“Beautiful green islands surrounded by mountains and water” was My first view of Seattle from the flight.
Can you explore Seattle in a day?
Answer is No. Seattle is Washington State’s largest city and the Northernmost major city in the USA. This Pacific Northwest wonder has a lot to offer, and it may take days to explore the city in its true sense. However if you have only a day to explore the city, this itinerary will help you cover the must-visit attractions in Seattle.
Recently, we visited Seattle for my sister’s wedding. We spent almost two months in the USA ( During our stay, we also visited Los Angeles, Maui, and Leavenworth). Although, my sister lived in Monroe (a cute little town around 1.5 hours away from Seattle), and most of the time, we were traveling because of the wedding, I got an opportunity to visit the Emerald City few times.
Do you know why Seattle is called the Emerald City?
The city gets this name because it’s filled with greenery all around the year, including winters, thanks to the abundance of evergreen trees in the Area.
How to spend a day in Seattle
Here is a suggested itinerary of places you should not miss when visiting Seattle.
Pike Place Market
Opening days: All 7 days
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
Start your day by exploring the iconic Pike Place Market. This is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the USA. This colorful and lively market is bustling with activities throughout the day. You can find a plenty of local food stalls, fresh flowers and fruits, fish markets, artifacts and souvenir shops, and much more.The market is spread across a large area, with many stores and eateries on the outside and multiple stalls in the indoor market.
Do not forget to check out below while visiting the Pike Place Market.
• Visit the deck area of the market, it offers a breathtaking view of the Olympic mountains, the ocean, the Great Wheel, and on a clear day a spectacular sight of Mount Rainier too.
• Take an Insta-worthy picture in front of the iconic Public market center board.
• Savour on some delicious handmade piroshkies at the Russian bakery, Piroshky Piroshky.
• Enjoy mouth-watering cheesecakes at The Confectionary
Website: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
First Starbucks Café
Opening days: All 7 days
Timing: 6.30 am to 8.30 pm
Pike Place Market also boasts of the world’s first ever Starbucks. It was here where Starbucks opened its first store. Stepping into this iconic Starbucks is like teleporting to 1970s, when it all began. Enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends in a lively atmosphere, creating a unique and nostalgic experience. I could not enter the store as there was a long queue outside the café. If you don’t have time to wait in a long queue, its better to click a few pics and videos from outside.
Gum Wall in Post Alley
Opening days: All 7 days
The famous gum wall is just next door to Pike Place Market, so if it’s not too gross for you, take a stroll and enjoy a quirky photo opportunity. Post Alley and the Gum Wall are accessible throughout the day. And don’t forget to leave your mark (or gum) on the wall.
Website: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/vendor/the-gum-wall/
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Opening days: All 7 days
Timings: 9 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. (opening & closing timings vary every day, please check in advance before visiting)
Entry Fee:
Regular (ages 13 – 64) – $35
Senior (ages 65 +) – $30
Youth (ages 5 -12) – $26
Adjacent to the iconic Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, which showcases the stunning glass art of renowned artist Dale Chihuly in a beautiful garden setting. You can best appreciate the vibrant colors during daylight. After exploring the exhibits, take a break for quick drinks and grabs at The Bar at Chihuly Garden & Glass ( right outside the museum)
Website: https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/visit/plan-your-visit
Space Needle
Opening days: All 7 days
Timing:
Mon to Thu -10 am to 8 pm
Friday – 10 am to 9.30 pm
Sat & Sun – 9 am to 9.30 pm
Entry Fee:
Regular (ages 13 – 64) – $35 – $39
Senior (ages 65 +) – $30 – $33
Youth (ages 5 -12) – $26 – $29
Space Needle is one of the most popular tourist spots in Seattle. From the observation deck you can enjoy the 360-degree view of the Seattle skyline. Glass door elevator takes you to the observation deck from where you can enjoy the captivating panoramic views of the city. The observation deck offers two different experiences. An all-glass floor on the lower level and a floor-to-ceiling glass on the upper level. Both can be a little scary for people who fear heights but it’s super thrilling. The lower level obeservation deck also revolves so you can see the floor moving.
By visiting the Space Needle in the late afternoon, you can enjoy the best of day view, sunset, and night view. During holidays, it might get busier, so plan accordingly.
The Space Needle also has a revolving restaurant called The Loupe Lounge. We tried it and after visiting the place, I suggest you skip it for two reasons
1. Not only does the lounge revolve, but the whole lower floor revolves, so you don’t need to spend extra bucks. One can sit in any other part of the observation deck and enjoy the same view.
2. Their cocktails are not that great
Website: https://www.spaceneedle.com/
Seattle Spheres
Opening days: First and third Saturday of each month
Timings: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. PST
Entry fee: No entry fee ( prior reservation required)
Seattle is home to the most talked about corporate office of Amazon. The best part is you can visit the Seattle spheres every first and third Saturday of each month (on prior bookings). If you are not visiting Seattle on these particular days, you can see the magnificent Seattle spheres from outside. The stunning architrues are just a walk away from Space Needle. If you have some extra time, do take a stroll and visit the Seattle Sphere.
Website: https://www.seattlespheres.com
Ride the monorail
Opening days: All days
Timings : Sunday: 8:30 am-9:00 pm
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am-9:00 pm
Friday: 7:30 am-11:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am-11:00 pm
Entry Fee : Adults:$3.50,
Youth (6-18)-$1.75,
Seniors (65+)- $1.75
Children 5 and under free
A monorail ride is a fun experience, and its worth a try. Monorail station is right adjacent to the Space Needle ( Seattle Center). Rail operates between Seattle Center and Westlake Center Mall (5th Avenue and Pine Street). Its just a few minutes joyful ride.
Website: https://www.seattlemonorail.com/ride-with-us/
Westlake Center
Take a stroll through 5th Avenue, Westlake Park, and around. During our visit, the park was beautifully lit up with Christmas decorations. You can end your day with a dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. We had our dinner at the Yard.
Additional list of Must places to visit in Seattle (if you find some more time)
Seattle Aquarium
Opening days: All 7 days
Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm (Last entry 5 pm)
Entry Fee: $38.95 (Prices may vary day wise, please check the website for current price)
After Pike Place Market, you can walk down to the waterfront for a relaxing afternoon. If you are visiting the city with kids, then visiting the Seattle Aquarium is a good idea. The Aquarium is situated on Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront.
Website: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/tickets/
Kerry Park
Opening days: All 7 days
Timing: 6 am to 10 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Kerry Park and Gas Works Park offer stunning evening views of the city skyline. Best time to visit the park is during sunset when you can expereince the most magical view.
Website: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/kerry-park
Best time to visit Seattle
The best and most comfortable time to visit Seattle is summer (July to September). We visited the city in October and November. I loved the fall colors. Being from Bangalore, where the temperature is moderate around the year, Seattle weather gave us chills. It also rained a lot during these months.If you can bear the cold, you can enjoy the magical festive vibes with Christmas lights and decorations everywhere.
What to pack for Seattle
It is best to wear layers if you visit the city during fall or winter. For summers, do check the weather report and plan accordingly. Carry an umbrella or a Hoodie with you all times. And yes, don’t forget good walking shoes.
We loved exploring Seattle during our few visits to the city, and I would love to explore more of this beautiful city during my next visit. Which is your favorite spot in Seattle? Do you have any hidden gems to share ?
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