Trip highlights
- 1Pike Place Market
- 2Space Needle
- 3Chihuly Garden and Glass
- 4Bainbridge Island ferry
- 5Seattle coffee culture
Daily spend
Where you're going
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In pictures
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Day-by-day plan
Arrival & Pike Place Market
Wednesday, July 14
Est. spend
$170
per person
🌅 Morning
Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Link light rail connects the airport directly to downtown Seattle in about 40 minutes.
The Link light rail is far cheaper than a taxi and runs directly from the airport terminal to downtown.
☀️ Afternoon
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market, Seattle
America's oldest continuously operated farmers market, famous for flying fish at the fish stalls, the original Starbucks, and the gum wall.
Arrive before 10am to watch the fishmongers' famous fish-throwing routine before the crowds build.
🌙 Evening
Dinner in Belltown
Belltown, Seattle
A trendy neighborhood just north of the market with an excellent mix of seafood restaurants and casual bistros.
🍽️ Meals
Airport or hotel breakfast
American · $12
Pike Place Market lunch
Seafood/American · $20
Belltown dinner
Pacific Northwest · $50
Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass
Thursday, July 15
Est. spend
$175
per person
🌅 Morning
Space Needle
Space Needle, Seattle Center
Seattle's iconic 184-metre observation tower with a rotating glass floor and panoramic views over the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier on clear days.
Book a timed-entry ticket in advance and visit on a clear morning for the best Mount Rainier views.
☀️ Afternoon
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Center
A stunning exhibit of Dale Chihuly's vibrant blown-glass sculptures, set within an indoor gallery and outdoor garden right beside the Space Needle.
The combination ticket with the Space Needle saves money if visiting both on the same day.
🌙 Evening
Dinner near Seattle Center
Seattle Center area
Several solid restaurant options surround Seattle Center, convenient after an afternoon of sightseeing.
🍽️ Meals
Hotel breakfast
American · $12
Seattle Center food hall lunch
American · $18
Dinner near Seattle Center
American · $45
Bainbridge Island Ferry & Puget Sound
Friday, July 16
Est. spend
$175
per person
🌅 Morning
Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Colman Dock, Seattle Waterfront
A scenic 35-minute ferry crossing of Puget Sound from downtown Seattle's waterfront, with views back toward the city skyline and the Olympic Mountains ahead.
Sit on the upper outdoor deck for the best photos of the Seattle skyline as the ferry departs.
☀️ Afternoon
Downtown Bainbridge Island and Bloedel Reserve
Bainbridge Island, WA
Explore the island's walkable small-town center of boutiques and cafés, then visit the Bloedel Reserve's beautifully landscaped forest gardens.
Rent bikes near the ferry terminal for an easy way to explore beyond the immediate downtown area.
🌙 Evening
Dinner back in Seattle
Capitol Hill, Seattle
Return by ferry for a dinner in Capitol Hill, Seattle's lively dining and nightlife district.
🍽️ Meals
Hotel breakfast
American · $12
Bainbridge Island café lunch
American · $20
Capitol Hill dinner
American · $48
Coffee Culture & Departure
Saturday, July 17
Est. spend
$145
per person
🌅 Morning
Seattle coffee tour
Pike Place and Capitol Hill
Visit the original Starbucks at Pike Place, then sample third-wave roasters like Victrola and Caffe Vita in Capitol Hill, the birthplace of America's modern coffee culture.
The original Starbucks has a long line — visit early morning to avoid the worst of it.
☀️ Afternoon
Final souvenir shopping and museum stop
Seattle Center area
A relaxed final afternoon at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or browsing local shops before heading to the airport.
🌙 Evening
Transfer to SEA Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Allow at least 2.5 hours before an international flight given TSA wait times.
🍽️ Meals
Coffee shop breakfast
American · $14
Quick lunch downtown
American · $18
Airport food
American · $18
Before you go
📅 Best time to visit
June-September is Seattle's dry season with the most sunshine; the rest of the year is notably rainy and overcast.
🛂 Visas
International visitors from visa-waiver countries (including most of Europe, UK, Australia, and others) need ESTA pre-authorization before flying to the US; other nationalities require a B1/B2 tourist visa arranged in advance.
💱 Currency
US Dollar (USD). Cards, including contactless and mobile pay, are accepted virtually everywhere; tipping 18-20% at restaurants is standard and expected.
🆘 Emergency numbers
police: 911
ambulance: 911
💬 Things you won't find in a guidebook
- Get a CityPass or Seattle City Pass if visiting multiple paid attractions — it bundles the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden, and other sights at a discount.
- The Link light rail is the easiest and cheapest way between the airport and downtown — skip the taxi.
- Pike Place Market is busiest from 11am-2pm — visit early morning or later afternoon for a calmer experience.
- Seattle weather is famously unpredictable even in summer — pack a light rain layer regardless of season.
- Tipping is expected at restaurants and for taxi/rideshare drivers, typically 18-20% of the bill.
One thing worth not skipping
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