1 Day in Seattle – The Perfect Itinerary

👉 Jump to: Where to Stay | One Day in Seattle | How to Get Around | Tips

So you’ve only got a day to spend in Seattle… what do you do? Don’t worry – I’m a local and I’ll help you maximize your day in the city! 

Even with 1 day in Seattle, you can see many of the city’s top attractions, eat at great restaurants, and add a few unique excursions to your day. This comprehensive and easy-to-follow itinerary also includes suggestions on where to stay and how to get around.

Have more time in the city? Check out my 3 day Seattle itinerary!

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Where to Stay if You Only Have One Day in Seattle

For a 1-day visit to Seattle, these are my top picks for where to stay:

• Budget – Green Tortoise Hostel
• Mid-Range – Mayflower Park Hotel
• Luxury – Fairmont Olympic
• For Families – Maxwell Hotel
• Best Near Pike Place Market – Inn at the Market
• Best Near the Cruise Terminal – Edgewater Hotel

For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in Seattle.

One Day in Seattle Itinerary

8:30 AM – Coffee and Pike Place Market

Begin your first day in Seattle at one of the best coffee shops in the city, Monorail Espresso. There are multiple locations in downtown Seattle, but I recommend the one on Pike & 5th. Just know that this is a serving window, not a cafe. There are a few chairs and small tables available if you want to sit outside and enjoy your drink.

Otherwise, grab your coffee and take a leisurely walk down Pike Street to get to Pike Place Market. This will take you less than ten minutes.

Pike Place Market is the city’s number one attraction. When you get there early, you can watch it come alive around you as vendors set up and businesses open.

There’s a lot to take in at the market, so bookmark my Pike Place Market guide! Read it before you visit to know exactly what to expect when you get there. 

Spend time perusing the produce, flower, and artisan stalls, watching the famous flying fish, and taking photos by the infamous gum wall. While here, stop for breakfast. 

Want something quick and sweet? Grab a pack of fresh, hot mini donuts from Daily Dozen Donuts. You can also try sweet or savory crumpets from The Crumpet Shop or grab scones and bagels from Three Girls Bakery. For a sit-down option, go to Lowell’s Restaurant and nosh down on the eggs benedict.

Once your belly is full and you’ve seen some of the best sights, head over to the Pike Place Market Overlook Walk to get down to Seattle’s bustling waterfront.

👉 Pro Tip: Pretty much every local will tell you to skip the Starbucks in Pike Place Market. This is an over-touristed spot and the lines are almost always long, especially on weekends. 

One little-known fact is that this isn’t actually the first Starbucks. The sign is the original, but the first Starbucks location was a couple of blocks away and no longer exists. Skip this stop, especially with only one day in the city (and see my guide for more Seattle travel tips).

11:00 AM – Seattle Waterfront and Olympic Sculpture Park

Prepare for a pleasant stroll along the waterfront. You’ll see some of the best attractions here, like the Seattle Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium. 

Take time to wander around the Waterfront Park area. Peek inside Miners Landing, which has restaurants, arcade games, and sculptures. Wander up to Pier 62 Park and play a round of giant checkers.

Watch the ferries traveling back and forth across Puget Sound. On a clear day, you’ll have a perfect view of the stunning Olympic Mountains.

Continue walking north along the waterfront. Getting tired of walking? You can usually find electric scooters or bikes nearby that will speed things along. After about twenty minutes of walking, you’ll reach Olympic Sculpture Park. 

The Olympic Sculpture Park is one of the best local parks and part of the Seattle Art Museum. You’ll see tons of modern and abstract sculptures lining the pathways here. It’s a gradual uphill climb from the waterfront and through the park, so take your time. 

You’ll get some of your first glimpses of the Space Needle as you reach the top (a little hint as to where you’re headed next).

12:00 PM – Lunch and Seattle Center Exploration

After making your way through the Olympic Sculpture Park, walk to Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar for a light lunch.

Here, you can sample some of the awesome seafood the Pacific Northwest is known for. Choose from dishes like geoduck chowder, Dungeness crab, or clams and mussels slathered in a creamy herb sauce.

After eating lunch, you’ll finally have your chance to get up close to the Space Needle. Walk across the street from Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar to the Seattle Center.

You’ll see the Climate Pledge Arena and the International Fountain almost immediately. Watch one of the fountain’s water show performances or continue through the Seattle Center toward the Space Needle. 

The Space Needle is right between two other attractions you’ll be visiting: the Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass. These are two of the best museums in Seattle. 

First, check out the Space Needle, the city’s epic 605-foot landmark. Depending on the time of year, the top may be decorated.

Book this Space Needle and Chihuly Garden combo ticket ahead of time to save time, especially during peak season. Ride to the top to take photos and admire the views. You can skip the ride up if you’re trying to save some cash (don’t worry, we’ll visit another viewpoint later).

Next, go check out Chihuly Garden and Glass. This is one of Seattle’s most unique art museums, with incredible sculptures made entirely of glass.

The work is by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Wander through the glasshouse and watch a live glassblowing demonstration. Don’t forget to check out the outdoor garden brimming with glass sculptures.

Once you finish, head to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). This cool and contemporary museum has TV, movie, and music exhibits.

You’ll see film memorabilia, and interactive horror, science fiction, and fantasy displays. A part of the museum is also dedicated to Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Jimi Hendrix! Don’t forget to admire the outside of the MoPoP — it’s one of the coolest-looking buildings in the city!

Once you’ve finished exploring the museum, follow the signs to the monorail.

3:30 PM – Ride the Monorail and Grab Drinks at Smith Tower Observatory

The monorail is a fun mode of transportation and a convenient means to get back downtown. Get on the 60s-era Space Age-style ride when you finish exploring the Seattle Center. It’ll whiz you from the Seattle Center to the Westlake Center in about 3 minutes. 

Once you arrive at Westlake Station, you’ll have a few options for getting to your next stop. 

Call an Uber or Lyft to take you to Smith Tower in Pioneer Square if you’re tired of walking and want to give your legs a little break. You can also ride the light rail. Catch the 1-line going south toward Angle Lake. Get off at Pioneer Square Station, exit on Yesler Way, and walk one minute to Smith Tower.

However, if you’re okay with a 20-minute walk, walk along Fourth Avenue toward Pike Street. Along the way, you’ll pass another cool city landmark, the Central Branch of the Seattle Public Library.

The Seattle Central Library is most notable because it’s made entirely of glass and steel. It’s also one of the best free things to do in Seattle! Pause and take a few photos of it. Then make a right turn downhill when you reach Madison Street.

Walk down to Second Avenue where you’ll turn left. From here, it’s four blocks to the Smith Tower. The Smith Tower was the first skyscraper in Seattle and the tallest building west of the Mississippi at the time of its construction.

When you visit, you’ll purchase $15 tickets (though you can also reserve them in advance) and ride a historic elevator to the Observatory level. Here, you’ll find a cool, speakeasy-style bar. Order pre-dinner drinks and snacks and relax in the swanky 35th-floor bar.

And here is your promised viewpoint. Go outside the bar and soak in 360-degree views on the observation deck. You’ll see Puget Sound, the mountains, sports stadiums, and downtown buildings.

📚 Related Reading: Curious about safety for your upcoming trip? Check out my article on safety in Seattle so you’ll know what to expect on your visit.

5:30 PM – Dinner in Seattle’s International District

After you’ve had time to relax with your drinks and unwind, it’s time to get some delicious eats. Head back down the elevator. Make your way out and walk to the adjacent International District.

The International District has some of the most delicious restaurants in the city. For dinner, there are a few that I suggest:

Visit Maneki for Japanese food. This is a historic restaurant that’s been in business since the early 1900s. It’s popular, so make sure you text them for a reservation ahead of time.

Another fantastic option is Dough Zone, where you’ll be able to choose from all sorts of dumplings, noodle bowls, and soups. 

Finally, you can try Tai Tung. Fun fact: This Chinese restaurant was Bruce Lee’s favorite (evident by all the posters around the restaurant). The portions here are huge, making this a good budget option for people who like to share a couple of plates.

7:30 PM – Dessert and Fun on Capitol Hill

When you’re done with dinner, your next stop will be the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. Walk down to the International District Link Light Rail Station. Catch the 1-line going to Northgate. Get off at Capitol Hill Station.

First, get some dessert. You have two great options for ice cream. Go to Molly Moon’s, which is the classic option. Or you can try my personal favorite, Frankie and Jo’s, which is tasty and vegan-friendly.

Alternatively, go to Hot Cakes for indulgent chocolate lava cakes if you want something super rich and chocolatey (emphasis on the rich – I recommend sharing for this spot).

Capitol Hill is known for party vibes, but you don’t have to have a wild night here. Prefer something chill? Head over to Elliott Bay Bookstore, one of the best bookstores in the city. 

Make sure you arrive before they close at 10 pm. Browse the titles and other merch for a while and then head to Neko Cat Cafe (open till 9:45 pm).

Here, you can enjoy a glass of wine or sake and play with sweet cats. Be sure to book a reservation ahead of time to guarantee you get some time with the cats.

For a more high-energy evening, check out some bars in the area. Unicorn can be crowded and wild, but it’s also a fun carnival-themed bar. 

Rockbox is one of my personal favorites for Japanese-style karaoke. This is another place where you’ll want to make reservations in advance. 

Finally, check out Havana if you’re in the mood to dance at a nightclub. You can also go to Reverie Ballroom (previously Century Ballroom), which is one of my top Seattle date ideas. Come here for salsa, swing, tango, and other lessons followed by an evening of dancing.

Once you’ve had your fill of Capitol Hill, catch an Uber or Lyft back to your hotel. That concludes your one day in Seattle!

How to Get Around

There are many ways to get around Seattle. I suggest sticking to the light rail, buses, and rideshares like Uber or Lyft when you only have a day in Seattle. The light rail is convenient, fast, and reliable. It can take you from the SeaTac Airport to north Seattle neighborhoods and beyond. 

Buses are cheap, easy to use, and super convenient if you’re staying downtown. Ride-shares are also great if you want to go somewhere further away but don’t want to worry about parking or navigating traffic.

Make sure to check out Discover Cars for the best deal if you decide to rent a car for this trip. This way, you can compare prices and find the most cost-efficient option before you arrive.

Seattle Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Pack a Rain Jacket and Good Walking Shoes

You should almost always expect a chance of rainy weather when you visit Seattle, especially from October through April. Plus, this itinerary includes a lot of walking – you’ll be outside and on your feet a lot.

Make sure your packing list includes a decent rain jacket to keep you dry, along with comfy shoes that can withstand all the uphill and downhill treks.

Tip #2 – Download the myORCA App

Download the myORCA app if you’re using public transportation and want to get around the city as easily as possible. It will show you where to buy a physical card.

From there, you can load money onto the card via your phone. Use this to get around on buses, the light rail, the monorail, streetcars, water taxis, and ferries. It’s a great way to get around Seattle on a budget.

Tip #3 – Visit Seattle During the Shoulder Seasons to Avoid Crowds

You’ll want to make the most of your time on a short visit, so it’s best to plan a trip when attractions aren’t packed with other tourists. The shoulder seasons are good times for this.

The best times to visit Seattle to avoid crowds (and still have good weather) are May to June and September to October.

Tip #4 – Be Flexible with Timing and Activities

You may need to adjust some of your plans and skip parts of this itinerary depending on the season, day of the week your visit falls on, and your energy level.

Some restaurants, experiences, etc., may be closed or open odd hours. So, prepare a few backups, try being flexible with changes, and look at any of my other Seattle guides to find other fun activities to substitute!

Tip #5 – Make Reservations when Possible

Avoid having to skip a restaurant or experience you’re excited about by making reservations in advance. This is also a good way to make the most of your time. You won’t have to wait in lines or hastily readjust your plans if you get a rez ahead of time.

Tip #6 – Decide on Your “Can’t-Miss” and Your “Skips”

Seattle is one of the USA’s major cities for a good reason — there’s so much to do here. While one day is enough time to get a taste of the top attractions, it’s not enough time to do it all. 

Before you visit, decide on the things you can’t miss and what you’re okay with skipping for now. There are always other trips and it’s fun to have something to look forward to on return visits!

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Now you know how to spend one day in one of the best cities in Washington. Remember, you can always tweak this guide as needed to make it the perfect itinerary for you. 

Want some specific advice? Ask me a question in the comments. Otherwise, enjoy your day in Seattle!