Things to Do in Seattle: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Seattle sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with Mount Rainier floating on the horizon on clear days. The city mixes a historic public market, futuristic landmarks, ferry rides, coffee culture and forested parks, and it's the gateway to three national parks.
This guide covers the best things to do in Seattle, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Mount Rainier, Bainbridge Island and the San Juan Islands, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Seattle
Pike Place Market
Fishmongers, flowers and food stalls.
Space Needle
Glass floor and city views.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Colorful glass art.
Museum of Pop Culture
Music and sci-fi exhibits.
Waterfront
Aquarium, Great Wheel and new promenade.
Kerry Park
Classic skyline view.
Ballard Locks
Boats and salmon ladder.
Discovery Park
Bluffs, beaches and a lighthouse.
Seattle in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown classics
Start at Pike Place Market to watch the fish being thrown, browse the stalls and see the original Starbucks. Have lunch at the market. In the afternoon walk the redeveloped waterfront, visit the Seattle Aquarium and ride the Great Wheel. End with seafood and sunset over Elliott Bay.
2Day 2 · Seattle Center
Ride the Monorail to Seattle Center, go up the Space Needle and its rotating glass floor, and visit Chihuly Garden and Glass. Have lunch nearby. In the afternoon explore the Museum of Pop Culture, then head to Kerry Park for the skyline view at dusk and dinner on Queen Anne.
3Day 3 · Ballard and Fremont
Watch boats and salmon at the Ballard Locks, then walk the bluffs of Discovery Park to its lighthouse. Have lunch in Ballard. In the afternoon visit the Fremont Troll and Gas Works Park, then end the day in Capitol Hill's bars and restaurants.
Seattle in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Bainbridge Island
Take the 35-minute ferry to Bainbridge Island for views of the skyline, a stroll through Winslow and the Bloedel Reserve gardens. Have lunch on the island and return on a sunset ferry.
5Day 5 · Mount Rainier
Drive about two hours to Mount Rainier National Park's Paradise area for wildflower meadows, glaciers and the Skyline Trail. Bring lunch and return in the evening.
Seattle in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · San Juan Islands or Snoqualmie
Take a ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor to look for orcas, or visit Snoqualmie Falls and the wineries of Woodinville. Have lunch on the way and return for a final dinner.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have coffee at a local roaster, buy smoked salmon and local crafts at Pike Place, and enjoy a farewell lunch. Sea-Tac Airport is about forty minutes from downtown by light rail.
What to do in Seattle on a weekend
For a weekend in Seattle, combine Pike Place, the waterfront, the Space Needle and Kerry Park.
Add Bainbridge Island with a third day.
What to do in Seattle in the evening
Evenings mean Capitol Hill bars, live music in Ballard, ferry rides at sunset and seafood dinners.
The city has a strong craft beer and coffee scene.
Seattle for couples
Couples will enjoy a sunset ferry to Bainbridge, dinner with a Sound view and the Kerry Park skyline.
Seattle with kids
With kids, try the aquarium, the Pacific Science Center, the Great Wheel and Woodland Park Zoo.
What to eat in Seattle
Salmon
Grilled or smoked.
Clam chowder
Served at the waterfront.
Teriyaki
A Seattle staple.
Coffee
From countless roasters.
Rainier cherries
Summer treat.
Where to stay in Seattle: best areas
Downtown
Near the market.
Belltown
Restaurants and bars.
Capitol Hill
Lively nights.
Queen Anne
Quieter, with views.
What to do in Seattle when it rains
On rainy days, which are frequent, visit the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Art Museum, the Underground Tour or the Museum of Flight.
How much does a trip to Seattle cost?
Expect $200–350 per night, $15–30 for lunch and about $35–45 for the Space Needle.
Practical tips for Seattle
Best time to visit
June to September.
Getting around
Light rail, buses, the Monorail and ferries.
Our practical tips
- Buy a CityPASS for attractions.
- Use the light rail from the airport.
- Bring a rain jacket.
- Check Rainier road openings.
- Ride a ferry at sunset.
- Go to the market early.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving downtown.
- Missing Mount Rainier on a clear day.
- Expecting snow-free roads to Paradise in spring.
- Only staying downtown.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Seattle?
Visit Pike Place, the Space Needle and ride a ferry.
How many days do you need?
Three days, a week with the national parks.
Does it always rain in Seattle?
Mostly drizzle from fall to spring; summers are dry.
How far is Mount Rainier?
About two hours by car.