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|Updated on October, 20,2024|

This time, I decided to take a short getaway from Chicago to Seattle, a city that has always been on my must-see list. Although my experience was quite different this time around, and I wouldn’t choose to travel this way again, I definitely learned some valuable lessons along the way.

 

I’ve created this 48 Hours in Seattle Travel Guide, which will give you ideas of what to expect in Seattle, what to do in 24-48 hours, tips, and more.

Keep reading!

What to Know About Seattle And Tips to Learn

1. It rains a minimum of 150 days in Seattle

2. Seattle has the most significant number of Starbucks, located mostly on every corner in the touristy areas

3. To save some money, avoid taking a bus to the Link station from the airport. Instead, take a 10-minute walk: pass the bus station, turn left on University Street, and continue until you reach the train station.

4. There are no ticket machines to buy a bus ticket at the airport and barely ATMs (if you have no cash). So make sure to take some money with you before you arrive.

 

Tip: You can save time and money by skipping ticket purchases at the train station as no one checks, but of course, it’s not recommended. In case you plan to use public transport during your stay, you can buy a reloadable Orca card which costs $3, and the minimum you will have to put in is $10.

 

If you miss your stop or something else happens, and you have to take the train again, you can continue the journey at no additional cost. I talked to locals and asked if it was official that you could just ride for free, and the answer was “no”. However, if you decide to buy a one-ride ticket anyway, it will cost you from $2.25 to $3.50 depending on the distance.

Begin your Seattle adventure with this 48 Hours in Seattle travel guide. Explore beautiful landmarks, savor local flavors, and enjoy breathtaking views in the Emerald City!

48 Hours in Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle Itinerary
Day 1 

Check-in at your hostel or hotel. I opted for the Green Tortoise Hostel, conveniently located in the center, near Pike Market and Link. Note that there is an increased presence of homeless individuals in the vicinity which I didn’t like and was not aware of.

 

If you arrive late, my best advice is to grab an Uber and head out for dinner. I wouldn’t recommend walking alone in the evening for safety reasons. Keep in mind that most of the places close very early, and it is always required to get a reservation upfront as places can also be very crowded, especially Friday – Saturday.

 

Since I arrived late, that was my itinerary for the first day. I met with a friend, and we decided to eat somewhere, but we stumbled upon these inconveniences, such as places being closed or packed with people because it was Friday. So, we ended up at a Mediterranean place at the end.

Day 2 

1. Start your day with a good breakfast. If you get there during the week, you can check out the famous breakfast place called “Bitch Bisquite” (they closed on Saturday, though). If luck isn’t on your side, there are still other fantastic places around to discover, tailored to your taste and preferences.

 

2. Head to the Pike Market and observe around
Pike market is a good place to buy fresh flowers, fruits, produce, antique jewelry, or something else. Just go there as early as possible. Otherwise, there will be many people. If you plan to visit the Famous Starbucks right next to the Pike Market, keep in mind that, most likely, you will end up in a huge line (unless you are the first person who gets there early, and it is not even worth it, to be honest).

 

3. After you had a delicious breakfast and observed the Pike Market, I recommend going to the Waterside. The best part of Seattle. You will also pass the Gum wall which, by the way, looks very disgusting.

 

The Waterside in Seattle became my favorite spot as it offers breathtaking water views. The long walking trail by the Waterside offers amazing views, attracting local joggers and dog walkers. There are also plenty of dining options if you get hungry.

Day 3 (half-day) 

On your last day in Seattle, join a free walking tour. The great thing about the tour is that the guide picks you up right from the hostel, and you walk together to the central meeting point to meet the rest of the people. Suppose you do stay at another hostel/hotel; no worries. The free 101 Seattle tour meetup point is not too far from the Pike Market. Just walk till the end and turn left where you will see 2 twin towers.

 

After enjoying the 2-hour walking tour, I recommend grabbing some lunch and heading to the Space Needle for the next adventure. To get to the Space needle you have to take a Link which will get you there quickly. A single Monorail ticket to the Space Needle costs $3.50. You can purchase a round trip immediately or later on your way back as well.

 

After completing your sightseeing for the last day, go back to your hostel/hotel, pack, checkout, and head to the airport.

 

Best Neighborhoods in Seattle to Explore

• Belltown. At Belltown, you can discover cool bars and explore the Olympic Sculpture Park, spanning 9 acres with stunning artwork and scenic Puget Sound views.
• Pike Place Market. Discover Seattle’s lively downtown, which is home to a variety of charming cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and museums.
• Waterfront. Beautiful waterfront area with fantastic water, mountain, and city views. Main sights such as the Seattle Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium, and Ye Olde Curiosity Shop are also located there.
• Ballard. This neighborhood is known for its Scandinavian and maritime roots and has many cute boutiques, small bites, and bars.
• Fremont. Hipster area with vintage shops, the foremost Google and Adobe Systems headquarters, the iconic Fremont Troll sculpture, and more.
• Pioneer Square. Discover Seattle’s first neighborhood. Visit Central Saloon (Seattle’s oldest bar), the Iron Pergola & Tlingit Indian Totem, and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Keep in mind though that you might encounter a significant homeless population in this area.
• Queen Anne. This is one of the largest Seattle neighborhoods, mainly situated on the hill. You can explore the Pacific Science Center, Museum of Pop Culture, Space Needle, and Chihuly Garden and Glass at the Seattle Center once you are there.
• Capitol Hill: The LGBTQ Center of Seattle has many bars and restaurants, parks, museums, top music venues, and more.

 

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Final Thoughts

Seattle is a stunning city to visit when the timing is right. While solo travel in Seattle may not be ideal or safe right now due to certain issues, I recommend keeping it on your list for when things improve. When the time is right, enjoy a walk along the waterfront, explore the iconic Space Needle, and lose yourself in the vibrant Pike Place Market. Seattle has something for every budget and taste, and when it’s safer, you’ll have an unforgettable experience!

 

I hope my 48 hours in Seattle Travel Guide gave you a good idea of what to expect in Seattle these days and helped you plan your trip accordingly. Thank you for stopping by!

 

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