Side note: I’m more than positive that half of you are rolling your eyes saying, “Here she goes again, Seattle this, Seattle that.” But I know this city inside out as if I was born and raised here. It’s only fair to let this city be the first one I write about. .

Seattle is an extremely diverse city when it comes to culture, mindset, and environment. Sitting right in the middle of the Puget Sound and mountain ranges, such as the Olympics, it gives everyone a sight to see.

The city has also retained its grunge vibes from the 90s which makes any 90s baby happy...like me. It is home of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and the Foo Fighters just to name a few.

The Emerald City is also the birthplace of Starbucks. Now, if you want to have a good cup of coffee that blows your socks off, come to Seattle. I promise you won’t be disappointed. The coffee culture in Seattle is out of this world, so much that it is the “world center of coffee roasting.” There are roughly 1,118 coffee shops (including Starbucks) in Seattle alone! Therefore, you have no excuse to at least get a tall coffee.

All I’m trying to say is, if you like to hike while singing “Smells like Teen Spirit” holding a triple latte macchiato with non-fat milk in your hand, then you should probably come to Seattle.

Things To Do:

Space Needle

The Space Needle is one of the main, if not the main, attraction in Seattle, WA. Aside from the amazing view of the city from the observatory deck, it is a pretty educational attraction that teaches you all about the building. I could go all in depth about this beautiful structure, but I’ll let you experience it on your own. If you are afraid of heights, I would bring a friend as the new and renovated Space Needle walls are an absolute thrill. Also, on a clear day, you can also spot Mount Rainier from the top.

I would consider this a moderate budget attraction ($$) since it is $26 for an unlimited time on the observatory deck. This attraction is also included in the Seattle CityPASS. (CP) The CityPASS is my favorite way to experience Seattle and I will go more in depth as to why in the “Tips and Deals" section of this blog.

Pike Place

The Pike Place Market is the longest running farmers market in the United States. It is famous for its fish throwing market as well as for being home of the first ever Starbucks. Apart from its beautiful display of flowers, you can also find some delicious restaurants inside the market. I love to come here to simply just walk around and enjoy being around energetic and fun people.

This a low budget attraction ($) since it is free to just walk around, and sight see. However, I do encourage you to support the local farmers to your own expense and enjoy everything they have to offer.

Seattle Waterfront and The Great Wheel

Seattle’s Waterfront is only steps away from Pike Place Market therefor you have no excuse to visit! The Waterfront is home of many restaurants, inexpensive souvenir shops, an aquarium, and the biggest Ferris Wheel in the west coast, The Great Wheel.

You can always start by walking around the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful view of ferries coming in and out of the ferry station. If you’re lucky enough, you could even sight an orca pod. If you get tired of walking you can head to Seattle’s Great Wheel and enjoy another beautiful and different sight of the city. On a good day, you could also see Mount Rainier from the top of The Great Wheel.

The tickets are $14 and for a VIP ticket, that includes a clear bottom cabin and a bottle of champagne, it is $50. I would say this is a low to moderate budget attraction ($-$$).

Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture is one of my favorite places to be. If you are a music and movie fanatic this is the place for you to nerd out. They have different sections whether if its, for example, a Nirvana exhibit or a Jimmy Hendrix exhibit. For movies, they’ll section it off by genres and if anyone knows me, then you know you can always find me in the horror exhibit. They have a great display of artifacts and original pieces from bands and movies. Before heading over to the museum, check online for any special, limited time, exhibits they are having during the time of your visit. I would place this to be a moderate budget attraction ($$) as the tickets are $26-$28 while the limited time exhibitions usually average an additional $10 to your ticket. This attraction is included in the Seattle CityPASS. (CP)

Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum

The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is the museum for those who want to be transported into a different dimension. This museum showcases art created by Dale Chihuly. The glass mastermind can create beautiful pieces with only glass that would blow your mind. It is conveniently located right underneath the Space Needle which also gives you another beautiful perspective on the structure. This is a moderate budget attraction ($$) since general admission tickets are $26. The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is included in Seattle CityPASS. (CP)

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is another attraction I personally enjoy going to. I have a small obsession with otters so that explains it. What I absolutely love about this aquarium is that, unlike others, this is a place that focuses on conservation, research, and rehabilitation of these beautiful marine animals. Other than having beautiful exhibits of animals that live in the Puget Sound, amongst others, they focus on educating their guests on how to make the ocean a better place for them. This is a moderate budget attraction ($$) with the tickets for general admission being $26. The Seattle Aquarium is included in the Seattle CityPASS. (CP)

Bill Speidel's Underground Tour

3/21/22 UPDATE- As of now I do NOT recommend this tour as I don't agree with their service and management since the COVID-19 pandemic. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is a must do! Out of all the attractions, I personally feel that this one educates you the most over the city. The city of Seattle burned to the ground during the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and during this tour you get to explore the grounds of the original city. The tour guides are extremely entertaining, and they are different types of tour that cater to everyone. This attraction is a moderate budget attraction ($$) since the tickets range from $22-$50 depending on which tour you decide to do.

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is for all of my outdoor lovers. Although this not located right in the middle of Seattle, it is just a 2-hour drive away. This is an absolutely breathtaking hike with beautiful evergreens and lakes which can really transport you to another element of nature. There’s not much I can say other than you need to come and experience this place with your own eyes. I consider this a high budget attraction ($$$) since you would need to rent a car, budget for gas, and pay for a single vehicle fee of $30.

Kayaking with Orcas

Now, this is an attraction you do NOT want to miss. Just like Mount Rainier, this isn’t located right in the heart of Seattle, but it is a 2-hour drive to Anacortes, WA and a ferry ride to the San Juan Islands. The drive itself is just as amazing since you get to see the beautiful Washington greenery, enjoy the gorgeous small town of Anacortes, and cross out a ferry ride from your list. There are multiple of companies the offer a kayaking tour for whale watching, however SeaQuest was the one I used, and personally love. I was able to encounter an orca pod simply yards away from us and, luckily, saw an on of those beautiful creatures breech.

There are many different types of tours therefor I would choose according to what you are looking for. This is a high budget attraction ($$$) since you would need to rent a car, budget for gas, and the tours cost from $90 up to $600 for a 3-day camping tour.

Sights To See:

Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is such a fun sight to see. Think of it as a love lock bridge but instead of locks, it’s with chewed gum. It is a great photo opportunity for your Instagram feed, and it is conveniently located in Post Alley. Do not forget your gum, you’re going to want to participate for this one.

Post Alley

Post Alley is located right below Pike Place Market. Other than being home of the Gum Wall and having other aspects of cool photography, it is also home of some delicious restaurants. This is also the shortcut you would take to head to Seattle’s Waterfront.

Pioneer Square

The Pioneer Square is located where Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is located. It has beautiful structures in which make beautiful and unique pictures your Instagram. It also showcases the diverse culture that Seattle has to offer and lets you indulge in it with different events that the city hosts here.

Kerry Park

The famous post card picture of Seattle, and our main picture for this blog, are taken in this park located in Queen Anne Hill. Depending on the time that you decide to visit, you will see all the photographers with their extremely expensive, fancy cameras trying to capture that one perfect moment. If you’re lucky, you will be able to capture it all from the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains.

Fremont Troll

This is the most random sight but surprisingly a famous one. This troll holding a Volkswagen is located in the Fremont neighborhood. You will see people climbing it to get the perfect pic (please be safe), and people trying to figure out how this sand structure was even possible. It is random, it is funny, and it’s a sight to see for sure.

Where to Eat:

Bacco Cafe

Let’s start this with some delicious breakfast at Pike Place. I am a huge breakfast person and Seattle does not disappoint. One thing to note of Seattle’s food is they are not afraid of their seafood and the Bacco Café is no exception. I have tried their Dungeness Crab omelet and if your mouth isn’t watery now, I don’t know what will. If you aren’t a fan of seafood, do not freak, they do have other delicious options for you.

Biscuit Bitch

If you want to visit an Instagram worthy place, then I recommend waking up early and heading here. This place is pretty known for its explicit choice of names for its breakfast platters and for how delicious these platters are. I recommend getting here early and trying whatever your heart desires because everything is just mouth-watery.

Dragon Fish

Where are all of my sushi lovers? Dragonfish is located right in the heart of Downtown Seattle and it has the best happy hour! If you’re on a budget and still want to drink and eat good, this is your place. With Dragonfire noodles for just $1.95 and California Rolls for just $4.95, you are for sure in for a treat. Happy Hour is daily from 2pm-6pm and 9pm-1am.

The Pink Door

The Pink Door is an Italian restaurant located in Post Alley. It has the reputation of being one of the best restaurants in Seattle and rightfully so. It has exquisite Italian cuisines that make any belly happy. I highly recommend coming for lunch as you can see the magical view of Puget Sound from certain seating in this restaurant.

Transportation:

Rideshare

With most of Seattle attractions being right in downtown, rideshare apps are pretty convenient. If you’re not the walking to your destination person, like me, then I would recommend downloading these rideshare apps and seeing the average cost of the rides between destinations. ($$)

Bikes

For my active travelers, through downtown Seattle, you will find bicycles that you can rent out for hours or for the full day. These tend to be pretty inexpensive and give you a different feel for the city. Most locals do use bicycles for their daily commute, therefor you won’t be the only one enjoying the fresh Seattle air. ($-$$)

Link Light Rail

The Link Light Rail is also very common for tourists in Seattle. This train can take you from the Sea-Tac Airport all the way to University of Washington with 14 stops in between, including downtown Seattle. With fairs ranging from $2.50-$3.50, this is probably the least expensive way to travel around Seattle. ($)

Tips:

Do Not Order at the Original Starbucks

The original Starbucks store is for sure on top of the list for any coffee lover. However, unless you want to spend 30 minutes in line trying to order a Starbucks coffee that you can get a block away in 5 minutes, then do not get coffee here. They will have two separate lines once you walk into the store, one to buy souvenirs and one to order coffee. Buy your souvenirs and find your coffee elsewhere. Which leads me to my other tip...

Go to Local Coffee Shops, Not Starbucks

Support local coffee shops in Seattle instead of heading to the Starbucks chain stores. Seattle is full of coffee shops that offer the same quality if not better coffee than Seattle. On top of the good coffee, you’ll be able to experience real coffee shop vibes with people who enjoy the same energy.

Seattle CityPASS

You guys have already seen me mention this in some of the attractions but let me go more in depth. The Seattle CityPASS is a life and money saver for anyone wanting to experience Seattle. This is a booklet of “redeemable coupons” to use for certain attractions. You buy this booklet for $115 and you’re essential saving 46% or more off of these attractions all together. You have 9 days to complete the booklet and you get additional coupons to other attractions, food, etc. in the back of the booklet. The Seattle CityPASS includes:

Space Needle (2 admissions within 24hrs Day/Night)
Seattle Aquarium
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or Woodland Park Zoo
Chihuly Garden and Glass or Pacific Science Center

I highly recommend doing this for your Seattle trip. Purchase. or learn more here.

Seattle, Wa