Downtown Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle
Seattle Waterfront which includes cbd, boating and a marina
The heart of this North American city is famous as the home of the original Starbucks, the lively Pike Place Market and breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

Visitors to Downtown Seattle can enjoy its quirky market, iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle and an outstanding local cuisine.

Start your visit to Downtown Seattle at the world renowned Pike Place Market. This is where locals come for fresh flowers and seafood and tourists come to experience the atmosphere and activity.

Grab a cup of coffee where the original Starbucks opened back in 1971. Sip your drink while taking in the sights and the entertaining street performers.

Take the steep steps down to the waterfront and ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the nation. Riders are treated to stunning views of the Puget Sound and, on a clear day, majestic Mount Rainier and the surrounding towering peaks.

Getting out on the water is a must while you’re in Downtown Seattle. There are a variety of cruises to choose from. Take a narrated harbor trip to learn more about the area or a sunset sail for some of the most striking views of the Seattle skyline.

Walk just over a mile (1.6 kilometers) from Seattle’s waterfront to visit the city’s iconic landmark, the Space Needle. Take the elevator ride to the observation deck, or dine at the restaurant that sits atop it for 360-degree views of the entire region.

Just below the Space Needle is the Pacific Science Center, a popular destination for families. Take a journey back to the days of the dinosaurs or walk through the Tropical Butterfly House to watch the exotic insects fly and feed among lush gardens and brilliantly colored flowers.

When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find a wide range of dining choices. Stroll downtown streets for meals that often feature locally sourced ingredients, such as wild-caught salmon, fresh berries and mushrooms foraged from local forests.

Seattle has one of the best public transportation systems in the country, so getting around the downtown area is easy using the convenient bus, light rail and streetcar services.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Seattle

Executive Hotel Pacific
Executive Hotel Pacific
3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is £134 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
£134
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,927 reviews)
"Nice clean an elegant"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2024

Executive Hotel Pacific
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is £256 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£256
per night
22 Jun - 23 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,910 reviews)
"The staff went above and beyond checked me in at 1030 am on a Friday and gave me free parking. Best hotel experience ive ever had to be honest"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2024

Hyatt Regency Seattle
Mediterranean Inn
Mediterranean Inn
3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is £205 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
£205
per night
2 Jul - 3 Jul
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,893 reviews)
"Staff was extremely helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2024

Mediterranean Inn
The Belltown Inn
The Belltown Inn
2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is £176 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
£176
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,915 reviews)
"Always a pleasure to stay here."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2024

The Belltown Inn
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is £194 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
£194
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,660 reviews)
"It was convenient to everything and even though not in the greatest area we felt completely safe. The room, even though it was small, was comfortable. There was little sound and the blackout blinds did their job."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
1113 6th Ave, Seattle, WA
The price is £185 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
£185
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,260 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2024

Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Seattle

Belltown which includes night scenes, city views and street scenes

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theater.

Belltown
Pioneer Square featuring heritage architecture, central business district and street scenes

Pioneer Square

Shopping, museums and art galleries highlight some notable features of Pioneer Square. Make a stop by Smith Tower or Pioneer Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Pioneer Square Station or Occidental Mall Stop to get around town.

Pioneer Square
South Lake Union featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and boating

South Lake Union

4/5(13 area reviews)

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in South Lake Union. Check out top attractions like Amazon Corporate Headquarters and El Corazon, and jump on the metro at Lake Union Park Station or Terry Av- Mercer St Station to see more of the city.

South Lake Union
Kerry Park featuring landscape views, mountains and a city

Lower Queen Anne

While you're in Lower Queen Anne, take in top sights like Space Needle and jump on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station to see more of the city.

Lower Queen Anne
Capitol Hill featuring heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

Capitol Hill
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Central District

While you're in Central District, take in top sights like Lake Washington or Pike/Pine, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 14th & Washington Stop or 12th & Jackson Stop.

Central District

More to explore for Downtown Seattle


Downtown Seattle Travel Guide

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