Itineraries for Your Trip to Seattle
2 Days in Seattle for First Timers
I’ve been to Seattle far more times than I can count, and every time I visit, I make a point of visiting a mix of old favorites and new-to-me spots. While I usually prioritize trying out new restaurants while in town, I also make regular repeat visits to some of the city’s famously fantastic museums. (My personal favorite is Chihuly Garden and Glass, which showcases the works of acclaimed Pacific Northwest artist Dale Chihuly.)
Because Seattle is relatively compact, I find it easy to visit in just one weekend, which makes it a perfect quick-trip destination from my hometown in Portland, a 3-hour drive away. Here’s how I’d suggest making the most of two days in Seattle.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Seattle is a rainy destination, except in the summer when it can get hot and dry.
Start your Seattle trip off with a visit to one of its more unusual (and popular) attractions: a subterranean city that sits under Pioneer Square. Historical walking tours take you through what downtown Seattle used to look like until an 1889 fire destroyed the city, and a new Seattle was built on top of it. After your experience, grab lunch before heading over to your next destination: Seattle Center.
Constructed in the early 1960s for the World’s Fair, the Seattle Center has grown to become one of the top tourist destinations in the city. You’ll find plenty of Seattle’s top attractions here this afternoon, including its most recognized sight of all: the Space Needle. Don’t leave before visiting the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), and, of course, Chihuly Garden and Glass.
On your first evening, spend a bit of time immersing yourself in Seattle’s spooky side by joining a ghost tour. Learn all about potentially haunted spots and hear eerie tales from the past as you explore the city with a guide. For an extra bit of fun, consider a ghost tour and pub crawl combo.
Seattle is known as a coffee capital, and while Starbucks fans always make a beeline to the city’s first Starbucks, located in Pike Place Market, there are plenty of other great coffee shops worth discovering. Start day two on a coffee-themed tour—a great way to get an insider’s take on the city’s coffee scene.
In the afternoon, head over (or back) to Pike Place Market to check out the many shops and stalls selling locally made products, from artisanal salts and Washington wines to freshly caught fish straight from Puget Sound. Explore at your own pace or opt for a Seattle food tour and fill up on included tasty treats.
With a massive sound and plenty of lakes, the Seattle area is a great place to wrap your Seattle trip up out on the water. Spend your final evening aboard a boat, taking in views of the city’s pretty skyline as you sail. A sunset cruise is a particularly good option, especially if you’re a photographer—or on a romantic getaway.
