Seattle - 3 Day Itinerary

Seattle, in Washington State, is best known for the Space Needle but is also a popular destination for its vibrant culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, Seattle has something for everyone. We visited in December 2024. Here’s a perfect 3-day itinerary for exploring this dynamic city.

Day 1

Start your Seattle adventure by diving into the heart of the city.

Morning: Pike Place Market & Waterfront Stroll

Kick things off with a visit to Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks. It’s not just a market; it’s an experience. Wander through the bustling stalls where you’ll find fresh seafood, artisanal products, and quirky street performers. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers throw fish to each other like it’s a sport!

Lunch - make your way down to the waterfront. Stop for lunch at the Alaskan Soudough Bakery Afterwards, visit the Seattle Aquarium to discover marine life native to the Pacific Northwest or take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, offering stunning views of the city and Elliott Bay. We loved our visit to the 'Wings over Washington' - a 4D ride that shows your the sights of Washington State from the viewpoint of an eagle.

Afternoon - Make your way back into the city centre. Amazon’s world headquarters is about a 15 minute walk from the market and definitely worth seeing if you have the time and energy. It’s known as the “Amazon Spheres” and is unlike any company headquarters you’ve seen before. While you can’t tour inside, it’s still worth a look. As a bonus, you can claim a free banana at a “banana truck” outside in the public picnic area.

Day 2

Morning - It isn't a visit to Seattle without a stop at the iconic Space Needle. Depending on the time of the year, it is probably worthwhile pre-booking a timeslot and day. When we visited in December it wasn't too busy so we were able to go straight up.

Make your way up to the observation deck for sweeping views of Seattle, the surrounding mountains, and Puget Sound. Alternatively, schedule your trip to the Space Needle for the afternoon so you can see the sunset from the observation deck.

Once you have finished visiting the Space Needle, close by is the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. The vibrant glass art installations, created by artist Dale Chihuly, are breathtaking, both inside the museum and in the surrounding garden.

After lunch - visit The Seattle Museum of Science, also known as the Pacific Science Center. Our youngest Ethan loved this hands-on museum with its dynamic and interactive displays. Located at the Seattle Center, this hands-on museum features a wide range of exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Visitors can explore fascinating topics like space exploration, wildlife conservation, and human biology through engaging exhibits, live demonstrations, and immersive displays. The museum also features an IMAX theater and a planetarium, offering even more opportunities to explore the wonders of the universe. With its interactive exhibits and educational experiences, the Pacific Science Center is a must-visit for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone looking to make learning fun.

Day 3

Morning - No trip to Seattle is complete without a ferry ride! Hop on the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry from the downtown terminal. The ride offers incredible views of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding waters. Once you reach Bainbridge Island, you can explore the charming town, visit local shops, or take a walk along the scenic shoreline.

Afternoon - Return to Seattle in the late afternoon and head to Alki Beach in West Seattle. This beach offers some of the best sunset views in the city, with panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle, and the Olympic Mountains. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on your trip.

Finish the day with views from Kerry Park in the Queen Anne neighborhood. This is the place to go for the best city view of the city and Mount Rainier in the background. The park is small, but you get an unobstructed mountain view on a clear day.

Hotel recommendation - we stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Seattle Center. This hotel was a short walk to the Space Needle and offered parking.

Extra days

If you have time I would also recommend:

• A day trip (or more) to Leavenworth - a lovely Bavarian inspired town approximately 2 hours drive from Seattle. Here you can visit a Reindeer Farm, visit the Gingerbread Bakery, or have a fantastic lunch at the Munchen Haus

• A visit to the Museum of Flight - Marcus loved this museum and the chance to see a Concord up close!