π Jump to:Budget Tips | Cheap & Free Things to Do | Where to Stay | Cheap Eats | FAQ
Iβm a long-time Seattle local with solid recommendations on how to visit Seattle on a budget!
Iβve navigated this city as a broke college student and beyond, and have picked up some serious money-saving tips in the 10+ years Iβve been here. In this guide, I share these valuable insights, along with cheap and free things to do in Seattle.
I also overview affordable places to stay, inexpensive and delicious eats, and so much more. Get a truer sense of the city with this ultimate Seattle travel guide for frugal visitors!
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
7 Tips to Do Seattle on a Budget
Tip #1 β Use Seattleβs Public Transit
Seattleβs public transportation is solid and taking advantage of it is one of the best cost-saving travel tips I can give. Between the light rail, buses, monorail, and streetcars, you can get around Seattle easily, saving you the cost of a rental car.Β
During summer months, there are even buses that will take you to several notable hikes near Seattle, so donβt feel like you have to miss out on any Pacific Northwest adventuring just because you donβt have a car.
Buy an ORCA card to eliminate the need for exact cash. Spend $3 on one and load it up right at the Airport Station, any other stop along the light rail, or on the myORCA app. You can use it for the entirety of your trip!
Tip #2 β Stay Outside of Downtown Seattle
Downtown is where a majority of the top Seattle attractions are so naturally this is where youβll find the majority of hotels and the highest prices.Β
Unless youβre going to stay in one of the cheaper hostels in the downtown area, I suggest avoiding staying here altogether. Downtown is the main hub for buses, but you can find good access to public transit in other neighborhoods too.
And donβt worry β weβll go over some of the best areas to stay on a budget further down this list.Β
Tip #3 β Skip the Sit-Down Restaurants
The many great restaurants in Seattle make it a foodieβs dream, but the prices at many of these restaurants will make it a budgeterβs nightmare. Between food, drinks, and tips, youβll probably end up spending $35+ on a meal for one at a decent restaurant.Β
Get around these costs and still get a good taste of Seattle by getting your bites from bars, food trucks, delis, and hole-in-the-wall takeaway joints. Choosing these over your more traditional restaurant options will mean you can enjoy some seriously delicious eats at a lower cost.
To get your taste buds ready, check out my complete Seattle food guide!
Tip #4 β Take Advantage of Happy Hours
Are there sit-down restaurants you want to enjoy with expenses you canβt justify? Donβt write them off completely. First, check to see if they have a happy hour and plan your meal around that if so.
Sure, your menu options might be a bit more limited, but youβll still get to sample some good food at a much more reasonable price.Β Β
Tip #5 β Purchase A Seattle CityPASS
Purchasing a Seattle CityPASS mitigates high ticket prices making it perfect for those who want some of the cityβs most popular tourist attractions on their Seattle itinerary.
A CityPASS gives you discounted admission tickets to the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture, and more! This is especially great if you want to enjoy most of the Seattle Center attractions. Youβll save nearly 50% by taking advantage of this good deal and purchasing a CityPASS in lieu of tickets at the door.
Tip #6 β Time Your Visit to Seattle Well
Summer is the most popular season to visit Seattle, but you shouldnβt limit yourself to it. I often recommend coming during the shoulder seasons. May-June and September-October are absolutely beautiful and not as crowded.
And donβt pass up November through April, either.Β Yes, these are the coldest and rainiest months, but theyβre still good times to also do many of the free and cheap activities in Seattle. Airfare and lodging costs are often much lower during these months as well.
Tip #7 β Walk or Bike Onto the Ferries
Youβll save a lot of money by walking or biking instead of driving onto the ferries. There are plenty of bike rental shops in Seattle, so you donβt need to worry about bringing your own. And you can save around $20 or more by choosing these options.
9 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Seattle
Seattleβs City Parks
Hike through the prettiest parts of the city.
π Website
The city parks in Seattle are phenomenal and provide endless options for recreation. Hike through Discovery Park. Take pictures of the skyline at Kerry Park, and watch for seals and herons at Lincoln Park.
Admire contemporary art at Olympic Sculpture Park, a stunning nine-acre park with waterfront views. Take young kids to the wading pool at Volunteer Park, or let them run wild at the playground at Green Lake.Β
Seattle parks are well-maintained and gorgeous in every season. Theyβre one of the best places to enjoy Seattle cheaply, especially if youβd like to do some outdoor excursions.
Pike Place Market
Explore every nook and cranny of Seattleβs famous market.
π Google Maps | Phone: (206) 682-7453 | Website | Hours: 9 am β 5 pm daily | Entrance: free
Even budget travelers can enjoy the famous Pike Place Market!
Wander through the open-air market and check out beautiful flower arrangements, buy fresh produce from local vendors, and grab free samples of cinnamon-orange tea from MarketSpice. Donβt neglect the underground, which has some other cool shops.
Grab a pastry from Mee Sum Pastries, Piroshky Piroshky, or the myriad of other eateries if you get hungry. You could go in with a strict plan, but I tend to just wander through the market and see what grabs my attention on any particular visit. I suggest budget travelers do the same.
Free Museum Days and Art Walks
Immerse yourself in Seattleβs art scene.
Museum and art lovers interested in Seattleβs culture, history, and art scene should take advantage of the free museum days on the first Thursday of the month. Youβll be able to visit places like the Seattle Art Museum, Museum of History and Industry, Burke Museum, and more completely free of charge.
Unable to make it on that specific day? Certain museums in Seattle, like the Frye Art Museum and the Klondike Gold Rush Museum, are always free.
You can also check out monthly neighborhood Art Walks which feature work from local artists. The most popular and longest-running Art Walk is the one in Pioneer Square which has dozens of beautiful art galleries to explore.
π Short on Time? Just follow my perfect 1 day in Seattle itinerary!
T-Mobile Park
Watch Seattleβs favorite baseball team.
π Google Maps | Phone: (206) 346-4000 | Website | Entrance: $10+
You donβt have to drop loads of cash to get into T-Mobile Park to watch a game. Seats run as low as $10 during select value games, and even if your seats arenβt the greatest, you can go down to the Pen and watch the game from directly next to center field.Β
You can even save money on food in the park! The Mariners Value Menu has hot dogs, beers, nachos, peanuts, and more for around $3-$6. Or you can grab a Seattle dog from a vendor outside the park. These usually cost around $5 and are super satisfying.
Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Take a day trip to an island with a cozy, art-loving community.
π Google Maps | Phone: (888) 808-7977 | Website | Entrance: $9.85 ($1.00 bike surcharge), adults, Free, youth (ages 18 & under)
Taking a day trip is a great way to get a breather from the big city, and Bainbridge Island is the best day trip from Seattle for budget travelers. You donβt need a car to explore it youβll get a chance to ride the ferry over there.Β
Walk or bike onto the ferry. When you arrive, itβs just a short walk over to Winslow which harbors the bulk of the Bainbridge Island attractions.
Check out the cute boutiques with clever gifts, admire contemporary art at the (free!) museum, and grab some delicious pastries from Blackbird Bakery.
The Center for Wooden Boats
Get on the water at South Lake Union.
π Google Maps | Phone: (206) 382-2628 | Website | Hours: typically between 10 am β 6 pm Saturday-Sunday, 12 pm β 7 pm Wednesday-Friday (hours change seasonally), Closed Mondays & Tuesdays | Entrance: free
Opportunities to get on the water are plentiful in Seattle, given all the lakes in the city. The Center for Wooden Boats in the South Lake Union neighborhood is one of the best places to do this.Β
This free-to-enter museum aims to educate visitors on the Pacific Northwestβs maritime history. Walk along the dock and admire all the antique boats or choose a hands-on learning experience β you can rent one of their peapod row-boats for free.
The peapods can hold up to five people, making this a good activity for families or groups. CWB also offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, and small or large sailboats. Prices start at $35.Β
Ballard Locks
View Lake Unionβs connection to the sea.
π Google Maps | Phone: (206) 780-2500 | Website | Hours: 7 am β 9 pm daily | Entrance: free
Walking around the Ballard Locks is a prototypical Seattle experience, especially if youβre up in Ballard. The locks are where saltwater Puget Sound meets freshwater Lake Washington. You can watch the intriguing process of the boats passing through the ship canal from one body of water to the next.
Youβll also find a fish ladder for salmon spawning at the Locks. Thereβs even a viewing gallery where you can see the salmon run (depending on the season).
The final attraction at the Locks is the Charles S. English Jr Botanical Garden. Bring a picnic here to watch all the activity at Locks or take a peaceful stroll along the paths.
Coffee Tourism
Get a taste of some seriously good coffee.
Check out the myriad of unique coffee shops in Seattle! This is where youβll find locals on any day of the year.
Warm up with a steaming pour-over on a rainy day and enjoy a cappuccino and pastry for breakfast. Grab an espresso to refuel midday or just kick back, relax, and read a book while you sip something delicious (in my case, a dirty chai).Β Β
Go to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for a tour and tasting, or to a cozy, independent coffee shop around the corner from wherever youβre staying. Either way, youβll leave with an understanding of why Seattlites are so obsessed with this beverage (and maybe even with a bag of your new favorite beans).Β
Seek Out the Epic Views
Find spots with the best views of Seattle.
Puget Sound, the Olympics, Mount Rainierβ¦ Seattle has some pretty epic surroundings. And these all make for epic views. I encourage all budget travelers to seek them out.Β
Find the best view of the iconic Seattle skyline, snap a photo of Mount Rainier on a clear day, or watch the Olympic Mountains become illuminated by the sunset.
A few of my favorite (free) spots to enjoy a breathtaking view are the Seattle waterfront, Kerry Park, the Jose Rizal Bridge, and West Seattleβs Jack Block Park.
π Read Next: 32 Best Places to Visit in Washington State (By a Local)
Where to Stay in Seattle on a Budget
In general, the further you move from the downtown area, the more budget-friendly your accommodation. The biggest exception to this rule is if youβre staying in one of the hostels downtown.Β
Otherwise, some of the best spots are Seattle neighborhoods with multiple public transit options (particularly ones along the light rail), and that are very walkable themselves.Β
Check out my guide on where to stay in Seattle for a complete breakdown of recommended areas. For now, weβll dive into the ones that will give you the best bang for your buck.
University District
π Best Area For Families, the Majority of Budget Travelers | β¨ Best Budget Hotel: Graduate Seattle
The University District in north Seattle is my top budget-friendly neighborhood pick. Not only are the hotels more affordable, but there are tons of tasty and inexpensive cafes, bars, and eateries in the area (primarily along the Ave).
The light rail has two stops in the University District, providing easy access to downtown, south Seattle, and as far north as Northgate. Fremont, Ballard, and Wallingford are all west of the U-District. Go to any of them to familiarize yourself with more of Seattleβs quirky culture.
Itβs home to the University of Washington, so the U-District has distinctive college-town vibes. Depending on when you visit, the neighborhood may be packed with college students.
Downtown Seattle
π Best Area For Solo Travelers, Being Close to Everything | β¨ Best Budget Hotel: Green Tortoise Hostel
Staying in a hostel is the exception to my βdonβt stay in downtown Seattle if you want to save moneyβ tip. The Green Tortoise Hostel is downtown Seattleβs best hostel, and itβs the perfect option for the person who wants to be in the center of it all.
Stay here to have ample public transit options to get you anywhere else in the city. Youβll be close to the ferry terminal, Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and more of Seattleβs main attractions.Β
This is one of the best options for people who plan on spending most of their time outside of their lodging and donβt mind the most basic amenities. Itβs also a particularly good option for solo travelers who want to make friends and meet with fellow travelers visiting Seattle.
Capitol Hill
π Best Area For Couples and Groups | β¨ Best Budget Hotel: The Art Inn
Capitol Hill is one of Seattleβs coolest neighborhoods and while there arenβt as many affordable hotel options, there are plenty of budget-friendly rentals. The light rail stops on the Hill and numerous bus lines service the area too.Β
No, Capitol Hill is not the cheapest place in Seattle. However, it has a high volume of restaurants, bars, shops, coffee shops, and grocery stores. This makes it a good option for travelers who plan on going to happy hours, eating bar food, cooking in their rental, or cutting out other expenses (like a rental car β Cap Hill is super walkable!)
The convenient location, vibrant nightlife, and fun atmosphere make this neighborhood a great choice for couples or friends who want to spend time in a very lively area.
Cheap Eats in Seattle
Bar food, happy hours, delis, and food truck bites are some of the best options for eating cheaply without sacrificing taste in Seattle. There are spots you can do this all over the city. Here are a few of my faves.
Xiβan Noodles
Chinese
π Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)
This U-District favorite serves tasty and affordable Chinese hand-pulled noodles among other dishes. Generous portions make the food here a filling lunch or dinner. The spicy cumin lamb noodles are beyond good.
Off the Rez Cafe
Native American Fry Bread
π Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($$)
Sweet and savory fry bread and Indian tacos are what you can expect from this Native American eatery in the Burke Museum. At $7 for a generously loaded taco and $5 for a sweet fry bread, itβs nearly impossible to pass up.
Tacos Chukis
Mexican
π Google Maps(multiple other locations) | Website | Price Range: ($)
Taco Chukis serves some of the best quick and inexpensive Mexican food in the city. Enjoy a variety of delicious tacos, burritos, tortas, and more from this Seattle staple. The service is always kind and speedy, the food is always tasty, and the prices are perfect.Β
Twilight Exit
American, Bar Food
π Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($$)
Want delicious, affordable bar food along with cheap, strong drinks in a laidback dive bar atmosphere? Look no further than Twilight Exit, which makes nearly all of its food in house.
I highly recommend ordering the nachos and coming on a Sunday evening for karaoke to get the full Twilight Exit experience.Β
Marination Ma Kai
Hawaiian-Korean Fusion
π Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($$)
Hawaiian fare meets Korean cuisine at this West Seattle restaurant. Grab some kimchi fried rice and aloha sliders (easy to split between two!), and enjoy your food with one of the best views in Seattle.Β
Donburi Station
Japanese
π Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($$)
Donburi Station is the place to go if you crave teriyaki, katsu, and any other kind of donburi. Its large portions mean you can easily get 2 meals out of one order. Add a side of gyoza, pork curry, or edamame to top off this delicious and comforting meal.Β Β
Dickβs Burgers
Burgers
π Google Maps (multiple other locations) | Website | Price Range: ($)
This is one of the cheapest options for Seattle eats, and itβs a classic (Sir Mix-a-Lot even rapped about it). Come to Dickβs for non-fussy late-night eats in the form of fries, burgers, and milkshakes. Thereβs almost always a line, but itβs never a long wait, and you can easily spend under $10 for a satisfying meal.Β
Saigon Vietnam Deli
Vietnamese
π Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)
Saigon Vietnam Deli is one of Seattleβs best Vietnamese delis. It has a wide variety of Vietnamese food, desserts, and bubble tea. The Bahn Mi are the most popular item, and itβs easy to see why β theyβre just $6, fresh and flavorful, and super filling.
FAQs on How to Save Money in Seattle
Is Seattle a cheap place to visit?
Seattle is not the cheapest place to visit. However, you can make your stay more budget-friendly by following tips on how to travel to Seattle on a budget.
These include choosing basic accommodations, using public transport, limiting meals at sit-down restaurants, and selecting low-cost and free activities in Seattle.
Is Seattle cheap to live in?
Seattle is not a cheap place to live. It is growing rapidly and expenses are on par with other major cities on the West Coast. The cheaper parts of Seattle are on the northern and southern ends of the metro area.
Is Seattle or Portland cheaper?
Can you visit Seattle without a car?Β
You can easily visit Seattle without a car. It has a walk score of 74 and is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. In addition, the city has a lot of public transit options that make getting around Seattle easy for visitors and locals alike.
***
Now you know how to visit Seattle on a budget! Safe travels and enjoy your stay in the Emerald City.