One Day in Seattle: See the Best of Seattle in 24 Hours

“It’s so lush!” exclaimed Alysha as we drove from the airport into downtown Seattle, passing through neighborhoods surrounded by greenery on all sides.

It’s one of my favorite facets about Seattle. Sure, it rains. A lot, some could assert. But you know what that rain signifies? It’s essentially perpetually beautifully green and lush (and also, we don’t have as many water issues as, say, California).

And besides, the rain is usually just a fine mist, not a torrential downpour – I never once used an umbrella in my 15+ years of living in Seattle. Alysha makes fun of me for my refusal to employ an umbrella. “I’m from Seattle” I say proudly “we don’t do umbrellas.”

I spent my upbringing in the Seattle area and lived there for over 15 years (including around 7 years inside the city itself) before leisurely moving down to San Francisco, which is where I met Alysha, we wed, and we launched this site.

However, while the Bay Area is excellent, I always had my sights set on a triumphant return to the Pacific Northwest. And, after some persuasion, we decided Portland, Oregon would be our new home. I still spend a considerable amount of time in Seattle – my entire family still lives there – and know the city like the back of my hand.

If you only have one day in Seattle, you’ll want to maximize your time there and guarantee that you’ll be left longing for more (that is what my guide to a three days in Seattle provides for).

This guide is a version of my preferred way for visitors to spend a day in Seattle, which I`ve done with numerous guests. It`s worth repeating: we’ve actually carried out everything in this entire guide at least once (and, like the Seattle Great Wheel, never again).

It goes above the regular things you’ll find on these lists (like the artificial first Starbucks, but we’ll get to that) and I hope it provides you a local’s perspective on what to do in Seattle.

We will also provide a variety of specific recommendations – bars, restaurants, shops, coffee shops, etc that we truly enjoy.

As we want you to have an excellent trip and fall in love with the Pacific Northwest, providing specifics makes the difference between a good visit and a truly memorable one.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it. 

P.S: When it comes to Seattle and what to do and see, never, ever trust anyone who says “Pike’s Place.” Every Seattleite knows that it’s Pike Place Market. Period. The end.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

What Can You See in One Day in Seattle?

Nope, one day is definitely not enough time in Seattle. Though, neither is a weekend. Or even a week! There will always be more to do and see in Seattle, whether you’re visiting for a day or you live here for a decade.

Especially if you include the broader area and all the great Seattle day visits that are at your disposal

One aspect we appreciate about Seattle are its residential neighborhoods mainly north of downtown, like Fremont and Ballard, places we frequently visit while there and find much to explore.”

However, traveling such a long distance if you only have a day (especially with the inevitable traffic delays to get there) may not be worthwhile.

Instead of trying to zip around the city to every corner, we’d recommend restricting yourself to the downtown core.

With a day in Seattle, you can see the main highlights, get a taste of the food and drink scene that makes Seattle a fun place to explore, and see a few of Seattle’s coolest neighborhoods.

You can save exploration of further regions for a subsequent trip (and by day`s end, be already planning said excursion).

One Day in Seattle: Exactly How to Spend 24 Hours in Seattle

And now, let’s get into the detailed guide. 

If following this itinerary, one will see Seattle Center, walk along the waterfront including the Olympic Sculpture Park, explore Pike Place Market and indulge in the food offerings there, and experience the food and drink scene in Capitol Hill before ending the day with dinner and drinks in Belltown.

We’ve done our best to avoid any doubling back, but it’s a little bit inevitable given how much we’ve fit in here. The only place you’ll really have to do it, though, is heading back to Belltown for dinner and drinks after Capitol Hill.

Two notes before we jump in. 

1. It is not advisable to go to the top of the Space Needle. While the city view is nice, the extremely high cost these days ($35 for an adult) makes it not worthwhile. Instead, we will take you to our preferred view in Seattle, which is from a free public park. Including the Space Needle in the scenery!
2. For comparable reasons, we don’t propose the Seattle Great Wheel. We completed it. On a wet winter night. And you literally couldn`t notice anything. We still chuckle about it, because it was so incredibly ridiculous. Matt was so irritated that we’d spent nearly $20 each to go on that stupid thing. Preserve your money and spend it elsewhere.

Through our own experiences, we don’t feel these two options are worth your limited time or money. Especially if you only have one day to explore.

But First, Coffee!

Being in Seattle means being right in the middle of one of the best coffee cities in the country.

As your initial morning stop is Seattle Center, we strongly recommend heading to Vita @ KEXP, where a local roaster has established a coffee station inside the recording studio of the Seattle radio station. Well, nearly. The recording studio itself is literally within the same space.

And that space is pleasant. High ceilings, local art, and a small record shop in addition to the live radio recording. There are plenty of comfortable couches and more practical tables to sit at, though it does get full on weekend mornings.

The coffee here is exceptional as well. Caffe Vita has endured for an extended period, and they offer options here for serious coffee aficionados, individuals who simply seek the caffeine, and people who generally dislike coffee (Matt belongs to the initial class, Alysha is in the third).

They usually have a few pour over options, a drip coffee of the day, a wide range of espresso-based drinks (your cappuccinos and lattes), and creative seasonal drinks.

It’s a great place to get coffee and spend time before embarking on a day of exploration.

Exploring Seattle Center: Choose Your Own Museum Adventure

If you’ve accepted our recommendation for coffee, you’ll discover yourself right at Seattle Center, which is where we think you should start your day.

The best-known attraction here is the Space Needle. As mentioned previously, we do not suggest traveling to the top of the Space Needle. The cost is not justified! Moreover, the subsequent section in this guide will take you to an even superior vantage point of the city.

Your next thought is likely focused around inquiring into the purpose for our presence here.

There are three excellent museums (one is really an art installation) at Seattle Center: the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Pacific Science Center.

Now, you don’t have time to do all three. Or even two of them, really, if you’re giving them the time they deserve. Which is where the whole “choose your own adventure” idea comes into play.

We`d choose one of these as a mid-morning activity depending on your interests.

Option 1 (Our #1 Pick): The Museum of Pop Culture

Our favorite attraction, by far, was the excellent Museum of Pop Culture.An interesting fact was that Matt had attended his high school prom at this location, though it was called the E.M.P. at that time, and focused solely on music.

In contemporary times, its scope has developed beyond music to encompass additional elements of popular culture like films and literature.

There are a few recurring exhibits, such as those focusing on Nirvana and Pearl Jam, some Fantasy and Science Fiction displays (which are truly fascinating!), and usually a couple of rotating seasonal exhibits throughout the year.

We recently saw “Contact High,” which was a visual history of hip-hop, and it was spectacular. It’s no longer showing, but I suspect there’s an engaging seasonal exhibition or two – see what’s happening at MoPop here.

Option 2: Chihuly Garden and Glass

The second option at Seattle Center is the Chihuly Gardens and Glass, which is an intriguing glass-based art exhibition honoring Dave Chihuly, a local artist.

It’s well worth spending an hour or two wandering through and taking in the spectacular blown glass sculptures and art pieces.

Option 3: The Pacific Science Center (Good for Families with Kids)

If you have children, the Pacific Science Center is probably your best choice (although, depending on their age, they might enjoy the Museum of Pop Culture too).

We frequented the location for school trips during elementary years, and their exhibits cater well to younger visitors, including a planetarium and butterfly garden.

Their entire focus is sparking curiosity in kids, and they have educational and hands-on exhibits that span from the natural world all the way to a rotating exhibit on the science and physics of hockey.

An IMax theater and planetarium are also located on their campus.

Walk up the Hill to Kerry Park for a Postcard View of Seattle

When you`ve explored all that Seattle Center has to offer, head uphill to find the most magnificent perspective of Seattle at Kerry Park.

From your room at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle, you`ll have sights of the iconic Space Needle towering over Downtown Seattle`s tall skyscrapers, and on clear days, Mount Rainier across the Puget Sound make for stunning scenery.

At least on a sunny day. It`s one of the iconic views of Seattle, and it`s worth pushing your way through the swarms of people to take a few photos of Seattle at its finest.

We are drawn to admire this panoramic perspective around sunset, as the fading light lends the city a warm golden glow against the darkening sky. While more remote than daytime activities, the vista remains beautifully picturesque midday as well.

From my own experience showing visitors around Seattle, I typically recommend taking them up here to admire the scenic views.

Walk to Olympic Sculpture Park and Along the Seattle Waterfront

From the uphill area, head downward along Queen Anne Avenue N to Olympic Sculpture Park, which is a permanent art display offered by the Seattle Art Museum nearby on the waterfront. On a clear day, you’ll find the huge red sculptures with the backdrops of the snow topped Olympic Mountains.

If you pursue the route down the hill through the Sculpture Park, you’ll finish up on Seattle’s waterfront. If it’s pleasant, it’s worth taking a brief detour to the north (right, if you’re facing the water) to the beach. There are a couple of great panoramas, particularly when the mountains are out.

Otherwise, head left and tag along the waterfront heading south all the way to Waterfront Park ( here on Google Maps) where you’ll find the Seattle Great Wheel (best to avoid riding it!) and, more importantly, the path up to Pike Place Market, which is your next destination.

If you have kids, you’ll pass the Seattle Aquarium on the way down the waterfront, which would be a good alternative to the Pacific Science Center if you think they’d be more interested in that.

From the waterfront, head up the stairs to Pike Place Market.

Lunch and Exploring Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is arguably one of the most iconic attractions in Seattle, competing with the Space Needle for that title.

And I think it lives up to the hype. It’s part farmers market, part food hall, and there are a wide variety of food options to indulge in, including some unique offerings that you may not typically come across.

As you ascend the steps, you’ll pass Ghost Alley Espresso on your left when you’re directly beneath the market. Which brings me to a mini complaint here, if you’ll indulge me. Don`t worry, this mini complaint will also save you precious time.

DO NOT visit the “original Starbucks.” It’s essentially identical to any other Starbucks location worldwide, just with a longer line. Furthermore, it’s not truly the first Starbucks! It’s merely the oldest continually operating Starbucks, which, let’s be frank, simply does not have as catchy of a title. Each time I come across someone recommending it as an engaging activity in Seattle, I feel a tinge of despair. It’s not.

Here is my recommendation for you: if you must visit Starbucks, walk a few blocks out of your way.

Opting to get your coffee from one of the independent shops near Pike Place Market would likely be a better choice.

Ghost Alley Espresso, positioned beside the Gum Wall, is one possibility. Storyville Coffee is an additional suitable option straight in the marketplace, and a couple blocks farther north is Anchorhead Coffee, which is my most loved of the three regarding the coffee.

Now, moving forward with what can be done, eaten, and drank at Pike Place Market.

Firstly, we couldn’t possibly cover everything there is to see at the market, so we’ve compiled a different guide to Pike Place Market (coming in early 2023!).

Secondly, you should start by walking through the street-level portion of the market, starting at the Pike Street end (with the flying fish and famous Pike Place Market sign) and heading inside.

Ramble around the main area of the marketplace (or join a guided experience with a chef, if time permits) and browse the various vendors

Flowers, fish, spices, vegetables, honey – the list is nearly endless. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try some things, and buy a memento or six.

Then exit the market and walk the street outside of the market, which is where you’ll find the more food hall section of Pike Place Market.

Below are our favorite spots in the market for food and drinks – this is where you should plan on having lunch.

• Rachel’s Ginger Beer: Excellent ginger beer with creative flavors (we love any and all of the spicy ones) that you can make boozy.
• Pike Place Chowder: You need to realize one thing about Seattle – seafood is serious business, especially salmon. For chowder made with fresh sea-caught ingredients, head here. Pro tip: order the salmon chowder, and have it in a bread bowl.
• The Alibi Room: Featuring wood-fired pizzas alongside a cozy ambiance, this establishment also offers excellent happy hour deals (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm) providing a whole pizza for under $10, directly across from the gum wall.
• Indi Chocolate: We stop here every time we’re in the market. High end chocolate, including thick, delicious sipping chocolate (if you want something more similar to hot chocolate, get the drinking chocolate).
• Beecher’s Cheese: Their signature cheese is heavenly, and is one of the primary food items I associate with Seattle. You can get it here smothered all over Mac & Cheese, or as a grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, they have a full retail operation where you can purchase it to enjoy later.
• Ellenos Greek Yogurt: Excellent Greek yogurt that is served somewhat like frozen yogurt, with all sorts of fun toppings.
• Piroshky Piroshky: This famous Russian bakery offers many tasty pastries, both sweet and savory. Be sure to get their namesake Piroshky, filled with ingredients like beef and cheese or potatoes and mushrooms. But also order something unusual that piques your interest but isn`t typical (like their cinnamon cardamom roll).

If you enjoy beer, we really like Seattle Beer Co, located on a lower level of the market near the waterfront, having an amazing variety of local craft beers on tap and in bottles (plus many ciders too, which is our beverage of choice).

An Afternoon in Capitol Hill

After filling up, it`s time to walk it off in Capitol Hill (before immediately continuing eating and drinking), our favorite part of downtown. You can either take a rideshare, or hop on light rail (head to Westlake Station and ride the 1 line north towards Northgate, disembarking at Broadway and E Howell Street).

The Light Rail is the easier and more affordable option, especially if there’s traffic downtown, and you can buy a single ride ticket at the station (it’s going to cost $2.25 per person).

Arriving via station on Broadway, you`ll want to head south a few blocks to E Pine Street to initiate your wandering.

Before continuing further, let`s discuss Capitol Hill. Today, the Capitol Hill seen is one of the grooviest neighborhoods in Seattle, with all sorts of amazing food, drinks, and shopping available.

But a decade or two ago (even more recently, truly), it was the nucleus for gentrification in Seattle. Marginalized groups that used to call this area (and the broader Central District) home have been pushed out in favor of newer development which have brought both an amazing variety of cool things to do and see, but have also brought higher costs of living and doing business.

The Capitol Hill of today bears little resemblance to the Capitol Hill that captured my affections two decades ago, though this does not imply it is without merit on a visit to Seattle. It maintains that bohemian spirit but has significantly evolved from hippies to urban professionals as rents have climbed and essentially the sole inhabitants who can afford to reside there are tech workers.

Keeping that historical and cultural background in mind is worthwhile as you explore Capitol Hill.

Our general suggestion for Capitol Hill is spending your time along the Pike/Pine corridor ( see a rough map here to understand what we signify), which will offer the best value. Here are some spots not to overlook:

• Elliott Bay Books: The finest bookstore in Seattle. We visit here often, and love it every time. Especially the staff recommendations section.
• Molly Moons: The original ice cream establishment in Seattle, they now have locations all over the Seattle area. They actively support community initiatives and their ice cream is fantastic. They feature seasonal flavors as well as staples, which can fill a freshly baked waffle cone.
• Frankie and Jo`s: If dairy or gluten is not an option for you, visit this plant-based ice cream spot, which is one of Matt`s favorites. There is usually a line, but waiting is worth it if you are dairy/gluten free.
• Espresso Vivace: The original coffee spot in Seattle, Espresso Vivace’s espresso bar in Cap Hill is an institution, and is somewhere that every coffee lover should go. However, be aware that there are no extras or flavorings here – it’s all about the perfectly brewed espresso. More reminiscent of a coffee shop in Italy than the specialty coffee scene in Seattle. Obtain the Cafe Nico for a fun concoction made of orange, half and half, and cinnamon.
• The Starbucks Reserve Roastery: Now, unlike the falsely claimed “first Starbucks” that has been demonstrated to be incorrect, I do take pleasure in visiting the Reserve Roastery. This is no ordinary Starbucks – it`s like a Starbucks theme park. You’ll find a cold brew bar with coffee cocktail combinations (like a Nitro Mole Mocha – “espresso, dark chocolate, and bitter chocolate essence blended with almond milk and topped with nitrogen-infused iced coffee” sounds delicious), a pour over station where you can obtain a single cup prepared virtually any way you prefer, and plenty of Starbucks themed memorabilia that make fine souvenirs, if collecting Starbucks items interest you. And, as we discovered when putting together our guide to the finest coffee in Seattle, the coffee quality is actually pretty good (though, if you really want the best coffee, head a block up to Victrola Coffee, which is one of our favorites in Seattle).

If you’re seeking a beverage, here are the locations to visit in Capitol Hill:

• For cocktails, head to Tavern Law (great cocktails), Canon (excellent whiskey selection), or Knee High Stocking Co (speakeasy vibes).
• For cider, head to Capitol Cider.
• For wine, head to Footprint Wine Tap.
• For beer, head to Optimism Brewing,Redhook, or Elysian.

Dinner and Drinks in Belltown

To conclude the day, head back towards downtown and the Belltown neighborhood, located just north of Pike Place Market, for an evening meal and drinks.

This area comes alive after dark, and is known for the extremely diverse variety of bars and restaurants you’ll discover here. Which is why we’re recommending it for evening meal.

Here are a few places we like in Belltown. 

For food: 

• Serious Pie: Tom Douglas is a staple in the Seattle food scene, and this is his pizza restaurant. Alysha enjoys this place, but since Matt can’t do gluten, she saves her trips here for outings with friends/family who don`t include Matt.
• Lola: Another provision from Seattle chef-turned-restauranteur Tom Douglas, this time centered around Mediterranean nourishment. We truly like this place. Don’t overlook the dips – particularly the red pepper and kopanisti – and the halloumi/fig kebab.
• Petra: A great Mediterranean spot (though we haven’t been in a few years) with generous portions and reasonable prices. Get the Shish Tawook, thank us later.

For drinks: 

• Bathtub Gin: Probably at the top of the list for the finest craft cocktails in Seattle. It’s a speakeasy with a communal room they call “the library”. And yes, there’s a bathtub. And no, they don’t only make gin drinks.
• Navy Strength: If you’re yearning for tropical drinks including a lot of tequila and rum, this is the place for you.
• A Certain Casual Bar: Nothing particularly groundbreaking here. Just a friendly neighborhood bar with local beer on tap and good cocktails.

And, just like that, your action-packed day in Seattle has reached its end.

What to Do with More Than One Day in Seattle?

If you have more than one day in Seattle, your options start to really expand and you can afford to spend the time to explore the further out neighborhoods that we really love, like Ballard (the Sunday Farmers Market is an experience!) and Fremont.

Don’t miss Gasworks Park near Fremont and its commanding view of the skyline, and consider a day trip to Bainbridge Island (which includes a picturesque ferry ride to get there).

An entire guide is dedicated to spending 3 days in Seattle, and with more than a day heading straight there is suggested. This isn’t attempting to repeat everything mentioned in that guide here.

We also have a newly published guide to spending two days in Seattle, which offers a fair compromise between this guide and our three day itinerary.

What is the Best Time to Visit Seattle?

Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Seattle is summer, from July to September, when blue skies, temperatures around the 80s and 90s, and stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountain ranges can be seen from across the city.

Essentially any other time of the year, chances are unpredictable.

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Regretfully, odds favor rain, so pack a good rainfall jacket, some water-resistant boots, and intend to do things in the rain. It’s the Seattle style – a truly authentic experience!

Generally, the rain in the Pacific Northwest is the type that is heavy enough to be annoying and make it a little uncomfortable, but not so heavy that it’s a deterrent for going outside.

Getting Around Seattle

If the weather permits, we’d strongly recommend ambling as much as possible while you’re in Seattle. Most of the itinerary above is within walking distance, and that would be our preferred method of connecting the different places.

Aside from walking, one of the easiest ways to get around Seattle, especially for only having a day in the city, is to use Lyft, a mobile application allowing you to arrange a ride (similar to Uber, but slightly more ethical) where you download an app, enter your destination, and a car appears ~5 minutes later to transport you to the next stop on your adventure.

Seattle also has a adequate public transportation network. Options to traverse the city contain light rail, buses, ferries.

With only a single day, the most helpful is likely to be the Light Rail, which connects Downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill (you’ll see us recommend it below).

What If You Have a Car?

If driving, I would strongly advise finding a garage where you can park for the day, and explore Seattle without your vehicle.

Parking in the different regions you’ll be visiting can range from troublesome to outright impossible, and traveling without a vehicle will be preferable. I promise.

Getting to Seattle

We started with an appetizer that was essentially a fried dough casing packed with zucchini flowers, anchovies, and cheese, and it was excellent. Really, the best thing we consumed that night, honestly.

This guide assumes you’ll arrive in town by 9:00 am, and be leaving around 7:00 pm, which makes for a lengthy day particularly if driving.

If you’re flying into Seattle, you now have a choice between two airport locations.

The primary option, and the one I would recommend for most individuals, is to fly into SeaTac Airport (SEA), which is situated approximately 15 miles south of the city.

It’s the city’s main airport, and has great public transportation connections to the heart of the city.

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The other option is to fly into the newly opened Paine Field (PAE), which is kind of like a semi-private airport further north in Everett, around a 30 minute drive from the city.

It’s smaller, security lines are shorter, but there are fewer flights to fewer places, and there are no public transit connections to the city. Although, if you’re renting a car, they do have plenty of rental car agencies.

How to Get to Seattle From SeaTac Airport

There are two primary options to travel from SeaTac Airport, about 15 miles south of Seattle, to the city center.

Visitors can take the light rail from the airport terminal into downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the university grounds. And it is quite seamless. It provides an economical, swiftly efficient, and cost-effective means of arriving at the city.

The other choice is Lyft or Uber, which will be more expensive and, depending on traffic, could take a LONG time during peak hours.