How to Spend One Day in Seattle, Washington:
What to Do, See, and Eat in the Emerald City!
Welcome to Seattle, Washington! Affectionately known as the Emerald City, Seattle is a vibrant mix of stunning natural beauty and urban charm, making it an ideal destination for a one-day adventure. Nestled between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, Seattle offers breathtaking waterfront views, a dynamic food scene, and iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. For first-time visitors, the city’s walkability, efficient public transit, and abundance of coffee shops make exploring a breeze, rain or shine. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood, taking in panoramic cityscapes, or discovering the unique quirks of its neighborhoods, Seattle promises a day filled with memorable experiences. Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary to make the most of your time in this Pacific Northwest gem!
⬇️ Check out our “One Day in Seattle” travel vlog for a closer look at our time! ⬇️
⬇️ Book your Seattle tours, tickets, and experiences with GetYourGuide! ⬇️
⬇️ Wondering where to stay in Seattle? Here are our recommendations ⬇️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four Seasons
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fairmont Olympic Hotel
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Ändra (where we stayed)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Inn at the Market
Or use the map below to find the perfect stay for you...
8:15 AM - Start your day with coffee at Storyville Coffee
Address: 94 Pike St Top floor Suite 34
It’s no secret that Seattle has an incredibly rich coffee culture and has become a haven for coffee lovers, I mean… it is the birthplace of Starbucks after all! But if you want a real taste of the Seattle coffee scene, you need to visit one of the many local, independently owned shops. One of our top recommendations is Storyville Coffee which has been caffeinating the Seattle area since 2006 and has been a staple at Pike Place Market since 2013!
Other options:
▪️ Anchorhead Coffee (2003 Western Ave STE 110A)
▪️ Monorail Espresso (510 Pike St)
▪️ Ghost Alley Espresso (1499 Post Alley)
8:30 AM - Explore the flavors of Pike Place Market
Address: 86 Pike St
While you could certainly get a tasty breakfast at most any cafe around the city, we recommend sampling your way through Pike Place Market as you wander through and take in the sights. Be sure to stop by to see the famous fish throwers, snap a photo at the first-ever Starbucks, and explore the market's unique shops, local crafts, and vibrant flower stalls.
Notable Stops:
▪️ Piroshky Piroshky* ▪️ Aditi Chai*
▪️ Honest Biscuits ▪️ Maíz
▪️ Cinnamon Works* ▪️ BagelBop
▪️ Le Panier ▪️ Daily Dozen Doughnut Co.*
▪️Rachel's Ginger Beer* ▪️ Los Agaves
▪️ The Crumpet Shop ▪️ Freya Bakery & Cafe
▪️ Pike Place Chowder* ▪️ First Starbucks*
▪️Sisters European Cafe ▪️ Three Girls Bakery
▪️ Beecher’s* ▪️ Gum Wall*
* = Place we’ve personally visited and recommend
11:00 AM - Take a Seattle Underground Tour
Address: 102 Cherry Street
Perfect for history buffs and anyone seeking an offbeat adventure, Bill Speidel's Underground Tour is a fascinating journey beneath the city's streets, exploring the hidden remnants of Seattle's original downtown from the 1890s. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 75-minute walking tour dives into the intriguing history of how the city rebuilt itself after the Great Fire of 1889, creating the unique underground passageways you’ll wander through on the tour. To ensure that you don’t miss out on this experience, we highly recommend booking your tickets in advance as tours regularly sell out. Click HERE to buy your tickets!
12:30 PM - Lunch at Ivar’s Acres of Clams
Address: 1001 Alaskan Wy Ste. 102
Located on the waterfront at Pier 54, Ivar’s Acres of Clams is a beloved Seattle institution! Established in 1938 by Ivar Haglund, a charismatic folk singer turned restaurateur, it started as Seattle's first aquarium and a small fish and chips stand. Over time, it evolved into a full-service seafood restaurant, renowned for its classic clam chowder, fresh seafood, and stunning views of Elliott Bay. Today, it’s still famous for those delicious dishes! Add to it the quirky maritime charm and a legacy of local pride, and Ivar’s is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of authentic Pacific Northwest flavors.
Other options:
▪️ Beecher's Handmade Cheese (1600 Pike Pl)
▪️ Pike Place Chowder (1530 Post Alley)
▪️ Lola (2000 B 4th Ave)
2:15 PM - Ascend the Space Needle
Address: 400 Broad St
Soaring 605 feet above the city and offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle is without a doubt Seattle’s most iconic landmark. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it symbolizes innovation and modernity, featuring a futuristic design inspired by the era's Space Age aspirations. Today, any visit to Seattle isn’t complete without at least laying eyes on it, and for first-timers, taking the elevator up to the top is a must! There, you’ll find an outdoor observation deck and The Loupe Lounge featuring the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. With the Space Needle being such a popular tourist attraction, you’ll want to book your tickets in advance to skip the lines and ensure that you get the time slot that works best for you. Click HERE to buy your tickets!
3:45 PM - Stroll Through Chihuly Garden and Glass
Address: 305 Harrison St
Located right next to the Space Needle you’ll find Chihuly Garden and Glass which is a stunning showcase of the vibrant, larger-than-life glass art created by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The immersive exhibit features eight indoor galleries, a whimsical garden, and the iconic Glasshouse, where a 100-foot-long sculpture in hues of red, orange, and yellow hangs dramatically against the backdrop of the Space Needle. If it’s your first time visiting, plan at least an hour and a half to explore the exhibit thoroughly, and don’t miss the gift shop, which features exclusive art and keepsakes! We recommend booking the combo ticket which gives you access to Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Space Needle! But if you prefer to skip the Space Needle and spend more time at Chihuly Garden and Glass, you can purchase those tickets HERE.
5:30 PM - Freshen up and unwind at Hotel Ändra
Address: 2000 4th Ave
We stayed in hotels for more than 90 nights in 2024 and our stay at Hotel Ändra ranks at the top of that hotel list! This boutique hotel located in Seattle’s bustling Central Business District blends modern Scandinavian design with Pacific Northwest warmth. It is Housed in a 1926 building and offers a welcoming atmosphere with sleek interiors, cozy textures, and personalized service. Its central location places guests within walking distance of iconic attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront. Add to all of that the award-winning, on-site dining at the Lola and you’ve got the recipe for an incredibly memorable stay for all the right reasons! Book your stay HERE!
7:00 PM - Take a Harbor Cruise
Address: 1101 Alaskan Wy Pier 55, #201
After a quick refresh, head to Pier 55 and hop on an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour! This 1-hour narrated cruise is a quintessential Seattle experience that offers fantastic views of the Seattle skyline, waterfront, and surrounding mountains! In addition to the beautiful views, you’ll hear fascinating stories about Seattle’s history, culture, and landmarks from the expert guides. As with any popular attraction/experience, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance, and you can do that HERE!
8:15 PM - Dinner at Elliott’s Oyster House
Address: 1201 Alaskan Wy Ste 100
Located on Seattle’s waterfront at Pier 56, Elliott’s Oyster House is a seafood lover’s paradise. This iconic restaurant is known for its impressive selection of fresh, sustainably sourced oysters, and has been a local favorite since 1975. With a focus on Pacific Northwest flavors, the menu features seasonal seafood dishes, house-made chowders, and expertly crafted cocktails, all served with sweeping views of Elliott Bay. If it’s your first time at Elliott’s, you should definitely try the signature oyster sampler, which showcases a variety of local oyster varieties! And if you’re more fortunate with us and get nice weather, the restaurant’s outdoor patio is perfect for waterfront dining. We were truly impressed by Elliott’s, and our dinner here remains one of the most memorable dining experiences we had in all of our travels. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours. Book your table HERE!
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your time in Seattle, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel content!
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