The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Seattle
Discover the Emerald City's coffee, culture, and coastline.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Seattle, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is a hub of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. As a tourist, you can explore famous landmarks such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, where fresh seafood and local artisanal vendors abound. Additionally, you can visit museums like the Museum of Pop Culture or take a leisurely stroll through one of the city's numerous parks, such as Discovery Park or Gas Works Park, to experience the lush greenspaces the city has to offer.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into Hotel Monaco, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle.
- Explore Pike Place Market, home to numerous vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal snacks and handmade crafts.
- Visit the original Starbucks, the first-ever location of the iconic coffee chain.
- Sample some delicious seafood at The Crab Pot, a local favorite.
- Take in the stunning view of the city and Elliott Bay from the top of the Space Needle.
- Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, just a short trip from Seattle.
- Explore the charming shops and boutiques of Winslow Way.
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, featuring works by local and regional artists.
- Go on a whale watching tour from Edmonds, a nearby town.
- Dine at Ray's Boathouse, famous for its fresh seafood and waterfront views.
- Visit the Seattle Art Museum, home to a vast collection of contemporary and historical art.
- Take a walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park, a stunning outdoor space featuring large-scale sculptures.
- Check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, showcasing the vibrant glass sculptures of artist Dale Chihuly.
- Have lunch at Salumi, a local deli known for its cured meats and sandwiches.
- Take a tour of the Seattle Great Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel overlooking Elliott Bay.
- Hike through the lush forests of Discovery Park, located in the heart of Seattle.
- Visit the Woodland Park Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals from around the world.
- Take a stroll through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, a historic engineering marvel.
- Visit the historic Fremont neighborhood, home to quirky public art installations and funky shops.
- Enjoy dinner at Tilth, a farm-to-table restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farms.
- Take a stroll through Capitol Hill, a trendy neighborhood filled with hip bars and coffee shops.
- Visit the Ballard neighborhood, home to numerous breweries and the iconic Ballard Locks.
- Explore the Columbia City neighborhood, a diverse area with ethnic eateries and boutique shops.
- Check out the University of Washington campus, home to beautiful architecture and stunning views of Lake Washington.
- End your trip with dinner at Canlis, an elegant restaurant known for its modern Northwest cuisine and stunning views of Seattle.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.