2 Days in Seattle: The Excellent Weekend Itinerary

Questioning what to do with 2 days in Seattle? Learn on for an in depth take a look at how you can spend the right weekend within the Emerald Metropolis!

Initially, let’s discuss in regards to the nickname. It’s not that Seattle is stuffed with shiny gem stones, however fairly that it’s surrounded by evergreen forests and mountains. 

Situated within the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. With views of each the Olympic and Cascade mountains, that is undoubtedly one of the vital scenic cities in the USA.

You don’t must go very far to take pleasure in nature right here, although. There are many stunning inexperienced areas proper in the midst of town. With a weekend in Seattle, you’ll be capable of discover a few of them together with iconic sights just like the House Needle.

As an avid music fan, I’ve all the time recognized Seattle because the birthplace of grunge. That is the place bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden bought their begin. Jimi Hendrix was born right here, too.

There are lots of things to see and do in Seattle — it doesn’t matter what your pursuits are. With two days in Seattle, you’ll be capable of take a look at a couple of nice spots.

Right here’s a take a look at how you can spend the right weekend in Seattle!

Day 1 in Seattle 

With only a weekend in Seattle, you’ll need to absorb a number of the sights within the metropolis and likewise get out in nature. On the primary day, we’ll deal with the sightseeing facet and dive into the native tradition a bit.

Morning

A busy 2 days in Seattle kicks off on the well-known Pike Place Market. This historic farmers’ market has been in enterprise right here for over 100 years and is a Seattle establishment. 

Whereas we’re on the subject of Seattle establishments, that is the place the unique Starbucks first opened again in 1971. It really moved a couple of blocks away 5 years later to its current location

Seattle is understood for its espresso, so in case you’re extra into discovering a neighborhood gem that doesn’t have a line of vacationers out the door, there are dozens of cafes to select from in downtown Seattle. Across the market, a couple of stable selections are Storyville Coffee and Ghost Alley Espresso.

seattle coffee

With a pleasant caffeine buzz, you’re able to discover this bustling market. There’s quite a bit to see and do right here, so you’ll want to take a look at their website upfront to plan your go to.

One factor the market is known for is its flying fish. The fishmongers working there are recognized to throw the large fish to one another throughout the store.

You might acknowledge these flying fish from the intro to the “Actual World: Seattle.” It’s fairly the sight and a really Seattle factor to see.

You’ll be able to strive to determine the place to eat by yourself, or you’ll be able to simply go away it as much as an professional.

The fantastic of us at Eat Seattle have a 2-hour culinary journey known as the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour. Remember to come hungry for this one, as you’ll cease by ten totally different distributors for samples!

Along with the markets, outlets, and eating places, Pike Place has a whole lot of optimistic native initiatives. From a meals financial institution to a pre-school, it’s an enormous a part of the group. You’ll be able to present your help by making a donation at Rachel the Piggy Bank.

fish monger in seattle market

Afternoon

Following a busy morning at Pike Place, you have got a couple of choices for how you can spend your afternoon. With simply 2 days in Seattle, you’ll must make some essential selections!

If it’s a pleasant day, I like to recommend heading to close by Waterfront Park. That is the right place to benefit from the views of the Olympic Mountains on a transparent day. In case you have some change in your pocket you may get a better look with the coin-operated telescopes.

When you’re over right here, it’s possible you’ll need to take a experience on the Seattle Great Wheel. Common tickets are $15 for adults or you’ll be able to splurge on a glass-bottom VIP cabin for $50. It comes with a t-shirt, a drink, and a photograph in addition to line-skipping privileges. 

waterfront park seattle

Take a look at this extremely rated, 3-hour tour which takes in lots of the sights I record. Transportation and information are included within the charge. Discover out extra on Viator, here.

The views from land are nice and all, however they’re even higher out on the water. Argosy Cruises comes extremely really useful for journeys round Elliot Bay and Puget Sound. 

You’ll be able to select from their 1-hour harbor cruise ($34) or 2.5-hour cruise of the Ballard Locks ($47). Each are wonderful selections and afford some implausible views of town and its environment.

On the price range finish, you’ll be able to merely head right down to the Colman Dock to catch the native ferry. It heads over to Bainbridge Island and solely prices $8.50 for a return ticket. 

If it’s raining in your weekend in Seattle (which is sort of potential), you may tuck right into a museum for a couple of hours. The Seattle Art Museum boasts a powerful assortment and is effectively price a go to.

The SAM has upwards of 25,000 totally different artworks right here so it’s simple to kill a while on a wet day! Tickets are $29.99 for adults and free for youths 14 and below.

Night

I didn’t give a particular suggestion for lunch as I’m encouraging you to go huge on the market within the morning. Plus it’s not laborious to discover a fast chunk to eat while you’re out and about in downtown Seattle.

Whether or not it finally ends up being a late lunch or early dinner, it doesn’t matter. It’s price it to go again to Pike Place to get a desk at Matt’s in the Market

They’re recognized for traditional Pacific Northwest fare, similar to oysters on the half shell, king salmon, and seared scallops. Right here’s a professional tip — between 5 and 6pm you’ll be able to take pleasure in a superb Pleased Hour menu in case you’re OK with a barstool.

market seattle seafood

If it’s a craft cocktail that you just search to get your night going, head over to Zig Zag Cafe. It’s a bit tucked away down a protracted staircase and undoubtedly has that speakeasy vibe. Simply watch out going again up in case you resolve to have a couple of drinks right here!

Right here’s yet one more stable suggestion for an evening out in Seattle. Can Can Culinary Cabaret is a dinner theater beneath the market and is tons of enjoyable. Click here to take a look at their schedule and seize your tickets on-line.

Seattle is unquestionably a novel metropolis, and it reveals within the many attention-grabbing issues you’ll be able to rise up to on any given night. Love canines and craft beer? Then be part of an occasion with Dog Gone Seattle

This solely occurs on the weekend in Seattle and it’s a enjoyable solution to help a very good trigger. Your ticket contains your first drink and 100% of the proceeds go to the non-profit group. 

Whereas Seattle is probably not recognized for its nightlife like New Orleans or Los Angeles, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover loads to do as soon as the solar goes down. 

In case you simply need to bounce round and take a look at totally different bars and golf equipment, then Pike/Pine is a occurring place to go. This space is house to locations like Unicorn (a carnival-themed bar) and Rock Box (a late-night Japanese karaoke bar). 

There’s nothing fairly like drunkenly belting out some nostalgic tunes to finish the primary of two days in Seattle!

Wanting For Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?

Day 2 in Seattle

Let’s hope the climate is in your facet and it’s a lovely weekend in Seattle. The plan for day two is to spend so much of time outdoors, however don’t fear — there can be a backup plan. Let’s begin day two off with probably the most iconic landmark within the metropolis.

Morning

In case you’re searching for a spot to seize a chunk and a few espresso, there are a couple of good spots on the way in which. Tilikum Place Cafe is a stable alternative for a full meal, whereas Uptown Espresso works for a powerful espresso and one thing gentle. 

You received’t want instructions to our first cease of the day as you’ll be able to see it from everywhere in the metropolis. I’m speaking in fact in regards to the Space Needle

space needle in seattle on a weekend trip

This funky trying tower has been the image of Seattle since its construction back in 1961. Initially constructed for the World’s Truthful, it has acquired some fairly candy enhancements in recent times. 

Means up at 520 toes (158 meters), the statement deck supplies some epic views of the Emerald Metropolis. The House Needle now options The Loupe, which is the primary rotating glass flooring on the earth.

Tickets vary in worth from $32.50-37.50 for adults. You may as well choose up combo tickets that get you entry to different Seattle sights, so test their website for all the data.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to contemplate saving your go to to the House Needle for the night. It stays open till midnight, so you have got all day to determine it out!

Another choice is to affix a day tour of Seattle, which takes in lots of sights within the metropolis, together with the House Needle. Transport and information are included on this extremely rated tour. Discover out extra on Viator, here.

Maybe you’d fairly ditch town and get out within the mountains. There are many choices for doing simply that in Seattle! 

There are additionally two Nationwide Parks inside attain of Seattle. Both one will take up your complete day, nevertheless it’s price it for many who actually need to see the pure great thing about the realm. Take a look at these two excursions – one to Mt. Rainier and one other to Olympic National Park.

olympic national park washington seattle in two days

Afternoon

Whereas it’s undoubtedly probably the most well-known constructing there, the House Needle is simply part of the bigger Seattle Middle advanced. There’s a lot to see and do this you would spend your complete 2 days in Seattle attempting to take all of it in.

Among the highlights embody the Worldwide Fountain, which is synchronized to music at totally different occasions of the day. One other must-see over right here is the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum.  

That includes the work of famend artist Dale Chihuly, it’s unfold out over three totally different areas. There’s the backyard, an indoor exhibit space, and the beautiful glasshouse.

Tickets price $32 and you may take a free audio tour or join one with a information. Head over to their website to see all of the choices and ebook upfront.

Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum 2 days in seattle itinerary

If it’s a typical wet day in Seattle, there’s plenty of enjoyable available indoors over right here as effectively. I personally advocate the Museum of Pop Culture. It’s price heading over there simply to take a look at the constructing, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry.

Inside, there are reveals devoted to a few of Seattle’s largest music legends like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. It’s way over music, although — it additionally covers science fiction, comedy, video video games, and extra. This simply could be the good museum I’ve ever been to!

Tickets for MoPOP price $30, and it can save you a couple of bucks by booking them online. Rain or shine, I feel this place is a implausible addition to any Seattle 2 day itinerary.

There’s all the time one thing cool happening on the Seattle Middle, from festivals to live shows to health lessons. Test their event calendar to see what’s occurring throughout your keep.

In case you’re touring in a small group, one solution to make your weekend in Seattle only a bit extra enjoyable is to strive a scavenger hunt. It’s mainly a mixture of the Superb Race and a sightseeing tour that you just do out of your smartphone.

This superior problem from City Journey Quest is for a bunch of as much as 5. It begins on the Seattle Middle and takes about 3 hours to finish. Click here to test it out!

Lastly, if the above choices don’t enchantment to you, you’ll be able to go to the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Washington Park Arboretum, or Discovery Park within the north of town to take pleasure in trails, seashores, sand dunes, and extra. 

kayaking in seattle on a weekend

Night

It’s been a reasonably enormous two days in Seattle, no matter which choices you selected! After masking a lot floor within the Emerald Metropolis, it’s time to take pleasure in a pleasant dinner and perhaps an grownup beverage or two.

One enjoyable space to take a look at for dinner and drinks is Belltown. It’s conveniently situated between downtown and the Seattle Middle and has plenty of choices for wining and eating. 

Seattle has some fairly implausible Asian delicacies and Belltown is a superb place to strive it. There’s Umi Sake House for Japanese, Green Leaf for Vietnamese, and Bangrak Market for Thai. 

Likelihood is you’ll be feeling a bit worn out after such a jam-packed weekend. Who is aware of while you’ll make it again as much as the Pacific NW, although. It’s time to energy by way of and exit for yet one more night time.

My suggestion goes to catching some native reside music. With simply two days in Seattle, you must rock out a bit and honor town’s musical historical past. Click here to see what reveals are on the town.

Insider’s Ideas for a Weekend in Seattle

That’s a reasonably stable plan for how you can spend 2 days in Seattle. You’ll have an excellent higher time in case you observe the following tips:

Attempt to go to when the climate is sweet – Whereas the climate in Seattle is understood to be gloomy and wet, town sees loads of sunshine in the summertime months.

As you may count on, these are undoubtedly the busiest months when it comes to tourism. Think about planning your go to in Could or September to take pleasure in nice climate with smaller crowds.

pike place market things to do in seattle

Be ready for unpredictable climate – One minute you’ll be comfy in a t-shirt and shorts, whereas the subsequent you’re wishing you had introduced a sweater. Then it begins to rain and you would like you had a raincoat or umbrella. Be ready for all types of climate.

Have an out of doors and indoor plan – It’s greatest to have a backup plan if the climate activates you, which is sort of possible in Seattle. Hopefully, you’ll be able to benefit from the nice outdoor, nevertheless it’s not a nasty thought to have a listing of museums or different indoor sights to fall again on.

Guide tickets on-line – With solely a weekend in Seattle, you don’t need to waste time. Determine which sights you need to go to and ebook these tickets on-line upfront. You may as well get monetary savings on combo tickets in case you plan to go to locations just like the House Needle. Discover out extra in regards to the top tours on Viator here.

Attending to Seattle

In case you’re flying into Seattle, you’ll arrive on the Sea-Tac Worldwide Airport (SEA). It’s about 15 miles south of town and is a significant transportation hub with direct flights everywhere in the world.

By Metro

One beauty of Seattle is that it has a stable public transportation community. You’ll be able to simply get from the airport to downtown by hopping on the Link Light Rail

A one-way ticket prices simply $3.00 and it takes about 40 minutes to achieve downtown. It runs each 10 minutes in the course of the day on the weekend so that you received’t have to attend round too lengthy.

link light rail tram weekend in seattle

By Taxi

There are additionally flat-rate and metered taxis on the airport. The flat-rate ones are two colours and offer you a set worth relying on the realm you’re headed to. Metered taxis are a stable colour and cost per mile and/or time.

By Rideshare

Three totally different rideshare apps work in Seattle. You’ll be able to catch Uber, Lyft, or Wingz from the airport on the third flooring of the parking storage. 

Renting a Automobile

Renting a automotive can also be an possibility however isn’t actually obligatory for a weekend in Seattle. As I stated, town has nice public transportation. There’s actually no want to fret about discovering and paying for parking.

By Prepare

In case you’re touring to or from Seattle by way of different American cities, it’s possible you’ll need to contemplate taking a scenic prepare. The Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder traces all move by way of Seattle. Click here to examine your choices.

The place To Keep for a Weekend in Seattle

For such a brief journey to the Emerald Metropolis, you’ll need to keep in a central space. For a weekend in Seattle, it’s greatest to stay to downtown or the adjoining neighborhoods. 

Staying right here provides you quick access to and from the airport by way of gentle rail. It additionally places you inside strolling distance to Pike Place Market and Waterfront Park. Public transportation makes it simple to rise up to the Seattle Middle as effectively.

After all, downtown Seattle can also be house to a variety of resorts, eating places, outlets, and bars. This makes it an excellent handy place to remain for a brief journey.

where to stay seattle itinerary 2 days

Listed below are a couple of suggestions for downtown Seattle lodging to go well with all budgets:

In case you don’t need to be proper in the midst of town, you’ll be able to search for choices in close by Pioneer Sq., Belltown, or Pike/Pine. Discover all of the locations to remain in Seattle here

Seattle in 2 days is doable, simply make sure that your lodging is centrally situated.

Get pleasure from Your Journey to Seattle

I’ve had a whole lot of enjoyable scripting this 2 days in Seattle itinerary and information, so I hope you’ve loved it.

Seattle is a implausible alternative for a weekend getaway and it’s undoubtedly one in every of my favourite American cities. In case you’re questioning if 2 days in Seattle is sufficient time, the reply is sure. 

As with wherever, you would all the time spend longer, see extra, do extra, or journey slower. However, in case you simply have a weekend accessible, it’s potential to take pleasure in a enjoyable itinerary.

There aren’t many locations which have such all kinds of actions, eating places, occasions, and bars on provide. There actually is one thing for everybody in Seattle. Get pleasure from your journey.

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