Seattle, also known as the Emerald City, is a haven for solo adventurers. It’s one of the first and most fun cities I’ve visited solo, and I think that’s because there’s such a wide variety of things to do. Seattle has something to offer everyone, whether it’s art, nature, or technology. If it’s your first solo trip or you’re just looking to visit somewhere new and easy to navigate, this is the perfect place to visit. This is my guide to the 8 best things to do in Seattle alone.
1. Wander through Pike Place Market
The iconic Pike Place Market is one of the oldest, continuously operating public markets in the United States. It’s considered by many as the “soul of Seattle”, so it’s an absolute must for every itinerary. There are hundreds of stalls to explore, selling everything from handmade jewelry, contemporary art, fresh produce, and most famously, fish. One of the most famous attractions at the market is the “fish toss”, where vendors will throw a fish really high in the air when someone buys one.
My biggest tip is to plan for a leisurely stroll throughout the market. You should definitely give yourself a few hours to explore or have lunch at one of the many restaurants. The main street-level market is well known, but Pike Place Market actually consists of multiple levels, each filled with small shops, antique stores, and hidden gems that many overlook. Some of the best souvenirs are on the upper levels!
Pike Place Market is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some of the restaurants staying open until midnight or later. It’s one of the best places in Seattle to support local vendors and small businesses! You can check the market directory and specific opening hours here.
2. Explore One Of The Many Museums
Seattle is home to a selection of world-class museums. Many of them are special interest museums with interactive exhibits. So even if you’re not typically into museums, there’s bound to be something that interests you! These are just a few of the museums that Seattle has to offer.
Seattle Art Museum
First on the list is Seattle Art Museum, which is just one block from Pike Place Market! Here you can wander through global art collections, including contemporary and Indigenous art. Its rotating exhibitions and thought-provoking installations make it the perfect place for artists to get lost in creativity.
Wing Luke Museum
If you’re a Bruce Lee fan, then you’ll love this place. Located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, it’s the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the United States. It’s also the permanent home of the Bruce Lee Story. Some Saturdays they even offer a “signature” Bruce Lee tour that includes guided access to the Bruce Lee exhibit, and if you’re lucky, a meal of Bruce Lee’s favorite dishes at a neighborhood restaurant.
They are open Wednesday- Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visiting the Wing Luke Museum was on my list, but they weren’t open on the days I was there. So I will definitely be back! Click here for more info on the tours and exhibits!
Museum of Pop Culture
Known for its bold architecture and interactive exhibits, The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) celebrates everything from rock music to video games to science fiction. The hands-on nature of this museum makes it a great way to engage with Seattle’s creative side. Also, given today’s political environment, I think it’s important to mention that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are core to MoPOP’s mission of sharing pop culture, making it a safe and ethical place to visit! Click here for tickets and hours!
Chihuly Garden and Glass
If you’re interested in stunning glass art, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum showcases the works of Dale Chihuly. This museum houses breathtaking glass sculptures that capture the natural beauty inspired by the Pacific Northwest, with pieces that glow under the museum’s unique lighting. If the weather is good, the outdoor garden is filled with vibrant glass installations, perfect for an afternoon stroll. When I went there was a photographer who would take stunning photos of visitors near the installations, which is perfect if you’re traveling alone and don’t want to ask anyone to take your picture. Click here for tickets and hours.
3.) Visit the Space Needle
Visiting the Space Needle is probably the most popular and iconic thing to do in Seattle. Towering 605 feet high, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound, and even as far as Mount Rainier. It also features the Loupe, which is the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. On a clear day, the views are awesome.
That being said, Seattle gets a lot of rain (it’s literally nicknamed “Rain City”). If it’s cloudy and raining, it is not worth the ticket price to go to the top. Ticket prices range between $35- 42.50, which is a lot of money to just see fog. Trust me, because I have FOMO and paid to go up when it was raining. Even if it doesn’t look foggy outside, I promise it will be since you’re so high up.
You could also do a bundle ticket that includes the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum since they are right next to each other. If you plan to visit both, try to do this since it’s cheaper. You can find the hours and buy tickets here.
4.) Visit Capitol Hill
Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of culture, nightlife, and art. It’s a great place to explore on your own, whether you’re looking to shop in quirky boutiques, grab a coffee at a local café, or check out the neighborhood’s vibrant street art. The laid-back vibes make it a fun way to spend an afternoon by yourself if you want to stay in your comfort zone.
While I was here, I had coffee at Espresso Vivace, visited the Elliot Bay Bookstore, and took a leisurely stroll through Cal Anderson Park.
5.) Unwind on a Scenic Hike
What I loved the most about Seattle was its proximity to nature. Even in the downtown area, seeing Mount Rainer in the distance was breathtaking. It’s like having the best of both worlds with the reminder that the great outdoors isn’t too far away. There are many hikes that are accessible by public transportation, like Discovery Park Loop Trail and Cedar River Trail. Click here for more hikes that are close by.
If you plan on renting a car, consider a hike in Wallace Falls State Park. It’s about an hour away from downtown Seattle. It has gorgeous moss-covered trees and three different waterfalls you can hike up to. It’s a moderate hike that takes a few hours, but it’s definitely worth the drive. A day pass is $10. Click here for more information.
6.) Stroll Through the Seattle’s Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is one of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America. Tucked inside the Washington Park Arboretum, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of downtown Seattle. For a solo traveler, the garden provides a quiet retreat to reflect and recharge within the city. There’s meticulous attention to detail in every rock placement, water feature, and plant selection. If you can’t be in Japan, this might be the next best thing.
They even have a tea ceremony that costs $15 for a 40-minute experience. However, this is a seasonal activity only offered in the summer months so make sure you check if it’s open first! You can read more about it here.
7.) Go Whale Watching!
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing whales in the wild from the city, Seattle is the perfect place to make it happen. The Pacific Northwest is one of the best regions in the world for whale watching, and you might even see orcas!
Wildlife is unpredictable (even if they tell you that you are guaranteed to see whales). So when choosing a tour company, check for one that will offer you a discounted or complimentary trip, if you don’t end up seeing any whales! Puget Sound Express will give you a voucher for a cruise at a later date if you don’t see whales on your trip! I would also only do this if you have a longer stay in Seattle, just in case you have to go back a second time.
8.) Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Just a short 35-minute ferry ride from the city, Bainbridge Island is a perfect place to escape from the bustling downtown area. There are plenty of things to do from museums to nature preserves, wineries, and even kayaking and paddleboarding. There are so many ways to spend a full day here. Then plan to take a sunset ferry ride back to Seattle in the evening! You can buy ferry tickets online here.
Other Things To Do From Seattle
- Day trip to Olympic National Park or Mt. Rainier National Park: They’re both about two hours away from the downtown Seattle area. Olympic National Park is slightly further. If you don’t feel like renting a car, you can book a guided day tour through Get Your Guide.
- Weekend trip to Leavenworth, Washington: Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian town located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. It’s about 120 miles east of Seattle and especially nice to see if you’re visiting around the holidays! For more info, click here to read my guide on how to plan the perfect trip to Leavenworth!
Things To Know Before Visiting Seattle
Here are some things I wish I had known before visiting Seattle.
- Always be sure to check opening and closing hours: Being from New York, I just always assume things are open. So it’s pretty disappointing when I plan my day around something, just to find out it’s closed. Don’t be like me. Check first.
- It rains… a lot!: Seattle gets about 37 inches of rain a year, and while people will try to tell you that it’s ok because it’s not a “downpour” kind of rain all the time, it can still mess up your plans. If you spend a few days in Seattle, I guarantee you will experience one rainy day. Make sure you check the weather every morning. Pack an umbrella, because if you don’t you will have to buy one.
- It’s full of steep hills: Seattle is not a place I would call walkable. I technically did walk everywhere, but my knees hated me for it. There are a lot of hills and they are very steep, even the ones to get down to Pike Place Market. It’s nothing like walking around New York. Make sure you have a quality pair of waterproof shoes, because walking around the city in rain boots would be miserable.
- The metro area is well-connected: Public transportation should be your go-to in Seattle. It’s well-connected, runs fairly efficiently (unlike the MTA), and will be your cheapest option. The link light rail can get you pretty much anywhere, even to and from Seatac Airport! You can get to the SeaTac/Airport light rail station from baggage claim, by heading up to the fourth floor and crossing the skybridge to the parking garage level. At $3, this is definitely my go-to option.
Is Seattle Safe For Solo Travelers?
Seattle’s crime rates have fluctuated over the years, but in 2023, it was ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States. As long as you’re aware of your surroundings and take any normal safety precautions that you would normally take at home, you will be perfectly safe in Seattle. The public transportation is generally safe for getting around, but the verdict from locals is that the E line is the one where you need to take the most caution. If you feel uncomfortable taking this line based on that information, you can easily get an Uber anywhere in the city. I still think this is a good solo trip destination for female travelers and inexperienced travelers.
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If you’re looking for a solo trip with good food, great people, and unique experiences, then Seattle should definitely be on your bucket list! If you’ve been to Seattle, let me know your favorite things to do! And for more solo travel inspo, be sure to check out my other blog posts.
