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Washington state’s ever-changing capital is one of those cities which somehow manages to be all things to all people. Trendy yet steeped in history, a nature lover’s paradise and at the same time a bustling cosmopolitan hub.
A fairly compact Downtown means you can easily explore Seattle’s top attractions in one day, but if you can afford a little more time, you won’t regret it. Our three day Seattle itinerary allows you to tick off all the big-name sights whilst delving a little deeper into the city’s eclectic culture.
Dubbed the Emerald City, Seattle has grown from a Native American settlement to the U.S’s 18th largest city by population. These days, Seattle is home to Boeing and Starbucks, respectively the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer and coffeehouse chain – and the global headquarters of Amazon.
Add in a diverse food scene and stunning views which could rival almost any U.S. state capital, and suddenly Seattle is a city you don’t want to miss.
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When to visit Seattle
Surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Seattle has a surprisingly temperate climate. Summers tend to be warm and dry, whilst winters are cooler and wetter. Having said that, there’s a clear winner for best time to visit Seattle: summer. June, July and August tend to bring the best weather.
If you’re visiting Seattle as part of a longer trip, visiting in summer is ideal for heading off into the mountains or along the coast afterwards. Better still, Seattle is the ideal starting place for a voyage to Alaska, for which good weather is essential.
That said, the average temperature never falls below 5°C (42°F) and major snowfall is fairly rare. If you’re only planning to explore the city and the immediate vicinity, visiting Seattle during the winter can save a lot in accommodation expenses. Plus, it’s an excellent city for Christmas shopping.
Getting to Seattle
Most travelers will arrive through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It’s a hub for Delta and Alaska Airlines and offers direct services between Seattle and cities across the United States as well as Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Gladly, the airport is very well connected by the city center. The Link 1-line light rail is the easiest way to Downtown with departures every ten minutes during the day and a journey time of less than half an hour.
The smaller Paine Field (Everett Airport) to the north of Seattle offers flights from cities along the West Coast. It’s also served by Kenmore Air’s seaplane services to outlying communities. A seaplane ride is an amazing experience and a seaplane tour is a great way to see Seattle harbor.
Amtrak serve Seattle’s King Street Station, providing several daily services to Portland, Eugene and Vancouver. Long distance trains from Chicago and Los Angeles also run to Seattle and provide an enjoyable, leisurely way of reaching the Emerald City.
Where to stay in Seattle
To make the most of your time in Seattle, staying in the center is the best idea. Downtown, Belltown and South Lake Union are all ideal if you want to be within walking distance of the top sights, restaurants and shops.
Downtown
Staying in Downtown Seattle puts you close by the harbor, historic Pike Place Market and some of the city’s best observation decks. Our all time favorite hotels in Downtown is Inn at the Market. Directly opposite Pike Place, this modern boutique boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning harbor views.
If historic hotels are more your thing, check out Mayflower Park Hotel. First opened in 1927 as the Bergonian, it soon became one of Seattle’s most prestigious venues, an accolade it retains to this day. For a more wallet-friendly option, The Moore Hotel is the perfect option for value without compromising on location.
Belltown
Just north of Downtown, Belltown is one of Seattle’s most hip and trendy neighborhoods, thanks mainly to the large student population. Another convenient location to base yourself during your three day Seattle itinerary, Belltown is within an easy walk of the Space Needle, harbor and is home to some of the city’s best restaurants.
The Edgewater Hotel is our top pick here. True to its name, the hotel really is at the water’s edge and it’s well worth upgrading to an ocean view room with views across to Bainbridge Island, many of which come with balconies.
To get a true taste of Belltown’s hip vibe, adults only Hotel Crocodile is a great choice. Fresh, modern and trendy, the hotel is attached to The Crocodile, a live music venue with a packed calendar and a buzzing nightclub. For those preferring something a little more traditional, The Belltown Inn offers great value and a convenient location.
South Lake Union
As the name suggests, South Lake Union is the neighborhood at the southern tip of Lake Union. Known for top-notch dining, great boutique shopping and home to the Museum of History & Industry, South Lake Union is very well connected to Downtown.
Astra Hotel is our top recommendation here. A modern upscale boutique, it’s a great base for exploring the city and within an easy walk of the Space Needle. Cecil Bacon Manor is another great choice; set in a historic mansion, the manor feels more like a family home than a hotel.
South Lake Union is also home to a number of well-known chain hotels, with the Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn offering a lakefront location and rooms with a view.
Three Day Seattle Itinerary
Day 1: Seattle’s Must Sees
9 am: Breakfast at Byrek & Baguette
Every good adventure starts with a great breakfast and our three day Seattle itinerary is no different. Hidden away in Seattle University, few visitors end up at Byrek & Baguette for breakfast – but locals know it’s one of the best places for breakfast in Seattle. The food is nothing if not excellent; it’s simply that (other than students and academics) most people don’t even know it’s there.
Originating in the Middle East and now found all over Europe, the Middle East and further afield, at its core a byrek is a stuffed, hand-stretched pastry. Fillings can be sweet or savory and Byrek & Baguette offers seven different options. For breakfast, their Three Cheese or Yukon Potatoes versions are perfect. If you fancy something a little more American, they have all the classics on offer too.
10 am: Beneath The Streets
The next stop on our three day Seattle itinerary takes you deep below the city streets. Starting from Pioneer Square, join a guided Beneath The Streets walking tour to delve into Seattle’s past.
Explore underground passageways built over 120 years ago as you learn how Seattle grew to become one of the most thriving cities in the U.S. You’ll hear tales of the Klondike Gold Rush and indigenous Coast Salish people before emerging back to street level to continue your tour.
Midday: Pike Place Market
Undoubtedly one of Seattle’s most famous sites, the third stop on our three day Seattle itinerary is guaranteed to be a highlight. One of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States, Pike Place has been trading since 1907.
With over 500 traders, it comes as no surprise that over 10 million visitors drop by the market every year, making it the 33rd most-visited tourist destination in the world. Aside from being a tourist hotspot, Pike Place is still very much a working market. Whatever you’re looking for, the chances are you’ll find it here.
You could quite easily spend the best part of this three day Seattle itinerary exploring Pike Place. From books to clothes, jewellery to records and fresh fish to handcrafted chocolates, Pike Place really does sell it all.
Lunch at Pike Place Market
Pike Place is one of the U.S’s top foodie destinations, enough to rival even Quincy Market in Boston. There are 79 restaurants and food stalls to choose from and, to make matters more difficult, they’re all amazing.
Beecher’s Mac & Cheese, right opposite the main entrance, claims to serve the “world’s best Mac & Cheese.” There’s no denying it’s delicious.
Another Pike Place culinary highlight is Cinnamon Works, one of just a handful of bake-from-scratch bakeries surviving in Seattle. Their freshly baked buns, cinnamon rolls and giant cookies will leave you begging for more.
If you’ve really worked up an appetite after a morning of exploring, Jack’s Fish & Chips is the place to go for fresh fish, served from their own fishmonger’s counter. Their Dungeness crab and clam chowder are the stars of the show.
If you still can’t decide what to go for, check out this Pike Place Market tasting tour which is the best way to sample produce from eight different vendors.
3 pm: A Special Coffee
Whilst you’d be right in thinking there’s nothing all that special about Starbucks, going to Seattle and skipping the chance to grab a brew from the original Starbucks store would be a crime against coffee. Born in the Emerald City in 1971, Starbucks is now the world’s largest coffee company.
Just across the street from the market, their original location at 1912 Pike Place draws quite the crowd. But it’s worth the wait. In addition to all the usual items, this store also serves some special drinks only available here, alongside a whole lot of Starbucks merchandise.
4 pm: A journey into the Space Age
From Pike Place, wander north a couple of blocks to the Westlake Center. From there, take a ride on Seattle’s iconic monorail which links Westlake with Seattle Center. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair (the theme for which was “Living in the Space Age“), the monorail is a fun and unique way to get to the next stop on our three day Seattle itinerary.
When you alight from the monorail at Seattle Center, you’ll be right next to Seattle’s most famous landmark. Another remnant of the World’s Fair, Seattle’s Space Needle stretches 184 meters into the sky.
Once the tallest building west of the Mississippi, the super-fast elevators take just 41 seconds to reach the observation deck at the top. Once you’re there, the views are incredible. Admire the cityscape from the highest point in Seattle and gaze over Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. If the weather is on your side, you’ll even be able to make out Mount Rainer.
6 pm: Get a different perspective of Seattle from the water
From the Space Needle, walk downhill to the waterfront and stroll along the shores of the Pacific, taking in views across the Sound. Head for Pier 55 to join a one hour sightseeing cruise around Seattle Harbor and Elliot Bay.
Learn more about the city’s history with full narration during the cruise as you enjoy views of the Seattle’s stunning backdrop, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. You’ll also get a close-up on the Port of Seattle, one of the world’s largest shipping terminals.
8 pm: Round off your day with dinner at Plum Bistro
One of Seattle’s best loved restaurants, Plum Bistro takes vegan dining to a whole new level. Head Chef Makini Howell was dubbed the top chef changing the American food scene by the New York Times – and you’ll soon see why.
Their menu is a modern take on American classics. Highlights include handmade pizzas and sumptuous burgers alongside vegan takes on all the favorites. If I had to choose, their Portobello Wellington is the star of the show.
Day 2: The Home of Flight
Founded in Seattle in 1916, The Boeing Company is the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer and the fourth largest defence contractor. Initially building and operating their own planes, the airline side of the business was spun off in 1934. It didn’t disappear though: what started as a small seaplane operation is now United Airlines.
Boeing continued aircraft production and, through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the largest being with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, Boeing became a household name across the globe. Their flagship product, the Boeing 737, is the most popular civilian jet aircraft to this day, despite a few recent setbacks.
Taking a day trip to their factory in Everett is a highlight of our three day Seattle itinerary and an absolute must for any avgeek (that’s aviation geek, to be clear). The factory is home to the Future of Flight Aviation Center where you can enjoy an 80-minute guided tour of the future.
At 28,000 square feet, Boeing’s factory is the largest building in the world, which makes sense when you consider this was where the Queen of the Skies, the Boeing 747, was built.
In addition to the tour, the Boeing factory features a history exhibition, art gallery and a drones and robotics exhibit where you can learn how to fly through an interactive experience. Sometimes, though, the simple things are the best. Sitting on their SkyDeck gazing over the hundreds of airframes and watching the planes land at Paine Field is, to my mind at least, as close to paradise as you’ll ever get.
Getting to the Boeing Factory
The best and most hassle-free way to reach the Boeing factory is to take a guided coach tour from Seattle. The tour departs five days per week (the factory is closed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays) from the Hyatt Regency in Downtown at 8:45 am. In addition to guided transport, the ticket includes entrance to the factory.
If you prefer to make your own way, the best option is to take an Uber or Lyft, which should take around 30 minutes. Alternatively, the Bellair Airporter Shuttle runs four times per day directly to Paine Field Airport from Downtown Seattle, or you can take a public bus and change in Everett. If you travel independently, make sure you book your factory tour tickets in advance.
Day 3: A Culture Overload
9 am: Breakfast at North Star Diner
Tucked away from the main tourist trail in Greenwood, North Star Diner is everything you imagine from a classic all-American diner. Expect all the favorites from pancakes and biscuits to eggs every way imaginable. For something a little different, try one of their chilaquiles or chimichangas.
10 am: Fremont, Seattle’s Culture Hub
Line 5 buses take around 20 minutes from North Star to Fremont, North Seattle’s hip cultural hub sitting on the shores of Lake Union. A highlight of our three day Seattle itinerary, Fremont is home to some quirky and, frankly, unnerving sights.
First up, head to Troll’s Knoll Park where you’ll find a rather disturbing looking sculpture. Built as the result of a 1990 competition, the 18ft-tall troll sits under a bridge at the foot of the park. The intention was to deter rough sleeping under the bridge. I’m not sure if it’s achieving exactly that goal but certainly it’s enough to put most people off.
Another unlikely find is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the troll. Head west along North 36th Street to the intersection with Fremont Place and you’ll come across a 16ft statue of Lenin. Don’t worry, you haven’t time traveled across the Atlantic to the USSR, but this statue will make you feel as if you have.
When the Soviet Union dissolved in the early 1990s, many Lenin statues were torn down. This one was discovered by an American man in a Czech scrapyard in 1993. He decided to salvage it and brought it back to the U.S, a fairly impressive feat in itself. Unfortunately, he died before he had the chance to decide what to do with it; so, ever since, it’s been on display here.
The penultimate stop in Fremont on our three day Seattle itinerary is Fremont Vintage Mall. Slightly less bizarre than the neighborhood’s statues, Fremont Vintage Mall is an Aladdin’s Cave. Dubbed the “coolest vintage store in the center of the universe,” the mall is a treasure trove of vintage goods that would give London’s Brick Lane a run for its money.
From comic books and vintage records to home furnishings and designer labels, if you’ve any room left in your suitcases after Pike Place, you won’t after an hour here.
Midday: Pop Culture
Head south from Fremont back to the Seattle Center. There are several buses which connect the two with a journey time of around 20 minutes. Once you reach Seattle Center, the next stop on our three day Seattle itinerary is right next to the Space Needle.
The museum, better known as MoPOP, features collections from hundreds of iconic TV shows and music videos. Exhibits include Hip-Hop, Grunge, SciFi and LGBTQIA+, with their newest feature showcasing The Power of Pop Culture.
The Museum of Pop Culture is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and tickets can be purchased on arrival or in advance.
2 pm: Lunch with a Vietnamese twist
A five-minute walk from MoPOP, Mercer Street is one of Seattle’s trendiest foodie spots. There’s cuisine from all around the world, plus plenty of local options. Our top pick is COBA, a Vietnamese restaurant and alehouse.
Highlights include pho, Vermicelli noodles and hearty bahn mi, a delicious Vietnamese sandwich. Make sure you leave room for a fried banana to finish.
3 pm: The Gates Foundation
Dedicated to fighting inequality, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has its headquarters in Seattle. Pay a visit to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center to learn about their lifechanging work.
The Discovery Center features exhibitions on the Foundation’s work around the world. Highlights for 2024 include a look at the future of sanitation, a display on how individuals can make a difference and an exhibit showcasing the Foundation’s achievements so far.
The Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is always free. During busy periods, it’s advisable to book your visit slot in advance.
4:30 pm: Seattle Aquarium
As one of the U.S’s most important seaports, the sea and marine life are an integral part of Seattle’s culture and heritage. Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront is the best in the Pacific Northwest. From seals to sealions and puffins to beavers, the aquarium has hundreds of species on display.
The aquarium is open until 6 pm daily and tickets can be purchased on arrival or online in advance.
6 pm: Miner’s Landing
A short walk south along the waterfront from the aquarium, Pier 57 is Seattle’s pleasure pier. Named Miner’s Landing in honor of the miners who arrived to mine gold during the Klondike Gold Rush, it boasts a Ferris wheel with fantastic views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline which is an excellent way to wrap up your three day Seattle itinerary.
There’s plenty of souvenir shops to grab those last-minute gifts from, plus a great pub with a terrace looking out over the water.
8 pm: Pacific fusion at Japonessa Sushi Cocina
If you sailed in a straight line from Seattle, the first land you’d hit is Hokkaido, Japan. Japonessa Sushi Cocina serves fresh local seafood Japanese style.
The highlights, of course, are their sushi and sashimi dishes, but there are plenty of hot options on offer too. Tempura shrimp, kimchi hot pot and ginger chicken are all favorites, whilst their sukiyaki beef tacos offer an unusual yet delicious blend of Japanese and South American flavors.
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