Enticing Seattle itineraries for every travel type
No matter your travel style — and regardless of how long you're here —we've gathered some of the best places to visit in downtown Seattle and beyond. Whether, you're seeking a trip to the waterfront aquarium that the whole family will enjoy, or a romantic ferry date that pushes off from a downtown pier, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle has the best itinerary options for you. Also, check out our Hotel Calendar for the latest events and take a peek at Seasonal Attractions for more themed activities.
1-2 Seattle Day Itinerary
- Begin the day by swinging by the neighboring Central Library, part of the Seattle Public Library system and known for its unique 11-story design.
- Then head down the hill to Pike Place Market & Post Alley, one of the country's oldest and largest continuously operating public markets — and the heartbeat of downtown Seattle. Take obligatory photos by the Gum Wall, watch fishmongers toss their fresh catch, and grab tasty food and local artwork from the extensive lineup of vendor stalls.
- In the afternoon, check out the latest exhibits at the Seattle Art Museum, or take a stroll to the Olympic Sculpture Park, a 9-acre outdoor museum with access to a picturesque waterside trail.
- On day two, head to Seattle Center's 74-acre site to visit captivating attractions like the iconic Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture). Don't miss hip hangouts like the KEXP Gathering Space and neighboring Climate Pledge Arena, which boasts an impressive year-round events lineup of its own.
- Spend the second half of the day exploring the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), where you can watch boats pass through the canal and salmon run the fish ladder in certain seasons.
- Finish up by checking out the bustling eateries and watering holes that line Ballard's main strip — perhaps capped off with live music at Tractor Tavern or Sunset Tavern.
3-4 Day Itinerary
- On day three, pass through downtown shopping (and Monorail ) hub Westlake Center en route to the Amazon Spheres, which offers public visiting hours the first and third Saturday of each month. A futuristic work hub, the Spheres are home to more than 40,000 plants from the cloud forest regions of 30-plus countries.
- Then meander through the beautiful University of Washington campus, before wandering the Burke Museum, a prime stop to learn more about history and culture of the region, including Northwest Native art, and to enjoy snacks from on-site Off the Rez Café.
- Explore a new neighborhood like Capitol Hill, with its own distinctive vibe and happening shops, bars and restaurants.
- On your final day, get to know more downtown treasures, like those in the Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square. In historic Pioneer Square, take a Beneath the Streets Tour to delve into the city's underground history, afterward savoring food and drink with a sunset view from Smith Tower's 35th-floor Observatory Bar.
- Round off your jam-packed stay with juicy burgers, local wine and a grand finale milkshake from Outlier.
Family-Friendly Itinerary
- Stroll through the Market for morning donuts, before visiting Pier 59's Seattle Aquarium, an interactive waterside venue that slates daily educational talks and feedings.
- Based on your kids' interests, wander the halls of downtown's Pacific Science Center, where the IMAX Theater is always a hit, or the Museum of Flight (south of the city in Tukwila) that boasts a Kid's Flight Zone.
- On the way north to Woodland Park Zoo, home to 900 animals and 250 species — including some of the most critically endangered in the world — consider stopping at Gas Works Park. This green expanse is an ideal spot for BYO picnics and kite-flying while gazing out over Lake Union's buzzing boat and float plane activity.
- Enjoy a casual sit-in meal or takeaway from Fremont's Uneeda Burger.
Romantic Itinerary
- Outdoors lovers might start the day with a Discovery Park hike, or a beach stroll at serene Golden Gardens beach. Enjoy a nearby Ballard breakfast at Portage Bay (open Wednesdays through Sundays) or Miro Tea.
- Experience the wonder of the Washington wine scene by driving (or Ubering) to Woodinville, situated 20 miles northeast of Seattle and home to 130-plus wineries from across the state. If the weather cooperates, walk or bike along the Sammamish Valley River Trail that spans 10.1 miles.
- While still on the eastside, savor a multi-course, farm-to-table feast from Woodinville's The Herbfarm (reservations required), or enjoy an intimate meal at Bellevue's 31st-floor Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, which offers a 360-degree perspective of the region's peaks, sparkling waterways and the distant Seattle skyline.
- For a brief international getaway, use the Victory Clipper Ferry Terminal at downtown's Pier 69 to board the FRS Clipper, the only direct fast ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia. (Check seasonal hours online; in summer months, they offer whale-watching tours too!).