Downtown Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle

Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle

The heart of this North American city is famous as the home of the original Starbucks, the lively Pike Place Market and breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

Visitors to Downtown Seattle can enjoy its quirky market, iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle and an outstanding local cuisine.

Start your visit to Downtown Seattle at the world renowned Pike Place Market. This is where locals come for fresh flowers and seafood and tourists come to experience the atmosphere and activity.

Grab a cup of coffee where the original Starbucks opened back in 1971. Sip your drink while taking in the sights and the entertaining street performers.

Take the steep steps down to the waterfront and ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the nation. Riders are treated to stunning views of the Puget Sound and, on a clear day, majestic Mount Rainier and the surrounding towering peaks.

Getting out on the water is a must while you’re in Downtown Seattle. There are a variety of cruises to choose from. Take a narrated harbour trip to learn more about the area or a sunset sail for some of the most striking views of the Seattle skyline.

Walk just over a mile (1.6 kilometres) from Seattle’s waterfront to visit the city’s iconic landmark, the Space Needle. Take the elevator ride to the observation deck, or dine at the restaurant that sits atop it for 360-degree views of the entire region.

Just below the Space Needle is the Pacific Science Centre, a popular destination for families. Take a journey back to the days of the dinosaurs or walk through the Tropical Butterfly House to watch the exotic insects fly and feed among lush gardens and brilliantly colored flowers.

When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find a wide range of dining choices. Stroll downtown streets for meals that often feature locally sourced ingredients, such as wild-caught salmon, fresh berries and mushrooms foraged from local forests.

Seattle has one of the best public transportation systems in the country, so getting around the downtown area is easy using the convenient bus, light rail and streetcar services.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Seattle

The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 3rd Avenue Seattle WA
The price is £214 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£214
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and free bicycles on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,622 reviews)
"Belltown Inn was great. Clean comfortable and accessible to all we needed."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

The Belltown Inn
Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N Seattle WA
The price is £233 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£233
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (5,935 reviews)
"Great people... nice property"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

Mediterranean Inn
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue Seattle WA
The price is £226 per night from 28 Jun to 29 Jun
£226
28 Jun - 29 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,924 reviews)
"There's construction in the lobby but the room was great and so was the location. Plus the lobby construction didn't affect me at all."

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2026

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way Seattle WA
The price is £208 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£208
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,600 reviews)
"Excellent service , even we early check in but not additional charge ."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

Mayflower Park Hotel
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St Seattle WA
The price is £158 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
£158
21 Jun - 22 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,996 reviews)
"The air conditioning wasn’t turned on yet in the room. Hotel staff gave us a fan. The location is quite noisy due to frequent noise from emergency vehicles."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

Executive Hotel Pacific
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

4 out of 5
1113 6th Ave Seattle WA
The price is £202 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£202
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,640 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay and location was incredible. Staff was top notch. Very highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown Seattle

Find the best Downtown Seattle areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Seattle
Learn more about Downtown Seattle

Capitol Hill

Spend some time visiting places like Broadway while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

South Lake Union

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in South Lake Union. Check out top attractions like Northwest Seaport and Amazon Corporate Headquarters, and jump on the metro at Lake Union Park Station or Terry Av- Mercer St Station to see more of the city.

University District

Spend some time visiting places like Neptune Theater while getting to know University District, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at U District Station or University of Washington Station to see more of the area.

Queen Anne

Queen Anne is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena, and you can get around town on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station.



Downtown Seattle Travel Guide

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