Best Seattle One Day Itinerary: 24 Hours In The Emerald City

Feeling overwhelmed and wondering how you’re going to explore the Emerald City in just 24 hours?

You’ve landed on the perfect spot! Grab your coffee because this guide will help you plan ahead so that you can experience the best of Seattle with this one-day itinerary.

Quick List: Top Spots to See in Seattle

Can You See Seattle in Just One Day?

The short answer is, YES! But to see a city as vibrant and diverse as the Emerald City in just 24 hours – you’ll only get a glimpse “behind the curtain.” And then, it’s all over before you know it.

That’s why you have to plan ahead so you can soak in as much as possible and this guide will help you do just that.

In our one-day itinerary, we’ll show you how to see and do it all so you’re not left with that restless feeling that you’ve missing out on something.

Read on to find out how to squeeze in all the sights, sounds, and tastes of Seattle, all while keeping your sanity intact.

From the Space Needle to the Gum Wall (yes, you read that right), we’re diving headfirst into this express tour of Seattle.

Get those walking shoes, embrace the drizzle, and let’s find out just how much Seattle we can soak in before the coffee jitters kick in!

What are the Best Attractions to See with Only 24 Hours in Seattle?

Pike Place Market

Begin your day with a stroll through Pike Place Market. It’s a busy historic market filled with vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and unique gifts.

This is a must-visit in Seattle. Enjoy street performances and take a photo in front of the iconic Pike Place Market sign and “Rachel the Pig” statue.

Don’t forget to check out the “catch of the day” at the Pike Place Fish Market, where the fishmongers are famous for breaking out into song while tossing fish back and forth.

It was so neat to see them in live action especially when we’ve only ever seen that type of thing famous movie scenes or on TV.

Wake Up Early

There’s something about seeing the market come alive in the morning. The mix of magic and peace in the air (oh yes, and the smell of fish) allowed us to have a unique perspective of the typically overcrowded market.

It was also helpful to get a lay of the land before having to fight the midday crowds.

We were surprised to see everything shut down so early and very happy that we took the time in the morning to explore it.

Daily Dozen Doughnut

We stumbled upon a donut stand in Pike Place Market called Daily Dozen Doughnut.

Trust us, get them hot & fresh off the conveyor belt first thing in the morning. You won’t regret it! 

Directions: Enter Pike Place near the Fish Market. When facing the fish market, turn left, and Daily Dozen Doughnuts will be on your left.

OMG, y’all, these mini donuts are truly addicting. So much so that we ordered only a few in the morning (not knowing how delicious they were) and rushed back in the afternoon to order another (larger) batch before they closed at 5:00 pm.

The Gum Wall

You’ll find the quirky and colorful Gum Wall just a stone’s throw from Pike Place Market. Located in Post Alley.

Be amazed (or slightly grossed out) by this unique FREE attraction, where you can leave your chewed gum as a form of art. Yuck!

The Amazon Headquarters & Community Banana Stand

This is a bit off the beaten path, so it’s best to take a Lyft if you’re running short on time.

It’s about a 30-minute walk from Pike Place Market to the Amazon Headquarters.

The Amazon Headquarters is an interesting landmark, with modern buildings that look like bubbles or like that throw-back boardgame “Trouble”.

On the lawn of the Amazon Headquarters sits a Community Banana Stand called “Go Bananas!”– an amenity for both Amazon employees and visitors.

This iconic banana stand offers FREE bananas to anyone who passes by, providing a healthy and convenient snack—the perfect mid-morning munchie after walking through the city.

The Banana Stand is located at 2031 7th Ave and has become a small but cherished part of Seattle’s urban landscape.

Amazon Go Store

The Amazon Go Store is located near the edge of the Community Banana Stand, which redefines the way to shop. It was pretty cool to experience, actually.

Enter this cashierless store, grab the items you need, and simply walk out.

That’s it! No waiting in line or dealing with traditional checkout processes. It’s a seamless, convenient, and futuristic shopping experience.

REI Flagship Store

Ok, so 99% of the time, we’ll tell you to please not waste precious time on vacation getting caught up in shopping and buying things that will ultimately end up on a shelf or stuffed into the back of a closet, collecting dust and drying and rotting.

🌲We are big advocates of spending time outdoors or seeking thrilling adventures.

However, this is an exception. We are big REI nerds! We love the brand and try to check out their stores whenever we get the chance in different cities around the country (since we don’t have these stores anywhere near back home).

It’s super fun to daydream about all the places to travel and hikes to concur while browsing through expensive gear we can’t afford. Sigh!

This particular store is an immersive experience. We probably spent too much time here (like 2 hours) but couldn’t resist. Oops! The REI store in Seattle is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s about a 12-minute walk from the Amazon Headquarters area. For us, this was totally worth going out of the way to check out.

This flagship store is a massive, multi-story outdoor retail wonderland offering everything from hiking and camping gear to clothing and accessories. It even has an indoor climbing wall!

If you’re an adventure seeker and love to check out new gear and even their sales racks, add this place to your itinerary.

Space Needle

By now, it should be lunchtime. Time to jump in a Lyft or Uber from REI (approx. 8-minute drive) and head quickly to the Space Needle. 

A visit to the Space Needle is a must for any Seattle itinerary.

The Seattle Space Needle is an iconic experience in the heart of the city, standing 605 feet tall.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll find an observation deck with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, giving you a breathtaking perspective of the city and its surroundings.

You can even see the majestic Mount Rainier in the distance on clear days. There’s an open-air deck for a more immersive experience, complete with powerful binoculars to get an up-close look at the city.

Eat Lunch at the Top of the Space Needle

You’ll likely be starving after all the walking around and shopping, so plan to have lunch with a view of Seattle. The concession stand at the top of the Space Needle offers a pretty good variety of snacks and refreshments.

While it may not provide a full dining experience like the SkyCity Restaurant, at least with the concession stand, you can enjoy a quick bite as you take in the incredible views.

We had surprisingly good hamburger sliders and fries. They also have other classic snack item offerings like chicken tenders, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, pretzels, and candy.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibition is located next to the Space Needle. You can purchase a combo ticket that will get you into both attractions for one low price.

The exhibition is an enchanting world of Dale Chihuly’s glass art. If you enjoy exhibits like this, be sure to check it out.

To save time and money, we decided to skip this experience and instead chose the FREE route by strolling through the park to enjoy all of the interesting art installations.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

If you enjoy museums, then definitely explore the Museum of Pop Culture. The MoPOP is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Seattle that celebrates the world of popular culture.

The museum features an extensive collection of exhibits dedicated to music, science fiction, video games, and more. It’s an interactive and engaging destination that allows you to explore pop culture’s creative and innovative aspects.

Pike Place Chowder (afternoon snack)

Like a scene from a movie, the wind kicked up, and the rain came down. It’s a perfect time to cozy up with a bowl of the world-famous Pike Place Clam Chowder. Yummy!

This tiny restaurant wonder lives up to the hype!

We’d heard that there’s usually a long line extending outside the door. Luckily, we arrived at the perfect moment because we were able to slip right in and place our order. But had been a line, we would say this is the very rare occasion that waiting in line would be totally worth it.

I don’t even like clam chowder. In fact, I hate clam chowder! But Donte loves it, and this was on his bucket list of must-eat places.

After one tiny bite, I was blown away. This place is amazing!

This chowder house has a reputation for serving some of the most delicious clam chowder you’ll ever taste. I’m so glad I tried some of it. Regretfully, I didn’t order my own bowl.

The Seattle Great Wheel and Boardwalk- Pier 57

Take the monorail all the way back to the Pike Place Market area. From there, walk to the Great Wheel and spend the rest of your evening exploring the boardwalk.

The Seattle Great Wheel is an iconic Ferris wheel located on the waterfront in downtown Seattle.

Taking a ride on a Ferris wheel might seem a little cliche but what the heck, we always see it in movies, so why not?! Plus, the ride is pretty long, and you can see views of Seattle’s waterfront.

The best part? The gondolas are enclosed and climate-controlled, making it a year-round attraction.

What’s nice is that the Great Wheel is part of the bustling boardwalk area known as Pier 57.

This area is a hub of activity with numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions. Most of the boardwalk is enclosed, too, so it’s a perfect escape from the drizzle.

In addition, the Great Wheel is open late, so grab dinner from one of the many waterfront restaurants, then check it out at night.

It’s beautifully lit up at night, creating a magical experience after sunset.

Pike Brewing Company (it’s a bar, not a coffee shop)

I heard great things about this place. Apparently, I wasn’t reading close enough. Or, maybe the reviews were just very vague.

I literally spent the entire day planning to grab our last cup of coffee from Pike Brewing Company.

Little did I know that “brewing” meant craft beer, NOT “brewed” COFFEE.

Wow. I had to bust out laughing at myself when we walked into this place, expecting it to be a coffee shop and NOT a bar.

I was so confused and still, at that moment, thought we were in the wrong place. #blondemoment

Vacations call for pivoting. So out with the caffeine and in with the beer!

Pike Brewing Company is known for producing high-quality, handcrafted beers, so why not wrap up our night with a cold one?!

They offer a wide range of beer styles, from classic ales and lagers to innovative and seasonal brews.

In addition to their beer offerings, Pike Brewing features a restaurant called “The Pike Pub.”

Here, you can snag a bite to eat and pair it with their craft beers.

What You Should NOT Waste Your Time On (with only one day in Seattle)

Seattle is one of the coolest West Coast cities in the US and is definitely worth a visit. However, there are some things you may want to skip if you’re limited on time.

Keep in mind that these are our own personal experiences and viewpoints. If you’re curious, you can still consider including these spots in your itinerary.

To sum it up, we didn’t find them particularly time-worthy, especially with just one day in Seattle.

Nevertheless, we rarely have any regrets during our travels because diversity is at the heart of every exploration.

For us, spending a lot of time waiting in line for FOOD isn’t usually the best use of precious travel hours because there are so many other adventures to be had.

However, we understand that food can sometimes be an adventure in itself. People’s preferences vary.

So, if you’re into foodie experiences, go ahead and savor every bite.

Indulge in what makes you happy!

Listed below are spots that have received recommendations from renowned travel bloggers.

However, our experience led us to believe that they didn’t quite justify the time or the calories.

The Original Starbucks

It’s trendy and tends to have long lines, sometimes stretching around the block. While it’s the first Starbucks, the coffee and menu offerings are the same as any other location.

If you’re familiar with Starbucks and have visited one before, you won’t find anything substantially different here.

Not even a vintage vibe. Just plain old regular Starbucks.

Seattle is known for its thriving coffee culture and numerous fantastic coffee shops throughout the city. Our advice would be to seek out a locally owned craft coffee experience instead.

Alternative Option: Try Cafe Vita at KEXP instead (located near the Space Needle).

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese:

Conveniently located across the street from Pike Place Market. We tried the “World’s Best Mac & Cheese” (small size).

Sorry to tell you… there was nothing special about this mac n cheese.

It tasted bland and like powdered cheese. We know there’s nothing fake about it because we have a video of literal cheese curds being melded together.

That was interesting to see. Also, the line to order is known to get really long, so it’s definitely not worth wasting precious vacation time standing in line.

Top Pot Doughnuts

It’s about a 15-minute walk from Pike Place Market, so it’s out of the way. The coffee was mediocre, and the pastries were dry and dense and seemed not to be very fresh.

At least we were able to use their nice restroom since we were paying customers. So, that was worth it, I guess.

Alternative Option: As previously mentioned, save your calories for Daily Dozen Doughnuts.

Transportation: How To Get Around Seattle In 24 Hours

The Link Light Rail

First, if you’re flying into the SeaTac Airport and can spend one day in Seattle, you must take the Link Light Rail train into the city.

The train is located on airport property and is super easy to get to from baggage claim.

Check out this site for detailed instructions. This YouTube video is a helpful navigational walk-through of exactly how to get to the Link Light Rail.

The Link Light Rail connects Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) to downtown Seattle and various neighborhoods within the city.

It’s very cheap and a great way to “sightsee” the city without ever having to jump on a tour bus.

It conveniently serves key downtown Seattle locations, such as Westlake Station, University Street Station, and Pioneer Square Station.

These stations are strategically positioned near top attractions, shopping districts, and major transportation hubs.

BONUS: We took the Link Light Rail from SeaTac to the closest station near our hotel. We stayed at the State Hotel (which was incredible and unbelievably convenient). More on that later.

The trains typically run on time and come frequently, allowing you to zip to each item on your itinerary without a hitch. Yay for efficiency!

The Seattle Monorail

The Seattle Monorail, affectionately known as the “Red Train,” offers a quick and iconic mode of transportation through the heart of the city.

It spans from Seattle Center (home to the Space Needle) to Westlake Center in the downtown shopping district.

This monorail is not only a convenient way to get around, but it’s also a fun and nostalgic experience.

The Orca card works for all modes of transportation, including the Link Light Rail, the Seattle Monorail, the ferry boats, and many more.

BONUS: The monorail stops at the Westlake Center shopping district, which literally drops you off at the door of Nordstrom Rack!

Walking or Rideshare Apps

If the weather is nice, we recommend exploring the downtown area on foot as much as possible during your one day in Seattle.

We felt very safe while walking all over Seattle and in the subway. As always, maintain vigilance and always keep your guard up no matter where you travel.

Many of the places on the itinerary are conveniently located within walking distance of each other, making it our preferred mode of transportation.

However, for a quick and efficient way to get in and around the city, especially when you have just one day in Seattle, you can also use Lyft.

Accommodations: Where To Stay During Your Seattle One-Day Itinerary

The State Hotel

We arrived super early and were able to leave our bags with the front desk until they called us later that day when the room became available.

This was nice because then we were able to zip around Pike Place Market in the morning without dragging our bags everywhere.

The State Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Seattle. It’s a 5-minute easy walk to Pike Place Market.

It’s a chic and modern boutique hotel that offers a welcoming atmosphere.

They even give you FREE chips & candy at your leisure! What?!

We had never seen that before. Score! Their FREE breakfast spread also includes a nice selection of coffee, juice, and breakfast snacks.

Speaking of coffee, this is where we fell in love with Cafe Vita. That’s the brand of coffee offered in the room, and it is to die for.

From the moment you step into the lobby, you’ll be greeted by a blend of industrial chic and cozy vibes.

The spacious and thoughtfully designed rooms offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

It’s the perfect home base for your Seattle adventure.

Expectations: Our Travel Planning Approach and This 24-Hour Seattle Itinerary

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect from this one-day in Seattle itinerary:

• We always start by building our trips using the Roadtrippers app. Seattle example below. It’s the best trip app we’ve found because it’s so user-friendly, and you can view the trip on a map and in list form.
• It provides information like approximate time and mileage between locations and gas mileage.

• If you know us, you know that we hate wasting precious time on vacation, but we also don’t like to rush through it either.
• By implementing a few easy vacation planning tips for an effortless itinerary, you can feel good about the pacing of your day, knowing that you’ll have enough time to enjoy every moment (and every dollar that you spend). 
• Travel efficiently so you can kick back, relax, or roam free.

• We are pragmatic travelers who always look for the best way to experience adventures without totally breaking the bank.
• Throughout our trips, we decide what to experience based on what will provide us with lasting memories, an educational perspective, or simply a great laugh or story that we can talk about for years.
• We allow for spontaneity without becoming too distracted throughout the trip.

• We often incorporate FREE, simple, and unique spots to experience that we find interesting or would not be able to see or do back home. This could be anything from a cute eatery to a mural in an alleyway or a quirky sculpture park.
• We also make sure to indulge in iconic and must-see attractions that may be touristy, but sometimes we just have to do it to say we did it. So, you’ll get a mixed bag of adventure with us.
• We understand that our tastes and suggestions may not be compatible with other travelers’ opinions, and that’s totally okay!
• Sharing different experiences and hearing colorful, exciting, and unique stories is what experiencing life is all about! We love hearing stories and suggestions from fellow travel lovers, so let’s connect and build an adventure together!

Final Thoughts: One Day Itinerary in Seattle

Tackling Seattle in just 24 hours may sound like a challenge, but as we’ve discovered, it’s an opportunity to sample the city’s rich flavors and unique character.

And even though we’ve shared our experiences and opinions, remember that traveling is all about creating your own stories and savoring your personal journey.

So whether you decide to savor that extra cup of coffee, skip the museums, or dive headfirst into the culinary delights, your one day in Seattle will be unforgettable.