Seattle Mini Travel Guide

World-class attractions, unrivalled natural beauty and a thriving foodie scene are waiting for you in Seattle. Famous for its verdant green spaces, the Emerald City captivates all who visit, whether you’re interested in exploring eclectic neighbourhoods, checking out historic landmarks or sampling local coffee and wine. 

Make planning your trip that little bit easier with our Seattle mini travel guide.

Where to go

Capitol Hill – Perhaps Seattle’s coolest neighbourhood, Capitol Hill is a treasure trove of historic Victorian buildings, hip bars brunch spots and eclectic boutiques. With something always happening here, no wonder it’s a magnet for locals and visitors alike.

Pioneer Square – Make sure to spend a few hours at Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood. Here, you can learn about local history at the Klondike Gold Rush museum and explore Seattle’s subterranean streets on an underground tour.

Fremont – ‘The freedom to be quirky’ is the unofficial motto of this bohemian enclave in Seattle’s northwest. Fremont is famed for its eccentric outdoor sculptures, including the gigantic Fremont Troll, which lurks beneath Aurora Bridge.

Ballard – This vibrant waterfront area is unique for its rich seafaring and Nordic heritage. The Ballard Locks is a popular spot to visit on a sunny day, where you can stroll on the swinging walkways and watch the boats come and go.

What to see

Space Needle – Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 184-metre-tall Space Needle is a symbol of Seattle. Catch a 43-second elevator ride to the observation deck, where you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views of the city and beyond to the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

Pike Place Market – With history dating back over a century, Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States. Always bustling with activity, explore over 500 stalls, selling everything from local produce to homemade handicrafts.

Museum of Pop Culture – Music, sci fi and pop culture unite at the riveting Museum of Pop Culture. From the outside, this building looks like a smashed guitar, but inside you’ll find colourful exhibits on everything from the history of video games to the works of Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix.

Chihuly Garden and Glass – Providing a unique visual experience, this art museum is dedicated to the works of Dale Chihuly, arguably the most famous American glass artist. This exhibition features indoor galleries, a glasshouse and an ever-changing garden, along with live glass demonstrations.

What to do

Woodinville Wine Country – Just 30 minutes outside of Seattle is charming Woodinville. This area is home to over 130 wineries and tasting rooms, including Washington’s most notable winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, which produces chardonnay, cabernet, merlot, riesling and many other varietals.

Snoqualmie Falls – You may recognise this powerful, 81-metre waterfall from the opening credits of Twin Peaks. One of Washington’s most scenic attractions, Snoqualmie Falls is surrounded by a two-acre park, perfect for hiking, along with an observation deck and gift shop.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery – Seattle is famously the birthplace of Starbucks, and the Reserve Roastery offers a host of unique experiences. Choose from roastery tours, coffee tastings, espresso martini workshops and more.

Boeing Future of Flight – Go behind the scenes at the facility where Boeing aircraft are made and tested during this premier aerospace tour. This aviation museum and education centre spans a sprawling 98 acres, making it the largest building in the world.

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