How to Plan Your Seattle Private Walking Tour: Best of Pacific Northwest

Seattle is home to the world-famous Space Needle, lively markets, and glass art that will leave you speechless. That’s why the Lonely Planet Experience Seattle Private Walking Tour Best of Pacific Northwest is an excellent pick if you’re looking to explore the city’s top attractions firsthand.

Overview

During the private walking tour, an experienced professional guide will be with you every step of the way, showing you the best Seattle has to offer. The tour begins with a stroll along the waterfront off Elliott Bay, with scenic views of the city skyline. You’ll visit the Pike Place Market and the world’s first Starbucks where you can get your caffeine fix. You’ll then take the monorail, which was built for the 1964 World’s Fair, to Seattle Center. At Seattle Center, you’ll head to the top of the Space Needle and be awed by sweeping views of the city. Next, you’ll explore the Chihuly Gardens and Glass exhibit, an impressive collection of elaborate glass sculptures. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide insight into Seattle’s history, culture, and architecture.

Highlights

If you’re looking for the must-see attractions in Seattle, this tour delivers. Here are some of the highlights you can expect to see:

Space Needle

The Space Needle is Seattle’s most iconic landmark. At 605 feet tall, it offers panoramic views of downtown Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and Mt. Rainier. With your combined Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens and Glass ticket, you’ll skip the line and head straight to the top.

Pike Place Market

Known for its fresh seafood, produce, and handmade crafts, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s top attractions. Your guide will take you through the market and show you the famous fish-throwing vendors, the original Starbucks location, and other hidden gems of the market.

Chihuly Gardens and Glass

The Chihuly Gardens and Glass exhibit is a remarkable display of glass sculptures made by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The intricate artwork includes stunning colors and unique shapes that are sure to leave you spellbound.

Monorail

The monorail, built-in 1964 for the World’s Fair, offers a quick and easy way to get from downtown Seattle to Seattle Center. The train ride is a fun way to see the city and learn about its history.

What’s included?

The private walking tour includes a friendly, professional guide who will customize the tour to your interests. The tour also includes a combined ticket to the Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens and Glass, allowing you to skip the lines and save time. Additionally, there is plenty of time to take photos of your favorite places throughout the tour, and gratuities are optional. However, food and beverages are not included on the tour, although your guide can recommend some great spots to grab a bite in the city.

Booking Your Tour

Booking the Lonely Planet Experience Seattle Private Walking Tour Best of Pacific Northwest is easy. You can reserve your spot by clicking on this link here. With this tour, you’ll experience the best Seattle has to offer with a knowledgeable guide to lead the way. From the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to the Chihuly Gardens and Glass exhibit, you’ll get a comprehensive tour of some of Seattle’s most famous landmarks.

FAQ About Seattle

If you’re considering a trip to Seattle, Washington, you likely have some questions about the city. From the weather to the best tourist attractions, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip.

1. What’s the weather like in Seattle?

Seattle has a reputation for being rainy, but it’s not as bad as many people think. The city actually receives less precipitation per year than cities like New York and Boston. Summers are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. Winters are cooler, with temperatures between the mid-30s to mid-40s. It does rain more in the winter, but you can still enjoy outdoor activities during this time.

2. What are the best tourist attractions in Seattle?

Seattle has no shortage of things to do and see, here are some of the top attractions:

Pike Place Market:

This iconic market is a must-visit for anyone visiting Seattle. You’ll find fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, and flowers, as well as arts and crafts, and unique gift items.

Seattle Space Needle:

This iconic structure offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. It’s a popular spot for taking photos and watching the sunset.

Museum of Pop Culture:

If you’re a music or movie buff, you’ll love this museum. It features exhibits on rock music, science fiction, and pop culture.

Chihuly Garden and Glass:

This museum and garden features the stunning glass art of Dale Chihuly. It’s a truly unique and beautiful attraction.

Seattle Art Museum:

This museum features a variety of exhibits, including traditional art from Northwest Native tribes, Asian art, and contemporary art.

Discovery Park:

This 534-acre park offers stunning views of Puget Sound, as well as hiking trails, a lighthouse, and a beach.

3. What’s the best way to get around Seattle?

Seattle has a variety of transportation options, including buses, light rail, and ferries. The city also offers bike share programs, as well as rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. If you’re planning on renting a car, be aware that parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas.

4. What’s the food scene like in Seattle?

Seattle is known for its fresh seafood, especially salmon and Dungeness crab. The city also has a thriving coffee culture and is home to several popular coffee shops, including Starbucks. In recent years, Seattle’s food scene has expanded to include a variety of international cuisines, as well as craft breweries and distilleries.

5. Is Seattle a family-friendly destination?

Yes, Seattle has plenty of family-friendly activities, including the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, and Pacific Science Center. Many of the city’s parks offer playgrounds and picnic areas. The city also has several family-friendly festivals throughout the year, including the Seattle Children’s Festival and Northwest Folklife Festival.

6. What’s the nightlife like in Seattle?

Seattle has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The city is particularly known for its indie music scene, with several clubs dedicated to up-and-coming bands. Additionally, the city is home to many craft breweries and distilleries, making it a great destination for beer and cocktail lovers.

7. Is Seattle expensive?

Seattle can be expensive, particularly when it comes to housing. However, the cost of living is on par with other major cities in the United States. If you’re planning a visit, there are a variety of accommodations available at different price points, and many of the city’s attractions are free or low-cost.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Seattle

Seattle is a city that has something for every kind of tourist. From amazing sights to stunning natural scenery, delicious food to exciting nightlife, Seattle has it all. If you’re planning to visit Seattle, don’t miss out on these amazing experiences:

1. Visit the Iconic Space Needle

The Space Needle is Seattle’s most popular landmark and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and has since become a symbol of Seattle. From the top of the Space Needle, you can get a stunning 360° view of the city and the surrounding areas. Make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

2. Take a Walk in the Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a Seattle staple that every tourist should visit. It is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers’ markets in the US, and it boasts an eclectic mix of vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, crafts, and more. Make sure you watch the Pike Place Fish Market staff throw fish to each other for a show. It’s a fun sight to see.

3. Explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum

The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is an art museum dedicated to the work of Dale Chihuly. Chihuly is a glass artist whose work is known all over the world. The museum features his sculptures and installations, including a garden filled with colorful glass flowers. Additionally, the museum is located right next to the Space Needle, so you can visit both attractions in a day.

4. Take a Ferry Ride to Bainbridge Island

A ferry ride from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island is an excellent way to see more of the Puget Sound and the surrounding areas. Bainbridge Island is a charming small town with a thriving art scene, numerous outdoor activities and plenty of shops and restaurants worth checking out. The views of the city skyline during the ferry ride are stunning, especially at sunset.

5. Wander Around the Waterfront

Seattle’s waterfront is a great place to spend a few hours, whether you’re grabbing a seafood lunch or soaking up the views of the Puget Sound. You can also visit the Seattle Great Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers a fantastic view of the city skyline. Additionally, there are some great souvenir shops and coffee houses around the waterfront.

6. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)

The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPop, is a museum dedicated to popular culture. The museum features interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and fantastic displays of iconic moments in pop culture history. Exhibits include everything from science fiction and fantasy to music history and horror films. MoPop is a must-visit for anyone interested in pop culture.

7. Go for a Hike in the Mountains

Seattle is surrounded by the stunning Cascades and Olympic ranges, making it an ideal destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. There are several hikes near Seattle that are worth checking out, including the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, the Mount Si Trail, and the Mount Rainier National Park.

8. Visit the Woodland Park Zoo

The Woodland Park Zoo is a fantastic place to visit for animal lovers. The zoo features animals from around the world like giraffes, tigers, and gorillas, and it is one of the best-designed zoos in the country. It’s an excellent place to visit with families, as there are tons of interactive exhibits and activities for children.

Book Your Tour Now

Seattle is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in art, food, or nature. Make sure you book your tickets in advance and plan your itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your visit. With so many fantastic attractions and experiences to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do in Seattle.