Seattle is a lovely city, full of things to see, do and eat no matter one’s interests. I know, because I lived in the Seattle area from elementary school through college, spending a large part of that time exploring all parts of the city.
One of the finest aspects about Seattle is that no matter your interests, you`ll probably find a matching community that`s enthusiastic about the same thing as you, whether it`s craft beers or Magic: The Gathering (or anything in between).
Seattle is also home to some of the finest cuisine, beverages, coffee, outdoor activities, and scenic ferry rides in America. I provided a detailed itinerary for a perfect 3 day trip to my hometown city.
In this guide to planning an amazing weekend in Seattle, you will have ample time to visit the most well-known and interesting places in the city while still having enough time to wander and explore a little bit.
But I’m warning you now that you’re going to be left wanting more, so I guess you`ll have to find your way back.
The city is undergoing a massive transformation right now with all of the jobs created by Amazon (they essentially built an entire area of the city, which is amazing to me), and there is not nearly enough housing for that influx of people.
The result was an explosion in rent prices and a corresponding increase in the number of homeless people on the streets of Seattle. It has created some tensions in local government recently, as the city tries to figure out how to assist as many individuals as possible.
Why am I the suitable person to construct a Seattle itinerary, you inquire? Seattle holds a unique significance in my heart. Midway through 4th grade, my household relocated from Northern California to Bellevue, and I invested the next 15+ years in the terrific Pacific Northwest, such as time within the city. I’ve done every thing on this listing, and have taken countless seeing friends and family members on some version of this itinerary.
If you don’t have accommodations arranged in Seattle, check out recommendations for the best locations to reside in Seattle or the 11 most innovative hotels in Seattle, and find the ideal lodging for touring Seattle.
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%.
Table of Contents
How Many Days Do You Need in Seattle?
In our view, allocating 3 days is a suitable amount of time to experience Seattle`s prime attractions.
You`ll have a chance to experience the typical tourist attractions – Pike Place Market and Seattle Center – while making time for our favorite Seattle activity, exploring the amazing residential neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard.
If your visit is less than three days, there`s no need to worry. Below the detailed itinerary, we outline exactly what can be accomplished in one or two days exploring the city.
With just two days, you`ll be able to experience the primary highlights but will need to save some of our favorites for a subsequent trip. Did you know we have an entire guide focused on how to optimize two days in Seattle? Checking that out could aid planning.
We provide a comprehensive guide to seeing Seattle in a single day, which will definitely keep you busy but includes our recommendations for making the most of 24 hours in the city.
If you happen to have extra time, there’s a segment for that too.
If a weekend in Seattle spent ambling, ingesting, and imbibing your way through the city is what you’re looking for, that’s what you’ll find in the itinerary below.”
Let’s get something out of the way up front: We’d propose bypassing the Space Needle and the Seattle Great Wheel, which are arguably overrated and pricey, and using that time elsewhere.
You will commonly find these highlighted on itineraries focused on Seattle, and we’ve participated in both, including taking a ride on the Great Wheel on a rainy evening where, to give a preview, you can see virtually nothing through the rain running down the compartment windows.
I’m not bitter, you’re bitter!
In any case, the viewpoint tower and aquarium aren`t worth the time or money spent. Trust us when we say there are better scenic spots to experience in Seattle, which we detail where to find below.
Where to Stay in Seattle
If you’re only in Seattle for a short weekend, then we’d recommend opting for one of the neighborhoods near the Downtown Seattle center rather than some of the further out (but equally fun and exciting!) neighborhoods like Ballard and Fremont.
There are two neighborhoods we’d recommend for newcomers with 2-3 days: Belltown and Downtown Seattle. See below for some more focused recommendations to help you locate the ideal place to stay.
Furthermore, if gluten-free cake is desired in London, this establishment would be a good choice. We really should have tried a slice of cake for research purposes, but we had already filled ourselves up with arepas at our previous stop. For once, our appetites were less than our stomach capacities. View their fun cake selection here.
Belltown: Central & Hip
Situated within walking distance to the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, Belltown makes a superb home base in Seattle. Abundant bars and restaurants populate the area, and you`ll practically be able to traverse on foot everywhere.
Suggested Accommodations in Belltown: We have previously lodged at the Ace Hotel, which offers a great option just north of Pike Place in the heart of Belltown (and prices are relatively attainable). Hotel Andra is another fine choice, and the on-site restaurant, Lola, is one of our preferred gluten-free dining establishments in Seattle.
Downtown Seattle (Near Pike Place)
Downtown Seattle, predictably, is about as focal a point as you can get. Specifically, we’d concentrate on the vicinity immediately around Pike Place Market, which will not simply put you near the most intriguing “touristy” thing to do in Seattle, but will also situate you adjacent to both Belltown and Pioneer Square, which are cool parts of the city.
Highly Recommended Lodging near Pike Place Market: There are two outstanding hotels near Pike Place that should definitely be considered. Inn at the Market is where my mother used to reside when she visited Seattle for her work (prior to us relocating), and it`s literally within half a block of Pike Place Market. The State Hotel, which is also right in that area, tops our list of the most fascinating hotels in Seattle.
Quick Tips for Visiting Seattle
Before jumping in, let`s briefly cover some quick tips for planning a trip to Seattle.
Primarily, I want to talk about the visible unhoused population within the city.
On your trip, you will likely see signs of the homelessness crisis and relatively large unhoused population that Seattle is currently grappling with. And, to be candid, so are all the other major cities on the West Coast.
If you’re not used to seeing the unhoused population on the street, kindly remember they are people, similar to yourself. They should not be viewed as an eyesore, or something that is “ruining our city” – a perspective I frequently hear from Seattle residents.
They were experiencing trauma brought on by local and federal governments that have completely and utterly failed them, and they are largely harmless. They are human beings, which is something that too many people need to be reminded of.
If that causes you discomfort, I’d advise avoiding the area around Pioneer Square.
With that (somewhat sobering) note out of the way, here are a few more brief tips.
- Carry an outerwear that protects from rain at all times except maybe during the hottest months. Though it might appear clear later in the day, rain could start suddenly with little warning. Rainfall in Seattle is usually not intense, more like a soft mist rather than a downpour, so a rain jacket alone suffices to remain dry. I personally have used and suggest the Columbia Watertight Outerwear as an affordable and effective option for under $100 that completely shields from precipitation. ( Click here to see the version for women.) For peak performance during severe rain, examine the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Outerwear. Oh, And never fully rely on weather prediction apps.
- The Downtown Core (Pike Place, Belltown, Seattle Center, Capitol Hill) can be navigated on foot, but to get to neighborhoods outside of that area you’ll need to use mobile applications like Lyft (or renting a car, but that alternative is not suggested because parking is either costly or problematic).
- Don’t purchase the Seattle City Pass. Its value isn`t justified if your notion of an enjoyable weekend trip involves ambling, dining, and imbibing throughout the city. The pass – which can be learned about here – incorporates admission to two attractions – the Space Needle (twice, demonstrating how they improve the perceived worth) and the Seattle Aquarium – plus your choice of three other attractions. If following our itinerary below, you’d spend less than $65, and you’ll only expend that much if experiencing BOTH the Chihuly Gardens and Glass AND the Museum of Pop Culture (which, honestly, wouldn’t be a bad use of your period). The pass costs $109 for an adult, implying it’s SCARCELY (literally by $1) even worthwhile if also visiting the Space Needle once. It’s only justified if experiencing literally every attraction they cover, like the Space Needle twice, and we wouldn’t advise doing that with 3 days. Or 4 days. Or any duration, truly.
A Long Weekend in Seattle: A Complete 3 Day Seattle Itinerary
Here is how I spend a long weekend in Seattle when accompanying first-time visitors.
This itinerary is best for those who love walking and want to see the top attractions in Seattle over 3 days.
Off we go!
Day 1: Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, and the Best View in Seattle
On your first day in Seattle, begin by visiting two of the most visited attractions in the city – Pike Place Market and the Seattle Center – before heading up to Kerry Park to take in the finest perspective of the city at sunset.
Pike Place Market
First of all, it’s Pike Place Market – there’s no “s” at the end (P.S. that’s how you can tell if someone is actually from the Seattle area or not).
Pike Place Market stands as one of those tourist attractions that is very popular with visitors from abroad, as locals predominantly only frequent it when hosting out-of-town guests, a group to which I surely belong. However, I`m consistently impressed by its cool atmosphere.
Unlike the Space Needle (hint: we wouldn’t recommend it), this is one of those places that you really shouldn’t miss on your Seattle weekend excursion.
Where to Get Coffee at Pike Place Market (NOT THE FIRST STARBUCKS)
Time for a brief reflection that I offer anytime I hear someone talk about the “first Starbucks” at Pike Place Market like it’s anything other than a savvy marketing strategy.
Some may tell you the original Starbucks was located at Pike Place Market. However, what if I said that was false? (between us, it`s false). It really wasn`t the first Starbucks, only a great marketing strategy made it seem that way.
In fact, the coffee there is precisely the same as any of the additional seventeen Starbucks areas within a two block radius.
The only difference is that you will wait in a line that can be up to 40 times longer. Oh, and the siren logo still has its nipples. I suppose that’s a difference too.
For premium coffee – some of the finest in Seattle, I`d propose – without lengthy lines, head to the highly praised Anchorhead Coffee just down the street from Pike Place Market to kickstart your day!
A Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
If you’re a foodie, I’d recommend investing in a guided tour of Pike Place to dive a little deeper into the history, and, more importantly, the best things to eat and drink.
My brother gifted my mother with a guided culinary excursion of Pike Place Market a few years ago, which they both greatly enjoyed.
I also feel their early morning tour, allowing visitors to experience the market before crowds start to gather, provides a cool way to immerse in the market scene.
Both tours include enough food to be considered a light lunch, so come prepared to eat! You’ll taste things like cheese, clam chowder, and more. Plus, you’ll get the history and context around the market and why it’s an important landmark in Seattle.
Visiting the Market Independently
If you did not choose to take the guided tour of the market to understand about its history and taste some delicious food, which I highly recommend, here are the places you shouldn’t miss.
- Amazing Greek Yogurt: Stop by Ellenos Greek Yogurt for some of the best greek yogurt I’ve ever tasted in my life. Get it topped with various fruits and other sweet combinations, and walk over to…
- The Gum Wall: If you reflect on it, the now Insta-famous gum wall is more than a little bit unappealing. Yet it’s worthwhile seeing. It’s tucked away basically straight under the fish tossing region of the market.
- The Flying Fish: A Pike Place staple – hang around the fish region just across the street from Elleno’s to witness the fish tossing in action. For one of my friend’s birthdays recently, we actually bought fish and other seafood here, which was an enjoyable experience and was definitely my first time doing anything other than watching the fish fly.
- Piroshky Piroshky: A cult classic, this establishment has been supplying Russian pastries since the early 90’s, way before Seattle was “trendy.” Assorted fillings are enclosed in a buttery, flaky puff pastry (I think that’s what it is, anyway) and served out of a literal hole in the wall. They have vegan and vegetarian alternatives, but no gluten free options.
- Beecher’s Cheese: My mother often gets me Beecher’s cheese whenever I come home because she understands how much I delight in it. Their flagship cheese is truly marvelous, and at their Pike Place outpost you can get it as a Mac & Cheese or a grilled cheese sandwich (neither are safe for Celiacs, but the cheese itself is!).
- Biscuit Bitch: Southern style biscuits and gravy with various selections to choose from. Follow your nose and the lengthy lines to arrive here. IMPORTANT: The gluten free biscuits are manufactured in close proximity to and using similar equipment as the others, and are NOT SAFE FOR CELIACS. All others, enjoy to your heart`s content.
- Rachel’s Ginger Beer crafts, as you may have guessed, ginger beer! You can enjoy it straight or as part of a cocktail. They offer some truly unique flavors, like Caramelized Pineapple and Blood Orange, and are continuously developing new varieties. Everything produced is non-gluten and dairy-free.
- Indi Chocolate: Well, fine quality, small batch, single origin dark chocolate. Is there any need for further details? We especially enjoy their drinking chocolate, and there’s a wonderful viewpoint overlooking Seattle and the Puget Sound accessible directly from the patio area nearby.
Olympic Sculpture Park
After Pike Place Market, wander north through Belltown towards the Olympic Sculpture Park, which is an outdoor art installation that is on the water with a commanding view of the Olympic Mountains across the water.
Walking through here allows one to experience the surrounding area, but there are not many additional attractions present. A stopover is worthwhile when traveling to other nearby destinations, such as Seattle Center where the Space Needle landmark can be found.
Seattle Center
While the Space Needle is certainly a great place to visit in terms of the area surrounding it, I actually WOULDN’T recommend going up to the top.
While the view is interesting, the relatively high cost of $35 as noted does not fully justify the experience given alternatives.
That being acknowledged, there are some intriguing things to do around it within Seattle Center, so I would still advise heading in that direction. Plus, below, I’ll offer you a tip for obtaining the best view of the Seattle skyline – such as the Space Needle.
At the Seattle Center, there are three experiences worth doing (plus one extra that’s a great option if you have children). It’s up to you how many of the three you choose to participate in yourself, but all three offer unique experiences unlike going to the top of the Space Needle.
- One noteworthy establishment is the Museum of Pop Culture: An interesting fact is that I attended my high school prom at this venue, although at that time it was called the Experience Music Project. Now, they have broadened their scope to cover all aspects of pop culture, such as music, television, and other media forms. Rotating exhibitions are regularly presented that are quite fascinating. It is my primary recommendation for most individuals visiting Seattle Center. Additional information and tickets can be found here.
- Dale Chihuly Gardens and Glass: A tribute to one of Seattle’s most renowned artists, Dale Chihuly, this is a lovely (highly photographable) museum showcasing some of his most impressive works. His creations have been highlighted in some of the most distinguished museums globally. It’s highly unique, and comprises of a handful of diverse parts. Do not neglect the Glasshouse, which is exactly what it sounds like, and the gardens, which are replete with diverse pieces from his career. Additional info and tickets here.
I would like to begin this section by making clear that, although I brought one with me on every trip to Italy over the eight weeks I`ve spent in the nation across the past few years, I have employed my gluten free restaurant card written in Italian (of course from Legal Nomads!) exactly zero times.
The Pacific Science Center: This establishment is a enjoyable destination for families with youngsters. We used to visit here annually during our elementary school years. Their goal is to “spark curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us,” which I truly admire. They have numerous interactive permanent displays, along with a rotating seasonal exhibition that changes occasionally. More information and tickets here.
Sunset at Kerry Park
If the Space Needle was skipped, an equally impressive city view where money can be saved while still enjoying nice views is probably sought.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present Kerry Park, which is not only our preferred vista of the city, but is also completely free since it’s a public park.
A short uphill walk is required to reach the viewpoint, though the effort pays off. You`re likely to share the panoramic views with others, yet will hardly notice as your eyes scan the breathtaking scenery below.
From Kerry Park, you’ll have a view over the entire city, with the Space Needle in the foreground, Elliott Bay and even Mount Rainier (if fortunate enough to visit on a crystal clear day) in the background.
It’s spectacular, and it’s worth the detour.
Mount Constitution from Mountain Lake: This circular trail starts along the western shore of Mountain Lake, then cuts up to Twin Lakes and rises steeply to the summit. All-in, it’s 8 miles long with 1,700 feet of elevation gain, most of it happening in about a mile and a half between the turnoff to Twin Lakes and the summit.
Dinner and Drinks in Belltown
In the evening after the sun goes down, head back to the Belltown neighborhood located just north of Pike Place Market for an evening meal and drinks. This part of downtown is our favorite area because it is absolutely packed with exceptional bars and restaurants.
Below are a few of our preferred options (some situated on the downtown side of the borderline but sufficiently close).
For drinks, head to…
- Bathtub Gin for fancy cocktails in a concealed bar setting (yes, there is a bathtub).
- Seattle Beer Co. for a nice selection of local beers and ciders near Pike Place Market.
- Cloudburst Brewing to experience the local craft beer scene at its source.
- Navy Strength for great tropical beverages and a fun atmosphere.
For dinner, head to…
- Serious Pie: A favorite pizza restaurant of Alysha`s, known for quality pies. As a eatery from famous Seattle chef Tom Douglas, it could be expected to offer tasty fare.
- The Pink Door: Pasta and a theatrical show? It’s a really fun spot for a meal (though the entertainment varies nightly). Make a reservation in advance if able, though half of the restaurant is reserved for walk-ins. At the time of writing, theatrical shows are Saturdays at 9:30 pm, and you’ll want to reserve in advance.
- Lola: One of our favorite establishments, this captures Greek cuisine through Tom Douglas’ vision. Consider the haloumi and fig kebabs.
- The Alibi Room: Below Pike Place Market, this dimly lit bar offers excellent wood-fired pizza – it was a pre-Celiac preferred place of Matt, and he brought Alysha there upon her initial visit to Seattle with him to see her partake of one of their pizzas, despite the fact he couldn’t consume them himself.
Day 2: Exploring Two Cool Neighborhoods – Capitol Hill and Fremont
Now that you`ve experienced the traditional tourist attractions on your first day, spend your second day exploring some of Seattle`s best neighborhoods to see what makes this city truly special.
In this case, we’d recommend two of our favorites: Capitol Hill and Fremont (don’t worry, we’ve got another great one – Ballard – waiting for you tomorrow!).
Exploring Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill offers an incredible local experience within Seattle, located just east of downtown and walkable in approximately a quarter of an hour. We consistently find ourselves exploring Capitol Hill during visits to the city, and it often tops friendly suggestions of must-see areas.
If you’re a fan of Starbucks you’ll definitely want to visit the original Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an immersive experience exploring all things Starbucks. Unlike the very first Starbucks location, I actually think this place is worth seeing.
Even if you dislike their coffee (guilty!), it’s really a cool experience, particularly for visitors from out of town, and is definitely worth a stop on your excursion. It’s a spacious, beautiful area with plenty of choices – from traditional Starbucks beverages, to a cold brew bar and a pour over bar. Plus, all sorts of coffee gadgets and branded merchandise.
For some excellent coffee options in Seattle, head just up the street to the Victrola Coffee Roasters location, or over a few blocks to nearby Analog Coffee, which features premium coffee beans from various roasters around the Pacific Northwest region.
If you enjoy coffee, check out my guide to top cafes in Seattle.
If you’re more inclined towards tea, head over to Atulea, a newly discovered place for us, and obtain one of their milk teas, bubble teas or matcha lattes. Opt for the Ube Matcha, and you`ll understand our recommendation later.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit The Elliott Bay Book Company, a multilevel bookstore, and possibly arrive just in time for a book signing or fun event. It’s akin to Powell’s in Portland, which could well be one of my most beloved places on Earth, except it’s in Seattle. It’s a must for book enthusiasts. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES.
By now, you’ve probably worked up rather the appetite. Fortunate for you, you’ve got plenty of alternatives nearby. Plus two choices for frozen treats. But more on that in a moment.
I’d strongly recommend Capitol Cider, a 100% gluten free eatery in the heart of Capitol Hill with a great menu for lunch, brunch, dinner, and everything in between. Plus, they’ve got an impressive array of cider varieties, hence the name. They even offer 100% gluten free fish & chips!
Not interested in that? Head to Oddfellows Cafe (unfortunately not suitable for those with Celiac disease, although their menu is marked gluten free) next to Elliott Bay Books and get their famous biscuits and gravy.
No matter your choice of activity in Capitol Hill, make sure to sample some of Seattle`s best chilled treats. You have two great ice cream parlors in the neighborhood to pick from.
, which you ought to peruse for more particulars if you’re interested in undertaking our favorite hike in the park (and a top three hike in Washington for us).
Another choice, ideal for those avoiding gluten or dairy, is Frankie & Jo’s, an establishment solely dedicated to gluten free and plant-based frozen treats. Why not sample both?
Trust me, you won’t want to miss the ice cream. Even if it’s raining.
If you’re more into pastries, head over to a popular doughnut shop to pay way too much for a pastry that, ultimately, is worth it.
For post-meridian drinks, check out Sun Liquor Distillery’s Sol Liquor Lounge. Creative cocktails in a trendy ambiance with handcrafted spirits? That’s so Seattle.
An Afternoon in Fremont
After Capitol Hill, take a rideshare (or drive yourself) up to Fremont, another one of our favorite parts of Seattle. No matter how much we say we’re going to “branch out,” we always seem to end up here.
Fremont is across Lake Union from downtown Seattle, which means it has a nice view of the city from Gasworks Park (we’ll get to that in a second).
The happening part of Fremont is really only a few city blocks just across the Fremont Drawbridge, and the neighborhood becomes pretty residential once you get a block or two off of that stretch.
But that small region is jam-packed with bars, eateries, boutiques, and more.
- Schilling Cider: Our most preferred destination to obtain cider in Seattle, this cider bar in Fremont has their own ciders available on tap, but then provides over 20 taps of guest ciders (generally from the Pacific Northwest with a few others from further areas incorporated). You can bring your own meals, and they offer a variety of board games to engage in. The menu is color-coded to assist you in determining which ciders will match your preferences. Get a flight and try a few!
- Milstead & Co: One of our favorites for coffee in Seattle, this place sources diverse brews from across the nation that excite them, serving them as filtered coffee or espresso drinks. It’s a bright space with tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, making it ideal to linger as you replenish caffeine.
- Brouwer’s Cafe: This is one of my favorite bars in Seattle where you can sample from their wide selection of craft beers on tap or in bottles. As a craft beer enthusiast wanting to try different local brews, this Fremont establishment is the place to go. The bartenders are friendly and can recommend a beer if you`re unsure what to order. They also have a great cider selection.
- The Fremont Troll: Recently, I realized that I never had the chance to visit the Fremont Troll itself, even though I frequented the area numerous times over approximately the past decade and a half. It’s a stone figure under the Aurora Bridge that was constructed back in 1990 as a homage to the trolls-under-bridges of Scandinavian folklore.
- Theo Chocolate: There are two activities to do at Theo Chocolate that are worthwhile taking time to do. First is their factory tour, which initiates with an informative talk (for lack of a better phrase) about how they source and generate their chocolate, followed by a stroll through the actual factory where their chocolate is made. Second is their store, where you can taste all the different varieties of chocolate they have accessible at the moment.
- Fremont Brewing: While Brouwer’s is where to go to sample a wide variety of craft beers, this is the place to go to try beer crafted directly from the source. The source being one of the original craft breweries in Seattle. They have a pleasant beer garden (which is covered during winter months) in Fremont.
Gasworks Park at Sunset
After exploring the various bars, breweries, and boutiques located in Fremont, head down to the Fremont Canal Park ( here on Google Maps) and begin traveling southeast along the Burke Gillman trail towards Gasworks Park.
Traversing along the canal eventually arrives at one of Seattle`s premier parks.
The park is on the northern side of Lake Union, opposite Downtown Seattle at the far end, and is named for the huge structures that dominate it, which are part of a former Seattle Gas Light Company plant.
The actual highlight is the perspective, which is superb around sunset. On a pleasant summer evening, come a little in advance to get a seat up on the grassy hillside to witness the light presentation unfold as the sun descends behind the Olympic Range to the west.
Day 3: Discovery Park and Ballard
On your last day in Seattle, get out for a nice hike to the edge of the Puget Sound in the morning, then explore Ballard, another of Seattle’s great neighborhoods, in the afternoon and into the evening.
A quick point: We believe the Ballard Sunday Farmers Market is among the best, with countless stalls of farm-fresh produce, small-batch packaged food items like cider, hot sauce, and vinegar, and an assortment of rotating food trucks. We’d advise trying your best to have this day fall on a Sunday, if possible.
A Walk in Discovery Park
First, head out to the northwest area of Seattle for a morning hike through what many consider to be Seattle’s best natural area – Discovery Park.
Discovery Park takes up 538 acres in northwest Seattle, making it the largest park in Seattle. Visitors will park (or get dropped off by a rideshare) and start their walk atop a coastal bluff with great panoramic views of the Sound and Olympic Range before descending down to the water, where there’s a nice sandy beach dotted with driftwood called South Beach.
Just a short distance away, the West Point Lighthouse can be seen, where bald eagles are commonly spotted resting (based on our multiple visits).
Take this looping trail through the park, which offers an easy walk, keeping an eye out for eagles flying overhead. There are a couple options for starting points – this one is suggested because it’s near the Visitor Center and bathrooms.
Ballard
After a morning at the park, head over to Ballard to round out your exploration of three great Seattle neighborhoods over the course of your Seattle weekend schedule.
Ballard is one of our favorite parts of Seattle. The biggest problem is that it takes so long to get there because it`s tucked away in northwest Seattle, requiring a bit of a journey to arrive there from the downtown core.
Fortunately for you, being at Discovery Park places you in close proximity should you wish to visit Bar Kantoor. The more remote location also means fewer tourists make the trek in that direction.
A few attractions in the area are worth exploring, such as the Ballard Locks and the National Nordic Museum. However, the magic of Ballard truly lies in the combined gift of shopping, dining and nightlife options available.
We already mentioned the Ballard Farmers Market, which happens on Sundays and is worth your time exploring. The entire main street in Ballard displays vendors of all varieties, and the atmosphere bustles with a vibrant energy as people and dogs peruse the stalls for their weekly produce, next meal, or other fun finds.
If you’re looking for a post-hike brunch, head up to , just north of the core of Ballard. Make a reservation if possible, as it`s a busy location. They`re particularly renowned for their breakfast sandwiches and fried chicken sandwiches, but they offer a wide selection of brunchy dishes to choose from.
Here are a few additional spots in Ballard we especially enjoy, but we’d encourage you to do some exploring and discover a place or two on your own as well.
- This popular tea shop in Seattle offers a wide variety of simple teas served by the pot or glass, along with creative tea latte drinks. More details can be found at Miro Tea.
- Bitterroot BBQ: The finest barbecue I’ve had in Seattle, and the portions are enormous. Lots of gluten free options, too, which is always beneficial!
- The Noble Fir: I’ve cherished this establishment for many years now, and the wooded interior providing cozy reading nooks and ample natural light is everything I’ve ever wanted from a neighborhood bar. They offer a good selection of beer, wine, and cider, and it’s located right on Ballard Avenue, the main street in the area.
- Yonder Cider & Bale Breaker Taproom: A shared taproom housing both Yonder Cider, one of our favorite cider manufacturers in Seattle, and Bale Breaker Brewing, a local brewery. The highlight is their outdoor area, which is great in the summer, and features fire pits and a tent for wetter months.
- Cloudburst Brewing: As noted earlier regarding downtown, Cloudburst also has a location in Ballard on Shilshole Avenue presenting a more industrial aesthetic. An on-site food truck is available, offering a nice spot to sample some locally crafted beer from the brewery which everyone I consulted included on their list of top breweries in Seattle (as I`m unable to drink alcohol, I cannot offer a personal assessment, thus sourced multiple viewpoints!).
- Visiting shops in Ballard is worthwhile. Stores along Ballard Avenue are worth exploring. Venue showcases local artists (we have a bag from Red Umbrella Designs that has accompanied us all over the world now!). Standard Goods offers a selection of quintessentially Pacific Northwest items ranging from apparel to accessories and more.
Got Less Time in Seattle?
If you have less time available in Seattle, you will need to carefully select your top priorities from the many highlights, saving some options to experience during a future visit.
Here are some suggestions for how best to spend your time.
What to Do with One Day in Seattle
We have an entire guide to spending one day in Seattle, which you should definitely go over and read for more detail.
The high level overview is that you should follow day 1 of the itinerary above, but do dinner and drinks in Capitol Hill rather than Belltown (although you really can’t go wrong with either).
What to Do with Two Days in Seattle
We additionally have an extensive guide focused on spending two days in Seattle. It’s fundamentally the plan above, but fitted into two days (which signifies a few cuts and less time to wander and investigate).
Getting to Seattle
If you’re arriving from out of town, the best airport to fly into is going to be Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), or SeaTac as it’s known to locals.
SeaTac is about 30 minutes south of the city center, and the best way to get from the airport to the city is the Light Rail system (more on that in a moment).
The other choice is flying into the much smaller Paine Field (PAE), which is around 45 minutes north of town. The positive aspect of flying in and out of that airport is that it’s far less busy, and security is simple.
The disadvantages includes having higher costs, fewer transportation options, and less connectivity to other destinations.
Getting Around Seattle
While not a huge city, Seattle is reasonably spread out and hilly.
While ambulating around the downtown region is practicable (roughly Downtown, Belltown, Seattle Center, and Capitol Hill), if exploring other districts is preferred public transportation or a Lyft must be seized.
Getting to Seattle from the Airport
There are two primary options to travel from SeaTac Airport, about 15 miles south of Seattle, to the city center.
You can take the light rail from the airport to downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the University of Washington. Receiving transportation through this method is inexpensive, quick, and efficient, representing the most cost-effective approach to reach the city. Additionally, you get to pass by the inevitable traffic entering 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.
Getting Around Once You’re in Seattle
There are a few different options for getting around the city including light rail, buses, ferries, and water taxis.
Even for brief visits to Seattle, obtaining an ORCA card is worthwhile, as it is a travel payment system where funds or passes can be loaded for transportation usage.
On days when you plan significant public transportation, purchasing a regional daily pass for $8 (plus the new $5 fee for the transport card if you do not already have one) will benefit you. The pass allows unlimited trips on public buses, streetcars, trains, and water taxis for fares under $3.50.
If your travel exceeds $3.50, which won’t be an issue unless you’re taking a ferry or the light rail to the Airport, then the difference will be charged to your Orca card.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Seattle?
In essence, if you’re planning on hanging out inside Seattle’s city limits, a car won’t be necessary. In fact, we’d say it’ll be more of a nuisance than anything else.
Parking in Seattle can be incredibly challenging, depending on one`s location. Pay attention to street parking signage, as the rules vary by time of day and day of the week. If renting a car, you’ll likely have to pay for either a) a parking garage or b) a parking ticket.
If you want to fit in a day trip to somewhere like Mount Rainier or the mountains east of the city, a car will likely prove useful. Though guided day trips including transportation exist, having your own vehicle provides more scheduling flexibility to explore independently.
If you are planning on renting a car, we’d suggest renting it downtown, and renting it only for the time you’ll need it (aka the day you’re going to do the day trip).
When to Visit Seattle
It’s likely no surprise to you that summer presents the finest time to visit the Pacific Northwest. You’ll find clear skies and warm temperatures from July through September. June and October are also usually pleasant, but you may encounter a few days of overcast skies in the shoulder months.
With summer comes higher prices. But I tell everyone there’s no better place to be than Seattle in summer. Long days. Warm weather. Crisp blue skies. Mountains on three sides.
In other words, paradise.
The spring, fall, and winter are gray. Really gray. But as long as you pack a rain jacket, you`ll be fine. It seldom rains heavily in Seattle, it`s more of a consistent light mist
We had spent two back-to-back winters up in Seattle – and I really mean during the depths of winter – and it was a bit dreary, but there were often days where it was cool, crisp, without a cloud overhead, and it was simpler to appreciate those wonderful days when they were sandwiched amid ten straight days of drizzle.
The point is that Seattle can be a great destination outside of peak season – prices are significantly reduced too – but you’ll need to plan for it and be ready to be wet and chilly.
I still consider Seattle my home. And it`s a great place to spend 3 days exploring. This 3 day Seattle itinerary is intended to guide you on your first trip to Seattle. Complete with what to do, where to explore, and what to eat and drink.
I’d love to hear how this guide helped you and what were the highlights for you.
Feel free to leave a comment below about how your trip went and spots you enjoyed, were underwhelmed by, or think I missed.
