24 Hours in Seattle: Exploring the Emerald City

  • 9:00AM: Pike Place Market
    10 minutes from downtown Seattle

    Start your day off at the iconic Pike Place Market, Seattle’s oldest farmer’s market. This bustling market is home to local merchants selling fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Catch a glimpse of the famous fish throwing and enjoy a coffee at the original Starbucks located across the street.

  • 11:00AM: Space Needle
    4 minutes (1.1 miles) from Pike Place Market

    No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the Space Needle. This iconic landmark provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. Take a ride up to the observation deck and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Rainier and Elliot Bay.

  • 1:00PM: Lunch at Paseo Caribbean
    10 minutes (3.3 miles) from Space Needle

    Grab a bite to eat at Paseo Caribbean, a local favorite for its delicious Caribbean-inspired sandwiches. Choose from pork, chicken, or tofu options and enjoy a flavorful lunch in a cozy atmosphere.

  • 2:30PM: Chihuly Garden and Glass
    10 minutes (1.4 miles) from Paseo Caribbean

    Explore the stunning glass artwork of Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. This indoor and outdoor exhibit features stunning glass sculptures and installations, as well as a beautiful garden to wander through.

  • 4:00PM: Seattle Waterfront
    10 minutes (1.5 miles) from Chihuly Garden and Glass

    End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Seattle Waterfront. Take in the views of the Puget Sound, browse the shops and art galleries, and snap a photo at the giant “Seattle” sign.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Pike Place Market (2 hours, free)
  • Space Needle (2 hours, $34 per person)
  • Paseo Caribbean (1.5 hours, $15 per person)
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass (1.5 hours, $32 per person)
  • Seattle Waterfront (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $114 per person

Transportation:

Seattle has a great public transportation system including buses and light rail, which are a convenient option to move around the city. A day pass for Metro Transit is $8 per person or use your smartphone with the Transit GO Ticket app. Taxis and ride-share services are also available throughout the city.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider visiting the Museum of Pop Culture or taking a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for the day. If you have less time, prioritize visiting Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, as they are two of the city's most popular attractions. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Airports:

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located 14 miles south of downtown Seattle. The airport code is SEA and it is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Plan for a 30-minute drive to downtown Seattle, though it may take longer during rush hour traffic.

0