Seattle, in the northwestern part of the United States, is a great city to visit for a long weekend. There’s plenty to see and do, including iconic attractions like the Space Needle, a world-famous coffee culture, lots of independent arts and venues, historic areas and architecture, and a lot of fantastic food and drink. However, to get the best out of a long weekend in Seattle, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. So, here’s a practical guide to exploring Seattle over a long weekend.
1. Decide your starting point before booking
Before you choose your hotel, consider what’s most important to you for your stay in Seattle. Do you want easy access to the Space Needle and other central attractions? Would you prefer a quieter base, with lower-key nightlife and unhurried streets? Perhaps you’d like to be near the waterfront for strolls by the shore, or maybe you want to be able to wander out of your hotel and have a wide range of dining options on your doorstep. There are plenty of hotel deals in Seattle to suit every need, so narrow down the right neighborhood for you before comparing accommodation options.
2. Plan Your Days Geographically
Central Seattle is pretty compact, but you’ll still lose a lot of time if you spend your days darting back and forth across the neighborhoods. It’s a better idea to pick a direction and stick to it. For example, you might start at your hotel and head towards the waterfront, taking in attractions and amenities along the way. Luckily, Seattle has several major attractions that are grouped close together, such as the Space Needle, Seattle Center, and Chihuly Gardens and Glass. You can easily plan your days geographically without limiting yourself.
3. Respect the Hills and the Weather
Distances on a map can be deceptive. Seattle is famously hilly; a three-block walk can quickly become a steep hike. Always check the terrain and the weather forecast before heading out. Seattle’s mist is legendary, so always have a “Rainy Day” backup plan involving indoor spots like the Seattle Art Museum.
Also, bear in mind that Seattle’s weather is notoriously fickle. Check the weather forecast before you head out, and have a backup plan in place in case of persistent rain. You don’t want to plan a day with a lot of walking between attractions only to find yourself trudging through the pouring rain. Make a rainy day plan with indoor activities and less time spent pounding the sidewalks.
4. The “Early Bird” Strategy
Get out and about earlier than you think you need to. Crowds can build quickly in Downtown and at the main attractions, so if you’ve got a lot to cover on a particular day, head out as early as you can – even if your first stop doesn’t open right away. If you find yourself arriving somewhere too early, explore the surrounding streets, get your bearings, and soak up the Seattle morning atmosphere.
5. Treat the Ferry as an Adventure
Use the ferry as part of your day rather than just treating it as transport. If the weather is good, the ferry to Bainbridge Island is a fantastic way to take in gorgeous skyline views and enjoy a lovely break from the city’s hustle and bustle. The island itself is great for exploring on a nice day, with some lovely nature trails, good food, and boutique shopping, but even if you don’t have time to explore the island properly, the ferry ride alone is a fun experience.
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6. Embrace the “Walk-Up” Food Culture
Seattle is full of food stops and eateries, so it’s never hard to find something to quell your appetite and suit your palate. You can easily eat on the go without worrying too much about meal logistics. If you do want a fancier sit-down meal at a popular restaurant, it’s definitely a good idea to book in advance, but in general, you can get plenty of wonderful food on a walk-up basis.
7. Visit the “Center of the Universe” in Fremont
For a break from the traditional tourist path, head north to Fremont. Known for its quirky public art, you can visit the Fremont Troll (a massive sculpture under a bridge) or browse the Sunday Ice Cream Cruise. It provides a perfect glimpse into Seattle’s independent arts scene.
8. Explore the Underground History
To understand the “New Seattle,” you have to see the old one. In Pioneer Square, you can take a guided Underground Tour. After the Great Fire of 1889, the city was rebuilt one story higher, leaving a network of subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that you can still explore today.
9. Find Your Green Space at Discovery Park
If the city bustle feels like too much, head to Discovery Park. As the city’s largest green space, it offers 216 hectares (534 acres) of forest trails, meadows, and sea cliffs. It’s the best place to see the Olympic Mountains and get a dose of Pacific Northwest nature without leaving the city limits.
10. Master the Coffee Scene Beyond the Original
While many tourists queue at the original Starbucks, as it should be expected from majority of tourists, Seattle’s true coffee soul is found in its independent roasters. Spend some time on Capitol Hill, home to high-end tasting rooms and cozy indie cafes, to experience the craft that put Seattle on the global map.
If you have time before leaving, pick a final stop that’s close to your hotel and explore it at a leisurely pace – you don’t want to stress yourself out before travel! If you’ve already checked out of your hotel, ask if they will hold your bags for you (many hotels are happy to do this, but if not, then seek out luggage storage elsewhere nearby).
Seattle is a wonderful place to visit for a long weekend, with many attractions clustered in a relatively compact area. However, even the most compact and convenient of cities requires a bit of planning for the best possible experience. With the tips and suggestions we’ve outlined here, you can explore Seattle over a long weekend without any hitches or hiccups.