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

The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St Seattle WA
The price is £173 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
£173
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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 ...
The Paramount Hotel
Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way Seattle WA
The price is £156 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
£156
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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 ...
Mayflower Park Hotel
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 3rd Avenue Seattle WA
The price is £119 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
£119
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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
Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N Seattle WA
The price is £143 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
£143
11 Oct - 12 Oct
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! (6,109 reviews)
"Great location for Climate Pledge. Slow elevators. Nice rooms. Always satisfied."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

Mediterranean Inn
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

4 out of 5
1113 6th Ave Seattle WA
The price is £157 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
£157
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,816 reviews)
"The level of customer service was definitely sub-par. There were four staff behind the reception desk and in an instant, there was only one - with a long line of people waiting to check-in. Those three staff walked away without any eye contact. Despite calling the hotel directly three days ahead ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St Seattle WA
The price is £114 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
£114
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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 ...
Executive Hotel Pacific
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 Amazon Corporate Headquarters and El Corazón, 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.

Ballard

Gardens, bars and shopping are some highlights of Ballard. Make a stop by National Nordic Museum or Shilshole Bay Marina while you're exploring.



Downtown Seattle Travel Guide

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