A few months after we booked our Alaskan cruise, we were beginning the process of booking our flights and figuring out how we were going to get ten people halfway across the country. In the middle of this planning, my Mom called and said, “What do you think of spending one day in Seattle before going to Vancouver?”
Before I knew it, a vision of flying fish flew through my head and whiffs of freshly brewed coffee filled my nose. Of course, I wanted to visit Seattle! When else would we get the chance? We re-routed our flights and within a few days, we had a trip to the Emerald City planned.
Post-Seattle, I am happy to report that I am so glad we tacked this extra trip on to the whole. Seattle is one of those cities that isn’t necessarily something you can absorb in movies or via pictures; you have to experience Seattle to really understand it. After only a few hours, you can understand immediately why so many tech companies chose to anchor in the town; it has a hip, fresh vibe that you can’t find anywhere else.
I am also here post-trip to say: You only need one day in Seattle. It’s the kind of city that is easily conquerable, and with a full day, you’ll be able to accomplish everything on your list. And this post will tell you everything you need to know to plan your day, from transportation options, places to visit and where to eat.
Let’s get started.
What This Post Covers:
Why Do You Only Need One Day in Seattle?
You Can Do Everything in 24 Hours
Some may say, “There’s plenty to do in Seattle!” “Seattle is packed full of restaurants and museums! You can’t do them all in one day!” “There are too many places to eat. You need multiple days to try them all!”
While I agree that there is plenty to do for someone who lives in Seattle, there’s not much to do as a tourist. When someone is in town to see the sites, the list can be very short:
- Pike’s Place, which you will probably only visit for an hour or so.
- The Space Needle. I don’t actually recommend going up in the Space Needle, maybe just finding time to see it up close and take a few photos, so that will free a few hours in your day!
- A museum or two. None of which will take more than a few hours.
- Take a tour, like one of Amazon Headquarters, or maybe a hike, such as up to Kerry Park or on the outskirts of the city.
And, largely, that’s it. If you budget your time wisely, you can fit all there is to do in Seattle into one day. In less than 24 hours, we were able to do everything above AND make a day trip to Bainbridge Island. That’s why I recommend making a one-day trip to Seattle part of a larger trip, rather than focusing on it as a stand-alone destination. (And this gives you a great excuse to travel somewhere else, which is a win-win in my book).
There’s More to Seattle Than Seattle
Seattle is a great one-day destination – but it’s also a great hub for other trips. Seattle is one of those cities that is in the near-about middle of nowhere (or at least the middle of everywhere in the Pacific Northwest). There are plenty of locations to travel to from Seattle, making it a great place to jumpstart (or finish) a longer, larger trip, rather than spending days in the city itself. Conversely, you can also use Seattle as a base while you travel on small day trips in and out of the city, so you can really get to know the area.
A few areas that are easily accessible from Seattle:
- Bainbridge Island (read more about our afternoon at Bainbridge)
- Mt. Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Puget Sound (which is a great area for whale watching, especially in the summer)
- Hiking – such as Snoqualmie Falls or Discovery Park (Seattle Curbed has a rather exhaustive list covering many of the hiking locations around the PNW).
If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then something else to consider is taking a train from Seattle and heading north to Canada. It only takes a few hours and to get to cities like Vancouver or Victoria, B.C. Fare prices are not very expensive and while you’re traveling you get a great view of the bay. (We took the Amtrak Cascades to Vancouver and I highly recommend it!)
Now that you know all of your options, whether you spent one day in Seattle or use your time to explore the area, let’s get on to planning!
Know Before You Go
As you plan your one day in Seattle, here are some basic tips and tricks about getting in, out and around the city. While we only spent a day there, my sister and I did extensive research – and I am here to impart that wisdom on you so you can spend your free time planning the other parts of your trip to the PNW.
When You Should Visit Seattle / Seattle Weather
When to Visit – If you are planning a trip anytime between the months of September to May, I have bad news for you: it’s probably going to rain. If you’ve seen Sleepless in Seattle, you already know that it rains in Seattle. A lot. (And if you haven’t seen it, then I recommend you go and watch before continuing this post. I’ll wait…) So, if you can choose a time to visit Seattle, then I recommend trying to visit in the summer months. Luckily for us who live in swampy states (Virginia residents, raise your hands 🙋🏻♀️), Seattle can be humid, but not muggy. So, don’t shy away from summertime! However, I would also note that the summer months are crowded in Seattle (as they are in any other city). If you can plan ahead, do so, because hotel and flight prices go up quickly in the summer.
Seattle Weather – Seattle can be rainy. I said it above and I’ll say it again. So, make sure to plan ahead and bring a portable umbrella no matter what time of year you go and be prepared to duck inside or step under an awning if you see clouds.
However, don’t worry too much about rain ruining your plans. Every time I asked Seattle residents about rain they always said, “You just have to wait ten minutes when it rains – it will stop soon!” So, don’t be discouraged by the rainy season. Heck, we packed two umbrellas in the backpack David and I were carrying around during the day (David even lugged one around in his pocket at one point) and we only got a drizzle in the morning, and even then, it was only for about twenty minutes. Rain should not be a deterrent for your time in Seattle; if it does start raining, head to the nearest bar, grab a beer and wait it out! You’ll be back to exploring in no time.
Seattle Transportation
SEA-TAC to Seattle – Take a look at a map of Seattle and you’ll see that it is a very long city. And the tourist part is towards the top, while the airport is at the bottom, past the outskirts of the city. You have a few options to get from the airport into town.
Your first, and easiest option, is to take an Uber/Lyft from the airport. However, the ride is a long one, and it will probably cost you around $40 (without any potential surge pricing).
Therefore, I recommend taking the city’s light rail. It originates at the airport (there’s a platform that is located right on airport property) and you can take the light rail right to downtown. The fare is rather inexpensive, ranging no more than $3 per person, per ride. This is also another good option to get around the larger Seattle area if you plan on traveling around the area. Note that this option will take a while, as the trip from the airport to downtown takes about 45 minutes on the light rail.
If you’re headed right to the Space Needle from the airport, you’ll then need to take another ride on the monorail. It’s a one-stop wonder that was built in 1962 when the World’s Fair was held in Seattle. After about a five-minute ride, you will be let off right next to the Space Needle itself.
Seattle Transportation Options
Once you’re in Seattle, you won’t be hurting for options to get you around the city. As I said, Seattle is a long, long city, especially if you’re leaving the tourist area. You probably won’t be able to walk a majority of it, so plan to have a transportation option at the ready for when your feet start hurting and/or you want to go to another part of town.
- Walking – Seattle is a great walking city. When we were there, we walked from the Space Needle, down to Pike’s Place Market and then to the waterfront (and then around Bainbridge Island) before needing a rest. It was the easiest way to get around and allowed us to see a lot of the city as we walked. I highly recommend that you walk between locations, and only rely on transportation when your feet get tired!
- Link Light Rail – The main city-funded transport option. As I said above, this is a great way to get around both Seattle and the surrounding areas for pretty cheap. Since the light rail covers a lot of ground, this is a great option for getting around the whole of Seattle, but maybe not if you are just looking to travel a few blocks.
- Monorail – If only for the experience, I would recommend trying to find some time on the monorail. It’s a good way to get from the light rail to the Space Needle (or vice versa) and it has beautiful views. At one point you turn the corner and see an absolutely beautiful view of the Space Needle and at another, you go through the Museum of Pop Culture. While I can’t verify if the cars are original or not, they are still at the very least in the same style as they were when the monorail was built, making the experience that much more authentic.
- Uber/Lyft/Other Rideshare – Rideshare options abound throughout Seattle! Open your app and you’ll see dozens of little cars all around you. I highly recommend this when you’re trying to go a few blocks over or get somewhere quickly. The only thing to be aware of before ordering is to think of how far away your destination is. If you’re trying to traverse to somewhere far away (i.e. going across town or out to the suburbs), then rides can get expensive, especially during surge periods. Consider the Link if you’re trying to go long distances!
- Lime – If the scooters haven’t already appeared in your town yet, then make sure to download the Lime app before you travel to Seattle. This will give you many alternative options to transportation, such as access to scooters, bikes (and even rental cars!) Using Lime is easy – you just scan the QR code on the scooter or bike and it allows you to rent it by the minute. No need to return it to a bay or anything when you’re done – you just mark in your app that you have finished your ride and the scooter or bike turns off! They’re electric, so this is a great option if you want to get off your feet and go somewhere nearby for cheap. You can even find nearby transportation in the app, so you if you’re looking for something you can see how close it is. Lime can be a great cheap alternative to get around quickly.
- Renting a Car – I wouldn’t recommend renting a car when going around Seattle, but it is certainly an option. As I said, the city is long and there may be traffic during the week when people are getting to work. With so many transportation options that are all relatively cheap, you should try to rely on public transportation when in Seattle. However, there are options for renting a car; and if you find yourself in the city wishing you had a car for a few hours, then you can get one through an app such as Lime.
- Ferries – Ferries are a very specific type of transportation but are definitely an option when you’re looking to go across the water. But if you have the chance to go on a ferry, do it! It’s a great way to not only get around but get a beautiful, faraway view of the city.
- Waterfront Shuttle – During the summer, Seattle runs a waterfront shuttle that is completely free. The shuttle runs from the waterfront next to Pike’s Place Market back up to the Space Needle. The one downside is that it can be very slow, but it’s an inexpensive option if you have some extra time. However, check before you travel that it is running, as the hours of operation can change based on what is happening in town.
Where to Stay in Seattle
Space Needle – In my opinion, the best place to stay for one day in Seattle is near the Space Needle. This is right in the center of the tourist section of town, and because it’s central to many of the locations you’ll be visiting during your day in Seattle, it allows you to easily walk to each spot. However, because of its central location, this can also be an expensive part of town, so try to book early to avoid any price surges.
Waterfront –If you find that the Space Needle is too far out of your budget, another close-to-tourist-spots location is near the Waterfront. Located behind Pike’s Place Market, this is a great location filled with plenty to do. It’s also an easy spot to pick up the Shuttle or other transportation (see above), so this is also another good location if you don’t plan on or want to walk around the whole of the city to see everything.
Other Neighborhoods in Seattle – Seattle is a large city with many different diverse neighborhoods. The above two locations are where I recommend if you are spending one day in Seattle, making sure that you can access tourist locations easily. But, because I am not by any means a location expert when it comes to Seattle, I want to recommend The Crazy Tourist’s Seattle Neighborhood Guide if you are trying to find lodging in a different neighborhood in town.
Ticketing in Seattle
When in Seattle, ticketing is done separately at most attractions, so you will have to reach out to each location to purchase. However, my biggest recommendation when buying tickets is to buy them as early as possible, as tickets sell out for some locations, such as a sports game and especially the Amazon Headquarters tour. Therefore, as with all of my other one day in Seattle advice, I recommend highly that you look in to and purchase tickets before you hop on a plane towards the Emerald City. If you don’t want to purchase a bundle for tickets, such as the Seattle City Pass, then I recommend looking into each attraction individually.
If you’re looking to do something different in Seattle, rather than just the typical tourist attractions, or maybe find a bundle of a different set of attractions, I always recommend Viator. They have great alternative ticket bundles, as well as some interesting tours that you maybe hadn’t thought of before planning your trip (like a day trip or a food tour).
Seattle City Pass – Another option when looking into ticketing is the Seattle City Pass. This pass allows you to go into five different Seattle locations for one price. It can save you a little money, but only if you think you’ll attend all five attractions. I don’t recommend all five attractions, but it may be an option for someone, and I wanted to put it out there in case.
Now let’s get to the fun part – what you’re going to do during your one day in Seattle!
10 Things to Do During Your Day in Seattle
While there seems to be a few days’ worth of activities on this list, I recommend you pick what interests you the most. And if all of it interests you then I encourage you to find a way to fit it all into one day (which should be pretty easy!) I wrote a sample itinerary fitting most of these options into a one day visit at the bottom of this post.
1. Pike’s Place – I listed this place as number one because chances are, Pike’s Place Market is already on your bucket list. It’s a Seattle tradition! And, unlike the Space Needle, I actually recommend that you spend some time exploring this area. There’s a lot to do, plenty of food to taste and nooks and crannies to explore. Pike’s Place is more than what you have seen in the movies. Sample eat cheese curds at Beecher’s (literally – you get in a line and they let you sample fresh cheese curds. I could have stayed there all day, and David had to drag me out after the third helping).
Drink coffee from the very first Starbucks. Dodge flying fish while watching Pike Place Market fishmongers deliver their fish by throwing them. Try a Piroshki at Piroshki, Piroshki. Kiss Rachel the piggy bank. Buy some produce to eat while you’re walking around. Go “down under” to see the museum and discover more shops and restaurants. There’s plenty to do, experience and explore when at Pike’s Place. When we were there, we bought a pound of cherries from a vendor, and then spend the better part of our time exploring and looking around while munching our food. Budget at least an hour for this location, but don’t expect to spend all day.
PRO TIP: Visit the market in the morning. It opens at 9 a.m., but it doesn’t begin to fill with tourists until mid-morning, with the busiest time of day being lunchtime. When we visited around 9:30, we had no problem moving around; but when we left around 10:45 a.m., it was starting to be unbelievably packed. Make this your first stop so you can enjoy the Market’s emptiness!
2. The Gum Wall – When you’re done with Pike’s Place, head back to the fishmongers, turn left (like you’re heading away from the market) and walk down the stairs. No, you’re not going to visit the troll under the bridge (though there is one down the street if that’s what you’re looking for). You’re here to visit the Gum Wall. The name is misleading, however, as it’s more than a wall – this section of Seattle consists of a corridor full of Already Been Chewed (ABC) gum stacked one on top of the other. It’s a fun place to check out as you’re leaving Pike’s Place where you can grab a selfie, and maybe also leave some gum of your own.
3. Museums – While personally, I am not someone that finds joy in spending time in a museum, I think that there are a lot of options if you do! Especially if there is a certain topic you want to learn more about. Museums are also a great way to kill any free time you may find yourself with, or if there is bad weather in the forecast. Here are my top recommendations for Seattle:
- Museum of Pop Culture – As a big pop culture fan, I had planned on visiting MoPOP during our trip. However, during our trip, the main exhibitions included Prince, Nirvana, and Hendrix. As someone who prefers show tunes over Seattle’s finest, I immediately crossed this stop off my list. Therefore, my biggest piece of advice for this museum is to look at what exhibitions will be in the museum when you’re visiting. It’s not a museum that is only pop culture and nothing else. And with a $30/ticket admission price, it’s worth it to make sure that you are going to fully enjoy the exhibits before visiting.
- Museum of Flight – Fun fact: I have a family full of engineers. My Dad’s an engineer, my husband is an engineer, and both of my twin brothers are engineers. And when my Dad, husband, and brother went to the Museum of Flight, all they could do was rave at what a great time they had. The museum had a wide range of exhibits, from air to space, providing plenty of enjoyment for those who enjoy flight 🛫
- Seattle Art Museum – Located in downtown Seattle, the SAM is a 25,000-piece museum that is chock full of displays for art lovers. The museum contains not only a wide variety of pieces from many different areas but is also home to the Olympic Sculpture Park. The museum also offers free entry every Thursday, so plan accordingly.
- Chihuly Gardens – Chances are that if you like glasswork, you have already heard of the gardens. The Chihuly Gardens is a three-exhibit museum showcasing the work of world-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly. This is a great option for anyone who enjoys not only glasswork but also gardens and landscaping. Since it’s located right next door, there’s also a Space Needle observation deck inside the museum.
4. Tour Amazon’s Headquarters – If you’re anything like me, you have dozens of Amazon boxes lining your porch at any given time. And that’s why I highly recommend spending some time at the mecca. As soon as I realized that touring Amazon Headquarters was an option for our trip (maybe four or five months before we headed to Seattle), I looked into tickets and all tours for the day we would be in Seattle were already full! I signed up for a waitlist but never heard back. The tour itself sounded fabulous – you not only get to see the campus but also get a chance to explore the world-famous spheres. If this interests you, book early, as my story is proof that the tour can fill up.
5. Watch a Game – There are six major professional teams in Seattle, with the most famous including the Seahawks, Sounders and the Mariners. Depending on what time of year you visit, or what type of sports you are interested in, this is a great option to spend an afternoon or evening. Our family enjoys baseball, and we would have certainly found ourselves at a Mariner’s game, but unfortunately, we visited when the team was playing an away game. If we ever get back to Seattle, this or a Seahawks game will certainly be a must-do for me!
6. Coffee – Before you even clicked on this post, I can bet that you knew that Seattle is world-renowned for its coffee. And if you’re someone that enjoys coffee, then exploring Seattle’s roasteries may have a great day for you. Seattle is home to more than just Starbucks; the city also houses Tully’s Coffee, Espresso Vivacé, Lighthouse Roasters and Peet’s. If you’re a big fan of coffee, make a day out of it, try both the roasteries and the coffeehouses and follow the map listed further below this post. I have listed the most famous coffee houses in the city; use this as a beginning and make a (highly caffeinated) day out of it. Note: The Starbucks in Pike’s Place is just that: a Starbucks. If you want a *real* Starbucks, maybe try the reserve roastery down the street.
7. Hiking – Being located so close to so many mountain ranges, Seattle has many brilliant hiking opportunities. Kerry Park is the closest of them all, located right in the city (you near-about climb a straight-up road to the top; however, the view is worth the climb!) There’s more than just hiking in the city – there are many day trips that include hiking; you can read more about hiking day trip options on Switchback Travel.
8. Day Trips – In addition to hiking, there are dozens of day trips you can take out of Seattle itself. Canada is only an hour or two by car or train; you can also take a whale watching tour, a food tour (see below), trips to Bainbridge Island, Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Park, etc. Another idea is to find the Washington State Kite Festival if you are in town in August – learn more about the festival on Town and Tourist. There are many options if you’re looking to get away from Seattle for the day. As I said above, I highly recommend Viator if you’re looking to find a day trip around or near Seattle; they always have great ideas that you probably wouldn’t think of on your own.
9. Alcohol – Seattle is chock-full of options if you’re looking to drink while in town. I detail exactly the best places to grab a beer or a cocktail while in Seattle below, but I highly recommend you build some time in to try some local brews. Beer brewed in Seattle, such as Elysium brewing, is unique and is worth taking at least some of your one day in Seattle to try.
10. Food tour – When we were in Pike’s Place Market, I kept being passed by groups being led by people holding long sticks with a ribbon on the end. I followed a few and realized that there were many food tours walking through the market. All of them sounded interesting, and if I were to go back to spend one day in Seattle, this would be one of the first things I would book. Seattle food tours take you further than just Pike’s Place Market; you can take tours that encompass all of Seattle, including booze and chocolate tours, giving you an excuse to see all of Seattle while also eating your way through town.
Note What I Didn’t Include – The Space Needle
That’s right – I didn’t include the Space Needle in my list of things for you to do. I spent a LOT of time researching the price, return on investment and experience you get when you go up in the Space Needle. And, personally, I didn’t find that it was worth the time, money or the effort.
And if you’re like, “But Sarah! The Space Needle is an iconic Seattle institution!” Yup, I totally agree with you. And I appreciate how iconic the needle has become and what it means for the city. But just because I appreciate it, doesn’t mean that I have to go inside of it. Funny enough, I asked three of our four Uber drivers when in the city what they thought about the Space Needle (I have found that Uber drivers can usually be spot-on when it comes to recommendations in new cities when you’re traveling). ALL of them answered that they had been inside, but never thought it was worth it. So, save your pennies (maybe spend them on a beer) and appreciate the Space Needle from the outside instead.
Where to Eat During Your Day in Seattle
Breakfast – I’m not recommending anywhere else to eat for breakfast other than Biscuit Bitch. Don’t let the name fool you, this is a place full of charm, and well, biscuits. I had read a few different times that this was the best choice, but at soon as I had one bite, I knew that they were way better than what could be encompassed in a review. And don’t worry – there are multiple locations in the city, so no matter where you’re staying, you can start your day off with a biscuit. Don’t worry about the hype – I highly recommend you start your day with this institution because you won’t regret it as soon as you have a Bitchwitch in your mouth.
Coffee – Make sure to get some classic Seattle coffee in your day, no matter where you choose to go. See below for my recommendations on both roasteries and coffeehouses. No matter where you choose, there are many reasons to try a few places and coffee types.
Lunch – For lunch, I would recommend more than anything finding something on your own. For example, we had a few “Seattle” dogs from a stand on the Waterfront – a hot dog topped with cream cheese and onion is only good when eaten at lunch 😉 I would truly recommend going with whatever foods you want to try for lunch – whether that includes food from a stand at Pike’s Place Market, a Seattle dog or any other options that you may come across while you explore the city.
Dinner – Anyway you cut it, The Pink Door is literally one of the best restaurants in Seattle. Seriously, try to do a food search and see if you don’t see it pop up in the results. You can try…I’ll wait. See? The Pink Door is where you should eat dinner. When we were there, it was a little out of budget for my family. However, it would be the first place I would try if I went back. So when you do eat there, comment below and let me know what you think.
Additional Recommendations
- Seafood – Ivar’s – Located on the waterfront, Ivar’s is a Seattle institution. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat, either sit down in the restaurant or on the go from their stand outside. And don’t miss out on their clam chowder 😋 but if you sit outside, make sure to save a French fry to share with the seagulls!
- Food on a Budget – Dick’s Drive-In – When I asked David to describe our experience at Dick’s Drive-In he said, “It was as classy as Burger King but probably the best three-dollar burger I have ever had.” And, while that is a crass way of putting it, I would have to agree with that assessment. The food was good, but also greasy and cheap. If you’re looking to save money (or to grab a bite after a few beers), this is the place to go. With seven locations in Seattle alone, you won’t be hard-pressed to find one nearby.
- Bakery – Piroshky, Piroshky – Bread. Who doesn’t love bread? No one, that’s who. And that’s why a stop at the bakery Piroshky, Piroshky is highly recommended while in Seattle. Located right across the street from Pike’s Place Market, there are dozens of different types of bread that you must try while here. Don’t be discouraged by the long line – it moves quickly and it’s totally worth it to try the cinnamon bun!
- Cheese – Beecher’s – Think about the last time you had homemade cheese. If you can’t remember when that was, then you have to find some time to visit Beecher’s. Also located in Pike’s Place Market, this place makes handmade cheese (you can even watch them making it in the window). From cheese curds to “classic” cheese to cheese pairings and cheese sandwiches, there are many different ways to try and eat cheese here. And since cheese makes everything better, this is definitely worth a stop during your trip.
Coffee
Imagine this: you’re sitting in a café, watching the rain outside and drinking a good cup of coffee. Very appealing, right? One of the reasons that Seattle has become famous for its coffee as both the climate is suitable for growing coffee, as well as drinking it. When Starbucks Coffee & Tea opened in the 1970s, it was a company ahead of its time, demanding higher standards for its coffee and creating gourmet brands.
The trend caught on around the city, with other coffeehouses such as The Last Exit and Allegro starting to serve the European drink of espresso. The trends began to grow, and the coffee scene caught on, booming with other big businesses like Seattle’s Best and Peet’s beginning to form. In the 40 years since the rise in this trend, Seattle coffee hasn’t slowed down. Thanks to this long and storied history, and rainy weather that makes you want a cup, Seattle remains the king of coffee.
If you’re a coffee fan, there are plenty of places to visit and try when you’re in town. I have listed the most “famous” shops and locations below, broken out by whether the location is a roastery (where the beans are brewed onsite) or a regular coffee shop. Use this map to plan out where you want to stop for a cup in between sightseeing!
Where to Drink During Your Day in Seattle
Seattle is one of those cities that you turn the corner and you run into another place to grab a drink. Here are some of the best places in the city to grab a drink:
Elysian Brewing – Located near the airport, Elysian Brewing is a nationally-distributed brewery. Known for its IPAs, the company brews dozens of beers throughout the year (including a great pumpkin beer if you’re in the area in the fall). David, my Dad, and my brother visited this location after they visited the Museum of Flight; they said that there wasn’t much to do other than grab a beer, so note that before you head all the way out to their location.
Pike Brewing Company – Located down the street from Pike’s Place Market (and next to the Seattle Art Museum), Pike Brewing Company is a great stop for those who want to grab a beer either before or after exploring the Market (I know I recommend going to the market at 9 a.m.; I don’t judge if you want to grab a beer that early! Ha.) This brewery offers not only beer, but also tours, food, and even a microbrewery museum, making it a great place to spend a few hours.
Fremont Brewing – Even though Fremont Brewing is located further uptown (meaning you might need to catch an Uber if you want to visit after a day of sightseeing), the trip is totally made worth it by the brewery’s huge urban beer garden. Grab a brew, pet all of the dogs, and enjoy a night of drinking outside.
Chateau Ste. Michelle – Chances are you have heard of the Chateau Saint Michelle winery. While you’ll have to head out of Seattle to visit this estate, it’s worth it to try some of the most popular wines in America. And it doesn’t hurt that the estate has more than wine to offer, including food tastings and weekly movie and concert series. If you find yourself visiting the Chateau, note that there are many other wineries in this area, so if you enjoy wine, make a day out of this trip!
Copperworks Distilling – Also located near Pike’s Place Market, Copperworks Distilling frequently wins awards for its spirits. Take a tour, grab a drink, and find out why their whiskey, gin, and vodka is so well-renowned.
Teku Tavern – We found Teku Tavern on a whim, and I highly recommend it for those who are looking to try more than a Seattle beer. They not only have beers on tap (and will gladly help you find something you’re looking for) but they also have at least a dozen refrigerators stocked to the gills with beers from all over the world. We were even able to find David’s favorite Germany beer, Andechs, which is made by monks in the German mountainside. That’s how specific their selection is!
A Sample One Day in Seattle Itinerary
Morning
Start your morning at one of three Biscuit Bitch locations (the closest one to all of Seattle’s attractions is in between the Space Needle and Pike’s Place Market, in a neighborhood called Belltown). Order a bitchwitch and sit outside, weather pending. Enjoy what is sure to be one of the best breakfast sandwiches you have ever tasted, before getting ready for your full day.
After breakfast, you can start making your way to Pike’s Place Market. If you’ve eaten at the Belltown Biscuit Bitch, you can easily walk from one location to the next. Now is also the perfect time to try some coffee, so you can either make your way to one of the locations listed above or save your caffeine intake for some Starbucks once you make it to Pike’s Place.
Ideally, you want to be at Pike’s Place at 9 a.m. or earlier. This will help you avoid the insane crowds that will begin piling up from mid-morning and last through lunch. If you want to grab some Starbucks, make sure the very first thing you do is get in line, as the wait time can be lengthy.
Once you have your coffee in hand, explore the Market. Take photos of the famous sign, kiss the pig, grab some cheese at Beeker’s, grab a roll at Piroshky, Piroshky and watch the fish fly. Explore the shops and talk to the stall owners – many of the stalls have been passed down over generations. Make sure to snack on whatever your heart desires – we grabbed Washington cherries and munched while we explored
(If you’re not full after this stop, then keep on eating. There’s so much good food at the Market, that you would be missing out if you didn’t eat your fill).
After exploring the Market, follow my directions above and head towards the Gum Wall. Take a few photos and make your own offering, before getting ready for your next stop.
Midmorning
After your trip to Pike’s Place, head to your next stop: either a museum or a tour. Amazon Headquarters tours happen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so getting an earlier time for this tour is ideal. This is also a good time to schedule a food tour if you’re so inclined. If you’re headed to a museum, make sure you already bought tickets beforehand so you can maximize your morning time. Your goal here is to be finished up wherever you go by early afternoon, leaving yourself the rest of the afternoon to explore.
For lunch, you’re on your own. If you’re not still full of your morning munching on everything at the Market, then I would recommend finding a restaurant close to you that you enjoy. Maybe try a Seattle dog, or grab a few more pastries at a coffee shop. No matter what you eat, make sure to keep it light, as there is still plenty of food coming your way.
Afternoon
The afternoon is when you’ll be burning off all of the calories you consumed throughout the morning. Once you’ve finished your lunch, now it’s time to either go on a day trip (I highly recommend taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island) or going on a hike. If you’re going on a hike, make sure you’ve packed the proper footwear, as there may not be a lot of time to go back to your hotel and change.
No matter which you choose, you’ll spend the afternoon walking around and exploring Seattle.
Once your afternoon exploring is over, now is the best time to head back to your hotel to take a nap (if you’re so inclined). You’ve done a lot of walking so far, and you still have plenty ahead of you. If you’re like me and you don’t enjoy naps (or maybe your hotel is too far away), now is the time to go grab another cup of coffee, get off your feet, and relax for a bit.
Dinnertime
After your nap or your cup of coffee, it’s time to head to dinner. Since you already made a reservation beforehand, you’ll head to The Pink Door for dinner. After you’ve had some amazing Italian food, you’ll then either head to a game (check beforehand to see if one of Seattle’s teams are in town) or you’ll grab a drink (or maybe even do both).
And no matter how you spent your day, you’ll want to finish the night off by heading to the Space Needle Park and taking in the view at night. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, go grab another drink to celebrate. Because you’ve successful explored Seattle in one day!
Would I Go Again?
Yes and no. To me, Seattle is a town that is like an add-on to a cruise – you either go before you head somewhere else, or you finish up a trip where you’re already in the vicinity. But I wouldn’t go out of my way to see Seattle again.
If I did find myself back in Seattle, I would do two things that I didn’t find time to do the first time around. However, before listing them, I would note that the only reason I didn’t do them was that neither were available when we visited. I think I could have easily fit them in. If I found myself back in Seattle, I would have dinner at The Pink Door and go to a Mariners game.
However, even typing that sentence, I’m not sure what else I would do during one day in Seattle. I feel that I have done a majority of the city, and dinner at a restaurant or seeing a baseball game would just be the cherry on the top. That’s why I am more than sure that you can fit everything you want to do in the city easily in one day.
Any Questions?
Hopefully, this extensive guide helped you understand how you want to spend your day in Seattle. But if you still have questions, feel free to ask away in the comments, and I will get back to you ASAP!
Want to see more of our day in Seattle? Take a look at my Instagram stories (under the aptly-named Seattle highlight). Did you see something you like? Or have you already been to Seattle? Were you able to do everything you wanted in one day? Make sure to comment below.
And don’t forget to save this post for later via the images below.
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