I’m so excited for you to use this Seattle 3-day itinerary. It has an hour-by-hour breakdown of the exact way I’d spend my perfect long weekend in the city.
You’ll find a mix of tourist attractions and local only hangs as you explore Seattle’s restaurants, shops, and nature. Your 3 days will be jam-packed, but that’s a good amount of time for experiencing the best of Seattle.
No matter the time of year you’re visiting, get excited. This 3-day Seattle itinerary is going to help you make a lot of memories!
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Seattle 3-Day Itinerary
Here’s how I’d spend my perfect 3 days in Seattle.
Day 1: Explore Ballard & Fremont
Many visitors stay in the downtown core, but insiders know the surrounding neighborhoods are the best way to experience Seattle. Ballard and Fremont are my favorites, so I always recommend starting there. Bonus points if you can visit on a Sunday when the two neighborhood markets are happening!
8 AM: Take a self-guided food tour of Ballard
Ballard is the #1 neighborhood I suggest visiting in Seattle if you’re a foodie. It has one of Seattle’s best farmers markets, several craft beer stops, and some of the tastiest restaurants in Seattle.
To cover the best eateries in one fell swoop, use my self-guided food tour to visit 8 restaurants and bars within walking distance of each other. It comes with a map to help you navigate Seattle’s streets, photos that’ll prep your palate for what’s to come, and top tips on the best time to visit each spot. You can follow your gut ] on what food to order, but I’ll also point out the most popular picks.
You can expect to cover every restaurant in 5 hours or so, but this assumes you’re moving at a very leisurely pace. I recommend planning 4 hours for this Seattle 3-day itinerary.
While you’re at it…explore the shops!
In-between tour stops, spend a bit of time hopping in and out of the local shops. Ballard is probably one of the best shopping neighborhoods in Seattle because it’s packed with independent local boutiques that sell everything from cooking supplies to artisanal clothing.
Prism, September, Blumenkinder, and Horseshoe are some of the best fashion boutiques in the area. I also recommend rifling through the vintage garb at Space Oddity (appointment only), Buffalo Exchange, and Ballard Consignment while you’re at it. If you adore Pacific Northwest jewelry, then don’t miss the selection at Venue Ballard.
12 PM: Check out Ballard’s breweries
If you’re a beer or cider lover, then you’ll want to stop at a few of Ballard’s breweries after your food tour. Each brewery and taproom is within walking distance of the next, making it easy to move between them.
I’ve created a local’s guide to Ballard breweries that should help you narrow down which ones to visit. As there are currently more than 15 breweries and 4 taprooms in this neighborhood, you’ll have to pick 1 to 3 to cover.
My all-time FAVORITE spot is Obec Brewing, and I recommend it to everyone I meet. It serves the most delicious beers, and the 21+ atmosphere is posh but remains laidback and welcoming. If you down your drinks quickly enough, head to nearby Bad Jimmy’s Brewing for unusual flavors like cucumber-lime blondes and habanero-amber beers.
3 PM: Browse the boutiques in Fremont
Once you’ve had your fill of Ballard, venture over to Fremont. This area is about a mile from downtown Ballard and is full of quaint shops and restaurants that I’ve included on my Fremont self-guided food tour.
Start your adventure by visiting the 18-foot-tall Fremont Troll, one of the best places to take pictures in Seattle. Then, head to the main shopping area that’s packed with bookshops, fashion boutiques, and some of the best Seattle gift shops.
While you’re walking around the local shops, make sure you visit the Fremont Vintage Mall, one of the best Seattle antique shops. Afterwards, visit Indoor Sun Shoppe for unique plants and hippie vibes.
If you’re visiting Seattle at the right time, allocate an hour to the Fremont Sunday Market. You’ll find fascinating stalls and boutiques that sell vintage goodies and locally designed clothing.
5 PM: Walk along the Burke-Gilman to Gas Works
website | 2101 N Northlake Way | neighborhood: Fremont
Now that you’re all shopped out, it’s time to unwind with a gorgeous walk along the Burke-Gilman Trail. This path will take you from Fremont to Gas Works Park. It’s home to an old coal gasification plant and offers some of the best Seattle viewpoints of Lake Union and the downtown skyline.
6:30 PM: Get dinner at RockCreek
website | 4300 Fremont Ave N | neighborhood: Fremont
After all that shopping and exploring, you’re going to be starving. I suggest stopping at my all-time favorite seafood spot, RockCreek. It’s one of the best fish restaurants in Seattle and hits every mark that matters.
I always bring visitors here as the ambiance is gorgeous, there’s a covered patio area, and the cocktail menu is out of this world. The menu is seafood-focused, but there are enough veggie and meat-based dishes that you won’t feel alienated if you’re not into Pacific Northwest cuisine.
If you’re a fish fan, try the Provençal which is cooked with herbs and fried shallots. Then, you can finish your meal with their key lime pie cups or a portion of s’mores!
Pro tip: RockCreek is near an adorable cookbook store called The Book Larder. Stop in before dinner if you’re there before it closes!
8: 30 PM: Catch the sunset at Discovery Park
website | 3801 Discovery Park Blvd | neighborhood: Magnolia
If you’re visiting Seattle during the summer months, you might be able to squeeze in a trip to Discovery Park to watch the sunset. Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle with a bunch of walking trails and a pretty beach.
It overlooks the gorgeous Puget Sound, offering a truly incredible view of the city. The sun usually sets between 8:30 pm and 9:15 pm in the summer, so you should have enough time to visit after RockCreek.
Just for reference, the best vantage point is at the West Point Lighthouse which is right on the edge of the bay!
Day 2: Explore Downtown and Pioneer Square
No trip is complete without visiting Seattle’s core. Stick to this itinerary to explore like a local.
9 AM: Visit Pike Place Market
website | 85 Pike St | neighborhood: Pike Place Market
I’m a true-blue local, but I still enjoy heading to Pike Place Market. It’s a bit touristy, but it’s also filled with hidden gems that only locals that work in the area know about. To make the most of your visit and beat some crowds, get here at 9 am when the vendors start opening.
I’d say that 3 hours is enough time to explore Pike Place Market, as you’ll have time to pick up your souvenirs without feeling rushed. There are also several spots on my list of the best Pike Place Market restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat as you browse.
As this attraction can be quite overwhelming and teeming with tourists, you should download my free self-guided tour of Pike Place Market to get insights from a local. I won’t give away all my secrets here, but you should go to the famous gum wall when the vendors close.
Also, avoid places like the original Starbucks and Beecher’s if you can. They aren’t worth the crowds because Beecher’s is sold in all grocery stores and that’s not even the first Starbucks (it’s the second, as the first closed).
12 PM: Walk along the water to the Sculpture Park and Elliott Bay Trail
website | 2901 Western Ave | neighborhood: Uptown
The Seattle Sculpture Park is owned by the Seattle Art Museum and is one of the more unique walks in the Emerald City. When I worked in the downtown area, I used to cover the entire 3-mile Elliott Bay Trail on my way home. No matter how many times I did this walk, I’d still stop and look at the sculptures dotting the park.
For the best views, walk from Pike Place Market to Alaska Way. This route will take you along the waterfront and offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound and downtown Seattle. As you approach the Sculpture Park, you’ll also see the Great Wheel and the Seattle Aquarium, which are great photo spots.
1:30 PM: Check out the gorgeous Chihuly Gardens
website | 305 Harrison St | neighborhood: Uptown
The Chihuly Gardens and Glass Museum is one of Seattle’s crowning glories. The museum is full of beautiful blown glass created by Washington-based artist Dale Chihuly. Spend about 1-2 hours exploring the indoor and outdoor exhibitions. If you want a truly breathtaking shot, stand in the central atrium and angle your lens up. You’ll get a shot of the glass ceiling, an enormous floral sculpture, and the Space Needle in a single frame!
Pro tips: As you’re in the Seattle Center, you can also visit the Space Needle for panoramas over the city. If this is of interest, get a discounted combo ticket with the glass museum. If you’re into modern art, skip the needle and head to the Seattle Art Museum for a quick gander on your way to Pioneer Square.
3 PM: Shop around the art galleries in Pioneer Square
Once you’ve ticked off the best of downtown Seattle, head south to Pioneer Square. This spot is considered the city’s historical heart and is home to charming art galleries, coffee shops, and Romanesque Revival buildings. Believe it or not, there’s even an entire underground city beneath your feet!
There are tons of places worth visiting, but I’d prioritize J. Reinhart Gallery for affordable modern Pacific Northwest art and Foster/White Gallery for contemporary paintings and glasswork. If you have time, Azuma Gallery and Greg Kucera Gallery are also fabulous. And if you’d like to pick up handmade jewelry, stop by Tangerine Jewelry or Clementine’s.
If you love wine, some of the best Seattle urban wineries have tasting rooms in Pioneer Square. Feeling peckish? Grab insanely good stuffed brioche doughnuts from General Porpoise, one of the cutest restaurants in Seattle. There’s also a location in Capitol Hill if you prefer to save this for day 3.
6 PM: Grab a bite to eat at Le Caviste
website | 1919 7th Ave | neighborhood: Downtown
One of my absolute favorite places in Seattle is Le Caviste. It’s a wine bar that whisks you away to France with a chalkboard menu and words you can’t pronounce. Letting the staff lead you toward exceptional wines is part of the fun, and you’re bound to find a new favorite.
The food menu is focused, but the execution makes Le Caviste one of Seattle’s best French restaurants. My go-to order is the Beaujolais charcuterie board and fish in parchment. The charcuterie board comes with French butter that you will literally want to eat with a fork. The fish is moist and buttery, served alongside lemon and potatoes. I’m salivating just thinking of this place, so get ready for a lovely meal.
7:30 PM: See a show
No trip to Seattle is complete without a show. Where you go will depend on what you want to see, but you probably won’t be disappointed with anything you book in the Emerald City.
The Paramount Theatre and 5th Avenue Theater are known for hosting classic Broadway musicals, plays, and live bands. They are both great venues for families and are close to Le Caviste if you’d like to amble over after dinner. If you’d prefer to catch the Pacific Northwest Ballet, they perform at McCaw Hall in the Seattle Center.
For anyone looking for unique things to do in Seattle, try The Triple Door or Culinary Can Can. These are two of Seattle’s finest burlesque venues and are perfect if you’re visiting Seattle as a couple.
10:30 PM: Get a late-night drink
Depending on what you decide to watch, your show will finish sometime between 10-11 pm. This should be perfect timing for grabbing a late-night drink in the city. Good options are Zig Zag Cafe, Phocific Standard Time, and Suite 410, which all stay open until midnight on select evenings. If you want to stay out until 2 am, try Rob Roy and Bathtub Gin & Co for some of the best cocktails in Seattle.
Day 3: Explore SLU and Capitol Hill
No trip to Seattle is complete without getting on the water. So on my last day of this 3-day Seattle itinerary, get ready for some exercise!
9AM: Get breakfast at Portage Bay Café
website | 391 Terry Ave N | neighborhood: South Lake Union
Start your final day in Seattle with a hearty breakfast at Portage Bay Café. There are a few locations dotted around the city, but I suggest going to South Lake Union for the sake of this itinerary.
I can usually be found chowing down on the banana fosters French toast or the eggs Benedict with a side of hash browns (I’m obsessed with savory stuff). But you can choose anything from buttermilk pancakes to fresh fruit and omelets. Because it’s popular, making a reservation is a must.
If you don’t fancy grabbing food here (or just want a few other options!), take your pick from my list of the best spots for brunch in Seattle.
10:30 AM: Go standup paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Union
website | 2100 Westlake Ave N | neighborhood: South Lake Union
When I first moved to the city, one of the first things on my Seattle Bucket List was kayaking on Lake Union. After I crossed it off the list, I was hooked. It’s now one of the quintessential Seattle experiences I recommend to everyone.
To get started, grab a kayak or board from the Northwest Outdoor Center which is right on Lake Union. Once you’re on the water, you might not see much wildlife. But you’ll get unbeatable vistas over downtown Seattle and Gas Works Park.
Taking in the city from a unique vantage point is one thing, but hitting the water also lets you see the stunning houseboats dotted along the shore. You might even pass a few of Seattle’s iconic Hot Tub Boats, which is a great option if you’re visiting in colder weather and prefer to skip the SUPs and kayaks.
1 PM: Head to Capitol Hill for lunch at Spice Waala
website | 340 15th Ave E | neighborhood: Capitol Hill
After kayaking for a couple of hours, you’ll need to refuel. You can either hop on public transport from South Lake Union or walk for about 2 miles through the city to reach Spice Waala.
Spice Waala is some of the best Indian food in Seattle. It’s street food of chaat and kathi rolls, so it’s a quick stop to leave you more time for exploring.
Definitely get the lamb kathi roll and papdi chaat nachos. Both are well seasoned and have great texture. The kathi roll would rival some of the best sandwiches in Seattle! If you have room, save room for soft serve because it’s some of the best ice cream in Seattle.
2 PM: Shop Around Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is packed with artsy boutiques, and you can spend hours combing the thrift stores for vintage goodies and indie band shirts. I wouldn’t say the neighborhood’s only suitable for young people, but it gives off a hip and trendy vibe that may not suit everyone.
If you’re here to thrift, start at Crossroads Trading Co. It’s known for selling secondhand clothing that meets extremely high standards. You’ll find everything from old-school designer pieces (you’ll need to dig though!) and practicall-new hipster gear. If you can’t find what you need here, try Red Light Vintage and Pretty Parlor.
Before leaving, you’ll want to check out Melrose Market and Chophouse Row, which are interesting indoor markets that are packed with tiny boutiques and restaurants. You can spend all day flitting in and out of the shops here, so keep an eye on the time!
6 PM: Get dinner at Spinasse
website | 1531 14th Ave | neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Spinasse is one of the best restaurants for pasta in Seattle. You’ll find a fancy trattoria vibe with an open kitchen and rustic, granny-chic décor.
It’s considered a fine dining spot and is on the pricey side, but their tajarin pasta with butter and sage makes the expensive meal feel worthwhile. If you have ~$115 per person to spend on a meal, try the Menu Degustazione. It’s the restaurant’s signature tasting menu and is the perfect way to try a bit of everything.
The best time to visit is slightly before the main dinner rush, which is why I’ve suggested getting here at 6 pm. To guarantee a decent seat, call a couple of weeks before your trip to make a reservation.
8:30 PM: Get a nightcap at Canon
website | 928 12th Ave | neighborhood: Capitol Hill
To round out your Seattle 3-day itinerary, finish your last day at Canon. This place serves some of the best craft cocktails in Seattle and has one of the most extensive whiskey libraries in the whole US.
If you can handle flights of whiskeys and spirits, do that, but I always come for The Campfire in Georgia cocktail. It’s a refreshing combination of peach-habañero shrub, mezcal, orange juice, cinnamon French oak, and bitters.
It’s expensive at ~$20, but it’s an experience. It comes in a storage container that has smoke pouring out of it. And when the waiter takes the top off, the smoke comes blasting out. It’ll make you the center of attention on your final night, so prepare yourself!
How to get around Seattle
You’ll be jetting around a few neighborhoods with this 3-day Seattle itinerary, so here are some options for navigating the city.
Rent a car
It can be a tad expensive, but getting around the city by car is easy and efficient. Renting a car is especially useful if you want to maximize your time exploring instead of navigating public transit.
Try to avoid driving during peak time as it can be super congested in the city. But if you’re traveling off-peak, you’ll be fine. While some neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Downtown can take a minute to find street parking, even when crowded Seattle is much calmer than driving in cities like NYC.
Bus
Riding the bus is cheaper than renting a car, but single fares on the King County Metro Transit system can add up. A single ride on a King County Metro Bus is $2.75 per person and you’ll need to have exact change for the buses. Grab an ORCA card (our local travel card!) and get a multi-day pass to save money and not have to worry about having cash on hand.
Link Light Rail
The Link Light Rail is a great way to get around Seattle, especially from the airport. It makes 16 stops between Angel Lake Station and Northgate. Trains usually run every 8 or 15 minutes depending on when you’re traveling. In my opinion, this is an excellent public transportation option for getting from the airport to Pioneer Square, Downtown, and Capitol Hill. It doesn’t serve the Ballard, Fremont, or SLU areas though.
Streetcar
If you’re looking to travel around Seattle in style, hop on a streetcar. Two major lines run through the city – the South Lake Union Line (the S.L.U.T.) and the First Hill Line.
The South Lake Union Line will probably be most useful for you, as it connects the South Lake Union area with Downtown. It runs for 1.3 miles and covers major hotspots that are packed with restaurants, bars, and attractions.
Just be aware that the hours aren’t great. The line runs until 9 pm Mon – Thurs and 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. This should work for most of this Seattle 3-day itinerary, but you may struggle to get home after your nightcaps.
Ferry
Washington State Ferries will take you from downtown Seattle to areas like Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island if you fancy checking them out. However, this Seattle 3-day itinerary doesn’t require taking them.
Biking or scootering
One of my favorite fun facts about Seattle is that we’re one of the USA’s most bike-friendly cities. So, it’s worth living as the locals do and picking up a bike or scooter.
You can reserve Lime bikes using the Uber app for just $1, or check out VEO for e-bikes if you’d prefer getting an assist on our many hills. Both give you rental and drop-off options that should suit most tourists.
If you’d rather hire an electric scooter, LINK, WHEELS, and SPIN are some companies to check out. There are a lot of bike lanes around the city, but be careful in the busier Downtown, Pioneer Square, SLU, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods.
Walking
If none of these options appeal to you, do things the old-fashioned way! Seattle is a very walkable city, and many of the main attractions on this Seattle 3-day itinerary are within walking distance of each other.
You’ll need to catch public transportation a couple of times, but you’ll be able to cover several attractions once you make your way to each neighborhood.
Best places to stay in Seattle
I’ve created an entire guide on cool places to stay in Seattle, but I’ve cherry-picked a few of my favorite hotels that I think are worth booking for this Seattle 3-day itinerary.
Hotel Ballard
link to book | 5216 Ballard Ave NW | neighborhood: Ballard | price: ~$450/per night
An entire day of this Seattle 3-day itinerary is dedicated to the Ballard and Fremont area, so why not stay nearby? The Hotel Ballard is a luxury pick that gives you access to a posh gym, rooftop deck, and all the amenities you’ll need.
Paramount Hotel
link to book | 724 Pine St | neighborhood: Downtown | price: ~$120/per night
I love the Paramount Hotel if I’m looking for a cozy night’s sleep that won’t break the bank. It’s ideal for exploring downtown Seattle and you’ll be able to slump into bed after hitting the central theaters or grabbing a nightcap on day 2 and 3.
The rooms are simple but well-designed and the staff are always happy to help with directions, maps, and anything else you ask for. I recommend trying to book a suite if you can as the skyscraper views are worth the extra cost.
The Charter Hotel
link to book | 1610 2nd Ave | neighborhood: Downtown | price: ~$185/per night | dog friendly
The Charter Hotel is a fabulous mid-level option that’s home to one of Seattle’s best rooftop bars. Although this Seattle 3-day itinerary has you getting late night drinks elsewhere, if you stay here you can skip my other suggestions and end the night back at your hotel for a nightcap.
Other Ways to Explore Seattle
This Seattle 3-day itinerary is jam-packed to help you see the best of the city. If you have less time to spare or want to check out nearby areas, use these posts to customize your itinerary!
