Seattle is the northernmost major city in the US and located about 160km South of Canada. Everywhere you look, you see the beautiful nature that is surrounding the city. Not only outside the city, but also inside the city there is a lot to do. It doesn’t matter if you love food, art or just want to see the highlights: you will enjoy Seattle. It’s not a major city, so everything is within walking distance of each other. And it’s also the perfect place to start a road trip through the Pacific Northwest.

How to get to Seattle

You can easily reach Seattle by plane through its International Airport. We flew from Brussels via Münich with Brussels Airlines/Lufthansa, but you can find the best flights here.  

You can get to downtown Seattle from the airport via public transport or Uber. The Link Light Tram takes about 40 minutes, and a ticket is around $3.50 one way. Alternatively, you can take an Uber, which will cost you around $50 without tip. 

To get around the city, you can take the metro/tram or walk. If you plan on taking the tram/metro multiple times, you can buy a day ticket right at the machines.

Where to stay in Seattle

I can’t recommend a hotel in Seattle because the hotels we stayed at were not good. We love to book our hotels through Booking.com . Read the reviews very carefully 😉  

What to do in Seattle

There are a lot of things to do in Seattle, for all ages. There are however some must-do’s that can be done in one day.

Space Needle  

Visiting the Space Needle is a must do when you visit Seattle. It was built for the 1962 World Fair in little over a year. The tower is 184m high with an observation platform at 160m. While waiting you will learn more about the tower’s construction and there is also an opportunity for a photo (which you can download for free afterward). You can easily buy tickets online or if it’s not too crowded, just at the entrance. 

From the observation deck, you have a great view of the city, Mt. Rainier, and the Cascade Range. There is also a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink and snack while enjoying the view. The restaurant is actually on a spinning disk and also has a glass bottom in part (not for people afraid of heights).

Buy your ticket for the Space Needle

 

 

Ride the monorail

The monorail was also built for the World Fair of 1962. It connects the Space Needle with downtown Seattle. A ride is $3 and only lasts 5 min but it is fun to do.

 

Museum of Pop Culture  

This museum was so much fun if you love movies and music. You will see a lot of memorabilia from different movies such as the Avengers, Harry Potter, Alien, and much more. There is also a nice collection of guitars and indie games. If you want to know if you have some musical talents; there is a room where you can play different instruments like piano, drums, and guitar. Buy your tickets here.

 

Pike Market

Also Pike Market is a must when visiting Seattle; not only for lunch but also just to walk around. There are fresh products but also restaurants and bars located in the market. And it is also the perfect place to buy some souvenirs. 

Do a food tour at Pike Market

 

 

First Starbucks

Across from Pike Market lies the first Starbucks which opened in 1971. Today you can still buy a coffee here, but be prepared to wait. There is always a long line (which moves fast).

 

Gum Wall

Also close to Pike Market is Gum Wall. As the name implies, it is a wall full of gum that started in the 1990s when local patrons and performers stuck their used gum on the wall. Since then, a lot of people have done the same, resulting in a combination of different shapes and colors.  

 

If you still have more time to spend, here are some more things to do. Check out the City Pass if you plan on visiting the 5 major attractions in Seattle   

• Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel
• Do a food tour 
• Visit the Seattle Aquarium 
• Do a harbor tour  
• Visit the Woodland Park Zoo  
• Visit the Pacific Science Center  
• Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass  
• Do a whale watching tour  

 

Where to eat and drink in Seattle

There are so many restaurants to choose from in Seattle but because we were only here for 1 day, we didn’t get to try a lot of them.

Breakfast at Ludi’s: if you want a big breakfast, you have to come here. Delicious pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee, … the perfect place to start your day.

 

Coffee at Uptown Espresso: if you want a coffee and a chocolate chip cookie and rest your feet, you are at the right place.  

 

Dinner and beer at Old Stove Brewing Company: close to Pike Market is this brewery/restaurant. Try one of the flights and enjoy a good burger.

Maybe these articles are also interesting?

8 things to do in Edinburgh
One week in New York City
48h in Athens
Exploring Milos
Paros travel guide
Weekend in Eindhoven
What to do in Paris

 

Some of these links are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, Travel Eat Enjoy Repeat will earn a small commission. This will cost you nothing extra.