Seattle Travel Guide

Other Things to See and Do in Seattle

1. Take an underground tour

The Seattle Underground Tour offers a humorous stroll through subterranean storefronts and sidewalks from when the city was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889. Tours are 75 minutes and cost $22 USD. If you’re into ghosts, they also run a additional Paranormal Underground Tours where you even get to use paranormal investigative equipment to hunt for ghosts yourself. It’s $50 USD for the Underground Paranormal Experience combo ticket.

2. Explore Hing Hay Park

Located in the Chinatown-International District, Hing Hay Park is where you can watch chess players in action or participate in morning Tai-Chi. There are also lots of events held here in the summer, including concerts and theater performances. Nearby are plenty of karaoke bars as well as lots of places to grab a bubble tea. If you want to find out more about Seattle’s Asian-American community, visit the Wing Luke Asian Museum, which highlights the art, culture, and history of Asian Pacific Americans (admission is $17 USD).

3. Visit the Boeing Museum of Flight

This museum showcases air travel through the ages. As an avid traveler, it’s super interesting. There are over 150 planes here, as well as the original Boeing “factory.” They have the original Air Force One, a Concorde jet (one of only four on display outside Europe), and a full mock-up of the first lunar lander. There’s a whole exhibit that uses artifacts from the museum to share untold stories from WWII and another featuring stories from the race between the US and Soviet Union to be the first to send a man to the moon. Outside, you’ll find an open-air exhibit about the Vietnam War and a tribute to the veterans who fought in that conflict. Admission is $26 USD. Every first Thursday of the month from 5pm-9m, admission is free.

4. Watch boats at the Ballard Locks

Opened in 1917, these locks provide a link for boats between the Puget Sound and the Ship Canal. Over a million tons of cargo pass through the locks each year (they handle more boat traffic than any other lock in the US). Stop by the Fish Ladder Viewing Gallery where you can get an aquarium-like view of salmon migrating through the locks (migrations take place between June and September). There’s an aquaculture museum attached, and you can also take tours of the locks. Admission to everything is free.

5. Learn about the Gold Rush

In 1897, news of the gold discovery in the Canadian Yukon sent throngs of prospectors up north. This, in turn, brought many people to Seattle, who used it as a gateway to the north. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park offers an interesting look at this formative period in North American history. The museum is located in the Pioneer Square Preservation District that was the original downtown area during the time period. In addition to the two floors of exhibitions, there are also several films that shed light on the city’s transformation and the impact of the gold rush on Seattle’s development. There are continually rotating exhibits that you can find information about on their website. Admission is free.

7. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

This amazing Frank Gehry-designed building looks like a smashed guitar from the sky. Inside are colorful and immersive exhibits that cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Nirvana, the Seahawks, and other local pop culture. One exhibit is dedicated to helping us understand the power of pop culture in shaping our identities and how the shared experiences shape the way we view the world. You can go behind the scenes to see how stop-motion animation films like Coraline were created. There’s a whole exhibition dedicated to the world of fantasy where you can get a look at a look at creations from films like Harry Potter and The Wizard of Oz. In the Nirvana exhibition, you’ll get to see a huge collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the iconic Seattle band that includes some of the band’s instruments and photographs. There’s a massive pillar made out of guitars inside, as well as a Science Fiction section and a Hall of Fame for sci-fi and fantasy creators. Tickets start at $32.25 USD.

8. Take a boat ride

Seattle has a fun tradition: every Sunday volunteers from the Center for Wooden Boats (a living museum where you can rent a boat and learn to sail) take people out on Lake Union. Boats generally set sail between 11am-7pm and it’s first-come, first-served — so show up early! The ride is free on the last Sunday of every month from April to October. The center also has several exhibits including displays of historic wooden boats and boat photography. From Wednesday-Sunday, you can take a row boat out on the water yourself for one hour, free of charge. Admission is to the center is also free.

9. Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located in Belltown, this gallery showcases the jaw-dropping work of Dale Chihuly, one of the most famous blown glass artists in the world. Intricate and multi-colored blown-glass work is displayed throughout a series of indoor and outdoor installations, including a lush garden filled with various colorful glass sculptures. Inside is a 100-foot long sculpture in reds and oranges — one of Chihuly’s largest suspended works. There are also glass-blowing demonstrations throughout the day as well as special events and talks. Check the website for details. Admission is $35-39 USD depending on what time of day you visit (it’s cheaper after 6 pm). You can also get a combination ticket to visit the garden and the Space Needle for $62.50-67.50USD.

10. Relax on Bainbridge Island

Nearby Bainbridge Island offers a nice reprieve from the busy city. It’s filled with over 150 acres (61 hectares) of gardens, meadows, ponds, and even a nature reserve. If you want to learn about the island’s history, check out the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and the Japanese American Exclusion Museum. For something fun, visit Frog Rock, a local icon who often gets a costume for the holidays. There’s also Halls Hill Labyrinth that’s made from mosaics and modeled after the famous labyrinth in Chartres, France, and situated in its own grove of trees. Make sure you stop for ice cream at the Mora Iced Creamery! You can take the 30-minute Bainbridge Island Ferry ($9.85 USD one-way; there is no charge to return to Seattle if you’re a pedestrian) across and then get a bicycle rental for the day for about $35-45 USD (most bike rentals on the island require advance booking).

11. Take a food tour

If you’re a foodie like me, Savor Seattle Food Tours offers an amazing overview of some of Seattle’s best foodie areas, including Pike Place Market, for $55 USD. There’s also a VIP tour of Pike Place Market for $80 USD, just in case you want to go a little more in-depth. Not only will you get to eat some great food but you’ll learn about the food’s history and the culture behind it too.

12. Take a trip to Vancouver

If you’re here for a while, consider taking a trip to Vancouver, Canada. It’s just a 2.5-hour drive away and is one of my favorite cities in the world. There are tons of amazing places to eat (including great sushi places), lots of nearby hiking (don’t miss the Grouse Grind), and relaxing views of Stanley Park. It makes for a perfect weekend getaway.

Seattle Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds costs around $50-59 USD per nightA basic double private room starts around $130 USD with a shared bathroom and $210 USD with an ensuite bathroom costs in peak season. Private rooms cost between $89-125 USD off-peak with shared or ensuite bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. My favorite hostel in the city, Green Tortoise, includes free breakfast.

Camping is available outside the city for those traveling with a tent. A basic plot for two people without electricity costs around $50 USD per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels in the downtown area start at $180 USD per night in peak season and $105 USD in off-peak season. Expect standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Seattle has tons of Airbnb options. Private rooms start around $75 USD per night while entire homes/apartments cost at least $100 USD. Expect prices to be double (or more) if you don’t book early.

Food – Seattle is known for its seafood (including fresh oysters and sushi) and Asian cuisine, especially Vietnamese and Japanese. You can really splurge on meals here, but luckily, the city also has plenty of cheap food options. Chinese food is your best bet for cheap eats as the Chinatown here is massive and has tons of restaurants. If you’re on a budget, start your food search there.

You can find a breakfast in a café for less than $10 USD or a heartier diner meal for around $15-20 USD. There are plenty of places to grab a simple lunch sandwich or salad for $15. A bowl of pho will cost you $15-$20. Fresh seafood is readily available around the city, especially close to the waterfront. The clam chowder is a local specialty and a bowl will cost you about $10. If you’re looking for fine dining, there are plenty of options, but be ready to spend. A tasting menu at an award-winning restaurant like Canlis will cost you $180.

A cheap meal at a sit-down restaurant costs around $20 USD, while a three-course meal with a drink costs at least $50-60 USD. For fast food, expect to pay around $12 USD for a combo meal. Large pizzas start at $20-30 USD.

Beer costs around $8 USD while a latte/cappuccino costs $6 USD (though, this is the land of coffee so you can easily spend more). Bottled water is $2.50 USD. Cocktails are about $15 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay between $55-65 USD per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat.

Backpacking Seattle Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Seattle, expect to spend about $95 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, public transportation, cooking your own meals, and doing free activities like hitting the beach or visiting the free museums. If you plan on drinking, add around $20 USD per day.

A mid-range budget of $190 USD per day covers staying in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eating out for some meals, having a couple of beers, taking the occasional Uber to get around, and doing more paid activities like the Space Needle or the art museum.

On a “luxury” budget of about $395 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car or take Ubers everywhere, visit Vancouver, and do more paid tours and activities, such as a food tour. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Seattle Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. A rising cost of living has made it more expensive than in the past. It’s not going to be the cheapest place to visit but there are still some ways to cut your costs. Here are some ways to save money in Seattle:

1. Pick up a CityPASS – This discount ticket offers entrance to five of Seattle’s biggest tourist attractions for $127 USD, saving you nearly 50%!
2. Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. There’s nothing better than free accommodation and most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free. This post can help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
3. Eat in Chinatown – For the cheapest food in the city, go to Chinatown and eat your heart out. You’ll find filling plates of food here for around $12 USD.
4. Buy a transit passYou can get a day pass for $8 USD that gives you unlimited rides on streetcars, light rail, bus, metro, and more. All you need is an Orca card (a physical card is $3) or you can use the app.
5. Get a cheaper aerial view of the city – Skip the Space Needle and head to the Starbucks on the 40th floor of the Columbia Tower downtown for a panoramic view over the city. It’ll just cost you a drink!
6. Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free! Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can share their insider knowledge about the city while helping you save money by letting you sleep on their couch for free. It’s the best way to meet locals and get inside tips.
7. Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Seattle Free Walking Tours has a couple of walking tours that can teach you about the history of the city. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
8. Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings.
9. Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink here so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with built-in filters that ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Seattle only has a few hostels and budget hotels. Accommodation is generally expensive in the city. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel
• HI Seattle at the American Hotel
• HotelHotel Hostel
• College Inn Hotel
• citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
• Staypineapple, Watertown

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a complete list of the best hostels in Seattle!

How to Get Around Seattle

Public transportation – Seattle has a robust public transportation system, with buses, ferries, a streetcar, and a light rail. Fares start at $2.25 USD, depending on which mode of transportation you’re using and where you’re going.

You can purchase tickets at the station or via the Transit GO Ticket app. You can also purchase a reloadable ORCA card for $3 USD, which tracks different fares and transfers automatically. Day passes are $8 USD.

The Seattle Center Monorail runs between Westlake Center and Seattle Center at the bottom of Queen Anne hill. The monorail departs every ten minutes and the full trip only takes two minutes! A one-way fare is $3.50 USD. You can use your ORCA card for the monorail too.

Ferries vary in cost depending on where you’re going. For example, a ticket from Seattle to Bainbridge Island is $9.85 USD one-way (no charge to return to Seattle if you’re a pedestrian).

Bike rental – Seattle is very bike-friendly. Seattle’s has three bike share programs through Lime, Bird, and Veo. Most bikes cost $1 USD to unlock and then the charge per minute varies by carrier and time of day, but is usually around $0.45 USD per minute. This is still going to be a much cheaper option than taking taxis everywhere. You can access all three through an app.

Taxis – Taxis start at $2.60 USD, and then each miler after that is $2.70 USD. The flat rate taxi fare from the airport to downtown Seattle is $40 USD. If you’re on a budget, skip them.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a cab.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for around $45 USD per day for a multi-day rental. Unless you’re heading out on day trips though you won’t need a car. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars.

When to Go to Seattle

Personally, I think autumn is the best time to visit (September-October). The high season (summer) is over, so room rates have dropped and tourists have flocked elsewhere. It’s still warm, with temperatures averaging 60°F (15°C) and with less rainfall than spring. In September, you can check out the Italian and Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festivals along with Oktoberfest. October brings the Earshot Jazz Festival, the Northwest Chocolate Festival, and both the Latino and Queer Film Festivals to the city. The Cloudbreak Music Festival happens in November along with the Seattle Marathon. If you want to enjoy the outdoor events, make sure to bring layers for the changing temperatures and weather.

On the other hand, summer is a great time to visit if you don’t mind paying a little more for your room. It’s always warm, averaging about 75°F (23°C) and people are out enjoying the weather. There are always events and festivals going on too. You’ll find a number of festivals celebrating cultural groups in the region, like the Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival and the Indigenous People Festival. The Day in Day Out and Chamber Music Festivals are both on in July. Foodies will enjoy the CHOMP! Local Food Festival and the Kirkland Uncorked Festival that happen in August.

Spring is still a lovely time to visit when all the flowers and cherry blossoms begin to show. You can expect high temperatures between 54°F-64°F (14°C-18°C). Rain is likely, but the locals don’t let that stop them. Just come prepared. The French and Irish Festivals happen in March and the Cherry Blossom Festival in April. There are more cultural festivals in May along with the Seattle International Film Festival and Seattle Maritime Festival.

Winter is the coldest season, with high temperatures ranging from 46-50°F (8-10°C). The plus side? There are almost no tourists around! It gets dark early though (around 4:30 PM), so be prepared to do your outdoor activities early in the day. There’s still plenty to do in the evenings though! The Argosy Christmas Ships Festival happens in December along with Winterfest and Garden d’Lights. Because strong cultural presence of Asian communities in the area, Seattle puts on incredible Lunar New Year celebrations in February. The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival also happens during this time of year.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’re likely to encounter some drizzle or rain. Pack some rain gear and a warm sweater.

How to Stay Safe in Seattle

Seattle is a very safe place to backpack and travel. Most neighborhoods are safe to explore, especially the touristy areas, but there are a handful of places to avoid because of higher than normal violence or mugging risks. This includes around King County Courthouse and Pioneer Square, as well as the area between Pike and Pine. Don’t explore those places alone after dark.

Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in high-trafficked areas, like tourist attractions or on crowded public transit. Always keep your belongings secure and don’t wave any flashy valuables around just to be safe.

There aren’t a ton of scams here but if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, there are many incredible solo female travel blogs out there. They can give you tips and advice that I can’t.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you: