Seattle Travel Guide Things to Do
Seattle Travel Guide Things to Do
Top Things to Do in Seattle
Visitors searching for the top things to do in Seattle will find a vibrant city surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests. Known for its coffee culture, iconic skyline, and diverse neighborhoods, Seattle offers something for every type of traveler.
Here are some of the top ten things to do in Seattle:
• Visit Pike Place Market - One of the most famous markets in the U.S., known for flying fish, local vendors, and waterfront views.
• See the Space Needle - Seattle’s most iconic landmark with panoramic views of the city and Puget Sound.
• Explore the Seattle Waterfront - Walk along the piers, visit shops, and enjoy views of Elliott Bay.
• Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass - A stunning museum showcasing glass art installations.
• Explore Downtown Seattle Filled with shops, museums, restaurants, and major attractions.
• Visit Fremont (The Center of the Universe) - A quirky neighborhood known for public art and unique attractions.
• Explore West Seattle - Great for beaches, skyline views, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Because of its variety of neighborhoods and attractions, Seattle is one of the most dynamic cities on the West Coast.
One of the best ways to experience Seattle is by walking through its historic neighborhoods and learning the stories behind its transformation from a frontier town to a modern tech hub.
🚶 Seattle’s From Fire to Fortune Walking Tour
This self-guided walking tour takes you through downtown Seattle while uncovering the city’s dramatic history, including the Great Seattle Fire and its rapid rise to prosperity.
Highlights include:
• Historic downtown Seattle landmarks
• Stories of the Great Seattle Fire
• Architecture and rebuilding of the city
• Key sites that shaped Seattle’s growth
This is one of the best ways to explore things to do in downtown Seattle while learning the city’s history.
🚶 Fremont Walking Tour – Trolling for Treasures
Explore one of Seattle’s most unique neighborhoods with this fun and quirky walking tour.
Highlights include:
• The famous Fremont Troll
• Public art installations and hidden gems
• Unique shops and local culture
• Stories behind Fremont’s nickname as the “Center of the Universe”
This tour is perfect for visitors looking for things to do in Fremont and something a little different. Click here to see the tour.
Because these tours are self-guided, you can:
start anytime
pause for food, coffee, or photos
explore at your own pace
What's Free and What has a Fee
Seattle offers a wide mix of free and paid attractions.
Free Things to Do in Seattle
Many of the best free things to do in Seattle are easy to access.
• Walking Pike Place Market
• Visiting the Seattle waterfront
• Exploring Olympic Sculpture Park
• Walking through Fremont and seeing public art
• Visiting Kerry Park for skyline views
Cheap Things to Do in Seattle
• Museum discount days
• Public transit exploration
• Local markets and food halls
Our Self Guided Walking tour of Seattle!
Attractions With Fees
• Space Needle
• Chihuly Garden and Glass
• Seattle Aquarium
• Museum of Pop Culture
Visitors can easily plan a trip with a mix of free and paid experiences.
How to Get Here
Seattle is located in Washington State in the Pacific Northwest.
By Air
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• About 20–25 minutes from downtown
This is the most common way to come in.
By Train
• Amtrak connections throughout the West Coast
By Car
Driving times:
• Portland — about 3 hours
• Vancouver, BC — about 2.5 hours
Getting Around
Seattle is walkable in many neighborhoods, and public transit is widely available. If you take tour Seattle walking tour you'll get a good feel for most of the city. If you want to explore a bit out of Seattle, I highly suggest Fremont.
Where to Stay
Downtown Seattle Hotels
Typical price range: $200–$400 per night
• The Edgewater Hotel – Waterfront hotel with iconic views
• Fairmont Olympic Hotel – Historic luxury hotel
• Hyatt Regency Seattle
Boutique & Neighborhood Stays
Typical price range: $150–$300 per night
• Hotel Max – Art-focused boutique hotel
• Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel
• The State Hotel (near Pike Place Market)
Budget Hotels
Typical price range: $90–$180 per night
• Green Tortoise Hostel
• The Belltown Inn
• Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle
When to Visit
Summer (Best Time to Visit)
• sunny weather
• festivals and outdoor events
Spring
• blooming flowers
• fewer crowds
Fall
• cooler weather
• beautiful scenery
Winter
• rainy season
• fewer tourists
How Much Time You'll Need
One Day Seattle Itinerary
Many visitors follow one-day Seattle itineraries.
Morning
• Pike Place Market
• Downtown walking tour
Afternoon
• Space Needle
• Waterfront
Evening
• Fremont or West Seattle
• dinner and sunset views
Two Day Seattle Itineraries
With more time visitors can:
• explore neighborhoods like Fremont
• visit museums
• take day trips
Things to Do in Seattle with Kids
Seattle is very family-friendly.
• Seattle Aquarium
• Pacific Science Center
• Woodland Park Zoo
• Fremont Troll (fun photo spot)
• parks and waterfront areas
Things to Do in West Seattle
West Seattle offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Alki Beach
• waterfront walks
• skyline views of Seattle
Things to Do in Fremont
Fremont is one of Seattle’s most unique neighborhoods.
• Fremont Troll
• public art installations
• quirky shops and cafés
• walking tours
FAQs: Seattle:
What are the top things to do in Seattle?
Top attractions include Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and exploring downtown.
What are free things to do in Seattle?
Visitors can explore markets, parks, waterfront areas, and neighborhoods for free.
What are things to do in Seattle with kids?
Families can visit the aquarium, zoo, science center, and parks.
Is Seattle walkable?
Oh, Yes. Many neighborhoods, especially downtown, are very walkable. Its a great city to walk around.
