It has been some years since I stayed overnight or spent a weekend in Seattle. When I was old enough to drive, I would go to Seattle for day trips to go shopping or stay overnight with my friends every few months. During the 90s grunge era (am I dating myself?) we would go to music festivals to see bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. In recent years I have been spending more time in Portland because of local friends, but I still have a decent knowledge of Seattle. Here is a Seattle day trip itinerary of what I would do if I only had one day in the city.

**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.**

*content and information updated April 2019

Pike Place

Yeah…yeah…I know it’s touristy but it is a popular place for good reason. Pike Place Market started out as a farmers’ market in the early 1900s and has since grown to be one of the city’s main attractions. You can find everything from produce, fish, meat, crafts, flowers, candy, and food products at this super busy market. Don’t forget to watch the popular Pike Place Fish Market guys toss around fish.

If you visit Pike Place in the summer do grab some of homegrown Washington peaches, nectarines, and cherries. After discovering a brand of Greek yogurt from Seattle called Ellenos, I have become obsessed.  They have a location in the market and I highly suggest you try them. It sounds crazy because it’s yogurt but seriously…it’s life-changing.

When I visited Pike Place I joined in on a  Savor Seattle Food Tour of Pike Place Market. Not only do you get some history of the market, but you also get to sample delicious food as well as get discounts with many of the vendors. It’s really helpful to navigate Pike Place with a tour because it does get crazy busy in there.

Read more here: The Best Food Markets In The World

Pike Place Market

Vendors at Pike Place

It’s a must to watch the guys at the Pike Place Fish Market!

Go try some Ellenos! Trust me!!!!

 

Garden and Glass 

You have probably seen some of Dale Chihuly’s stunning blown glass creations somewhere in the world. If you’ve been to Las Vegas, you may have seen his creation on the ceiling of the Bellagio casino. Growing up nearby in Vancouver, Canada, I remember watching a PBS special about Dale on tv.  His large-scale work is unbelievable and has brought the art to a different level.

Check ticket availability for Garden and Glass here

I was obsessed with his personal collection of vintage Navajo blankets

Space Needle

While I have not gone up the Space Needle, I don’t think a trip to Seattle is complete without a photo of this iconic landmark. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower is an observation tower as well as home to a revolving restaurant. You get views of Puget Sound, Cascade Mountain, Mount Baker, and Mount Rainier. I’ve become slightly obsessed with views from observation towers so visiting the top is definitely going to happen for me.

Kerry Park 

On my way to Portland, I visited Kerry Park just to shoot a photo of the Frasier type Skyline. I’m a sucker for a good view! Kerry Park is a park on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill in a residential neighbourhood. It’s on the corner of 2nd Avenue West and West Highland Drive.

Salumi

Salumi is an artisanal Italian cured meats shop and restaurant. Do I need to say more? It has also been on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. There are always lines so I suggest going early. Do order some cured meats to take home as well. When I had lunch here I had the hot soppressata sandwich and my table neighbours let me try their meatballs.

Dick’s Drive-In

Dick’s Drive-In or better known as Dicks is a Northwest institution since 1954. It reminds me of In n Out in the sense that there are only just a few things on the menu. A couple of burgers, fresh cut fries, shakes, and drinks. That’s it. Everyone who likes burgers loves Dicks and they always get ranked as a top burger spot in the country. It’s nothing fancy but it’s pretty awesome. The deluxe burger shown below is less than $3.

Din Tai Fung

While I haven’t been to Din Tai Fung in Seattle, I have been to Din Tai Fung in SoCal and Asia. If you love dumplings, it’s a must. Xiao long bao or soup dumplings and these are the best. Previously they were only located in Bellevue, a suburb of Seattle. They now have a location in Pacific Place right in downtown. 

These photos were shot in Asia but they are the same at all their spots around the world

Yum!!!

Shopping

Totokaelo is an amazing shop. While I haven’t been to the shop in person, I have been shopping with them since they opened online. Another favourite place to shop in Seattle is the Nordstrom Rack in downtown. Seattle is the home of Nordstrom and its flagship so lots of goodies make it to the “Rack”. If you’re a fan of the brand Filson, their flagship shop has been in its current location since 1988.

If you’re heading north, check out the Seattle Premium Outlet shops in Tulalip. One trip, I found a wool Burberry scarf here for pretty cheap in the summer. They have a Nike, Tumi, Le Sportsac outlet stores and more.

One of these days I will go back and spend more time in Seattle. Once I do, I’ll add and update this list for you.

 Staying longer? Search the best hotel rates with cancellation on Booking.com!

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What are your must-dos for a Seattle day trip? 

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**Disclosure: Many thanks to Garden and Glass and Savor Seattle Food Tours for the complimentary experience. As always, opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you, if you click through an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may make a commission.**