Whether you’re stopping through Seattle on an extended layover, or passing through on your way to explore Washington and the Pacific Northwest, it’s worth planning a day or two to check out all the sights, food, and activities the Emerald City has to offer. Here’s our itinerary for spending two days in Seattle!
Patrick in front of Snoqualmie Falls posing as it begin to snow.
We landed in Seattle after a 6 hour overnight flight from Orlando, arriving around noon PCT. As we got off the plane, happy to be in a city where you can buy some of the world’s best espresso at every corner (we love you Seattle!), we quickly downed two doubles and were on our way outside.
After picking up our car from Enterprise, we decided to stretch our legs and get some fresh air after the long flight. Just a 40 minute drive from downtown Seattle lies Snoqualmie Falls, a massive waterfall used to generate hydroelectric energy.
We parked across the street from the upper Snoqualmie lookout and began to hike down to the bottom. It’s a 0.7 mile walk down to the lower lookout, and from there you can climb over the railing to get closer to Snoqualmie Falls for good photo ops (if you’re feeling ballsy).
View of Snoqualmie Falls from the upper lookout.
Pro Tip: You have to pay $5 if you pull right up to Snoqualmie Falls, but there is free parking available right across the road.
The walk down to the lower lookout is beautiful. There are a lot of lush, mossy trees and the hike isn’t too steep. We were definitely a little winded by the time we hiked back up, though! We highly recommend walking down to the lower Snoqualmie lookout, as opposed to just stopping at the upper lookout off of the road. It gives you a whole different perspective. Plus, there’s a nice spot with natural framing between two trees to take pictures, with Snoqualmie Falls right smack dab in the middle of the trees!
Patrick overlooking the green forest on our way down to Snoqualmie Falls.
The hike down and back up took us about an hour and a half, but could easily be done in 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you stay at the bottom to ogle the beautiful falls. Plus, being photographers, we stop like every 2 meters to take pictures, so we always double hiking times for this reason. If you’re feeling adventurous, jump the fence at the bottom to get more close-up pictures of Snoqualmie Falls. However, if you aren’t in good physical condition, stay back on the trail. Hopping the fence also requires scaling around a metal barricade on a slippery metal railing, and having enough upper body strength to hoist yourself back up upon returning.
Pro Tip: Go to Snoqualmie Falls during sunset to get pictures of the falls with the setting sun in the backdrop! If you plan on going to the PNW in late winter/early spring, don’t be surprised if you don’t see a sunset.
Our trip was from the end of March to mid April and we had not one sunset the entire trip. Not. One. Drizzly, cloudy evenings gave us a new appreciation of just how beautiful rainy days can be. Summer is a great (although more crowded) time to go for sunset/sunrise photography in the Pacific Northwest.
Enjoying the view of Snoqualmie Falls.
Espresso Vivace
If you get coffee just once in Seattle, it has to be at Vivace. Hands down the BEST espresso we’ve ever had!!! And we’re kiiindaaaa espresso connoisseurs *says in fancy accent*. Seriously guys, even Emeril described Vivace’s espresso as “the best in the U.S., if not the world”.
This shit beats Italy’s espresso by a landslide. Smooth, bold, and not at all bitter. David Schomer and Geneva Sullivan began Vivace in 1988, roasting their beans in the Northern Italian style, which brings about the highest concentration of caramelized sugars of any roasting style. This explains why the espresso is sorta sweet, even without any sugar added. Yum!
Pat deciding if we wants a couple or a triple espresso.
Pat got an espresso (single shot $2.75!) and I ordered a caffe soy (probs the most effortlessly beautiful cappuccino I’ve ever sipped!). Bonus: the barista’s draw beautiful designs in the cappuccinos and lattes.
Pro Tip: David recommends drinking the espresso fast (w/in first 10 seconds) and in two sips to get full flavor.
Ba bar
Ba Bar Seattle (not our photo)
Get those chopsticks ready because Seattle is full of authentic Asian eats. We recommend Ba Bar for a relatively affordable spot that’s perfect for late night bites. Ba Bar is a stylish, high-end Vietnamese restaurant that serves craft cocktails and trendy dishes. We enjoyed the happy hour specials they had (on both drinks, AND food!). Pat had spicy garlic chicken tenders and I had a mushroom and tofu dish with a salad. Each meal was under $10!
Day 2:
Some people like to sleep in late on vacation, and there’s nothing wrong with that! We, on the other hand, wake up before sunrise when we travel to see and do as much as we can, especially if we are short on time (thanks for bringing me coffee in bed so I don’t sleep all day, Patrick!).
If you only have a few days in the Seattle area, we recommend waking up early to accomplish as much as u can while you are there, because in Seattle there is just so freaking much to do (guess you could say we were sleepless in Seattle). Here’s our itinerary for day 2 in Washington’s most bustling city!
Bird On A Wire Cafe
We woke up at 5a.m. and headed around the corner to Bird On A Wire around 6. This cute little coffeeshop features friendly staff, delicious coffee & plenty of vegan options. Their oat milk cappuccino’s are to die for!! This cafe is a little on the outskirts of town, but it was right next door to our Airbnb so it worked out perfectly for us.
Not on Airbnb yet? Use our discount code for $40 off your first booking!
Kerry Park
Head over to Kerry Park for great views of the sun rising over the Seattle skyline. Only there was no sunrise when we were there and it was super cloudy (cons of going in April D: ). Nevertheless, it was still a beautiful, lesser-known view of Seattle.
View of downtown Seattle through a sculpture at Kerry Park.
Pike Place Market
After an unsuccessful sunrise, we drove over to Pike Place Market in the heart of Seattle. This is by far one of our favorite markets we’ve been to!
Patrick in front of Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.
Some highlights include the flower stands, fish markets, various jams (Sara tried every flavor offered!), and fresh produce stands. We were surprised at how friendly the staff everywhere was, too!
We finally captured a picture in the center of a market without a photobomber, yay!!
Photographers will have a ball capturing all of the colorful shops at Pike Place.
Tulips at Pike Place Market, Seattle
Sara in vegan heaven at a produce stand outside of Pike Place Market.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10a.m. to get early bird parking specials.
Parking is freaking expensive in downtown Seattle! We paid $15 for 10-hour parking at Republic Parking, just a few meters from Pike Place. Expect to pay between $25-$40 for all day parking if you arrive later than 10a.m.!
Even if you aren’t planning on buying anything, this world famous market is a must see when in downtown Seattle. The colors, aromas, and bustling atmosphere can all be a bit overwhelming. We recommend going early to avoid the crowds. Be sure to see them throw the fish at the fish market, and check out the monkfish there!
Pike Place Fish Co, Pike Place Market, Seattle
Pat posing with Zach, a Pike Place Fish Co employee.
Post Alley Gum Wall
Gum dripping off of pipes at the Post Alley Gum Wall, just below Pike’s Place Market in downtown Seattle
Head downstairs right by the fish market (at the main entrance) to Post Alley and see the famous Gum Wall. Stick a piece on (if you aren’t too grossed out).
Never thought so much chewed up, old gum could look so cool!
Diego Pellicer
Time to relax and enjoy Seattle’s cannabis culture (if you partake). Diego Pellicer, the best marijuana dispensary in Washington, is just a 15 minute drive from downtown Seattle. Try the durban poison by tj’s organics, which won the cannabis cup for best tasting durban poison. This sativa will give you an uplifting, motivating high that won’t put you in the couch for the rest of the day.
Jose Rizal Park
Head on over to Jose Rizal Park for sunset and find the hole in the fence that gives you a perfect frame of Seattle. Get there early to avoid running into other photographers and fighting for a spot (it’s really just meant for one person).
Hole in the fence at Jose Rizal Park, a secret gem in Seattle!
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
Time for some more authentic Asian cuisine! Go downtown to explore the night scene at Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya. Try one of their Koi Pond cocktail, a yummy drink that tastes like sour blue raspberry candy!
If you have more time in Seattle…
Seattle Space Needle
Unfortunately, construction on the Seattle Space Needle during our visit prevented us from the stunning panoramic views (and a nice dinner we were planning on having at the top!) achieved by ascending the 605 ft tower. Tickets cost $26 for general admission, $22 for seniors and $17 for children. Heading to the top of this world famous structure is definitely a must do when in Seattle.
Update 4/25/18: We received false information about the Seattle Space Needle during our visit. The restaurant is closed for renovations, but the observation deck is still open!
Seattle Aquarium
Perfect for a rainy day, Seattle’s aquarium is stunning to walk through, but rather expensive, especially if you are bringing the whole family along with you. Tickets cost $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children 4-12.
Seattle Aquarium dome (photo taken from Seattle Aquarium website)
Photographers will have a ball at the aquarium dome they have. Imagine being in a glass half-dome, completely surrounded with fish and sea life native to the PNW. You can even book breakfast in the dome through Airbnb (use our discount code to get $40 towards your first stay/activity when you sign up for an account!).
Seattle Underground
Seattle’s first infrastructure was mostly wood based. In 1889, a cabinetmaker accidentally started a fire that was made worse by the volunteer fire department, resulting in the destruction of 31 blocks in downtown Seattle. Instead of rebuilding the city from the ground up, city leaders made the decision to build streets one to two stories higher to reduce flooding in Pioneer Square, which was originally built on filled in tidelands.
This lead the original ground floor to be underground, and merchants moved up to the new “ground floor”, leaving the shops, restaurants, and hotels below to become abandoned.
Seattle Underground (not our photo)
Today, the Seattle Underground Tour is one of the most popular tours in Seattle. These abandoned underground structures lie in the heart of the city, right beneath Pioneer Square. Bill Spiedel’s Seattle Underground Tour rents the space, so the only way to see it is by booking through their company. This is definitely something we would have done if we had more time in Seattle!
So there you have it: How To Accomplish Seattle In 48 Hours. We hope this post inspires you to get out and see some of the amazing sights Seattle has to offer.
Have you ever been to Seattle before? What are some of your favorite spots? Comment below!
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