Here’s a comprehensive 3-day and 5-day itinerary for your trip to Seattle, with a focus on Pike Place Market and the surrounding attractions:
3-Day Seattle Itinerary: Pike Place Market & Beyond
Day 1: Pike Place Market & Waterfront
Morning:
- Start your day early at Pike Place Market. Arriving early allows you to experience the market before it gets crowded.
- Grab breakfast at Three Girls Bakery, known for its fresh baked goods.
- Visit the Original Starbucks and explore the many stalls within the market.
Afternoon:
Head to the Seattle Aquarium to learn about marine life native to the Pacific Northwest.
Take a stroll along the Seattle Waterfront and enjoy the views of Elliott Bay.
Have lunch at Pike Place Chowder, famous for its award-winning clam chowder.
Evening:
Ride the Seattle Great Wheel at the waterfront for great views of the city.
Enjoy dinner at The Pink Door, which serves Italian cuisine with live entertainment.
Day 2: Seattle Center & Capitol Hill
Morning:
- Visit the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass for incredible views and beautiful glass art.
- Explore the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to check out exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture.
Afternoon:
Head to Capitol Hill for a mix of art, food, and culture. Explore Volunteer Park and visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Stroll through Capitol Hill’s unique shops and cafes.
Evening:
Day 3: Ballard & Discovery Park
Morning:
- Take a bus or rideshare to Ballard Locks and watch the boats pass through. Visit the fish ladder to see migrating salmon.
- If it’s a Sunday, visit the Ballard Farmers Market for fresh produce and local crafts.
Afternoon:
Head to Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest green space, for beautiful trails, beaches, and scenic views of the Puget Sound.
Evening:
5-Day Seattle Itinerary: In-Depth Exploration
Day 1–3: Follow the 3-Day Itinerary Above
Day 4: Fremont & Ballard
Morning:
- Visit the famous Fremont Troll, a giant sculpture under the Aurora Bridge.
- Explore the quirky shops and cafes in the Fremont neighborhood.
Afternoon:
Evening:
Day 5: Day Trip to Bainbridge Island
Morning:
- Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, which offers stunning views of Puget Sound.
- Explore Winslow, the main town on the island, known for its shops, galleries, and cafes.
Afternoon:
Visit the Bloedel Reserve, a forest garden that’s perfect for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
Have lunch at Harbour Public House, known for its fresh seafood and craft beers.
Evening:
Getting Around Without a Car
Walking: Seattle is a very walkable city, especially around Pike Place Market, Capitol Hill, and Ballard. The market itself is compact, so exploring on foot is ideal.
Public Transportation: You can easily use King County Metro buses or the Seattle Center Monorail to get around the city. The Light Rail is also available to reach areas such as the airport and beyond.
Ridesharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and offer convenient ways to travel between neighborhoods, particularly when the destinations are farther apart.
Ferries: If you’re visiting nearby islands like Bainbridge, the Washington State Ferries offer routes with stunning views.
This itinerary offers a balance of iconic Seattle experiences along with local spots to explore, providing a complete trip that covers Pike Place Market, the waterfront, museums, and day trips. It’s a flexible plan that can be customized based on your pace and preferences!
