From floating hot tubs and seaplane rides to waterfront strolls and diners, Seattle proves you don’t have to choose between high-end indulgence and budget-friendly charm. Check out this guide to uncover the best attractions, dining, and lodging in Seattle, Washington, at ANY price.
Attractions
Premium (Up to $500)
Take off on a 25-minute ride in the sky with Kenmore Air, one of the country’s oldest seaplane operators. Begin your journey at a terminal in South Lake Union, then soar above the city for sweeping views of Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Space Needle. Admire the University of Washington’s stadium from above, and catch a glimpse of the houseboat made famous by Sleepless in Seattle. Every seat’s a window seat, so don’t forget your camera.
Round up your crew and glide down Lake Union in a floating hot tub. Each boat seats six people and comes with built-in coolers and a waterproof speaker. Bring your own drinks, snacks, and a party-ready playlist. Soak in steamy bliss while cruising past houseboats and Gas Works Park. For glittering skyline views, book your two-hour tour during the evening.
Embark on a private whale-watching tour led by an expert marine naturalist. Choose a half-day or full-day charter, and bask in the beauty of the San Juan Islands. Embrace once-in-a-lifetime views of orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals, bald eagles, and sea lions. If you get chilly on the deck, take a break in the heated cabin with onboard catering options.
Mid-Range (Up to $150)
Book a combo ticket to save money, skip the lines, and see two iconic Seattle attractions in one afternoon. Ride 520 feet to the Space Needle’s sky-high deck for panoramic views of the city. Feeling bold? Test your nerves on the world’s first rotating glass floor. Next door, check out blown glass exhibits at Chihuly Garden and Glass. See a 100-foot sculpture in the Glasshouse, then wander galleries showcasing four decades of famed glass artist Dale Chihuly’s work.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to step inside a shrine to creativity. Head to the Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction exhibit to see everything from Captain Kirk’s command chair from Star Trek to a life-sized Donatello figure from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Discover rare concert footage and memorabilia inside the Nirvana exhibit. Face your fears in The Horror Gallery, where you’ll find original props from infamous flicks like The Shining and Alien.
No first-timer’s visit to Seattle would be complete without stopping at Pike Place Market. Eat your way through the local dining scene on a two-hour walking tour of its most beloved bites. Sample chocolate-covered treats at Chukar Cherries, savor America’s favorite chowder recipe at Pike Place Chowder, and taste the famous alderwood smoked salmon at Pike Place Fish.
Budget-Friendly (Under $25 or Free)
Soak up sweeping views of Elliott Bay from the city’s newly renovated waterfront. What was once the old Alaskan Way Viaduct is now an ultra-walkable destination for dining, shopping, playing, and people-watching. Stroll along the Overlook Walk for 360-degree views of the city and surrounding mountains. Explore the park promenade to see sculptures and gardens. Plan your visit during golden hour for fewer crowds and striking sunset views.
Craving a quick escape from the city bustle? Head to Kubota Garden to surround yourself with 20 acres of vibrant blooms that blend traditional Japanese design with Pacific Northwest greenery. Walk under maple tree canopies and cross bright-red bridges over koi ponds. There’s plenty to see no matter when you visit, and admission is always free. Embark on a self-guided tour or check their website to see when the next free guided tour takes place.
For a cultural deep dive, stop by the downtown Seattle Art Museum (SAM) on First Thursday when admission is free. Discover thousands of masterpieces, from European paintings to ancient Indigenous tools. Immerse yourself in a mix of global artwork and rotating exhibitions, like Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei. Don’t leave without snapping a photo with the 48-foot Hammering Man statue out front—a tribute to Seattle’s working class.
Dining
Premium (Up to $400)
Indulge in Pacific Northwestern cuisine at Canlis, one of Seattle’s most iconic restaurants. Step inside a mid-century home on a forested hill and grab a table with a front-row seat of Lake Union. Savor entrees like American Wagyu and King Salmon in a multi-course experience where you choose a few and leave the rest a surprise. Elevate your meal with the signature Canlis salad, prepared tableside for the whole group.
For a farm-to-table feast, head to The Herbfarm in Woodinville wine country. Start with a garden tour and local wine before sitting down to a nine-course tasting menu. Expect local, seasonal ingredients—including some foraged nearby just hours before. Enjoy ever-changing dishes revolving around whimsical themes like “Revelry for Spring” or “Cascade to Coast.” Don’t want to leave? Stay overnight in a cozy suite and treat yourself to an equally impressive breakfast.
If you’re craving a more intimate meal, Archipelago is a stellar choice. Equal parts fine-dining and cultural storytelling, the ten-course tasting menu tells the tale of Filipino-American heritage through regional ingredients. Don’t let the minimalist space fool you—the food speaks for itself. Think pork longganisa with fermented berry vinegar or rockfish grilled in banana leaf. Only 10-12 lucky guests can dine at this hidden gem each night, so book well in advance.
Mid-Range (Up to $150)
For fresh seafood at reasonable prices, snag a table at The Walrus & The Carpenter in Ballard’s Historic District. The buzzy oyster bar feels like a Parisian bistro met a Seattle fishing shack, and the rest was history. Expect buttery local oysters and inventive plates that change daily, like steak tartare or halibut crudo. They don’t take reservations, so arrive early and grab a cocktail next door at Staple & Fancy while you wait.
Satisfy your Italian craving at Spinasse, where you’ll find rustic Italian fare and hand-cut pasta inspired by the Piedmont region. The vibes are upscale yet cozy, with exposed brick, communal tables, and an open kitchen. Order the risotto with a fried quail egg or the Tajarin pasta with butter and sage—it’s a fan favorite. Pair your meal with a Negroni or a Piedmont wine.
In the mood for wood-fired pizza? Head downtown to Serious Pie for thin-crust gourmet pizzas with a wide array of toppings. Embrace the industrial interiors and energetic atmosphere. Try the wild mushroom pizza with truffle cheese, or go for the sweet sausage pie with roasted peppers. Cap off your meal with a chocolate budino for dessert.
Budget-Friendly (Under $50)
Tacos Chukis may have started as a tiny spot in Capitol Hill, but it’s grown into a citywide staple for some of Seattle’s best tacos. Order the namesake Taco Chukis (adobada pork, pineapple, salsa, and guacamole) and a cheesy mulita. Meals stay under $15, and the vibe is fast-paced, bright, and inviting. With quick counter service and self-serve salsa bars, it’s a great choice for a quick and affordable meal that’s equally satisfying.
Craving a Caribbean-style sandwich that’s bursting with flavor? Paseo is home to Seattle’s most famous sandwich: the Caribbean Roast. Dig into juicy pork shoulder, caramelized onions, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, and garlic aioli piled high on a crusty baguette. The tiny sandwich joint is located near Gas Works Park, so grab your meal to-go for a lakeside picnic.
For major flavor on a budget, hit up Dick’s Drive-In to savor a classic burger-and-shake combo. The no-frills burger joint has been serving Seattleites since 1954, and its prices are still reminiscent of a bygone era. Burgers under $3? Hand-dipped milkshakes for under $4? You can’t beat it. You won’t find any fancy toppings or flavors—just simple, good food that tastes like biting into nostalgia. Choose the Queen Anne location for views of the Space Needle.
Lodging
Premium (Up to $600)
Sleep in luxury at the Four Seasons Seattle, the city’s only five-star hotel. Unwind with a massage at the in-house spa, soak up the sun from the rooftop infinity pool, and embrace panoramic views of Elliott Bay. You’ll be staying a stone’s throw from Pike Place Market, making it easy to explore Seattle’s top attractions on foot. For an extra splurge, book a Bay View Suite with a soaking tub and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water.
Alternatively, book a stay at the Lotte Hotel to spend the night in a contemporary guest room with gold accents and upscale amenities. Sip cocktails at the rooftop bar for unobstructed skyline views, or indulge in a skincare treatment at Le Spa. Between the sparkling glass tower and the church-turned-events-venue, it’s a perfect blend of modern glamour and historic charm.
Can’t get enough of those awe-inspiring waterfront views? Stay at The Edgewater Hotel to sleep right on top of Elliott Bay. The property has hosted rock ‘n’ roll legends like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pearl Jam—so you’ll be in good company. Rest in a spacious over-water suite with stone fireplaces, log furniture, and a full balcony. Its unique location on Pier 67 puts you in the heart of Seattle’s waterfront, so you can walk to hotspots like Olympic Sculpture Park.
Mid-Range (Up to $300)
For a more affordable stay that doesn’t skimp on amenities, opt for the Kimpton Palladian Hotel. A few short blocks from Seattle’s best restaurants, this boutique hotel mixes masculine design with cheeky touches like Tom Selleck pillowcases. Enjoy nightly happy hour, free bike rentals, and on-site dining at Shaker + Spear.
Across the street from Pike Place, The State Hotel puts you at the center of it all. Built in 1904, the former medical building is now a chic, stylish boutique hotel with Pacific Northwest accents. Sip your morning coffee or evening wine on the guests-only rooftop deck for unmatched views of Elliott Bay. Ask for a room with a view of the famous neon sign for epic photo ops.
Hotel Ändra is another walkable option and feels like a hygge getaway in the middle of Belltown. Expect calming neutral colors, soft lighting, and warm textures inside this Scandinavian-inspired property. Stay in a spacious guest room with walk-in showers, plush robes, and a peaceful atmosphere. Keep an eye out for Tom Douglas’s cooking classes in the in-house kitchen.
Budget-Friendly (Up to $150)
Head to South Lake Union to stay at citizenM, a tech-forward hotel designed for modern travelers. Sleep in a king-sized bed with European cotton sheets and blackout curtains—every room’s the same, so no need to worry about upgrades. Grab drinks at the 24/7 bar, lounge in the art-filled lobby, and control your room from an app on your phone.
Want to stay in the heart of the action? Palihotel is right across the street from Pike Place, offering prime convenience without a crazy price tag. Embrace the eclectic mix of classic and contemporary styles, from checkered floors to floral headboards. For an upscale experience at a budget-friendly price, this boutique hotel is a fantastic option.
If you love the idea of a bright, pineapple-branded stay near the Space Needle, book your stay at The Maxwell Hotel. Take advantage of free beach cruiser rentals, an indoor pool, and daily pineapple cupcakes in the lobby. Unwind in a colorful, pet-friendly room with high-speed WiFi and access to an on-site fitness center. It’s a great low-budget pick that doesn’t feel cheap.
