Seattle Travel Guide

1. Head to Pioneer Square

Once in the heart of the city, Pioneer Square is the site where the city’s founders first settled in 1852. History is all around with cobblestone streets and classic red brick buildings lining the 90-acre district. I highly recommend the underground tour. It provides a rich history into the early beginnings of Seattle.

2. Eat seafood at the Port of Seattle

Enjoy the beauty and cleanliness of the Port of Seattle at the Waterfront Park and the Bell Street Pier at Pier 66. It includes pavilions and restaurants which trace all the way along Elliott Bay almost until Pike Place Market. Bay Pavilion, in particular, is a cry back to the waterfront of yesteryear with original wooden design in place. Stop here to sample some great seafood.

3. Find music in Hing Hay Park

Visit the International District and go to Hing Hay Park, a district home to musical performances and cultural events or go to be a part of the atmosphere, chess players, and morning Tai-Chi are all a part of the park’s regular activities. Or perhaps do like the locals and find a karaoke bar (this will not be difficult) and a place to drink bubble tea! If you want to find out more about this Asian-American community then consider a trip to the Wing Luke Asian Museum.

4. See the sea life at the aquarium

Whilst on the topic of friendly, (not so) furry things, perhaps a trip to the Seattle Aquarium is also in order. Set amongst the backdrop of Seattle’s busy Waterfront area, here you can view inhabitants of Seattle’s Puget Sound as well as creatures from all over the world. Admission is $23 and it’s open daily from 9:30am-5pm.

5. Boeing Museum of Flight

If you like planes, this place is a must see. You’ll see planes through the ages and get a chance to see the original Boeing “factory.” You can see the original Air Force One too. Keep in mind this place is located out of the main part of the city. Admission is $21 and it’s open from 9am-5pm.

6. Watch boats at the Ballard Locks

The locks provide a link for boats between the Puget Sound and the Ship Canal. Locals and tourists alike watch the parade of boats pass through as the locks’ water levels are adjusted. I highly recommend the fish ladder which allows salmon to pass between the fresh and salt water. There are glass panels below the water line to watch the fish as they swim. It’s pretty cool.

7. Learn about the Gold Rush

The Klondike Gold Rush Museum offers an interesting look at one of the formative periods in North American history – the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1897, news of the gold discovery in the Canadian Yukon sent throngs of Seattle prospectors up north. This, in turn, brought many people to Seattle, who used it as a gateway to the north. Admission to the museum is free, and it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s open from 10am-5pm.

8. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture

This amazing Frank Gehry-designed building looks like a smashed guitar from the sky. Inside there are colorful exhibits that cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Nirvana, the Seahawks, and other local culture. Tickets are $28 ($19 for kids) but if you buy online, you’ll save $2.

9. Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room is like wonderland for coffee addicts, and seeing as how Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, you should probably check this place out. There are exclusive drinks here, and you’ll also find a coffee library and more. Learn about Starbucks’ various brewing methods while you’re visiting. Open daily from 7am-11pm.

10. Take a free boat ride

Seattle has a fun tradition: every Sunday, volunteers at the Center For Wooden Boats take people out on Lake Union for free. Boats generally set sail between 9am-3pm, and it’s a first come, first serve basis, so show up early!