Seattle can feel overwhelming on your first visit. Between iconic spots like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, hidden gems tucked into quirky neighborhoods, and day trips to jaw-dropping mountains and islands, it’s hard to know what to prioritize. Most trelers only he a few days — and no one wants to waste time zig-zagging across the city or standing in long lines.
I love Seattle so much, I recently moved here after living 20+ years in Portland. I’ve tested out different ways to see the city — from sunrise coffee at Pike Place to late-night skyline views at Kerry Park. Based on much experience, I’ve crafted this step-by-step Seattle itinerary that balances the must-sees with local forites, while keeping logistics simple and stress-free.
In this guide, you’ll find:
A 2-day Seattle trip itinerary with morning, afternoon, and evening activities My personal experiences from years of research Suggestions for food, neighborhoods, and even a couple of “only in Seattle” experiences most guides skipBy the end, you’ll he a ready-to-use itinerary for Seattle — one that lets you enjoy The Emerald City like a local while hitting all the highlights.
Table of Contents
Toggle Seattle Weekend Trip (2 Days)Seattle seems to be on everyone’s Pacific Northwest vacation itinerary. A weekend in Seattle is one of my forite short trips to make, and is one of the best cities in the U.S. for solo trel. The history of this place is pretty good, too.
So the obvious, number one choice for a Seattle itinerary is the Space Needle, right? WRONG. Okay, go if you must. But there is SO much more to this wonderful city. You can to to the Space Needle for the high-top view (there’s an even better view of the city), but if you don’t care about that, then don’t bother!
Need a place to hang your hat at night? Check out my recommendations on Where to Stay in Seattle.
Pike Place Market is the second obvious choice, and I DO recommend that. More on that a little later…
As I’ve said in my 2-Day Portland Itinerary article, I usually shy away from offering a rigid itinerary anywhere. Why? Because every treler has different tastes and interests. How can any Seattle trel guide worth their salt offer up a definitive one-size-fits-all itinerary? Nevertheless, I am attempting it. I he also listed several other options at the end of this post, as well as a section on how to get around the city.
Want a more curated itinerary for Seattle? Or anywhere, for that matter? Check out my Trip Planning services!
Day 1 – A Day in SeattleBreakfast – Voula’s Offshore Café. THE place to satiate any biscuits-and-gry crings you may he. Their claim to fame is Food Network notoriety, so you know it hits both marks – atmosphere and delicious grub.
Capitol Hill – explore Pike and Pine streets for eclectic shops, funky cafes, and a relaxed and groovy vibe, away from the bustle of Seattle’s waterfront.
Lunch – While on in the neighborhood, he lunch at Monsoon. With locations in Capitol Hill and Bellevue, is arguably the best Vietnamese restaurant in Seattle for a special occasion, sourcing meat from local ranches and serving Chinese-influenced Vietnamese dishes not commonly found in the area.
Seattle Underground Tour and Pioneer Square – I’ve taken the Seattle Underground Tour a handful or times and it NEVER gets old. Entertaining and informative guides lead you through Seattle’s fascinating underbelly into a world of love, loss, and rebuilding. As they say, it’s “history with punch lines.” Several tours are held daily, and during the peak tourist season, tours are held nearly every hour. Start your adventure off at Doc Maynard’s Public House, where you can he a drink and grab a bite while your tour guides start the introduction to the tour.
This is also a good place for nightlife as there are several good restaurants and clubs for after hours. I recommend Damn the Weather, for tasty craft cocktails.
Dinner – Jimmy’s On First. Serving steaks, burgers, seafood, and Pacific Northwest forites.
A scene from the Seattle Underground Tour – one of the best tours in Seattle.
Day 2 – Seattle Scenery
Breakfast – 5 Spot Cafe. Breakfast here will last you through ‘till dinner – no joke. It’s my go-to breakfast place in Seattle. If you’re with a group of people who can’t come to a conclusion on where to he the first meal of the day, simply put up your hand and lead them here. I love their Farmhouse Scramble!
Eliot Bay Book Company – Not quite as well-read and expansive as Powell’s in Portland, but this bookstore is certainly Seattle’s answer to it. They he several levels of book-browsing greatness, with frequent author reading and events. The perfect way to spend a few hours escaping from reality.
Pike Place Market – I can’t say much here that hasn’t already been said. You just simply he to come here and soak up the atmosphere of the longest-running public market in the U.S. You could easily spend all day here discovering everything. My advice is to explore the lower, much-less treled floor of the market, which has even more really cool shops. Walk across the cobblestoned street and see the very first Starbuck’s coffee house. This is where it all started, kids. However, I don’t necessarily recommend going inside, it’s always super crowded and pretty much like every other Starbucks you’ve been to!
Lunch (at Pike Place Market) oh- soooo many options to choose from, but I recommend Piroshky Piroshky across the way from the main market or Pike Place Chowder a little further east. This place usually has a line out the door, so you know its good. Pike Place Market may seem like a touristy place, but look beyond the obvious and you will be charmed. If you love seafood, you cannot go wrong with any seafood stands or restaurant you find here, as the options are likely caught not far from Elliott Bay just down the hill.
Oh, I almost forgot, there is a little mini-donut stand a few paces south from the place where they throw the fish. Watch your tasty balls of fried dough get made and eat them hot and fresh. SO GOOD.
Take a ferry cruise around Elliott Bay. it’s touristy, but WORTH IT. Let the breeze of Puget Sound whip through your hair while you take in the spectacular view of the Seattle skyline.
Dinner – There are many options to choose from along the waterfront, but I recommend Salty’s On Alki Beach. Enjoy your local seafood meal while taking in sweeping views of Puget Sound.
Elliott Bay at sunset.
More Places in Seattle to Visit (if visiting for more than 2 days)
MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) Formerly called the Experience Music Project, go here if you’re any kind of music and/or pop culture lover.
SAM Seattle Art Museum. An impressive collection ranging from Native American and Pacific Northwest art to contemporary global works, right in the heart of downtown near Pike Place Market.
Belltown A great place to go for dinner, or after hours for that relaxing cocktail and some great local live music.
Take the ferry to a neighboring island. Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island he sleepy little communities which make for a great day trip, or for just a few hours of exploring.
Hidden Gems in Seattle The Fremont TrollHidden under the Aurora Bridge, this giant concrete troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle is classic Seattle weird. It’s offbeat, great for photos, and fun for kids and adults alike.
Pro Tip: Uneeda Burger in the Fremont neighborhood is a delicious neighborhood burger place and hangout, not far from the Fremont Troll.
Gas Works ParkOnce a gasification plant, now a quirky park with industrial remnants turned into art. Locals come for picnics, kites, and unbeatable views of downtown across Lake Union. Sunset here rivals Kerry Park but with fewer crowds.
The Center for Wooden BoatsTucked beside Lake Union Park, this hands-on maritime museum lets you row, sail, or simply wander among historic wooden boats. On Sundays, they even offer free boat rides — something even many locals don’t know about.
Smith Tower ObservatorySkip the long Space Needle lines and head to this 1914 skyscraper — once the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The speakeasy-style bar and wraparound views make it feel like old Seattle.
Kubota GardenA 20-acre Japanese garden in South Seattle, designed by Fujitaro Kubota in the 1920s. It’s free, peaceful, and full of waterfalls, koi ponds, and winding trails. Perfect for when you need a break from the bustle.
How to Get Around Seattle
Seattle is one of those cities where you don’t really need a car—at least not if you’re sticking to downtown, the neighborhoods, and the main attractions. Parking can be expensive and traffic is notoriously cranky, so public transit is often the smarter way to go.
From the Airport to Downtown
If you’re flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), the easiest way to reach downtown is by hopping on Link Light Rail. The station is connected to the airport via a short, covered walkway. Trains run frequently, and in about 40 minutes you’ll be in the heart of Seattle at Westlake Station. No taxis or pricey rideshares required.
ORCA Card Convenience
Seattle’s transit system is unified under the ORCA card (One Regional Card for All). This rechargeable smart card works on buses, Link Light Rail, ferries, and even the Seattle streetcar. You can pick one up at airport kiosks, transit centers, or most major rail stations, then reload as you go. It ses you from juggling cash or buying separate tickets for each mode of transit.
Transit Apps
For planning trips and checking bus schedules in real time, download the Transit app or OneBusAway. Both give you live updates on bus arrivals, route maps, and service changes. Pairing one of these with an ORCA card makes nigating the city a breeze.
When You Might Need a Car
Inside Seattle, you can comfortably rely on trains, buses, ferries, and your own two feet. But if you’re planning day trips to Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, Snoqualmie Falls, or other adventures outside the city, a rental car (or RV!) becomes more practical. For everything else, Seattle’s public transit network has you covered.
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