3 Day Itinerary in Seattle

A 3-day itinerary to Seattle is a relatively short amount of time to explore the city, but it’s definitely possible to have a taste of the city’s highlights.

Here is a possible itinerary for a quick trip to Seattle from Vancouver:

Arriving to Seattle

Day 1

You can take an early morning Amtrak train from Vancouver to Seattle (the trip takes about 4 hours) or if you prefer something cheaper and just as fast, I recommend going by bus. Companies like Greyhound give very good service.

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You can get an ORCA card to transit all over the city, it’s a great option if you’re gonna be exploring the whole city.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and leave your bags. If you can find a hotel in the center of Seattle it could be much easier to get around, but there are hotels in other areas like the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on the Eastside that are worth it if you are going to a convention or a business trip.

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Now it’s time to explore.

Head to Pike Place Market, which is located in downtown Seattle. This bustling market is home to vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Be sure to watch the fishmongers throwing fish at each other in the market. It’s quite a show.

Tip: Don’t forget your photo with Rachel The Piggy Bank found in the market. This pig got her name and look from a  real pig named Rachel, a 770-pound behemoth and the 1985 prize-winning pig at the Whidbey Island County Fair.

From Pike Place Market, it’s a short walk to the Elliott Bay waterfront, where you can enjoy views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. You can also visit the Seattle Aquarium, which displays marine life from the Pacific Northwest.

In the evening, head to the Capitol Hill neighborhood for dinner and drinks. This area is known for its good nightlife and has many restaurants and bars to choose from.

TIP: You may have come across the suggestion of visiting the iconic Starbucks located in Pike Place Market. While it holds its charm, it’s important to note that the experience is quite similar to a typical Starbucks, characterized by lengthy queues and limited beverage options. For those truly passionate about coffee, I warmly suggest considering the Reserve Roastery as a superior alternative or exploring the abundance of exceptional coffee spots nearby.

From the Space Needle to the Fremont Neighborhood

Day 2

Start your day with a visit to the Space Needle, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings and is a must for a good photo.

You can also visit the nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, showcasing the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Tip: Seattle has a pretty good bus system operated by King County Metro. You can pay for your trip in cash or with an ORCA card, which is a reloadable and reusable card that allows you to pay for multiple modes of transportation in the Puget Sound region.

From the Space Needle, it’s a short walk to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), which celebrates the history and culture of music, science fiction, and popular culture.

In the afternoon, head to the Fremont neighborhood, known for its quirky public art installations and independent shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Fremont Troll, a sculpture of a troll living under a bridge.

In the evening, return to downtown Seattle for dinner and drinks. You can also catch a performance at one of the many theaters in the city, such as the Paramount Theater or the 5th Avenue Theatre.

Last but not least

Day 3

On your last day, you can spend the morning exploring any areas of the city you missed before heading back to Vancouver.

Keep in mind that traffic can be quite heavy in Seattle, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary with some flexibility to account for potential delays.

I hope you enjoy this 3 Day Itinerary in Seattle, if you have any other places or highlight that you would like to share, please put it in the comments.