwarts Express, minus the magic candy (sadly).
• Seattle Streetcar:  Two routes, countless memories. You can buy a ticket onboard with exact change or just use your ORCA card. It’s like a scenic tour of the city. Tried it during my last visit, felt like a proper local!
• Washington State Ferries:  The ferries here aren’t just transport, they’re an experience. You can purchase tickets online, at the dock, or use your ORCA card. There’s nothing like that sea breeze and city skyline combo. Ferry commute? More like a mini cruise!

Taxis and Rideshares

When public transport doesn’t cut it, or you’re feeling fancy…

• Taxis:  They’re everywhere. Just hail one on the street, call ahead, or use an app like Yellow Cab. But remember, it’s not New York, you don’t have to whistle or do a wild dance to hail one.
• Uber and Lyft:  Got the apps? You’re set. Just set your pickup and destination, and voila! Though there was that one time my Uber driver turned out to be a part-time musician. Only in Seattle, right?

Bike and Scooter Rentals

Feeling adventurous or want to burn off that extra Pike Place donut? There are plenty of bike and scooter rental options. Just download a bike/scooter share app like Lime or Spin, scan the QR code on the bike or scooter, and you’re off! It’s like your personal breezy tour of the city.

Car Rentals

Sometimes, four wheels do the job better. Car rentals are handy if you’re planning to get out of the city. You can book online or at the airport with companies like Enterprise or Hertz. But beware of the “Seattle Squeeze” – the traffic can be a real bear.

Sometimes two feet are all you need. Plus, it’s free! Seattle’s a pretty walkable city, especially downtown. Just pack some comfy shoes and your adventurous spirit.

Where to stay in Seattle: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

So, you’ve figured out the moving part. Now, where to crash after a long day of exploration?

Every neighborhood in Seattle is like its own little world. Let’s teleport you through some of my faves:

Downtown Seattle

This is the city center, with everything within a stone’s throw. Want to shop till you drop or eat till you can’t beat? Downtown’s your spot. But remember, it’s as noisy as a rock concert. You’ve been warned!

Where to stay in Downtown Seattle : If you’re keen to stay here, consider The Fairmont Olympic for luxury, Hilton Motif Seattle for mid-range, and the Green Tortoise Hostel for budget.

Artsy, trendy, and vibrant. I remember staying in a cute B&B here, best homemade muffins ever! Finding parking in this area can be a bit difficult though, so I don’t recommend staying here if you’ll be driving around Seattle.

Where to stay in Capitol Hill: For accommodations, you might want to check out the boutique stylings of The Gaslight Inn , the fun-filled Cecil Beacon Manor , or the cozy comforts of the Capitol Hill Rooftop R&R vacation home.

Spectacular views of the city, quaint streets, and the peacefulness you need. But, hills? More like mini mountains. Thigh-burn workout guaranteed!

Where to stay in Queen Anne: Here, you can opt for the extravagant Inn at Queen Anne, the lovely MarQueen Hotel , or the budget-friendly Queen Anne Escape .

Types of Accommodation

From posh to pocket-friendly, Seattle has it all.

• Hotels: Ranging from boutique to luxury. I once stayed at this hotel downtown with a rooftop pool. Swimming while overlooking the city? Epic!
• Bed and Breakfasts: Stay in a B&B and feel like a true Seattleite. Just remember, if the owner’s cat jumps on your bed, you’re officially part of the family!
• Vacation Rentals: For those who like a home away from home. Cook your meals, lounge around, pretend you live there. Last time, I found an Airbnb with a vintage vinyl record collection. Jackpot!

Tips for Booking Accommodation

• Timing: Booking a little early never hurt anyone. But you might find a last-minute deal that’s sweet as Seattle apple pie.
• Location: Close to the sights or tucked away in a quiet corner? Remember, this isn’t Goldilocks, you can pick both!

I hope this gives you a good head start on planning your Seattle adventure. Just remember, it’s all about the journey, and maybe a bit about where you crash at night!

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide was helpful for planning your Seattle trip!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana (@wheretianatravelss)

Seattle is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do – it’s impossible to get bored here. I truly loved my time visiting this city and I cannot wait to come back!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to spend 48 hours in seattle.

If you only have 48 hours in Seattle, you’ll want to make the most of your time. Start your first day by visiting the iconic Pike Place Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, coffee, and local produce. From there, head to the Space Needle for a stunning view of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, which features stunning glass art. On your second day, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the city and Puget Sound. End your day with a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture, which features exhibits on music, film, and more.

What are the top things to do in Seattle?

Seattle has a lot to offer, but some of the top things to do include visiting Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. You can also take a ferry to Bainbridge Island, explore the Museum of Pop Culture, or take a stroll through the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum.

What are some affordable places to eat in Seattle?

Seattle has a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of affordable places to eat. Some great options include Paseo Caribbean Food, which serves delicious sandwiches, and Dick’s Drive-In, which is a Seattle institution known for its burgers and fries. You can also check out the food trucks at Westlake Park or grab a slice of pizza at Big Mario’s.

What is the best way to get around Seattle?

Seattle has a great public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and ferries. You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, or rent a bike to explore the city on your own. If you’re staying downtown, you can easily walk to many of the city’s top attractions.

What are some must-see attractions in Seattle?

Some of the must-see attractions in Seattle include Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. You can also explore the Museum of Pop Culture, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island, or visit the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum.

How much does it cost to visit Seattle for 2 days?

The cost of visiting Seattle for 2 days will depend on your travel style and budget. You can expect to spend around $200-300 per day on food, transportation, and activities. However, there are plenty of affordable options, like food trucks and free museums, that can help you save money.

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

More articles to help you visit Seattle in one day 

• The best free and cheap things to do in Seattle
• Day trips from Seattle
• The best weekend getaways from Seattle
• Day trip essentials packing list 
• The complete overnight trip packing list 
• Essential travel planning resources 

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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Visit Seattle Official Visitors’ Guide

Dreaming is always encouraged. This guide shares the ins and outs of navigating Seattle safely, whenever you are ready to visit.

See The Sights

Find an Event

Visitor Information

Looking for more inspiration, pick your travel profile and start exploring:.

Keep exploring Seattle

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