free seattle travel guide

Free Seattle Museums: The Ultimate Guide

Rain, rain, go away. Well, if you know a thing or two about Seattle, you’ll know it likely won’t. But don’t let that stop you! While a rainy day may not be ideal for a picnic at Golden Gardens Park, boating around Lake Washington, or strolling through downtown, rainy days are perfect for discovering the things you normally wouldn’t think to do – like museums! Seattle has a plethora of interesting museums, some you’ve probably never heard of, so we went ahead and did you a favor and compiled the ULTIMATE SEATTLE MUSEUM GUIDE  – including information on Free Admission Days (yes you read that right, FREE ). Take advantage of the next rainy PNW day and check out one of the museums below:

1. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

*Free admission 1st Thursday of every month

The Burke Museum, the oldest museum in Washington state, explores the history of the Northwest with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to Native American history and more. The museum is home to over 16 million artifacts, as well as the largest collection of spread bird wings in the world.

2. Center for Wooden Boats

*Free admission every day

Honoring Seattle’s unique maritime culture, the Center for Wooden Boats serves to preserve and document the historic wooden boats of the Pacific Northwest. Also considered a “living museum”, you have the opportunity to rent these historic boats and take them out on Lake Union.

3. Center for Contemporary Art

Located in the Tashiro Kaplan Building in Pioneer Square, the Center for Contemporary Art showcases both established and emerging artists. The center strives to educate the Pacific Northwest on contemporary art through exhibitions, publications, artist residencies, and discussions.

4. Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center

Before Seattle was Seattle, the Duwamish Tribe called this land home. The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, located near the mouth of the Duwamish River, serves as a center for the community to learn about the history of the Duwamish Tribe and Salish People. Monthly special events, ongoing workshops, discussions, lectures, as well as historic photographs and artifacts, are available to the public. The Longhouse is also great for events!

5. Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum

The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum contains military aircraft, tanks, and machinery from Germany, Japan, Russian, the United Kingdom and the United States. The collection showcases a time of extreme turmoil, while also highlighting the technological innovation of 20th-century warfare.

6. Frye Art Museum

Seattle’s first free art museum, the Frye Art Museum showcases paintings and sculptures from European and American artists in the 19th and 20th-centuries.

*Free admission Sundays, 1st Thursday of every month, and with valid student ID

Known locally as “The Henry”, Henry Art Gallery showcases contemporary art and the history of photography. Located on the University of Washington campus, The Henry contains over 25,000 objects including  Light Reign  by James Turrell, a skyspace with a retractable roof illuminated by color-shifting LED lights.

8. Imagine Children’s Museum

*Free admission 3rd Friday of every month 5:30-9 PM, half-price admission every Thursday 3-5 PM, EBT cardholders $3 admission

The perfect museum if you have young children in tow – the Imagine Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum complete with a water-play area and a rooftop playground. Fun and educational for both kids and parents!

9. Klondike Goldrush Museum

Learn all about Seattle’s role in the Klondike gold rush of the 1890s. “Gold!”

10. Living Computer Museum

*Free admission 1st Thursday of every month, EBT cardholders $1 admission

Take a techy trip through time at the Living Computer Museum in the SoDo area. The museum features fully functioning vintage computers, as well as exciting hands-on exhibits like a 3D printer!

*Free admission 1st Thursday of every month 5-9 PM

Explore the wonderful world of flight. The Museum of Flight includes over 160 aircraft on display, as well as interactive exhibits, flight simulators, the original Boeing Aircraft factory, and much more. From old to new, you’ll have the chance to see the machines and learn about the people who flew them.

12. Museum of History and Industry

The Museum of History and Industry, also known as MOHAI, contains over 4 million artifacts, photographs, and other historic materials, focusing on the history of the Seattle and the greater Puget Sound.

13. Northwest African American Museum

The Northwest African American Museum highlights the Black experience in America and the connection between the Pacific Northwest and the African American people. F ree parking!!!

14. Northwest Railway Museum

Take a trip back in time to the age of the railways – experience old steam engines, locomotives, history of the railways, and more. Fun for the kids: life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine!

15. Olympic Sculpture Park

Free and open to the public year-round, the Olympic Sculpture Park is an outdoor waterfront sculpture museum near downtown. While this one won’t necessarily get you out of the rain, it’s a must-see in Seattle!

16. Seattle Art Museum Downtown

The SAM showcases collections from traditional to modern, including a fairly expansive African collection which draws many visitors in. Family drop-in activities allow families to give kids the opportunity and encouragement to create their own pieces of art!

*Donation (pay what you wish) weekdays 4-5 PM

“Where imagination comes alive!” The Seattle Children’s Museum offers hands-on activities for children and their families to enjoy, create, and learn. The children’s grocery store is a favorite amongst many – children get to push a little cart through the “grocery store” and put items in their cart to “buy” – fun!

18. Washington Park Arboretum

Not exactly a museum…but the Washington Park Arboretum is a 230-acre plot full of a wide variety of plants native to the Northwest, some extremely rare! The Arboretum is also home to the Japanese Gardens (free admission 1st Thursday of every month).

19. Wing Luke Museum

The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience explores and showcases Asian culture and its impact on the development of the Northwest. Dive into Asian culture and traditions, sports, music, art, history, and more.

***Tip: Check out local art walks in the area (always free!)

Whether the weather is in your favor or not, Seattle has endless activities to offer. We live in such a beautiful, rich city full of people from all different backgrounds, an impressive local art scene, as well as a unique boating culture. Next time you wake up to the sound of raindrops hitting your window (which will likely be very soon), ditch Netflix and chilling for the day and check out a local museum!

Tell us your favorite museum in Seattle in the comments below, tweet us @seattlevisit or tag us in your Instagram photos @seattlevisit from your next trip to a local museum! Click here for more rainy day activities. Cheers!

Hi, I'm Ashleigh! Welcome to Seattle Travel, my little piece of beautiful PNW. This is home and I'm here to share all my experiences so visitors and locals alike can find the best experiences this part of the country has to offer. I started Seattle Travel in 2012 as a way to journal my experiences and over the years have been encouraged by family and friends to open up my adventures to everyone. I actively seek out the best food, activities, and day trips and give you a local perspective.  The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and my goal is to let you explore it to the fullest. 

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One of the most notable things about Seattle is the number of world-class activities, from exquisite dining to breathtaking art, that fit into the accessible city. Another alluring aspect of this area is the plentiful day-trip and weekend destinations nearby, making it easy to have Seattle as your home base or as a jumping-off point for a tour of. Go on and choose your next adventure.

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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 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

48 Top Things to Do in the San Juan Islands

43 Fun Things to Do in Seattle

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

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

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

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This Pacific Northwest Hub Has Something for Every Traveler — From an Iconic Fish Market to the Sky-high Space Needle

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its unadulterated natural beauty — from picturesque waterfronts to mountains beyond the city — and truly excellent coffee. And Seattle, as a hub of the PNW, is a perfect gateway to the area. Seattle feels simultaneously like a buzzing city and an outdoor lover's paradise. Lined by the Puget Sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington, it's also home to some of the best seafood in the country, which is part of the reason why its food scene is so revered. Beyond the terrific restaurants, Seattle is known for its long and storied music history — it's the land of Jimi Hendrix, The Postal Service, Nirvana, Macklemore, Foo Fighters, and Pearl Jam, among others.

As for Seattle's tourist attractions, you'll spend your days taking the monorail between sites like Pike Place Market, Olympic Sculpture Park, and the Space Needle. From strolling Pike Place Market at lunch, to curling up with a book at a local coffee shop on a rainy afternoon, to hitting the music clubs in Belltown, you'll spend a few days in Seattle and quickly find you'll never want to leave.

Pacific Standard Time

The best time to visit Seattle is from June to October. Seattle sees a lot of rain, but June, July, and August are the driest months. And with the breeze coming off the Puget Sound, the summers aren't too hot. It starts to cool down in September and October, but the fall in Seattle is crisp and inviting, especially as the abundant trees change color.

As for events to keep on your radar, April is a big month for Seattle because it brings both the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Beyond the flower shows, the Seattle International Film Festival is in June, the Seattle International Beerfest is in July, and the Seattle Marathon is in November.

Seattle Center is one of the most important tourist attractions in the city. It spans 74 acres and was once the site of the 1962 World's Fair. Within Seattle Center, you'll find the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, among other attractions.

The Seattle monorail is a scenic, above-ground train that runs from Seattle Center to Westlake Center, which lies three blocks from Pike Place Market. A monorail ride costs $3 and is a great way to get around when you're sightseeing in the city.

Seattle is a tech capital of America, home to the headquarters of Amazon, IMDB, and Zillow, among other influential companies.

The city is also an important music hub, where you can always catch up-and-coming bands at clubs in Belltown. Plenty of A-list musical talent has come out of the Seattle area, from Jimi Hendrix to Death Cab for Cutie.

Seattle's Pike Place Market is one of the oldest-operating farmers' markets in America. It opened in 1907.

Trains: King County Metro has four different railway options: the Link light rail, Seattle Center Monorail, Seattle streetcar, and the Sounder train. The Link runs through downtown Seattle all the way to Sea-Tac Airport. Meanwhile, the Seattle streetcar has three different lines operating throughout the city. The Sounder train is a commuter rail that brings passengers outside the city limits. And finally, the monorail, which costs $3 for adults and $1.50 for kids, runs from the Space Needle at Seattle Center to Westlake Center, located just three blocks from Pike Place Market.

Buses: King County Metro offers more than 200 buses to take you around Seattle and the surrounding areas. Find a list of bus lines and their schedules here . You can pay for the bus with an ORCA card or with the exact fare in cash. (It's worth noting that bus drivers will not be able to offer you change.) Bus rides cost $2.50. Car Service and Taxis: Uber and Lyft both service Seattle. You can also find a taxi easily at the airport or select stands around the city, but it's easier to schedule one through a service like Seattle Yellow Cab. For a black car service, try local companies like Seattle Royal Town Car.

Thompson Seattle

Address: 110 Stewart St., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 623-4600 Book Now

Located right near Pike Place Market, Thompson Seattle has lavish modern decor, a fantastic cocktail program at its rooftop lounge, Nest, and rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Puget Sound. Choose from king bed rooms, one- or two-bedroom suites, or residences — the rooms and suites are outfitted with modern art and Sealy Tempur-Pedic mattresses.

Hotel Theodore

Address: 1531 7th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 621-1200 Book Now

This downtown boutique hotel fuses modern decor with regal design. The common spaces have high ceilings, inviting light to pour in, and the hotel boasts a museum-quality art collection. Looking for a special occasion room to reserve? The 2,000-square-foot penthouse, called The Residence , takes up the hotel's entire 19th floor and has three terraces.

Address: 1112 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 264-6000 Book Now

W Hotels are known for their vibrancy, and the W Seattle's interiors bring the colorful palette to the next level. The W Seattle's programming is inspired by the city's musical roots — the property has a private recording studio, the W Sound Suite, as well as a live music series hosted at the hotel.

The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle

Address: 1007 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: (206) 624-4844 Book Now

Walking distance from Pioneer Square, the Seattle waterfront, and Pike Place Market, The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle is an updated property that dates back to 1901. Decorated with a collection of local art and serving craft cocktails at The Bookstore Bar & Café, this is an eclectic spot that really embraces the artistic and cultural flair of Seattle.

The State Hotel

Address: 1501 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (800) 827-3900 Book Now

From The State Hotel, you can walk a few minutes to Pike Place or the monorail, which takes you right to Seattle Center. The State Hotel is home to Ben Paris, a restaurant serving elevated American food, and 91 beautifully appointed rooms.

Motif Seattle

Address: 1415 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 971-8000 Book Now

The atmosphere at Motif is heavily inspired by Seattle's vibrant music and arts scene. The downtown hotel has a chic rooftop lounge, and its restaurant, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, is not to be missed.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle

Address: 1101 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 621-1770 Book Now

Kimpton's reputation as a boutique-feeling, elevated hotel experience translates perfectly in Seattle. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco, situated in downtown Seattle, is decorated with greenery and inviting fire pits, and the rooms offer romantic city views.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Address: 99 Union St., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 749-7000 Book Now

The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is known, among other things, for its heated rooftop infinity pool that appears to cascade right into Elliott Bay. Many of the accommodations, from the corner deluxe rooms to the two-bedroom suites, have beautiful views of Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound. The hotel also has multiple on-site dining options, including Goldfinch Tavern and a rooftop bar. Plus, it's steps from Pike Place Market.

The Edgewater

Address: 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 Phone: (206) 792-5959 Book Now

The Edgewater celebrates rock 'n roll in downtown Seattle on Pier 67. With waterfront-view rooms, Six Seven restaurant on the Puget Sound, and guitars available for guests to rent, this is not your average hotel stay.

Inn at the Market

Address: 86 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 443-3600 Book Now

The Inn at the Market is aptly named, seeing as though it's located within the renowned Pike Place Market. With rooms overlooking the bay and a rooftop deck where you'll experience the Pike Place atmosphere firsthand, this 79-room inn is abuzz with Seattle flavor.

Palihotel Seattle

Address: 107 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 596-0600 Book Now

The 96-room Palihotel Seattle is situated right across from Pike Place Market and Elliott Bay. The enclave on Pine Street features eclectic touches, like Smeg fridges in all the rooms, and is also home to The Hart and the Hunter, a Palisociety restaurant that started in Los Angeles and has since expanded to the Emerald City.

Address: 2408 NW 80th St., Seattle, WA 98117 Phone: (206) 472-4150

Situated in the Ballard neighborhood, Cafe Munir is a Mediterranean restaurant that stands out in the city's dining scene. You'll love the marinated chicken, mezze platters, and kabobs — all for a reasonable price.

Off the Rez Cafe

Address: 4300 15th Ave. NE, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle, WA 98105 Website

Originally a favorite Seattle food truck, Off the Rez has now set up a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. It serves Indian fusion tacos on delicious fresh-fried bread.

Address: 1054 N. 39th St., Seattle, WA 98103 Phone: (206) 632-0185 Website

Kamonegi is an exquisite Japanese restaurant under acclaimed chef Mutsuko Soma. You'll find soba dipping noodles, chicken katsu sandwiches, and innovative dishes like duck fat eggplant and foie gras tofu.

Address: 2576 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: (206) 283-3313 Website

One of Seattle's all-time great upscale restaurants, Canlis has been around since the 1950s. It specializes in New American cuisine, and its posh dining room is situated right on the water with a gorgeous view of the sound.

Address: 1531 14th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: (206) 251-7673 Website

A luxurious Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta, Spinasse also has a terrific wine list and location. Try the tajarin al ragù , the risotto with matsutake mushrooms, and the 14-month aged prosciutto di parma .

Address: 300 E Pike St. #1200, Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: (206) 557-7273 Website

French-Vietnamese fusion is what you'll find at Stateside. On East Pike Street in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, this upscale joint is decorated with tropical plants and printed wallpaper, and the food is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Address: 1040 E. Union St., Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: (206) 900-8699 Website

Bateau is a luxe steakhouse with French flair. Under chef Taylor Thornhill, the grass-fed steaks are prepared with precision, as are various other meat-forward French delicacies, like steak tartare. The whole experience comes together in a room with inviting modern decor and a chic bar lined with brass stools.

Cafe Campagne

Address: 1600 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 728-2233 Website

A French-style brasserie within Pike Place Market, Cafe Campagne is a lovely place to take a load off during a day of sightseeing. Fancy a post-shopping cocktail in the afternoon? They have innovative drinks here, which pair perfectly with a slice of fresh-from-the-oven crab quiche.

Piroshky Piroshky

Address: 1908 Pike Pl., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 441-6068 Website

Visiting Piroshky Piroshky, a renowned Polish bakery across from Pike Place Market, is a must while at the public market. Try their stuffed piroshkies, from beef and potato to the chicken, curry, and rice option.

Herkimer Coffee

Address: Multiple Locations Website

Can you go to Seattle and not have phenomenal, locally roasted coffee? Herkimer Coffee is the place to find exceptional Pacific Northwest coffee. Established in Seattle in 2003, this company purchases sustainable beans from farms growing "complex coffees" and roasts the beans in house daily.

Pike Place Market (Public Market Center)

Address: 85 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 682-7453 Website

Pike Place Market is simultaneously a top Seattle attraction, food hall, farmers' market, and shopping venue. In short, it's a main event in Seattle. Come for lunch, do some shopping, or just grab an iced coffee and wander the market, taking in the spectacle.

Space Needle

Address: 400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: (206) 905-2100 Website

Opened in 1962, the Space Needle towers at 605 feet tall. The 520-foot observation deck is purposely shaped like a saucer, as part of the tower's futuristic aesthetic. General admission tickets cost $35, senior citizens pay $30, and children 12 and under are charged $26.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Address: 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: (206) 753-4940 Website

Right next to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit within the Seattle Center. The sculpture garden and art exhibition showcases the work of Dale Chihuly. You can buy combined access tickets for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass for $49 ($39 for seniors and $34 for youths).

Olympic Sculpture Park

Address: 2901 Western Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 Phone: (206) 654-3100 Website

Owned and operated by the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park is a fantastic outdoor display of modern and contemporary sculpture. The nine-acre area of landscape art has an indoor pavilion, and the space extends all the way to the shores of the Puget Sound.

Seattle Center

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Address: 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: (206) 684-7200 Website

A number of Seattle's great attractions are within the Seattle Center, including the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Seattle Center takes up 74 acres in the city's Uptown Arts and Cultural District. It was the site of the 1962 World's Fair, and today, the space is focused on advancement, social and racial justice, sustainability, and the arts.

The Museum of History & Industry

Address: 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: (206) 324-1126 Website

The Museum of History & Industry — affectionately called Mohai by those in the know — is right by the water and delves into the innovation roots of Seattle. Visit permanent exhibits like the Bezos Center for Innovation (which looks at the technological past, present, and future of Seattle) and Maritime Seattle (which explores how maritime and industrial activities have influenced the city).

Museum of Pop Culture

Address: 325 5th Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: (206) 770-2700 Website

The Museum of Pop Culture was founded by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen in 2000. The museum boasts one of the largest collections of "contemporary pop culture historical objects" in the world. Get ready to see Jimi Hendrix's hat, Janis Joplin's feather boa, iconic turntables from generations past, and an impressive display of new-age artistry.

Gas Works Park

Address: 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103 Phone: (206) 684-4075 Website

Sprawled in the middle of Seattle is a manicured, 19-acre park on a site that was once a coal gasification plant. It has a beautiful view of Lake Union, and much of the old equipment used by the Seattle Gas Light Company plant has been preserved within the park.

Seattle Aquarium

Address: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 386-4300 Website

What better way to experience the marine wildlife of the Pacific Northwest than by visiting the Seattle Aquarium? The Seattle Aquarium is focused on the conservation of marine animals that live on the Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest. On the Puget Sound and Salish Sea, the aquarium is home to puffins, octopuses, otters, and seals, among other animals.

The Center for Wooden Boats

Address: 1010 Valley St., Seattle, WA 98109 Phone: (206) 382-2628 Website

Boating is extremely popular in Seattle during the warmer months. It's an opportunity to see the city from a new vantage point while being outside. If you're not exactly a speed demon, renting a wooden sailboat is a perfect way to glide serenely on Lake Union. Rent a boat from The Center for Wooden Boats' South Lake Union boathouse, or sign up for a private sailing lesson.

Elliott Bay Book Company

Address: 1521 10th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: (206) 624-6600 Website

Elliott Bay Book Company has a terrific assortment of new and used books. The enormous space has character, with distinctive ceiling beams and wooden shelves, plus it's packed from floor to ceiling with books.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market isn't a place to shop in Seattle — it's the place to shop. This open-air food market has prepared foods, restaurants, and high-end vendors selling chocolates, cheeses, seafood, wine, and more. Keep your eyes peeled for the fishmongers observing a time-honored tradition: throwing a nice piece of fish across the market before selling it.

Beecher's Handmade Cheese

Address: 1600 Pike Pl., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 956-1964 Website

Beecher's is one of the most talked-about shops in Pike Place Market. The renowned cheese shop has even expanded to New York City, but the original is here in Seattle. Visit to learn about the craftsmanship behind their cheese, and walk away with an armload of fromage .

Address: 1435 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 622-0141 Website

At DeLaurenti, you'll find cheeses, premade Italian goods, and high-end wines. Think of this Italian enclave less as a wine store and more as a niche, upscale grocery. DeLaurenti sources wines locally (you'll find a fair share of Willamette Valley pinot noirs from the neighborhooding state of Oregon), but it also has an impressive selection of imported bottles.

Pacific Place

Address: 600 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 405-2655 Website

At this downtown Seattle shopping center, you'll find a mix of legacy fashion brands and boutique stores. Visitors can expect beloved lines, like Aveda and Lululemon, but also an art gallery and a showroom with jewelry from local artisans.

Fremont Vintage Mall

Address: 3419 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 Phone: (206) 329-4460 Website

The Fremont Vintage Mall is where you'll find 40-year-old wicker chairs in mint condition, silk bomber jackets at a great price, and used books. The mall sells some of the very best antiques in Seattle, all with eclectic flair.

Address: 1525 Melrose Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: (206) 641-7646 Website

A designer boutique you'll be reluctant to tear yourself away from, Glasswing offers clothing, furniture, and home goods. Peruse their pieces from local designers, as well as items from around the world, like the Kinto Japanese coffee collection.

Georgetown Trailer Park Mall

Address: 5805 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA 98108 Website

The Georgetown Trailer Park Mall in Seattle is all about sustainability and vintage finds. Located in the Georgetown neighborhood, this venue was initially made up of eight vintage trailers and seven independent retailers, though it has since expanded to house other artists and vendors.

Capitol Hill: Capitol Hill is simultaneously trendy and residential, with lovely coffee shops, eateries, and local boutiques. It's close to downtown, attracting a lot of young professionals and families, as well as tourists looking for the "it" neighborhood in Seattle.

South Lake Union: At the southern edge of Lake Union, near downtown, this Seattle neighborhood is upscale with enticing real estate and local businesses.

Pioneer Square: One of the oldest neighborhoods in Seattle,Pioneer Square offers a beautiful display of Renaissance Revival architecture. The area dates back to the 1850s and is now a marriage of the old and new Seattle.

Ballard: Slightly northwest of downtown, Ballard is lined by two gorgeous bodies of water. On the west side of Ballard is the Puget Sound, and on the south side, Salmon Bay. It's a trendy neighborhood filled with shops, bars, and restaurants, and its Scandinavian roots still inform the culture and atmosphere of the area.

Belltown: Right in downtown Seattle, Belltown is where you'll find great nightlife and music venues. This neighborhood is known as the artistic epicenter of Seattle, so you can expect chic galleries and beautiful displays of public art around every corner.

Seattle gets the majority of its rain in the winter, which is why December, January, February, and March aren't ideal times to visit. December is, in fact, the wettest month. July and August are the driest months, as well as the warmest. But because of the breeze coming off the water and the region's northern geography, summer temperatures in June, July, and Augusy are moderate, in the high 70s. The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month. Average annual precipitation in Seattle is 15.03 inches.

January 37 - 48 February 38 - 51 March 40 - 54 April 44 - 59 May 49 - 65 June 54 - 71 July 58 - 76 August 58 - 77 September 54 - 71 October 47 - 61 November 41 - 52 December 37 - 47

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Travel reviews

• Worth the detour

Seattle enjoys a mild, temperate climate and, with its 125 parks, it is affectionately known as the "Emerald City". Before the arrival of European explorers in 1851, the area had been inhabited by Native American tribes for more than 4,000 years. In fact, Chief Seattle, a prominent leader of his time, is featured on the city's flag.  

PIKE PLACE MARKET

Pike Place Market's unofficial mascot, Rachel the Pig, a bronze cast piggy bank that weighs 550 pounds, stands at the main entrance to the market. Rachel collects money for the Market Foundation to fund social programs. It is said that she can receive up to $9,000 a year! 

Arrive before 11 am to avoid parking problems. Corner of 1 st Ave & Pike Street, Seattle

SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

The Seattle Art Museum (commonly known as "SAM") is a world-class museum and a must-visit for art lovers, from neophytes to experts. The museum's growing collection contains more than 25,000 works of art from around the world.

Collection themes include Native American art, American art, Asian art, European art, African art, Islamic art, Oceanic art, Modern & Contemporary art, as well as ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian art, textiles, furniture, and much more.

SEATTLE GREAT WHEEL

Unlike traditional Ferris wheels, this giant wheel is equipped with fully-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that can seat up to 8 people. The views at sunset are simply stunning!

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

If you're in the mood for an island getaway, catch a ferry on Pier 52 to Bainbridge Island, a charming island just off the coast. The ferry crossing takes about 35 minutes.

Once on the island you can enjoy a stroll through one of the many parks, explore art galleries and eclectic boutiques, try a local restaurant, or sample wines at a vineyard.

Trains leave from each station approximately every ten minutes. The Seattle Monorail runs generally from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Cash payment only. If you are leaving from downtown (Westlake Center at the corner of 5th Ave and Pine St.), park at Pacific Place Parking Garage (entrances on 6th and 7th Ave between Olive Way and Pine St). If you take the Seattle Center Monorail (next to the Space Needle), park at Seattle Center 5th Ave Garage (entrances on Harrison St. and Republican St., east of 5th Avenue).  

SEATTLE CENTER

Museum of pop culture.

This museum, created in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is dedicated to contemporary popular culture , and explores the ideas and risks that fuel it. With its roots in rock 'n' roll, the so-called "MoPOP" has several collections, exhibits and educational programs that use interactive technologies.

The museum's exhibits include : "Pearl Jam: Home and Away", "Minecraft: The Exhibition", "Nirvana: Taking Punk To The Masses", "Guitar Gallery", "Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction", "Sound Lab", "Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic" and more.

CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

Chihuly Garden and Glass takes visitors on a trip through the colourful, fantastic imagination of artist and glassworker Dale Chihuly, and provides a look at the influences and inspirations that have informed his career. The exhibition includes eight galleries, the centerpiece Glasshouse and a lush Garden.

The museum also has a gift shop and a restaurant. Plan to spend between 1 and 2 hours enjoying all the exhibition has to offer.

SPACE NEEDLE

Visiting Seattle without going to the top of the Space Needle is like visiting Paris without going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. This 183-metre metal tower is a symbol of Seattle and a landmark of the city's skyline. You will learn all about the history of Seattle, as well as enjoying 360-degree panoramic views from the observation platform. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Rainier.

Reservations required.

This small park is about 20 minutes walk from Seattle Center. It provides some of the best views of Seattle, for stunning photographs of the Space Needle, downtown and the mountains in the distance. A short walk that is really worth the detour!

WOODLAND PARK ZOO

The zoo's 92 acres are divided into bioclimatic zones, featuring different natural habitats and exhibits including the following:

African Savanna, Australasia (Australia, New Zealand, etc.), Humboldt Penguins (from the hot, arid coastal regions of Peru), Northern Trail (Alaska's tundra and taiga), Temperate Forest, Tropical Asia and Tropical Rain Forest. If you have young children, be sure to take them for a ride on the historic wooden carousel with magnificent hand-carved horses .

MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world ! Created in 1965, its175 aircraft and spacecraft and thousands of artifacts, and many exhibits and activities bring mankind's incredible history of flight to life. 

Don't miss the flight simulators, the many interactive activities, the original Boeing factory building from 1916 , the 3D movie theatre and the Space Gallery, which showcases the history of the Space Shuttle.

The museum also houses an indoor playground, the museum store and two cafes.

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

CRUMPET SHOP ($)

This family owned and operated establishment has been serving fresh crumpets since 1976. A crumpet is an English griddle cake made with flour, water and yeast. After they come off the griddle, they are toasted and served with sweet or savory toppings or eggs. And they are organic! Also serves fresh-baked scones and a variety of teas and coffees to accompany them.

PIKE BREWING COMPANY ($$)

This craft brewery founded in 1989 is located in downtown Seattle's Pike Place Market neighborhood . You can take a guided tour to learn all about brewing beer and enjoy samples of Pike beer. Pike Brewing also houses a restaurant, The Pike Pub.

THE PINK DOOR ($$)

The Pink Door has been one of the city’s most beloved restaurant destinations since 1981. Its owner, Jackie Roberts, says of her food that it is "built around the Italian classics: simple, fresh and seasonal". Many dishes are derived from her own family recipes. The atmosphere is warm and convivial.

TILIKUM PLACE CAFÉ ($$-$$$)

European-style bistro & bar offering an array of fresh, handcrafted meals. Customers come for their famous Dutch Babies, a popover-like pancake inspired by the German Pfannkuchen, baked in a cast iron pan, which rises while cooking and falls after being removed from the oven. They are served with sweet or savory toppings.

SUSHI KASHIBA ($$$$)

Chef Shiro Kashiba is a true sushi legend! He opened the first sushi restaurant in Seattle in 1970, after training with internationally renowned Chef Jiro Ono in Tokyo's Ginza district. He has been called the "Sushi Sensei of Seattle" and compared to "watching Picasso at work"; it's no accident that the most coveted seats in the restaurant are those at the bar. Sushi Kashiba offers the highest standard of fine Japanese cuisine; you're in for a memorable experience.

Where to sleep ?

• Coast Seattle Downtown
• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
• Fairmont Olympic Seattle
• Kimpton Vintage Seattle
• Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown
• Mayflower Park Hotel

Festivals calendar

Seattle international film festival.

Dates: mid-May

A major international festival presenting more than 400 films from over 85 countries.

Northwest Folklife Festival

Dates: late May

The festival's main mission is to bring together the communities of the region with more than 5,000 artists performing on 20 different stages.

Bumbershoot Festival

Dates: early September

International music and arts festival showcasing the best of comedy, dance, film, literary arts, music, performing arts, theatre, visual arts and more .

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

(Translated by Google) Back to the city after our trip immersed in nature, but we really enjoyed the city's attractions: Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, Pike Place Market, the aquarium, Smith Tower with its cocktails, and the monorail.

Beautiful city

(Translated by Google) super musée pop art, visite du starbucks

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21 free things to do in Seattle

Feb 29, 2024 • 9 min read

There's no need to break the bank on your Seattle vacation with our inside info on free things to do across the city, like a visit to Discovery Park. Photograph: Catie Bergman.

Seattle can be an expensive city to visit, but if you know where to look and how to entertain yourself, you can save a lot of money.  Between exploring lively markets and heading out on outdoor excursions, the Emerald City has a variety of activities that will leave your wallet in your pocket and your traveler's heart full. 

Here are the top free things to do in Seattle .

1. Explore Pike Place Market

Touristy, but justifiably so, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's top sights and absolutely free – except for the money you'll be tempted to spend here. 

The range of stalls, from fishmongers and florists to food stands, demonstrates the Port of Seattle's importance and why it became such a valuable jewel in the Pacific Northwest's crown.  This is a great place to shop and people-watch any day of the year.

2. Enjoy Fremont's Public Sculptures

You don't need to pay museum entrance fees to see some of the city's best and most iconic art.  Fremont is an art gallery in and of itself, with public sculptures sharing sidewalk space with pedestrians and cyclists throughout the neighborhood. 

Each of the 10 or so pieces here is totally unique, and you'll often find them dressed up for holidays or other special events. Together they represent a window into Fremont's golden era of counterculture bliss. 

Local tip:  While in the neighborhood, pay a visit to the iconic Fremont Troll . The 18ft-high cement figure snacking on a Volkswagen Beetle is a popular spot for late-night revelry.

3. Head out on a pay-what-you-feel walking tour

Since 2012, Seattle Free Walking Tours has brought European-style informative strolls to the Emerald City. Organized as a nonprofit, these intimate two-hour walks give you a chance to learn more about corners of the city like Pioneer Square, the waterfront and downtown. 

Visitors also hear the stories of many notable people who have called Seattle home, from the native Duwamish to the city's biggest celebrities. The tours may be free, but any tips you can spare at the end will be very much appreciated by the informed guides.

4. Stroll through Olympic Sculpture Park

The Space Needle isn't the only large-scale metal construction in the city; Olympic Sculpture Park , managed by the Seattle Art Museum , is home to over a dozen large artworks, with access free and open to the public every day from dawn until dusk. 

From the sweeping red Eagle to the unusual Echo , this is a great place to partake of Seattle's art-loving culture.

5. Wander through Ballard Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks , more commonly known as the Ballard Locks, are a valuable link for ships moving between Puget Sound and lakes Union and Washington. About 40,000 to 50,000 boats move through the locks annually. 

Construction began in 1911, and thanks to a fish ladder that allows salmon to reach the spanning waters of the Sammamish River, sea lions are a constant presence.

6. Go for a hike at Discovery Park

Covering 534 acres near the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park provides a variety of terrains for those wanting a bit of outdoor time in the heart of the city. 

Choose between forested trails, the rocky beach and exploring the West Point Lighthouse – as far west as you can be within the city limits. All are free and beautifully preserved by the city.

Planning tip: T he Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Cente r at Discovery Park is free and displays a permanent collection of Native American artwork and special exhibitions.

7. Join a neighborhood art walk

Throughout the summer months, Seattle's neighborhoods take turns opening their gallery doors for the artistic-minded to explore at will. 

Pioneer Square galleries open the first Thursday, Belltown hosts on the second Friday of each month, and Capitol Hill's event is on the second Thursday. ( Full neighborhood schedule ). 

Local tip:  In addition to free gallery access, many local businesses offer daily specials for these nights, making them perfect for a cheap evening out.

8. Tour the Frye Art Museum

This small museum on First Hill preserves the collection of Charles and Emma Frye. The Fryes collected more than 1000 paintings, mostly 19th- and early-20th-century European and American pieces, and a few Alaskan and Russian artworks. 

Most of the Frye Museum's permanent collection is stuffed into a rather small gallery and comes across as a little "busy." Still, the Frye's tour de force is its sensitively curated temporary shows, which usually have a much more modern bent.

9. Drink in the locals' view of the skyline

There are far cheaper ways to take in the Seattle skyline than forking out big bucks for the Space Needle.

Enjoy the view over Lake Union from Gas Works Park while families and dogs frolic on the grassy hills, or contemplate the free – but priceless – panorama of the entire skyline (Space Needle included) from Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. 

Another great spot is the 107-step Water Tower Observation Deck in Volunteer Park . Built in 1907, the deck provides beautiful vistas of the Space Needle, Elliott Bay and – should it be in the mood – Mt Rainier. 

10. Stop by an open mic night at Hugo House

On the first and third Monday of every month, the mics at Hugo House are open to any and all writers in the city through an event called "Works in Progress." 

Listeners are welcome, though we've heard that the stories are not necessarily family-friendly – it's a public open mic night, after all!

11.  Work up a sweat at Green Lake and Myrtle Edwards Park

With the great outdoors on their doorstep, it's no surprise that Seattleites love to exercise, and there are plenty of ways to stay active – many of them free. 

If you need somewhere to get back in cycling shape, try a few circuits on Green Lake Park – a 2.8-mile loop. Runners should head for Myrtle Edwards Park and hit the paths along the shores of Elliot Bay.

12.  Celebrate the cultural side of the city at the Seattle Center

Nearly every weekend, the Seattle Center hosts various events, including cultural festivals collectively known as Festál . 

From the Irish Festival in March to the Polish Festival in July and CroatiaFest in October, immerse yourself in international cuisine, dance and celebration, all without spending a dime on admission.

13. Watch the sunset or light your own fire

Pyromaniacs can indulge their fiery tendencies in Golden Gardens Park , one of the few public parks that allow open fires (in designated areas and during set times). 

The park is also one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset (on those days when Seattle is graced with a cloudless sky). The only thing you'll spend is time deciding on your favorite location to enjoy the moment.

14.  Hit the beach for some saltwater fun

Many of Seattle's plentiful parks also double as beaches, thanks to the bounty of salt and freshwater shoreline. Whether you're looking to swim, kayak, soak up the sun on a beach blanket, or even go ziplining, Seattle's beaches  have plenty of free and affordable activities.

15. Visit the historic Alki Point Lighthouse

The focal point of one of Seattle's most popular beaches , Alki Point Lighthouse , dates back to 1913. The US Coast Guard maintains the lighthouse but offers limited seasonal tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

16. Attend a Ladies Musical Club performance

The Ladies Musical Club  exists to further interest in classical music in Seattle through free concerts throughout the city.

From West Seattle to Wallingford, this woman-only group selects and produces a variety of classical music styles, staging shows in smaller community venues. You can find the club's performance calendar on their website in addition to streaming them on LMC's YouTube channel.

17. Admire art at Roq La Rue

This gallery has secured its reputation by taking risks: the work on view skates along the edge of urban pop culture. 

Since opening in 1998, Roq La Rue , owned and curated by Kirsten Anderson, has been a significant force in pop surrealism and is frequently featured in Juxtapoz magazine.

18. Smell the azaleas at the Washington Park Arboretum

This wild and lovely park stretching from Madison Valley to Union Bay offers a wide variety of gardens, a wetlands nature trail and 200 acres of mature forest threaded by paths. 

More than 5500 plant species grow within the Washington Park Arboretum's boundaries. In the spring, Azalea Way – a meandering trail that winds through the arboretum – is lined with a giddy array of pink- and orange-flowered azaleas and rhododendrons.

Planning tip:  Trail guides to the plant collections are available at the Graham Visitor Center.

19. Wander the rows at the Seattle Rose Garden

The 2.5-acre  Woodland Park Rose Garden , near the entrance road to the zoo off N 50th St, was started in 1924 and contains 5000 plant species, including heirloom roses and a test garden for All-America Rose Selections.

Local tip:   As the rose garden is pesticide-free, spent flowers are fed to the animals in the zoo next door. Apparently the gorillas love them. 

20. Dive into history at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Eloquently run by the US National Park Service, this wonderful museum has exhibits, photos and news clippings from the 1897 Klondike gold rush, when Seattle acted as a fueling depot for prospectors bound for the Yukon in Canada . 

Entry would cost US$20 anywhere else; in Seattle, it's free! The museum opened in 2006 and is housed in the old Cadillac Hotel (built in 1889). It was rescued from a horrible fate after nearly being toppled in the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.

Local tip: The best part of the Klondike Gold Rush Museum is its clever use of storytelling. At the outset, you're introduced to five local characters who became stampeders (Klondike prospectors) in the 1890s.  You're then invited to follow their varying fortunes and experiences periodically throughout the rest of the museum. Sound effects and interactive exhibits bring these stories to life.

21. Marvel at the botanical Spheres

Amazon's latest construction in the Denny Triangle opened in January 2018 and is quite different from the Amazon Tower I, which went up in 2015 down the street. 

Relatively low to the ground with a sci-fi movie aesthetic, the name – the Spheres –  says it all. Constructed in white metals and glass, the spheres house a veritable botanic garden's worth of plants.

You can stop in the atrium (called the "Understory") for a small exhibit on the building's architecture and ethos.

Planning tip:  Visitors can explore inside the spheres for free on the first and third Saturday of every month. Time slots become available 15 days in advance, and they get snapped up quickly.

This article was first published Jun 18, 2019 and updated Feb 29, 2024.

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

Travel , Travel Guides , USA · Last Updated: June 25, 2024

A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visiting Seattle

A first timers travel guide to visiting seattle.

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

When to Visit Seattle

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

Things to Know Before Visiting

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

Things to Do in Seattle

Pike place market.

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

Pike Place Market Food

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

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

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

Chihuly Garden & Glass

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

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

The Space Needle

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

Visit Kerry Park

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

Snoqualmie Falls

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

Visit Bainbridge Island

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

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

The “First Starbucks” or Starbucks Reserve Roastery

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

Visit the Amazon Spheres

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

Drive around Queen Anne Neighborhood

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

Breakfast Biscuits

There is the iconic biscuit place Breakfast Bitch and then there is the local’s spot Honest Biscuit. We’ve been to both and much prefer the latter. However, Biscuit Bitch is an experience on its own and the food is decent. But the service and ordering system is extremely unenjoyable. They have two locations one in Belltown and the other in Downtown Seattle. Whichever one you choose expect to wait at least an hour for your food. Furthermore, they only accept orders through their website so it’s best if you order before visiting so you don’t have to wait.

Next, you have our personal favorite, Honest Biscuit. This shop is located in Pike Place Market on the water. The biscuits were delicious and the views were stunning! If you have to choose one pick this one otherwise you can visit both and make your own determination 🙂

Visit Mount Rainer, National Park

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

Visit Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a great addition to add on to your Seattle Itinerary. It’s a few hours from Seattle and you can spend either one day or two exploring this stunning National Park. Don’t miss my Ultimate 2 days in Olympic National Park itinerary. It covers all the best things to do when visiting this part of Washington.

The Gum Wall

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

Hike Rattlesnake Ledge

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

Sunset Drinks at The Nest

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

Dinner at The Pink Door

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

Walk Around Capitol Hill

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

• Starbucks Reserve Roastery
• Glasswing Shop
• Scotch & Soda
• Terra Plata

Grab an Ice Cream Sundae at Molly Moon’s

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

Catch a Mariners Game at T-Mobile Park

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Seattle

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

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

Seattle Travel Guide: What to Pack

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

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

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

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February 6, 2024 at 12:19 am

thanks for the information

April 3, 2024 at 9:28 am

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

May 14, 2024 at 12:43 am

Thanks for the helpful guide! Excited to explore Seattle for the first time. The suggestions seem perfect for making the most of my trip. Can’t wait to dive into the city’s culture and sights! Good work

August 23, 2024 at 3:30 pm

Do you have visitor guides to mail out?

August 24, 2024 at 11:07 pm

The only thing you left out was what area’s to stay clear from when traveling with children.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide To Seattle: How To Get Around & Where To Stay

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7 mountain towns in north carolina that have asheville vibes, but better, no beating the heat: 7 cities that could soon be uninhabitable with high temps, quick links, best time to visit the enchanting seattle, top attractions to enjoy seattle, where to stay in seattle, where to eat in seattle, how do tourists get around seattle, how to spend only one day in seattle.

When the sun starts to set into Puget Sound, Seattle's skyline turns to its most beautiful shadows. Before darkness falls on the city and the Space Needle's stunning shape can be seen, the harbor takes on the hues of sunset and the glass office towers become blindingly light. The current coffee obsession began in Seattle , a cosmopolitan city with a thriving commercial port. Seattle's cultural scene is blossoming today, and outdoor activities remain an essential element of city life. The metropolis is a blend of urban hip, runners, and martinis.

While there is always a patch of grass nearby due to the abundance of downtown parks, Seattle's famed rainstorms can keep tourists indoors instead of visiting the city's many fun and informative activities. To know more about this magnificent city, here is the ultimate travel guide to Seattle.

Seattle is at its finest in September and early October when the weather is nice and costs are reasonable. There is no better time to ride the Rocky Mountaineer Train than after the summer throngs have dispersed.

In addition to rain and snow, winter delivers discounts for those who appreciate a good price.

Although it becomes colder from November through February, this is a fantastic time of year to go snowboarding or skiing on the lofty Mount Rainier and see the glittering Christmas lights.

Related: 10 Of The Most Scenic Things You Can Do In Seattle

Moreover, springtime weather and low lodging costs are well-known, and chilly Pacific gusts are still occasionally possible, so bring appropriate clothing.

Travelers can also participate in the Skagit Tulip Festival in April and can go to the alpine regions to witness the flower blossoming season.

On the other hand, the high season, which lasts from June to August, is notorious for its exorbitant pricing and crowds of tourists, it also provides the finest opportunities for seeing Lake Serene, Bridal Veil Falls, and whale watching .

• Spring: April and May
• Summer: July and August
• Fall: September
• Winter: December

The Pike Place Market and Space Needle are perhaps well-known to those who are not native to Seattle, but there are many more places worth seeing. This metropolis in the Pacific Northwest has a lot to offer its visitors, including nature, culture, arts, and entertainment.

Visitors and locals alike seldom run out of new things to experience in Seattle since there are so many activities to do there. Additionally, there are many places to visit in Seattle, including parks, museums, recognizable structures, historical sites related to music, and breathtaking vistas from the sky and the lake.

The city also has a creative side, with landmarks like the Up-inspiring house and a gigantic troll. Despite Seattle's propensity for rain, there are countless indoor activities to keep tourists occupied.

There is no doubt that dining at some of Seattle's top establishments, which provide delectable international cuisine and fresh seafood, is a must.

Once tourists have completed the list, they may add some incredible day excursions from Seattle to their plan.

Shop At Pike Place Market

There are enough sights at Pike Place Market to fill an entire day, from Rachel the Piggy Bank and the iconic market sign to the original Starbucks café, the gum wall, as well as over 225 local craftspeople selling their products , the legendary fish-tossing ritual, and music-playing street entertainers.

In 2017, the market underwent its historic MarketFront expansion , which included an outdoor plaza with breathtaking views of Elliott Bay.

• Tour: Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours
• Duration : 2 hours
• Cost: From $63.49 USD per adult

Book this tour

Climb To The Top Of The Space Needle

The 605-foot-tall (184.4 meters) Space Needle , which was built for the 1962 World's Fair , swiftly rose to prominence and is now a recognizable symbol of the city.

Tourists will see the doodle-on-a-napkin idea that inspired the Space Needle design on the viewing level, which is accessible through a 43-second elevator journey. The Cascade Mountains, Elliott Bay, and even Mount Rainier can all be seen from the summit .

• Tour: Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket
• Cost: From $59.85 USD per adult

Ride Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel , which was only constructed in 2012 , has already established itself as a prominent feature of the city's skyline and offers a whole different vantage point for sightseeing owing to its perch on Pier 57's end. To see the city, lake, and mountains, tourists shall book one of the exciting gondolas.

• Cost: $17 per adult, $15 per senior, and $13 per child

Walk In The Ocean At Seattle Aquarium

Visitors learn everything about salmon, get personal with some cute sea otters, and meet a variety of Pacific Ocean critters, from puffers to huge clams, down at the dazzling Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59.

Related: Seattle Is Home To The Largest Video Rental Store In The World

They may even touch a sea anemone while seeing sharks swimming overhead and watching scuba divers feed the fish in the underwater dome.

Not everyone should stay a night in every neighborhood of Emerald City . Some are ideal for a night out, while others are better for relaxing with the locals and some will help on-budget travelers get the most out of their money.

It all depends on their desired atmosphere and vacation requirements when deciding where to spend the night in Seattle.

• Location: 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• Amenities: Outdoor fire pit, pool, spa, etc.
• Location: 809 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
• Amenities: Fitness center, spa, sauna, etc.
• Location: 110 Stewart Street, Seattle, WA 98101-1019, United States
• Amenities: Electric vehicle charging, fitness center, in-room Chromecast
• Location: 2423 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, hair and body products, hairdryer
• Location: 411 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• Amenities: Children’s amenities, babysitting, parking
• Location: 2000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
• Amenities: Walk-in closet, fitness center, Staycast.
• Location: 4242 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
• Amenities: Afternoon delights, welcome drink, parking
• Location: 1 926 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• Amenities: Parking, free Wi-Fi, TV
• Location: 13050 48th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98168, United States
• Amenities: Pool, free Wi-Fi, in-room microwave

Given that Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, it is not surprising that the city's numerous chefs have access to an abundance of seafood.

Additionally, this metropolis in the Pacific Northwest can easily import fish from Alaska, Japan, and Hawaii. Moreover, the city has bounties of local products and meats.

Related: How To Plan The Ultimate Seattle Foodie Vacation

The top eateries in Seattle emphasize both regional ingredients and cultural influences from the many different nationalities that call the city home.

The Seattle restaurants are a must for both tourists and locals because they feature fresh seafood, Asian flavors, Indian influences, and more.

• Best restaurants for breakfast: Zylberschtein's , The Fat Hen , Sabine Café & Market
• Recommended eateries for lunch and dinner: Canlis , Archipelago , Meesha , Sushi Kashiba
• Excellent bars: Bathtub Gin & Co. , Roquette , Some Random Bar

Walking, taking public transit, driving, bicycling, and using ferries are some of the finest methods to get around Seattle.

Depending on the itinerary, spending limit, and chosen degree of comfort, tourists may select how to experience Seattle.

They will not have any trouble traveling from point A to point B, though, with twelve methods to move about the city and beyond.

Wader In Seattle On Foot Or By Bicycle

The majority of Seattle's neighborhoods are small and accessible by foot. However, using a scooter or bicycle to go around the city could be faster and more enjoyable.

The downtown region of Seattle is filled with bike rental companies, and the majority of the city's roadways have designated bike lanes. Currently, JUMP and Lime are two private firms that provide electric, dockless bike-share choices.

• Guidance: Wear a helmet when touring in the city, both for safety and to prevent getting ticketed by the police.

Rent A Car To Tour Seattle

If tourists want to see the mountains, lakes, and neighboring towns, a car is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Seattle. To guarantee the lowest pricing, it is a good idea to make a car reservation at least a week in advance.

But avoid driving during rush hour; Seattle has a reputation for being one of the most congested cities in the country.

Ride Public Transport Around Seattle

The King County Metro bus , which runs routes all across the city, might not be used if the tickets were too high. Before leaving, tourists shall check the King Country transport website because schedules differ depending on the bus line.

• Light Trail schedule: Monday through Saturday from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM. On Sundays and holidays, from 6:00 AM to midnight.
• Cost: The cost varies based on how far tourists go but is often between $2.25 and $3.25 depending on how long the journey is.

Call A Taxi To Get Around Seattle

Tourists’ greatest option as an alternative to driving is a cab if they need to go someplace quickly without having to bother about parking.

It can be difficult to hail one from the street, so it is a good idea to make a call in advance to arrange for a pick-up. In the Seattle region, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

• Cost: Each subsequent mile costs an additional $2.70, with meters starting at $2.60.

The ideal approach to begin the adventure is to stay one day in Seattle, the largest city in Washington State. This metropolis in the Northwest of the USA, dubbed the Emerald City, is renowned for its green surroundings and its vibrant cultural scene.

The city on the Pacific Coast is frequently accredited for having introduced gourmet coffee to North America. Tourists may see Seattle's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the gastronomic scene in only 24 hours.

At Pike Place Market , tourists may have a full breakfast, and sip a coffee at the first Starbucks, Waterfront Park. They may also catch the refreshing sea breeze, see Seattle’s Great Wheel, and walk around Belltown. The panorama at Olympic Sculpture Park is splendid. Additionally, they may visit the Space Needle to see the city from above .

Stopping by the Museum of Pop Culture will let their inner Hendrix show up again. Then, they can visit the Seattle Center Monorail downtown, look around the Seattle Art Museum, and get lost between the shelves of the Seattle Public Library.

Later, tourists can admire the cityscape as they leave the Columbia Center. Finally, eat in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and relax in Seattle's Chinatown-International District.

Q: When is the best time to visit Seattle?

Seattle is at its finest in September and early October when the weather is nice and costs are reasonable. Although it becomes colder, winter is a fantastic time of year to go snowboarding or skiing on Mount Rainier and see the glittering Christmas lights. Moreover, springtime weather and low lodging costs are well-known. On the other hand, June to August is notorious for its exorbitant pricing and crowds of tourists, but it also provides the finest opportunities for seeing Lake Serene, Bridal Veil Falls, and whale watching .

Q: What To Do In Seattle?

Seattle has a lot to offer its visitors, including nature, culture, arts, and entertainment. Additionally, there are many places to visit in this metropolis, including parks, museums, recognizable structures, historical sites related to music, and breathtaking vistas from the sky and the lake. There is no doubt that dining at some of Seattle's top establishments, which provide delectable international cuisine and fresh seafood, is a must.

• Top attractions: Seattle Great Wheel , The Pike Place Market , Space Needle , Seattle Aquarium

Q: Where To Stay In Seattle?

Not everyone should stay a night in every neighborhood of Emerald City . Some are ideal for a night out, while others are better for relaxing with the locals and some will help on-budget travelers get the most out of their money. It all depends on their desired atmosphere and vacation requirements when deciding where to spend the night in Seattle.

• Luxury Hotels: Four Season Hotel, Lotte Hotels, Thompson Seattle.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Ace Hotel Seattle, Staybridge Suites Seattle, Hotel Andra Seattle
• Budget-Friendly Hotels: Watertown Hotel, Moore Hotel, Days Inn by Wyndham Seattle South Tukwila

Q: Where To Eat In Seattle?

The top restaurants in Seattle emphasize both regional products and cultural influences from the many different nationalities who call the city home. The Seattle restaurants are a must for both tourists and locals because they feature fresh seafood, Asian flavors, Indian influences, and more.

Q: How to get around Seattle?

Walking, taking public transit, driving, bicycling, and using ferries are some of the finest methods to get around Seattle. Depending on the itinerary, spending limit, and chosen degree of comfort, tourists may select how to experience Seattle.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Seattle?

Seattle is one of the most contemporary cities in the United States and is also regarded by most tourists as being very safe.

10 Things To Do In Olympia: Complete Guide To Washington State's Capital

West coast usa: complete travel guide, scenic sightseeing: the ultimate travel guide to vancouver, washington & things to do.

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12 Best Free Attractions in Seattle

 Noah Kreyenhagen / TripSavvy

There are many free and fun things to do in Seattle . Some are obvious: Getting out to a city park is always free and Seattle’s parks are beautifully unique. And most Seattle-Tacoma museums have free days at least one day a month. But there is much more to do that’s free or cheap and unique to the Puget Sound and Seattle like Pike Market and Ballard Locks.

Do be aware, though, that Seattle parking is not always free. Research the cheapest lot ahead of time and you can keep the day very cheap. On Sundays, street parking is free, but finding a spot can be tricky in some locations. Public transportation may be your answer.

Wander Seattle Center

Many of Seattle’s major landmarks are free to visit. You can wander around the Seattle Center, view the Space Needle, go into the Seattle Center Armory and art galleries, and hang out by the International Fountain—all for free.

The Seattle Center Armory, originally built in 1939, features fresh, local  foods and beverages and offers cultural celebrations and free performances. Enjoy the view of Seattle Center from the 60-foot outdoor deck.

See the remnants of the "old armory." The basement of the Armory still has markings from the old firing range and an unfinished swimming pool once intended for military recruits. Today, over 3,000 free public performances are given in the Seattle Center Armory each year.

The free ride area of Metro Transit buses gets pretty close to the borders of Seattle Center; otherwise, parking near there will likely still cost you a few dollars.

Shop at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a store, but also a bit of a museum. You can see Sylvester the mummy, a collection of shrunken human heads, and other surprising and interesting items.

The shop is currently on Pier 54 but has a long history. The curio and souvenir shop was first opened in 1899 and has had several locations since then, all along Seattle's Puget Sound waterfront.

Take Advantage of Free Museum Days

TripSavvy / Noah Kreyenhagen

On designated free days or free evenings (some are specifically for teens and/or seniors) head to Seattle and Tacoma's museums such as the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Bellevue Art Museum, Tacoma Art Museum.

The many interesting Museums range from natural history and science to local history and are located in both Seattle and Tacoma, to the south.

Cruise From the Center for Wooden Boats

The Center for Wooden Boats is a resource for all who love sailing or wooden boats, and it has things to do for free. Admission is free and allows the chance to get up close to the collection of non-motorized boats. Free sails take place every Sunday on Lake Union. Sign up is only in person the day of the sail, so get there early.

See the Fremont Troll and Other Weird Sights

The Fremont Troll is a giant sculpture that lives, appropriately, under the Aurora Bridge in Fremont near N. 36th Street. The Fremont Troll shares the space to the northwest of the bridge with a small park and community garden. There isn't much to do at the Troll, but he makes a great photo op .

Enjoy the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection

Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all year round, you can view the impressive bonsai collection at Weyerhaeuser in Federal Way to the south of Seattle.

The collection houses over 100 bonsai trees from China , Japan, Canada, Korea, Taiwan & America and are displayed in an outdoor setting with gravel paths. There are free public tours every Sunday at 1 p.m., and no reservations are required. 

Parks and Green Spaces

Seattle is filled with parks and green spaces that are all free. Depending on the park, you might hang out on a beach, enjoy the view, take a hike or explore unique places like old water towers or glasshouses.

• The Olympic Sculpture Park overlooks the Puget Sound and features large-scale outdoor artwork and some lovely water views. The park is located at 2901 Western Avenue.
• Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill is one of Seattle's most interesting parks. Within its bounds, you'll find an old water tower you can climb (with great views), the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and a vintage glasshouse, all found at 1400 E Galer Street.
• Gas Works is no ordinary park. A former gasification plant, the park preserved the ruins of the former plant. You can get up close to and touch some of the ruins though others are fenced off. This is also an ideal park to fly a kite on a windy day. Find the park at 2101 North Northlake Way.
• Washington Park Arboretum is an urban green space near Lake Washington. With more than 200 acres of trails, it's a massive and shady park. The park is located at 2300 Arboretum Drive East.
• If you seek a beach to hang out on, visit Carkeek Park or Golden Gardens .
• For great walking trails, Greenlake Park and Alki Beach Park are perfect.

Some of the public parks are major tourist destinations with amazing views and some are tucked away in neighborhoods, but all offer a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Walk the Seattle Waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront area includes many attractions all along it, including Pike Place Market, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, and the Olympic Sculpture Park .

While there are many attractions that will cost you, walking along the Puget Sound and looking won't cost you a thing. You can walk along the piers and watch the tour boats ply the waters, photograph the Seattle Great Wheel, and watch the iconic ferries come and go.

Peruse Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market overlooks the Seattle Waterfront. Parking here will cost a fee, but you can wander the market, watch the fish get tossed, or add in a stroll to the waterfront area all for free.

Officially designated as a National Historic District, the market is open year-around. You'll find established businesses and restaurants as well as seasonal stalls and crafts vendors.

It's a colorful and exciting place to explore where you can get a sense of both the bounty of the sea and the earth in the area. There are always colorful flower vendors and smoked fish and shellfish for sale. A favorite free activity is to watch the "flying fish show" at the Pike Place Fish Market. When a customer selects a fish, the fishmonger picks it up from the iced display and throws it to the cashier who will weigh and wrap it. Tourists gather to watch this event and urge on potential fish-buyers so they can see the fish toss and catch it on their cameras. 

Metropolitan Market

Yes, it’s a grocery store, but no ordinary store. Cheese and other food samples are often out for sampling. Cheese classes are offered for free to the community every month or so. Special wine and cheese tastings also take place here for free. 

Seattle Public Library

Visiting a library might not seem like an interesting thing to do, but exploring this eight-story-tall wonder is an adventure. Colorful hallways, surprising viewpoints, and more await around every corner.

There are displays in the gallery, sometimes on Seattle history.

Watch the Boats Go Through the Locks

The Ballard Locks, or Hiram M Chittenden Locks, are a National Historic Site. The locks, between Puget Sound and Lake Union, are the busiest locks in the nation and a major tourist attraction. The locks are open daily 24/7 for vessels and from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for visitors. It's fun to watch the large boats and boats as small as kayaks go through the locks.

There are a visitor's center and museum in the historic administrations building. The grounds are beautiful and worth strolling through. Have a picnic and watch the boats.

There are free walking tours starting at the Visitor Center and lasting about an hour. No reservations are required.

There is also a fish ladder at the locks where you can watch migrating salmon June through September.

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Seattle travel guide

A complete guide for a fantastic trip to seattle.

Snowy peaks poke up behind Seattle’s skyline, calling locals and visitors to the hundreds of acres of parks in town and the Cascade foothills, just 45 minutes from Downtown. Seattle’s natural beauty has long drawn the world’s best and brightest, and the mark of innovative entrepreneurs shows in many ways – like how hometown company Starbucks cemented Seattle as coffee country. My version of a quintessential Seattle day, to introduce a newcomer to the city, starts with a traipse through old-growth evergreen trees, followed by a morning cappuccino and taking a boat through one of the city’s major waterways. It finishes with a seafood dinner and a live show in one of the clubs that once nurtured the famous grunge scene of the 1990s, and still books cutting-edge local acts. It doesn’t necessarily cover the tourist hotspots, but Seattle’s laid back appeal shines best through these types of everyday activities that show off what it’s like in a city where people obsess over whether “the mountain is out” – if clouds are obscuring Mt. Rainier. After decades of living here, we all still gasp at the majesty of Mt. Rainier peeking out from the southern horizon and laugh at ourselves for wearing identical REI coats. The best way to understand Seattle is to don your own fleece jacket, practice reciting your coffee order (double tall oat-milk latté, anyone?), and read on to learn about Seattle’s unique brand of Pacific Northwest culture.

Must-see in Seattle

Every museum, park, and tourist attraction to see in seattle, the space needle.

Seattle’s quintessential tourist attraction, a relic of the 1962 World’s Fair, whisks visitors 500 feet into the sky, delivering 360° views from multiple observation decks.

The Ballard Locks

This fascinating display of maritime engineering opened shipping access to Seattle’s freshwater lakes and provides visitors with plenty of big boat and small salmon action.

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)

Peek behind the curtain of how storied bands, beloved science fiction movies, and other pop culture icons came about in this eclectic, often interactive, museum.

Smith Tower

Once the tallest building west of the Mississippi, Seattle’s first skyscraper no longer sets records, but it still offers jaw-dropping views – and craft cocktails, too.

Central Library

Seattle’s Rem Koolhaas-designed flagship library brims with art and information, and proves to be as useful as it is architecturally impressive.

Alki Beach Park

Alki Beach masquerades as a cold-water version of the stereotypical party beach, with bonfire gatherings, a boardwalk, and surf shops.

Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific Experience

Rotating exhibits feature the philosophy of hometown hero Bruce Lee, an interactive program on various New Year’s celebrations for young kids, and a strong focus on an intersectional push for justice.

Discovery Park

Seattle’s largest park turned an old military fort into a semi-natural collection of paths along grassy bluffs, soft forest floors, and sandy shores.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Renowned local glass artist Dale Chihuly’s colorful creations fit symbiotically with both the illustrious location at the base of the Space Needle and the natural surroundings of the gardens.

Olympic Sculpture Park

World-class outdoor art dots this nine-acre lush hillside over Seattle’s waterfront, creating a free public space integrating natural and human-made beauty with daily life.

Seattle Art Museum

Seattle’s main art museum builds on its original focus on Asian art to include local Indigenous art and feature rotating exhibits of world-class artists.

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)

If grandma’s attic told the story of Seattle’s past, it might look like this eclectic collection of historic objects stored inside an old military building.

Center for Wooden Boats

This living museum teaches workshops on traditional wooden boat making, displays exhibits featuring and about wooden boats, and rents them out from its lakefront location.

Seattle’s miniature version of Central Park draws people from all over the city for the pleasant path encircling Green Lake.

Hot Tub Boats

See the city from the delightful, if slightly absurd, comfort of a floating hot tub you can motor around Lake Union.

It's an open secret that this small park in Queen Anne Hill offers postcard-perfect views of the city, especially at sunset.

Theo Chocolate Factory Tour

Embrace your inner Willy Wonka at this organic, fair-trade chocolate factory. Learn about the process of turning beans into bars – with samples along the way.

Beneath the Streets

This historically accurate tour tells the story of early Seattle through the underground remnants of the original city and the streets of Pioneer Square neighborhood.

Burke Museum

Designed to spark curiosity, this natural history museum offers interactive exhibits and an inside look at what happens in its working labs.

Volunteer Park

Fifty acres of Capitol Hill’s north end hold stunning views, the Black Hole Sun statue immortalized by Soundgarden, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

This ground-breaking art gallery highlights the issues facing Seattle’s Black community while nurturing and sharing many kinds of beauty.

Seattle's neighborhoods

Explore seattle's best neighborhoods, university district, capitol hill, chinatown-international district, seasonal events in seattle, the seasonal events seattle waits all year for, northwest folklife festival.

This free event fills Seattle Center with traditional music and arts over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, unofficially kicking off summer in the city.

Seattle International Film Festival

Stars descend on the city for the start of this major movie series which screens new films big and small from around the world.

Seattle Pride Events

A celebration of all sexualities and genders as rainbows explode around the city and events go around the clock, from a classic parade to scantily clad late-night dance parties.

Bite of Seattle

More than 200 different restaurants and food booths crowd into Seattle Center, giving hungry attendees a chance to sample a Seattle smorgasbord.

Capitol Hill Block Party

This three-day concert features all genres of music in the streets and clubs at the heart of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhood.

Seafair Weekend

A summer-long series of cultural festivals culminate in a weekend-long party on the water and shores of Lake Washington, complete with airshow and hydroplane races.

Bumbershoot Festival

The unofficial end of summer comes with this multi-day music and art festival, bringing together everything from local comedians to arena-filling national music acts.

Puyallup Fair

For more than a century, this huge, three-week state fair has brought together animals, agriculture, national music acts, rides, and classic carnival cuisine.

Planning toolkit for Seattle

Everything you should know about visiting seattle, the many ways to get to and from seattle, stay with style in seattle, once you're in seattle, getting around seattle.

The crystalline waters and spiky peaks that crown the city with impressive views also squish the navigable geography, rendering getting anywhere dependent on a pretty, though imperfect, collection of bridges. While not robust, the hub-and-spoke public transportation system works well for visitors, who tend to mostly be based in the hub – Downtown.

Hot Global Flavors, Chilled Local Seafood

Perched between the Pacific Coast’s bounty of seafood and the mushroom-covered Cascade mountains, Seattle feeds its chefs an ever-changing array of edible inspiration.

Renting a car and driving in Seattle

It’s possible to make it out to the alluring mountains and famous wineries just outside Seattle without your own car, but not easy. Renting a car in Seattle unlocks the freedom to operate on your own schedule, see the unspoiled forests just outside the city, and visit small neighborhoods within it.

Things to do

Seattle’s best playgrounds, museums, and sights for families.

Seattle’s many kid-friendly museums, state-of-the-art playgrounds, and ample park space in every neighborhood make it an easy and fun place to tour with kids in tow.

Music Makes Seattle Nights Come to Life

Neumos carries on the tradition of great live music in Seattle with packed crowds in a space that makes everyone feel close to the action.

Phocific Standard Time

This hidden bar upstairs from a pho shop translates the Vietnamese American experience into a light-hearted and creative cocktail shop.

Cloudburst on Shilshole

A Ballard brewery that epitomizes the genre, complete with families and dogs packing the picnic tables, but outshines any other in the quality of its innovative IPAs.

Jupiter Bar

A sprawling dive bar with an art theme, offering a slew of entertainment options, including arcade games, live music, and great tacos.

Equal parts classy and classic, this Belltown cocktail bar executes service with impressive acumen and drinks with precision – and hand-carved ice.

Where to Shop in Seattle and Find the Best Seattle Souvenirs

Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market is the first stop for any shopping in the city and a great place to find unique and special local souvenirs, but there are a few other options out there.

The Best of the Northwest Sits Just Outside Seattle

To fully understand the city, visitors must leave Seattle and get out into the small towns, big mountains, and beautiful islands that pepper the rest of the Pacific Northwest. Drive into the wild nature of Washington’s three national parks, taste the pristine seafood on the beach, and buy from the local shops, and then come back to the buzz of the city for the night.

Mt. Rainier National Park

Whidbey island, snoqualmie falls and pass, bainbridge island, port townsend, what to pack for seattle.

Bring plenty of layers and nothing fancy for a trip to Seattle

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An urban enclave surrounded by unrivaled natural beauty, seattle allows you to experience the best of both worlds—from sailing to shopping and museums to mountains. and it’s all open for you to explore..

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Water World

Did you know Seattle has just over 200 miles of shoreline? From wildlife-rich Puget Sound to calm and clear Lake Washington, water is a vital and joyful part of the city's identity.

Here's the Scoop

Don’t miss these sweet stops for ice cream across the city.

Seattle is full of skateboarding and cycling adventures, with skateparks suited to everyone from beginners to serious shredders and recreational cycling opportunities set safely away from car traffic.

See Seattle with your trusty pup by your side.

Day Tripper

From magnificent mountain treks to easygoing island escapes, Seattle is a convenient base for a wealth of exciting outdoor adventures.

What's Good Seattle?

Phil the Culture investigates with a little help from Seattleites. Follow along as he discovers the Museum of Pop Culture, The Crocodile, an impromptu dance party in Gas Works Park and so much more.

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Seattle is a beautiful destination with so much for a visitor to see and do. The Official Visitors’ Guide is your one stop resource for exploring the city.

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I know a place, a place like this is always full of potential—and a little bit of magic..

We’ve bottled some of that magic by asking locals to share personal recommendations for their tried-and-true favorites. Now you know someone in Seattle—and they know a place you  have  to experience for yourself. Watch the videos, check out the itineraries, and browse the map to start planning your Seattle adventure at iknowaplace.org .

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• Entertainment

12 things to do around Seattle this weekend

Welcome to the weekend! From upcoming cultural events and theater to Seattle Aquarium’s new campus, here’s our latest on local things to do.

Food and drink

• Food writer Bethany Jean Clement found three great dining deals on Capitol Hill. Here’s where you can enjoy an upscale Vietnamese spot at a more affordable price point or have dinner for two with a bottle of wine for under $50 at a vaunted Italian joint.
• If it’s in your budget, splurge on the new restaurant ShoMon Kappo , which will open Sept. 6 in Belltown, from the team behind Shiro’s Sushi. The tasting menu costs $185 per head.
• To cook something new at home, try these Mason jar salads that our recipe writer likes for back-to-school lunch prep or this sautéed shrimp with salsa .

Outdoors and travel

• From mountain peaks to beautiful forests, here are seven of the best Washington hikes for dogs , as told by local dog owners.
• Seattle’s waterfront has been undergoing massive transformation. While it’s still a work in progress, here are some highlights you can check out now , including the aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion.

Arts and events

• Longtime Seattle theater- and filmmaker John Longenbaugh turned his home into the setting of his newest play, “Our House,” taking place in that home across three eras. It runs Sept. 5-22 in Olympia.
• Seattle playwright Rebecca Tourino’s “Cowboys with Questions” takes on cults and belonging. The world premiere by Washington Ensemble Theatre runs through Sept. 15.
• Check out one of these upcoming cultural events , including a new gallery at the Washington State Fair, an Italian street fair and a longtime festival celebrating Hawaiian culture.
• The new Seattle Light Room aims to showcase South End photographers of all skill levels. Its current exhibit, “South Seattle Love,” is open through Sept. 7.

2024 fall arts guide: What to see, what to know

• Seattle theater may undergo a ‘radical reshaping’
• Here’s how you can take part in Seattle’s creative art trends
• 10 of the hottest Seattle-area concerts in fall 2024
• Moira Macdonald’s most anticipated movies this fall
• Top Seattle-area art shows to see this fall
• 6 must-see Seattle theater shows in fall 2024
• Must-see Seattle dance performances this fall
• 4 thought-provoking books to pick up this fall
• 13 author events to catch in the Seattle area for fall 2024
• 7 classical music concerts to catch this fall
• Call of Duty, Zelda, Silent Hill: The most anticipated games this fall

TV and movies

• Before heading to the theaters, check out what our reviews thought of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “His Three Daughters” and other recent releases .
• From a new novel by Sally Rooney to a book about the consequences of U.S. foreign policy, these four thought-provoking books for this fall cover themes of gratitude, war and more. 
• Before author Jodi Picoult’s Sept. 12 visit to Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, catch up on her new novel, “By Any Other Name.”

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.