Downtown Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle

A busy urban street with tall buildings, trees, and pedestrians.
A marina with boats docked, a city skyline with tall buildings, and a bridge in the background.
A modern glass building with a geometric facade, surrounded by other tall buildings and trees.
A cityscape with tall buildings, a river, and mountains in the background.
A city street with modern buildings, a clear blue sky, and a pedestrian crossing.

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.


Stay near popular Downtown Seattle attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Seattle

Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way Seattle WA
The price is £211 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
£211
16 Aug - 17 Aug
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,699 reviews)
"Location was GREAT! Easy walk to Pikes Place Market, close to the Link tram station- Westgate stop. Also about a 15 minute walk to the Space Needle. Boutique Hotel, very well maintained! Staff was great! We took a cruise and they even offered a shuttle to the cruise terminal. Would definitely recommend ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2026

Mayflower Park Hotel
Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N Seattle WA
The price is £173 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
£173
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (5,930 reviews)
"The staff was exceptional and roof top was great:) Location to space needle was amazing too!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2026

Mediterranean Inn
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St Seattle WA
The price is £185 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
£185
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,575 reviews)
"Comfiest and one of the most spacious rooms I’ve EVER stayed in!!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2026

The Paramount Hotel
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 3rd Avenue Seattle WA
The price is £168 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£168
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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 ...
The Belltown Inn
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St Seattle WA
The price is £221 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
£221
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

4 out of 5
1113 6th Ave Seattle WA
The price is £168 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£168
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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 ...
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

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.

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.

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.

Pioneer Square

Shopping, museums and art galleries highlight some notable features of Pioneer Square. Make a stop by Smith Tower or Pioneer Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Pioneer Square Station or Occidental Mall Stop to get around town.

University District

Spend some time visiting places like Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture 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.



Downtown Seattle Travel Guide

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