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My family recently traveled to Seattle and we spent less than 24 hours in Seattle due to a jammed-pack itinerary so we wanted to share what we enjoyed as we think you will enjoy it too!
From attractions to food, we have come up with a list of ideas for your next trip to Seattle. Perhaps you are going on a cruise and have some time to kill before or when you return. Or maybe you are just passing through and heading to Olympic National Park like we were. Whatever brings you to Seattle, the list of places to visit will make exploring downtown Seattle enjoyable.
24 Hours in Seattle: Popular Attractions at Pike Place Market
No matter what research you do on Seattle I am sure you will find the #1 place to visit will be the first place we recommend, Pike Place Market.
Seattle Pike Place Market
If you only take time to visit one place in your 24 hours in Seattle, we recommend Pike Place Market. I have to admit, I was skeptical but we really enjoyed Pike Place Market. After reading about it in so many other blogs and its popularity, we were not sure what to expect as some things can be over-exaggerated. We have been to so many incredible places, that it’s hard to compete. Pike Place Market did not disappoint!
Pike Place Market has been a Seattle icon for more than 100 years. Some even say it’s “the soul of Seattle”. In fact, the Market itself covers around nine acres in the center of downtown where locals and travelers shop, visit, eat and explore.
So, just so you know, the market isn’t just about fish throwing as you may read online. Yes, that is part of the experience however it is so much more. Fresh-cut flowers, clothing, food, jewelry, local fruit, and multiple vendors are all under one “outdoor” roof. It’s such a great experience!
Flying Fish: Pike Place Fish Market
Okay, back to fish throwing. THIS, is the main reason people visit Pike Place Market. Besides, who doesn’t want to see flying fish? You’ll be able to experience this attraction at the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market.
So why do fish get thrown? Fish only fly to someone behind the counter when a customer purchases one. So if no fish are being thrown, maybe you should buy one! Also, if you are brave and want to catch your own purchased fish, well have at it!
Fresh Cut Flowers: Pike Place Market
If you at all love flowers like I do, you will be blown away by the flower bouquets, already assembled beautifully for only $20! If I lived locally, my house would be filled with fresh flowers daily! Multiple vendors with a variety of flowers to fit your desire. For example, if planning a wedding, this would be the perfect place to buy flowers.
The Gum Wall: Pike Place Market
Be sure to visit The Gum Wall right below the Pike Place Fish Market. Yes, Gum Wall. Our kids thought it was a cool stop and decided to participate in the art and placed their own gum on the wall. If you ask me, it’s kinda gross but cool at the same time, but whatever trips your excitement, just check it out!
Cool fact: At 8 feet high and 54 feet wide, there are an estimated over 50 pieces of gum per brick or over 250,000 wads of gum on the wall. That’s a lot of gum!
Ghost Alley Expresso: Pike Place Market
Ghost Alley Espresso is a unique coffee shop with an equally unique history. Nestled in a 1908 bathroom, Ghost Alley isn’t your typical coffee shop. In fact, in this cute little haunted shop, you can find some of the best coffee in Seattle according to their staff. Besides, when you are visiting The Gum Wall you will find them nearby, they are in the alley underneath the iconic Public Market Center sign right next to The Gum Wall (that’s how we found them!). Be sure to try the caramel macchiato.
Piroshky Piroshky: Pike Place Market
Do not miss this bakery! Fresh, fast, and incredible! We actually went twice it was THAT good!
We had no idea what a Pirozhki were but they are amazing! Pirozhki are Russian and Ukrainian baked or fried yeast-leavened boat-shaped buns with a variety of fillings. For 30 years this tiny bakery has grown into a worldwide popular Seattle attraction.
The First Starbucks: Pike Place Market
When in Seattle, one must visit the famous First Starbucks. Starbucks opened its first store along the cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market in 1971. Coffee older than me, ha! However, be prepared to stand in line to step foot inside this popular attraction. We decided not to wait in line, snapped a picture of the outside, and called it good!
24 Hours in Seattle: Along the Pier
Be sure to check out the attractions alongside the Pier just steps from Pike Place Market. So many options along the water.
The Seattle Great Wheel
Next, relax and see the sights of Seattle from The Seattle Great Wheel on pier 57 including Mount Rainer, The Space Needle, Pudget Sound, and much more! In fact, The Seattle Great Wheel is the tallest Ferris wheel on the West coast standing at 175′ and reaching 40′ out over Elliot Bay! Affordable family fun for you don’t want to miss!
The Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is the ninth largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance to which the aquarium provides exciting ways to discover more about the amazing Puget Sound and the ocean. From fish to birds, octopus, otters, coral, sea anemone, and much more for all to enjoy!
As you can see, if you have little time or a lot of time, all you need is 24 hours in Seattle to see some pretty amazing sites.
Safe adventures,
Brooke
Looking for things to do outside of Seattle? Check out my blog post on Best Hikes In Olympic National Park: Stunning 2-Day Itinerary.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out other exciting places to travel within the blog: places such as Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, Glacier National Park, or Arches National Park.
