Planning to spend one day in Seattle, Washington, before a cruise to Alaska, during a layover, or as the start and end point for a road trip through the national parks in the Pacific Northwest? If so… you are in for a treat!
I spent a day in Seattle, WA, before embarking on an epic adventure to Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth, and all across Oregon in October 2022, and let me tell you… it did not disappoint! Seattle has so much to offer — from iconic attractions to hidden gems — that it makes it challenging (but possible!) to fit all the highlights into one day.
Though you could definitely spend longer in the Emerald City, if you only have one day in Seattle — let me help you see as much of this spectacular destination as possible! So, grab your walking shoes (and possibly your raincoat, though we lucked out with great weather) — and let’s dive into this thorough guide of what to see and do in Seattle in one day.
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Storyville Coffee
- Address: 94 Pike Street Top Floor Suite 34, Seattle, WA 98101
- Time: 8 AM – 9 AM
Once you’re ready for the day, head down to Pike Place Market, where you’ll be starting your day. However, before you start exploring the market itself, head upstairs to Storyville Coffee — one of the most popular coffee shops in Seattle.
Now, don’t get me wrong — it’s not cheap to get a cup of coffee here (especially if you’re an oat milk latte drinker). However, it’s totally worth it! Storyville Coffee roasts all its beans in-house and makes its own syrups. I recommend trying the salted caramel sauce. It was so good! Plus, if you purchase a bag of coffee to bring home, you can get your drink for free. You can also sign up for the company’s email list for a free mug.
Tip by Brit: Storyville can be difficult to find, even with the address. If you’re lost, look for the big Pike Place Market sign, and when you’re facing it, walk down the sidewalk to the right. Then, you should see a sign directing you up a staircase, where you’ll find the coffee shop!
The Gum Wall
- Address: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
- Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
I’ll be honest — The Gum Wall is one of the most underwhelming (and gross?) tourist attractions I’ve ever seen — so just keep your expectations right there. That said, it’s an iconic spot in Seattle, so I couldn’t miss the chance to include it on this one-day Seattle itinerary. It’s truly something you have to see for yourself (and then you can say… been there, done that!).
The Gum Wall is located in Pike Place Market, down a staircase just past the Pike Place Fish Market, so it’s easy to spot. Arrive early if you want to grab a photo in front of the wall without waiting in line (you’d be shocked by the crowds this wall draws!). And don’t forget to bring your own piece of gum to contribute to the wall, if you want. The Gum Wall is free, making it one of the most inexpensive things to do in Seattle.
Original Starbucks
- Address: 1912 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
- Time: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Did you know that Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks? So naturally, you must pay a visit to the Original Starbucks in Pike Place Market during your one day in Seattle itinerary.
This store draws a huge line (just a fair warning), so if you want a coffee, tea, or frappuccino — be prepared to wait 30–45 minutes (if not more). However, everything in the store is original from 1971, so if you’re a Starbucks fan, it may be worth waiting in line to take a peek. You can also purchase merchandise here, like coffee mugs with the original Starbucks logo.
Tip by Brit: Waiting in line at the Original Starbucks is a bit of a tourist trap since the menu and prices are the same as most other Starbucks stores. If you want to enjoy unique drinks and pick up cool merchandise, I recommend spending more time at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Since we had so much planned on our Seattle one-day itinerary, we didn’t want to spend any time waiting in line, so we just snapped a picture in front of the store and carried on.
Pike Place Market
- Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Exploring Pike Place Market was one of my favorite parts of our one-day Seattle itinerary. There is so much to see, do, and eat — you could honestly spend all day here!
However, since you can’t actually spend all day here, I recommend walking through the market to see all the fresh fruit and flowers and grabbing a bite to eat. You also have to stop by the Pike Place Fish Market to see some fish throwing in action! And, if you’d like, check out these food tours in Pike Place Market for a guided experience through the market.
Tip by Brit: If you plan on driving to Pike Place Market, park at the Pike Place Market Parking Garage. This secure, ticketed garage is affordable and offers direct access to the market.
If you choose to skip the food tour and explore the market on your own, here are some of my favorite spots for a quick bite to eat for lunch or a refreshing drink in Pike Place Market in Seattle:
- Ellenos — Ellenos serves thick, creamy Greek yogurt that is truly amazing. It tastes like dessert, especially with decadent flavors to choose from like Key Lime Pie, Lemon Curd, Marionberry, and Vanilla Bean
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese — Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is kind of a big deal in Seattle (and the Pacific Northwest). Watch as the cheese is made, and then try it in Mac ‘n’ Cheese or Grilled Cheese!
- Rachel’s Ginger Beer — If you want something refreshing to drink while walking around Pike Place Market, grab a handcrafted ginger beer from Rachel’s Ginger Beer. Choose from unique fruity flavors like White Peach, Blood Orange, and Pink Guava!
- Pasta Casalinga — If you want some of the best pasta in your life (I’m not kidding… as I update this post in 2025, I can attest my husband and I still talk about this pasta!), head to Pasta Casalinga. This “hole-in-the-wall” shakes up its specials from day to day (although the Pasta Pomodoro with Burrata changed my life, so if they have it on the day you are there… you need to get it!).
Waterfront Park
- Address: 1401 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
- Time: 1 PM – 2:30 PM
Waterfront Park is a boardwalk that overlooks Elliot Bay and is filled with and surrounded by seafood restaurants, shopping, and fun attractions. While you’ll have plenty of fun walking up and down the waterfront in Seattle, this one-day Seattle itinerary includes enough time to visit one attraction — the Seattle Aquarium or the Seattle Great Wheel.
The Seattle Aquarium is home to birds, otters, fish, and octopuses and is small enough that you can explore all the exhibits in 60–90 minutes. It’s a great spot to visit if you are traveling with kids. The Seattle Great Wheel offers a “bird’s-eye view” of Seattle. From your climate-controlled car, you can enjoy stunning views of Elliot Bay, Pike Place Market, and the skyline. Before your ride, you can also purchase a beer, margarita, or drink to enjoy while taking in the views.
Seattle Center
- Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Time: 2:30 PM – 5 PM
Next, head to the Seattle Center — the home of the Space Needle. If you don’t have a car and stay in Downtown Seattle, this is the only time you’ll need to take an Uber or Lyft. When you arrive at the Seattle Center, you will have many options for museums, attractions, and activities to explore. For this one-day Seattle itinerary, choose one (or two) of the following popular attractions.
International Fountain
The International Fountain is free and will only take a few minutes to visit, so you can easily check out this attraction and still have time for one or two other museums and attractions on this list. The International Fountain was built in 1995, and if the light catches it perfectly — you’ll see rainbows!
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a nonprofit museum that is dedicated to contemporary popular culture — from iconic movies and trending music to favorite fandoms and popular video games. The museum has a fun, colorful, funky exterior that matches the vibrancy of the exhibits inside — you can spot it from a mile away!
If you consider yourself a pop culture nerd… whether you’re obsessed with books and movies or music and tattoos… you’ll love spending a few hours at MoPOP in Seattle Center. I’m a big fan of books and music, so I was bummed we didn’t have time to visit MoPOP during our one day in Seattle… I hope we can visit this unique museum next time!
Space Needle
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most famous landmark, so it obviously deserves a spot on this one-day itinerary. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, it is still towering more than 600 feet above the Pacific Northwest more than half a century later!
On a clear day, you can purchase tickets to ride to the tower’s observation deck for spectacular views of the city and famous landmarks, like Mount Rainer. If you are visiting the Space Needle on an overcast or rainy day, you may feel like your money is better spent at the attractions below since the views will be fuzzy (at best). However, you can still take a photo of (or with) the Space Needle — regardless of the weather.
Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
If you love unique art, you’ll absolutely love visiting the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle Center. Here, you’ll be able to see the largest collection of works by glass artist Dale Chihuly. His work is in 200+ museum collections worldwide. In fact, I saw a custom piece by Dale Chihuly at Maker’s Mark on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!
While you are here, you can visit the Glasshouse — a 40-foot tall, glass and steel structure that mimics a conservatory and fills 4,500 square feet of light-filled space. You can also visit the Garden, where you can see gorgeous glasswork mixed with trees, plants, and flowers are chosen to complement the art. If you get hungry (or just want a drink), head to The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass. They serve small plates with local ingredients, like Warm Salmon Dip and Fish and Chips, as well as signature cocktails that are equal parts beautiful and delicious.
Tip by Brit: If you want to visit the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, purchase this Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket for $73 per adult to save money on both attractions!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
- Address: 1124 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Time: 5 PM – 7 PM
After sightseeing, you’re probably ready for a drink (whether it’s of the caffeinated or alcoholic variety). Fortunately, if you head to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery — you can have both! Visiting the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill was one of my favorite things we did during our day in Seattle. I though it might be overhyped… but it was not at all!
There are only five other Starbucks Reserve Roastery locations in the world — in New York City, Shanghai, Milano, Tokyo, and Chicago — and each location offers superb food, delicious pastries, rare coffees, and coffee-inspired cocktails you can’t find at any other Starbucks locations across the country. Cool, right? The Roastery Old Fashioned I had here is one of my favorite cocktails I’ve ever tasted (my husband and I have tried to recreate this one at home, with no luck!)… and I would have never expected that at Starbucks, of all places!
Aside from eating and drinking, shop for merchandise or coffee beans to bring home with you, watch the coffee being roasted, or simply lounge around in the beautiful space!
The Pink Door
- Address: 1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
- Time: 7 PM – 9 PM
Finally, wrap up your day in Seattle with a spectacular dinner at The Pink Door — a popular Italian American restaurant and entertainment venue in Seattle! I recommended making reservations at this restaurant a month in advance. However, if you can’t snag reservations ahead of time, you may still be able to get a table. Just arrive as early as possible (ideally at 5 PM) to be put on the waiting list. You might have to wait in line, but the line moves quickly!
Once you enter, you’ll be seated in the beautiful dining room or the stunning patio overlooking Elliot Bay. If you’re sitting inside on the weekend, you can enjoy a show…. cabaret, trapeze, jazz music, and tarot readings are just a few nightly entertainment options you can expect at The Pink Door!
My husband and I ordered the Pappardelle al Ragu Bolognese and Linguine alle Vongole, and both enjoyed our meals. The ambiance was lovely too. If you only have time for one dinner in Seattle — this is where it should be (hands down!).
More Things to Do During One Day in Seattle
Have more than just one day in Seattle, or want to swap out one of the activities listed above? Consider squeezing one (or more!) of these extra things to do in Seattle into your scheduleL
Kerry Park
Kerry Park is located between the West Queen Anne and East Queen Anne neighborhoods of Seattle, just north of the Seattle Center. It offers panoramic views of Downtown Seattle and the Space Needle and is particularly popular at sunset. We opted not to visit Kerry Park since we didn’t have a car during most of our trip to Seattle — but its worth visiting if you have time during your trip to Seattle!
Discovery Park
If you’re more of a nature lover than a city slicker, you may want to head to Discovery Park during your day in Seattle. Located on Elliot Bay outside the “hustle” of the city, you can go hiking around the trails in the park, including the South Beach Trail and Loop Trail, and visit the serene Discovery Park Beach. While you’re on the beach, be sure to snap a photo in front of the West Point Lighthouse.
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum isn’t located far from Pike Place Market, so it’s not difficult to squeeze this attraction into your one day in Seattle itinerary… especially if you’re an art aficionado. This museum is home to both permanent and rotating exhibits featuring classic and modern art from around the world!
Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library is a fun and quick stop worth squeezing into your one-day itinerary in Seattle. It’s a gorgeous eleven-story glass and steel building with a unique design and has been open to the public since 2014. We loved stopping at the Seattle Public Library to admire the architecture — it’s just a short walk from Pike Place Market!
Where to Stay for One Day in Seattle
Need to spend one night in Downtown Seattle and be within walking distance of the best attractions on this itinerary? If so, you’ll love these hotels in Seattle:
- Hotel Theodore — We stayed at Hotel Theodore, and we loved our stay so much! The lobby is beautiful, the hotel has a complimentary cocktail hour in the evening, and there is a charming (and delicious!) coffee shop in the lobby. You can even rent bikes to ride around Downtown Seattle!
- Thompson Seattle — This hotel offers a rooftop bar and a terrace with views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The rooms are also luxurious, so if you are looking for an upscale stay, this is the perfect spot!
- The Paramount Hotel — This hotel is just a ten-minute walk away from Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle is one mile away. You’ll find sleek furniture and modern furnishings in this gorgeous hotel.
FAQs – How to Spend One Day in Seattle
Is a day trip to Seattle worth it?
While it is ideal to spend at least two or three days in Seattle to thoroughly enjoy all the city’s top attractions, it’s possible enjoy all the best things to do in Seattle during a day trip. So, yes! A day trip to Seattle is absolutely worthwhile if you’ll be in the area.
Is it easy to get around Seattle without a car?
If you stay in Downtown Seattle, it’s easy enough to walk to the city’s most popular attractions, like Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall, and the Original Starbucks without a car. Other famous attractions, like the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass, are about a 30-minute walk from downtown, so getting an Uber or Lyft may be preferable to walking.
Is Downtown Seattle walkable?
Yes, Downtown Seattle is walkable and easy to navigate. It’s possible to walk to all the attractions on this one day in Seattle itinerary. However, keep in mind that downtown Seattle is “hilly” (like San Francisco), so be prepared to walk up and down steep inclines.
When is the best time of year to visit Seattle?
One of the best Seattle quotes is that “Seattle has one season: rain.” That said… the summer months of June, July & August are the driest and most pleasant times to visit Seattle if you’d like to avoid the rain. The beginning of fall is also a great time to visit Seattle for clear skies and crisp fall weather. This is when we visited Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, and the weather was perfectly warm the whole time — there wasn’t a cloud in the sky!
Plan the Perfect Day in the Emerald City with the Jam-Packed 24-Hour Itinerary for Seattle
There are plenty of reasons to spend just one day in Seattle — maybe you are flying into Seattle on your way to Canada or Alaska, or you are making this vibrant city the starting and ending point of your national park road trip. Regardless of your reasoning for visiting Seattle, I hope this Seattle itinerary can help you see the best of the city while you’re in town.
Share about your trip to Seattle on Instagram with these Seattle caption ideas, and have an amazing time in the Emerald City. If you found this itinerary helpful… tell me all about your trip to Seattle in the comments!
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