Seattle Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Posted Jan 12, 2023

Seattle is a thriving city that offers opportunities for vacationers and business travelers alike. With a buzzing central business district easily identified by the iconic Space Needle, Seattle offers a world-class food scene, eclectic arts industry and various attractions to entertain all types of visitors. The city is often referred to as the ‘Emerald City’ due to the natural scenery that surrounds the urban metropolis. With dense evergreen forests, scenic mountains and picturesque rivers, it’s only a short journey from the city to a tranquil, natural paradise.

Seattle also has a well-ingrained music history dating back to 1918. During the following three decades, over 20 jazz clubs were founded along Jackson Street, providing a launchpad for many famous musicians including Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. Music lovers will appreciate the successful music scene that still exists today and can pay homage to the city that birthed music icons like Jimmy Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

9 Best Ways to Experience Seattle in 2024

With its coastal location and surrounding mountains, Seattle is a city that knows how to make a great first impression. But the longer you spend in the Emerald City, the more you’ll find how much it has to explore. A local tour guide can help you uncover some of the lesser-known aspects of this jewel of the Pacific Northwest. And you can make things easier on yourself by dropping off your unneeded bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Seattle. Book one or more of these fascinating tours and experience Seattle like a local.

Best walking tour — Hola Seattle

Traveling on foot is often the best way to understand a new city. The knowledgeable guides of Hola Seattle will make sure you see all the city’s most interesting sights and get to know the stories behind them. The tour lasts for three hours, giving you a good understanding of the city’s past, present, and future. It’s a good activity for families, and will help you earn a delicious meal in one of the city’s many restaurants. The company also offers tours of other places, including a long trip to Yellowstone National Park. Reach out to them at info@holaseattle.com or 1 206-715-4569.

Best year-round hiking tours — Adventures In Seattle

Winter in Seattle is often rainy, but rarely all that cold. As a result, you can go hiking in and around the city at just about any time of year. This company offers both summer and winter tours that will take you to different places according to the season. You can head to the summit of the mountains or explore the many waterfalls and lakes in the area. The knowledgeable guides will make sure you reach all the best spots as you enjoy the country around the city. Tours can be booked online, or by reaching out to the company at info@adventuresinseattle.com or 1 253-508-9441.

Best off the beaten path tour — Seattle Under the Radar

Seattle has lots of locations that are always popular with tourists. But once you’ve visited the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, you may find yourself wondering what else the city has to offer. That’s where Seattle Under the Radar comes in. This company specializes in taking visitors away from the busy downtown to discover lesser-known but still fascinating areas. They have eight different tours to choose from, and tours are limited to just four people to a group, meaning you’ll get plenty of personalized attention from the guides. To see a quirkier side of Seattle, contact them at lynn@seattleundertheradartours.com or 12067175797.

Best food tour — Show Me Seattle

Pike Place Market is an icon of Seattle, but it’s also very much a working market where many locals do their shopping. This company helps you explore this huge market by taking you to some of the best traders the city has to offer. You get to try local delicacies and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s food culture. They also offer a Seattle highlights tour that takes only 90 minutes, which is a great option if you’re pressed for time. To book either of their tours, contact them at info@showmeseattle.com or 1 206-633-2489.

Best winter tour — Customized Tours of Seattle

If you find yourself in Seattle during the winter, you won’t be short of things to do. This locally owned company can help you enjoy the off-season in the city by providing six different tours to choose from. Both half and full day tours are available to help you visit local wineries and some of the most beautiful parks. Families may be especially interested in the Christmas tour they offer to a village outside Seattle that celebrates the season in traditional style. To book a tour, contact them at info@toursofseattle.com or 888.554.8687.

Best personalized hike — Miles Hike Club

If you’re an avid hiker, this may be the company for you. The knowledgeable guides at Miles Hike know all the best trails in the Seattle region, and can take you to some of Washington’s most iconic locations. Best of all, the tours are all customized according to what you want to see and your fitness level. Tours can take anywhere from a couple of hours to up to six hours, so you can really cover some miles. Contact them to book your customized tour at contact@mileshikeclub.com or 18475297891.

Best ghost tour — Private Eye on Seattle

Seattle started out as a rough-and-tumble frontier town, and that past is still in evidence if you know where to look. The knowledgeable guides from Private Eye on Seattle definitely do. If you love a good ghost story or a true crime tale, this is the company to call. They have seven different tours to choose from so you can learn more about the notorious characters that shaped the history of Seattle. Be aware that children under 12 are not allowed, as the tour might be a little grisly for young children. Contact them at jake@privateeyetours.com or 1 206-365-3739.

Best boat tour — Candere Cruising

Washington’s picturesque coastline is the ideal place to explore by boat. Candere Cruising allows you to get out on the water on a beautiful sailing vessel which guarantees you incredible photo opportunities of the city skyline and the mountains behind it. Tours range from 1 to 4 hours, so you can get a much clearer understanding of the city’s history and modern culture. All ages are welcome, and only six people are allowed on a tour at any one time, so you won’t be crowded while you cruise the waterways of Seattle. Contact them at info@canderecruising.com or (206) 300-9012.

Best adventure tours — Nature Nuts Adventures

If you’re nuts about nature, this company practically has your name written all over it. For those who want to get their adrenaline pumping while on vacation, this company offers full day tours to some of the region’s best locations, with six different options available. They can take you on a day hike around Olympic National Park or on a thrilling float plane ride to the San Juan Islands. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to have a memorable time. Book a tour by contacting them at info@naturenutstravel.com or 1 888-365-9488.

A weekend in Seattle

Seattle is a city bursting with entertainment options for all types of travelers. From arts and culture to bars and restaurants, your trip to this city will not disappoint. If you are in town for a short visit, there are a few things that you certainly won’t want to miss. Add these Seattle attractions to your itinerary for a fun-filled getaway.

Space Needle: No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the iconic Space Needle. Easily identifiable on the Seattle skyline, this tower was opened in 1962 and is visited by many visitors each year. You won’t want to miss the impressive 360 degree views of the city!
Pike Place Market Foundation: This historic farmer’s market is the perfect place to pick up some fresh produce and local crafts. In operation since 1907, the market is popular among locals and visitors alike. If you find yourself with too many bags, make the most of a Seattle luggage storage service, and you can keep exploring.
Gas Works Park: Looking for the perfect picnic spot? Head to Gas Works Park. It spans over 19 acres, giving you plenty of room to set up your blanket and enjoy the views of the city.
Seattle Center: The Seattle Center is an entertainment precinct that will occupy kids and adults alike. Attend a festival, visit the Glass House or check out the Children’s Museum.

Seattle Lockers

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with your heavy luggage when all you want to do is explore a new city. Bounce understands the hassle and offers easy-to-use luggage storage lockers in Seattle so that you can head to the Space Needle or wander around the buzzing streets without dragging your bags. The best thing about this luggage storage service is that it was designed specifically for travelers so it’s completely flexible. Overdone the shopping? Store some bags and pick them up later. Got a late check-in? Drop them for a few hours and grab them when your room is ready. In town for a stopover? Make the most of your limited time by storing your bags and hitting the town.

Off the beaten path in Seattle

When people hear Seattle, they often think of the thriving food scene, cultural entertainment and the famous Space Needle. However, if you look a little deeper, it’s easy to see that the city is so much more than that. It’s a mecca of unique adventures and hidden surprises that will delight those who take the time to find them. To give you some inspiration, here are three off-the-beaten-path activities you’ll want to add to your Seattle bucket list.

Jose Rizal Park: This one’s for the photographers and sunset lovers. Head to Jose Rizal Park for epic views of the Seattle skyline and take the camera to get some excellent snaps.
Underground tunnels: Most visitors to Seattle are unaware of the complex tunnel system that exists beneath the busy city streets. This underground network was once the center of the city until it was rebuilt over the top. Join a tour to get a completely different perspective of Seattle!
Pinball Museum: Pay homage to a time gone by with a visit to the Pinball Museum. Fans of the popular arcade game will rejoice at the sight of 50 fully-functional pinball machines that make the perfect activity for a rainy day.

What to do alone in Seattle

There’s a lot to love about Seattle if you are an independent traveler. There’s even easy bag storage in Seattle with Bounce that can take care of your luggage while you enjoy everything the city has to offer. If you are in town on a business trip or visiting as part of a bigger solo trip, consider adding these to your itinerary.

Olympic Sculpture Garden: For a relaxing place to go for a wander, head to Olympic Sculpture Garden. You can enjoy the fresh air and impressive sculptures while looking out over the waterfront.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Some of the best blown glass sculptures in the US are on display in Chihuly Garden and Glass. Take your time as you meander through these displays to truly appreciate their beauty.
Pier 66: There’s something mesmerizing about being on the water and a wander along Pier 66 is truly special. Admire the boats, grab a bite to eat or head out on the water.

The best souvenirs in Seattle

Pike Place Market is the best place to source your souvenirs in Seattle. There’s a whole range of shops offering artisan goods, unique memorabilia and typical tourist fare. Whether you are after something special for yourself or gifts for loved ones, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for at Pike Place Market or the surrounding area.