Seattle Adventure: 3 Days of Fun on a Budget

Discover Seattle's hidden gems without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Seattle, United States on a limited budget can still be a great experience. There are plenty of free activities to do such as visiting the Pike Place Market and exploring the many green spaces like Gas Works Park. For affordable accommodations, consider staying in a hostel or searching for deals on budget hotels.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Downtown Seattle

  • Book a room at the funky and affordable Ace Hotel in Belltown
  • Kick off the day with a cup of joe at the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront and marvel at the views of Elliott Bay
  • Visit the iconic Space Needle and take a ride to the top for breathtaking 360-degree vistas
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the eclectic shops in Pioneer Square
  • Wrap up the day with a delectable dinner at the globally-inspired Pink Door, with live entertainment and a hidden entrance
Day 2

Fish, Art, and Nature

  • Start the morning at the fresh fish stalls in Pike Place Market and watch the world-famous fish throwing
  • Visit the fascinating Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit showcasing innovative glass art
  • Take a picnic to Gas Works Park and soak up the stunning views of the city skyline
  • Visit the Seattle Art Museum, displaying an exciting collection of local and global art
  • Head to Capitol Hill for dinner at the quirky and delicious Unicorn complete with carnival-inspired décor and creative cocktails
Day 3

Escape to the Outdoors

  • Rent a bike or hike in the beautiful Discovery Park, boasting over 500 acres of open space and stunning Puget Sound shoreline
  • Visit the Fremont Sunday Market, a vibrant cultural hub for shopping, eating and socializing
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Seattle's beloved food truck community, Fremont Collective
  • Venture to Ballard to explore the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and watch the boats pass through
  • Finish with a cozy dinner at the hip, budget-friendly Indian restaurant, Curry House in Capitol Hill.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Seattle by plane is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. There are many airlines that fly into this airport from all over the world including United Airlines, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.

Car

The best way to get to Seattle by car is to take the I-5 highway if coming from the north or south. If coming from the east, take either the I-90 or US-2 highway. Traffic can be heavy during peak times so plan accordingly.

Train

Currently, there are no passenger train services that go directly to Seattle. However, Amtrak does operate a train that goes to nearby Tacoma. From there, passengers can take a bus or taxi to reach Seattle.

Boat

The best way to get to Seattle by boat is to take a ferry. The Washington State Ferries are a popular option for passengers coming from nearby islands or the Olympic Peninsula. The downtown Seattle ferry terminal is located at Pier 52 and serves multiple ferry routes.

Bus

The best way to get to Seattle by bus is to take Greyhound. Greyhound has many locations throughout the United States and has a station located in downtown Seattle.

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