Seattle 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Seattle Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown Exploration

Activities

  1. Space Needle (Observation Deck) - A Seattle icon, offering panoramic views of the city. SpaceNeedle.com
  2. Chihuly Garden and Glass - Marvel at the stunning glass artistry by Dale Chihuly. ChihulyGardenAndGlass.com
  3. Pike Place Market - Visit this historic public market, home to the original Starbucks, fresh produce stands, and specialty food vendors. PikePlaceMarket.org

Lunch/Dinner Spots

  1. The Crab Pot - Enjoy a Seattle classic seafood feast at this popular spot in the Market. TheCrabPot.com
  2. Piroshky Piroshky - Try traditional Russian pastries filled with various ingredients. PiroshkyPiroshkySeattle.com

Dinner

  1. Canlis - Experience fine dining with a Northwest twist at this upscale restaurant. Canlis.com (Reservations recommended)

Overnight Stay

  1. The Westin Seattle - Centrally located and offers luxurious accommodations. WestinSeattle.com

Day 2: Museums & Parks

Activities

  1. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) - Explore the history of music, sci-fi, and pop culture in this interactive museum. MoPOP.org
  2. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) - Appreciate contemporary and traditional artwork from around the world. SeattleArtMuseum.org
  3. Olympic Sculpture Park - Stroll through this outdoor sculpture park along the waterfront. SeattleArtMuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park

Lunch/Dinner Spots

  1. Biscuit Buzz Cafe - Delicious brunch spot offering creative biscuit sandwiches and coffee. BiscuitBuzzCafe.com
  2. Matt’s in the Market - Savor Pacific Northwest cuisine in this vibrant dining room. MattsInTheMarket.com

Day 3: Capitol Hill & Fremont

Activities

  1. Fremont Troll - Visit this iconic troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge. FremontApartments.com/fremont-troll
  2. Gas Works Park - Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Union and the city skyline at this unique park featuring old gas works equipment. Seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/gas-works-park
  3. The Museum of Flights - Explore the history and science behind aviation at this small museum. MuseumOfFlight.org

Lunch/Dinner Spots

  1. The Cowtown Diner - Step back in time with classic diner fare, milkshakes, and malts. CowtownDiner.com
  2. Biscuit Buzz Cafe (Capitol Hill Location) - Visit this popular biscuit cafe on Capitol Hill. BiscuitBuzzCafe.com

Day 4: University District & UW

Activities

  1. University of Washington (UW) Campus - Take a walk around the beautiful campus, visit the iconic Suzzallo Library, and explore the Burke Museum. Washington.edu
  2. Husky Stadium Tour - If available, take a tour of the UW’s football stadium. HuskyStadiumTours.com (Reservations recommended)
  3. Seattle Center (within walking distance from UW) - Visit this large entertainment complex that includes the Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children’s Theatre, and other attractions. SeattleCenter.com

Lunch/Dinner Spots

  1. Zoe’s Kitchen - Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes at this casual eatery. ZoesKitchen.com
  2. The Whole Hog Cafe - This cozy spot serves delicious sandwiches and salads. WholeHogCafe.com

Day 5: Exploring Ballard & Boat Tours

Activities

  1. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) - Witness boats passing through these historic locks. USACE.army.mil
  2. Golden Gardens Park - Relax at this beautiful park with views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/golden-gardens-park
  3. Shilshole Bay Marina - Stroll along the marina and grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. Seattle.gov/ShilsholeBayMarina
  4. Argosy Cruises (Harbor Tour) - Take a boat tour around Puget Sound to see Seattle’s stunning skyline, the Space Needle, and more. ArgosyCruises.com

Lunch/Dinner Spots

  1. The Walrus and The Carpenter - Enjoy small plates featuring local seafood at this charming restaurant in Ballard. TheWalrusandTheCarpenter.com
  2. The Olinger - Satisfy your cravings for comfort food and craft beers at this casual pub-style eatery. TheOlingerPub.com

Transportation

  1. Seattle City Buses & Light Rail: Seattle’s bus system, operated by King County Metro, is extensive and affordable. Light rail offers a faster way to get around the city. KingCounty.gov/Metro
  2. Uber & Lyft: Ride-sharing services are available in Seattle and can be a convenient option for traveling between neighborhoods or at night.
  3. Taxis: Taxis are also available throughout the city, but they can be pricier than ride-sharing services.

Tips

  1. Dress in layers - Seattle weather is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have a jacket or sweater handy.
  2. Bring an umbrella - Rain showers are common throughout the year.
  3. Explore neighborhoods - Each area of Seattle has its own unique charm and attractions, so be sure to take time to explore different neighborhoods.
  4. Plan ahead for popular attractions - Some places like the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden may require advance reservations, especially during peak travel seasons.
  5. Embrace the coffee culture - Seattle is known for its excellent coffee scene, so don’t miss out on trying some local favorites!