Start your trip by exploring the Seattle City Center. The iconic Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass are the main attraction here. The Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the city from 520 feet above sea level. The Chihuly Garden and Glass is an indoor-outdoor museum showcasing the glass artworks of Dale Chihuly. End your day with a meal at The Pink Door, an excellent Italian restaurant.
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmer's markets in the country, featuring over 200 shops, farmers stands, and unique vendors. Make sure to catch the famous fish tossing at the Pike Place Fish Market. Afterward, visit Pioneer Square, the historic heart of Seattle. Take an Underground Tour, which takes you through the city's underground passages, and learn about the city's colorful past. Head to the Il Corvo Pasta Shop for lunch, where you can have delicious handmade pasta dishes.
Start your day at the Museum of Pop Culture, a fascinating museum showcasing contemporary popular culture and music. After that, visit the Chihuly Gardens and Glass, where you can enjoy the artworks of Dale Chihuly. End your day at the Frye Museum, which features the collections of Nordstrom family and contemporary art collections. Try the fantastic Ethiopian food at Injera restaurant on Madison Street.
Take a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, where you can hike through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Take a scenic drive, explore the wildflower meadows and snow-capped peaks, and see the magnificent glaciers. You can find plenty of trails for all skill levels.
Start your day at Pier 57 on the Seattle Waterfront. The Seattle Great Wheel, an iconic ferris wheel, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea. After that, explore some of the city's museums, such as the Seattle Aquarium and the Museum of Flight. In the afternoon, go to Ballard, a neighborhood known for art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants. Eat at The Walrus and the Carpenter, an oyster bar featuring seasonal seafood.
Seattle is known for coffee, so start your day at the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market. After that, take a brewery tour and taste some of the city's famous craft beer at Pike Brewing. In the evening, head to the Smith Tower, once the tallest building in Seattle, for panoramic city views and delicious cocktails. Say farewell to this beautiful city at the Metropolitan Grill, a classic steakhouse.
Seattle is a walkable city, and most of the suggested places are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can easily navigate the city by public transit, such as the Seattle monorail or metro buses. For a day trip to Mount Rainier, rental cars are readily available. Taxis and rideshare options are also available but may be slightly more expensive than public transit.
If you have an extra day, take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, a charming town with beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and beaches. If you have more time, add the Seattle Art Museum, the Woodland Park Zoo, or the Microsoft Visitor Center to your itinerary. Visitors with less time could skip the museums and spend more time exploring the city's lively neighborhoods.
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, commonly known as Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), is the main airport serving the Seattle area. It's located 14 miles south of downtown Seattle, and visitors can easily travel to and from the airport by light rail, taxi, or rental car.