Downtown Travel Guide

Discover the must-visit places, food and drink scene, itinerary, and transportation options in Downtown Seattle. Learn local culture and customs, health and safety precautions, and nearby destinations to visit.


Introduction to Downtown

Downtown is the bustling heart of Seattle, surrounded by Puget Sound and home to many of the city’s most iconic attractions. This neighborhood offers something for everyone, from shopping and dining to museums and outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Seattle.

List of Places to Visit in Downtown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Seattle is rich with history and culture, which is reflected in the numerous museums and historical sites located in Downtown:

  • The Museum of Flight: This museum is dedicated to aviation and aerospace history, featuring over 150 aircraft and spacecraft.
  • The Seattle Art Museum: This museum showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and historical art from around the world.
  • The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: This historic site is dedicated to the Gold Rush of 1897-1898, which brought fortune seekers to Alaska and the Yukon.
  • The Space Needle: A symbol of Seattle, this observation tower stands at 605 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Natural Attractions of Downtown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Seattle also offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors:

  • Pike Place Market: This iconic public market is a great place to shop for fresh produce and seafood, while taking in the sights and sounds of Seattle.
  • The Seattle Waterfront: This area offers stunning views of both the city and the water, and is home to restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Seattle Aquarium.
  • Elliott Bay Trail: This scenic trail offers views of the water and mountains, and is great for walking, jogging, or biking.
  • Alki Beach: Located across the bay from Downtown, this sandy beach offers a great place to relax and enjoy the sun while taking in views of Seattle’s skyline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Downtown

Downtown Seattle offers several hiking and biking routes, including:

  • Burke-Gilman Trail: This 27-mile trail starts in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood and ends in Kenmore.
  • Alki Trail: This 5.2-mile trail connects Alki Beach to Downtown Seattle, offering great views of the water and city along the way.
  • Myrtle Edwards Park: This park is a great place for a walk or bike ride, with views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Downtown: Activities and Tours

Seattle offers many unique activities and tours that are perfect for visitors:

  • The Underground Tour: This tour takes you beneath the streets of Pioneer Square to explore the city’s underground history.
  • Seattle Great Wheel: This giant Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the city from 175 feet in the air.
  • Argosy Cruises: These narrated boat tours offer a unique perspective of Seattle and its surrounding waterways.
  • Seattle Mariners Game: Take in America’s favorite pastime by visiting T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners.

Week-Long Itinerary for Downtown

Here is a suggested itinerary for a fun and diverse visit to Downtown Seattle:

Day Activity
1 Visit Pike Place Market, take the Underground Tour, and have dinner at The Pink Door
2 Visit the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Museum of Pop Culture
3 Explore Pioneer Square and take an Argosy Cruise
4 Shop Downtown’s retail district and visit the Seattle Aquarium
5 Hike or bike the Burke-Gilman Trail followed by a visit to The Museum of Flight
6 Visit the Seattle Art Museum and enjoy a meal at one of Seattle’s acclaimed restaurants
7 Explore the Seattle Waterfront and take a Seattle Mariners game at T-Mobile Park

Food and Drink Scene of Downtown

Seattle is known for its seafood and coffee, but there’s much more to try in Downtown!

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pike Place Chowder: located in Pike Place Market, this restaurant serves award-winning clam chowder and other seafood dishes.
  • The Crab Pot: This restaurant offers seafood in a unique way: everything is served in an oversized pot!
  • Biscuit Bitch: This restaurant is a local favorite for its delicious breakfast biscuits with unique toppings.

Local Beverages

  • Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room: This is Starbucks’ flagship location, offering immersive coffee experiences and a unique selection of drinks.
  • The Pike Brewing Company: This brewery offers a range of beers, pub food, and tours of its facilities.
  • DeLaurenti Food & Wine: This specialty food store offers an extensive selection of wine and beer from around the world.

Where to Stay in Downtown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Downtown Seattle offers a wide range of lodging options. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Fairmont Olympic Hotel: This luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a fitness center, and a delectable restaurant.
  • Ace Hotel: This boutique hotel features retro decor and minimalist rooms, with an affordable price tag.
  • Hostelling International Seattle: This hostel offers comfortable dorms and private rooms, as well as a spacious common area with games and free breakfast.

What to Buy in Downtown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Seattle offers many unique souvenirs and locally made products to bring home:

  • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Famous for their mac and cheese, this artisan cheese shop also offers a variety of cheeses made on-site.
  • Fran’s Chocolates: This local chocolate factory offers a variety of sweet treats, including salted caramels and truffles.
  • Ebbets Field Flannels: This shop offers vintage-style sports apparel and accessories, perfect for sports fans.

Local Culture and Customs of Downtown

Seattle is known for its laid-back and friendly culture. Visitors should keep in mind a few local customs:

  • Bring your own reusable bags when shopping, as Seattle has banned the use of plastic bags.
  • Be prepared for the weather: Seattle is known for its rain, so make sure to bring appropriate clothes and accessories.
  • Respect the environment: Seattle is passionate about sustainability, so make sure to properly dispose of waste and recycle where possible.

Best Time to Visit Downtown

Seattle gets most of its rain from October to May, so the best time to visit is during the summer months, when temperatures are mild and the skies are clear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Downtown

Do:

  • Take advantage of public transportation: Seattle offers a convenient light rail system that can easily take you around the city.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors: Many of Downtown’s attractions are outdoors, so bring comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.
  • Experience Seattle’s coffee culture: Coffee shops can be found on every street corner, so make sure to indulge in a cup of Joe.

Don’t:

  • Forget to tip: Tipping is customary in Seattle’s service industry.
  • Jaywalk: Seattle takes pedestrian safety seriously, so make sure to follow the designated crosswalks and signals.
  • Leave valuables in your car: Car break-ins are common, so it’s best to keep your valuables with you.

Safety and Health

Safety in Downtown

Overall, Downtown Seattle is a safe area for visitors. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and take precautions to prevent theft and pickpocketing.

Health in Downtown

Seattle has a reputation for being a healthy and active city, with plenty of opportunities to stay active and eat well. Make sure to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen when spending time outdoors.

Getting to Downtown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Seattle offers several options for getting to Downtown:

Airports Near Downtown

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Located 14 miles south of Downtown Seattle, this airport offers plenty of direct flights to major cities in the US and abroad.

Bus Stations Near Downtown

  • King Street Station: This train station is located in Pioneer Square and offers access to Amtrak and Sounder trains.

Other Options

  • Light Rail: The Link Light Rail offers service from Sea-Tac Airport to Downtown Seattle, as well as several other stops throughout the city.
  • Uber/Lyft/Taxis: These ride-sharing services are widely available in Downtown Seattle.

How to Get Around in Downtown

Downtown Seattle is a walkable city, but there are also several transportation options available:

  • Public transportation: Seattle’s Metro system offers bus service throughout the city, as well as the Link Light Rail that connects to major attractions.
  • Taxis/Uber/Lyft: These ride-sharing services are widely available and easy to use in Downtown Seattle.
  • Biking: Seattle offers several bike rental services, and there are plenty of bike lanes throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from Downtown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Seattle offers several unique destinations within a short distance from Downtown:

  • Bainbridge Island: Located just a short ferry ride from Downtown, Bainbridge Island offers stunning views of Seattle and the Puget Sound, as well as hiking trails and wineries.
  • Mount Rainier National Park: This breathtaking national park is just a two-hour drive from Seattle, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  • San Juan Islands: Located north of Seattle, the San Juan Islands offer a peaceful getaway from the city, with opportunities for boating, kayaking, and whale watching.

Conclusion

Downtown Seattle offers a diverse and exciting experience for visitors. With its mix of city attractions and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and explore. By following these tips and recommendations, travelers can make the most of their visit to Downtown Seattle.

Downtown Seattle from the water Downtown Seattle from the water Pike Place Market Pike Place Market Seattle Central Library Exterior, as seen from 5th Ave. Seattle Central Library Exterior, as seen from 5th Ave. View of downtown and I-5 at dusk View of downtown and I-5 at dusk Plaque inside the first Starbucks store Plaque inside the first Starbucks store