Seattle deserves much more of your time that just one day. This bustling metropolis and coffee hot spot should be revelled in and enjoyed for at least a long weekend. We had planned 2 days in Seattle, but due to a change of scheduling to our ferry to Victoria BC, our stay was cut short. So here’s my guide on how to see Seattle in a day!
Transport in Seattle
Seattle has a lot of transport options – a light railway, buses, and street cars. These can all be used via the rechargeable ORCA transport cards, or via single fare tickets. But for your one day visit, you will probably only need your feet and the excellent Monorail.
The Monorail runs from the Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne to the Westlake Center in Downtown Seattle. From the vantage point of the Monorail you get to see some great views of the city.
You can also take a 3-hour tour by bus. But honestly, Seattle is very easy to navigate, so you can use public transport easily enough.
I highly recommend the morning train journey from Vancouver down to Seattle – there is so much wildlife along the Puget Sound!
The Top Places to See in Seattle in a Day
Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is a complex of events, arts and recreation spaces. It is home to the famous Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, the Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Pop Culture Museum. Along with the gorgeous splash pool of the International Fountain – great on a hot summer day.
You can easily spend a whole day around the Seattle Center. But if you only have 1 day in Seattle, I suggest you spend the entire morning or afternoon discovering this area.
The Space Needle
The iconic Space Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. What could’ve turned into an old relic, has been renovated (2017) to a world-class observation platform.
The lower level has a glass floor and revolves a full 360 degrees. The upper floor has been fitted with a fully glass ceiling and barrier that leans out into the skyline.
With unprecedented views over Seattle, the Space Needle is a great way to orientate yourself too.
Get your tickets in advance for a streamlined Space Needle visit!
The Museum of Pop Culture (Experience Music Project)
My pick for a second thing to do while at the Seattle Center is a visit to the Pop Culture Museum. Originally called the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum, it was rebranded in 2016 to the Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP for short. With diverse exhibitions and education programmes, MoPOP offers a museum experience but with modern relatable content.
The beautiful sheet metal building was designed by famous architect, Frank Gehry. The monorail rides right through a part of the building, and it is an impressive structure even from the outside.
Once you’re done with the Seattle Center area, jump on the monorail down to Westlake Station and walk down to Pike Place Market…
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest farmer’s markets in the US, Pike Place Market has an extensive array of stallholders. From seafood to fresh produce, artisans and crafters, Pike Place Market is an eclectic ‘must-see’ activity in Seattle.
Don’t forget to visit ‘the gum wall’ (which is kinda gross), and head to the outside area for musical performances and a great view out over the water.
Opposite the Pike Place Market is the original Starbucks. There’s usually a huge queue, but if you’re a fan then you should make the pilgrimage.
Waterfront
Another throwback to the 1962 World’s Fair is the Edgewater Hotel down on Pier 67. Famous for the photo of the Beatles fishing out their hotel window, and other popular rock star guests, you can rent these rooms for your own rock n’ roll experience!
A newer addition to the Seattle waterfront is the Great Wheel at Pier 57. It wasn’t the most popular addition from the perspective of the locals, but I enjoyed how it punctuated the skyline.
A few years back, the Alaska Way Viaduct (the raised highway in the picture below) was diverted into a new tunnel underground instead of this eye-sore along the waterfront. The waterfront has had much redevelopment in recent years, and is looking far nicer as a result!
Harbour Cruise
Seeing Seattle by water is an absolute delight. We were taking the fast ferry from Seattle to Victoria, so we had the pleasure of enjoying views of the waterfront and of Mount Rainier in the crisp morning light – it was beautiful!
Taking a harbour cruise with narration offers the chance to admire the city from the water, and learn more about how the city evolved.
Where to eat in one day in Seattle – Post Alley
Post Alley is several blocks of restaurants, shops and gift stores. There is every kind of cuisine on offer, and the tables spill out onto the pedestrianised street. It’s bustling.
We enjoyed the Chocolate Market, and a few other stops along the way for happy hour drinks – El Callejón RestoBar, and The Wines of Washington Tasting Room.
If you have time…
- Fremont Neighborhood – Wander this quirky district, known for its public art (like the Fremont Troll) and funky shops and cafes.
- Lake Union – If you had some extra time and were looking for some nature or space to exercise space during your day in Seattle, then Lake Union is just perfect. You can hire boats, or just enjoy the walk around the shore.
TIP: My dinner recommendation in this area is Flatstick Pub – South Lake Union, with brick oven pizzas and a fun vibe.
Where to Stay in Seattle
If you are in Seattle overnight, my hotel recommendations are:
- The Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center is a prime central location for exploring
- The Mediterranean Inn is on the west side of the arena near the Seattle Center, and has a great roof terrace
- There are lots of waterfront hotels, like the Seattle Marriott Waterfront, but bear in mind these cost a lot more
- For a Lake Union option, the Courtyard Seattle Lake Union is lovely
How to see Seattle in a day
Perhaps it was the superb weather, or the happy hour cocktails, or the view of Mt Rainier we got as we left Seattle, but I fell quite in love with this city. You can see a lot of central Seattle in a day, and while it is just a taster, it will make you want to come back for sure. And I am happy to report that the legends are true, Seattle has exceptional coffee and cafés – perfect for people-watching!
Seattle FAQ
Looking for other west coast city breaks? Why not carry on down the coast to San Francisco & the Pacific Coast Highway?
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 24 mm f/2.8 STM Lens; and an iPhoneX.
I live in Vancouver, BC so I love doing day trips down to Seattle! Next time you are there you should check out the underground tours as well that explains the history of the city-so interesting!
People consider Seattle a boring city but honestly it is one of the most awesome cities to explore and your post completely explains why! I love it..
I had no idea the original Starbucks was in Seattle! I love seeing how much I can pack into a day trip so this itinerary is great for me. Post Alley looks so cute, would definitely have to give that Chocolate Market a try!
Omg, That’s unbelievable how you have covered everything from transport, top places, market, museums, and most important (as as foodie) ‘Where to eat’ in this post. very very helpful and informative. Thanks for sharing this and I am saving it in my bucket list.
Settle seems to be a beautiful city 😊 It would be really fun to visit a place where the Beatles have been 😁
This brings back great memories of our visits to Seattle. We have done many of these. But found a few new ones for our next visit. You have to know that the sign for the Chocolate Market would cause one more to get added to the list! And we will definitely add Lake Union for our next visit.
I was in Seattle in 2018 for a layover and I booked a day tour of the city. The space needle was still being renovated when I was there but I was still able to go up. I easily could have spent the entire day at the market. I have never seen so much food and goodies! I would love to go back to Seattle to spend 2 or 3 days next time.
I definitely want a week there next time!
I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle! I think I would need to go for more than 24 hours though. I want to do everything you’ve mentioned in this post, plus some hiking around Mount Rainier!
We wanted to stay so much after spending the day there. Originally we were supposed to have 2 days but our ferry booking got changed – gutted!
I would love to visit Seattle but I’d probably spend more than a day. Maybe two? But good to know that there are still sites to see in just one day
This is a really helpful post about how to get around the city – saving it for when I visit Seattle!
Seattle looks like a lovely city. I would love to explore it during my next trip to the west coast.. Love your list consolidating all things to do in a single day..