Seattle holidays

Quick Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Seattle

• Want walkability? Stay in Downtown or Belltown.

• Want quieter nights? Go for Queen Anne.

• Want culture and nightlife? Capitol Hill is calling.

• Want that perfect Insta shot? Kerry Park in Queen Anne is your golden hour go-to.

Space Needle
It’s the ultimate Seattle icon. Head to the top for 360° views of the city, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and beyond. The glass floor adds a little thrill if you dare look down.

Pike Place Market
Fresh seafood, local crafts, buskers, and the original Starbucks — this historic market is buzzing with flavour, colour, and energy. A total must-do.

Chihuly Garden and Glass
Step into a world of mind-blowing glass art, glowing colours, and dreamy installations. It’s bold, beautiful, and totally one-of-a-kind.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
From Nirvana to sci-fi, Marvel to Minecraft, MoPOP is a pop culture lover’s dream. Interactive, immersive, and packed with fun.

Seattle Waterfront & Great Wheel
Stroll the piers, grab some chowder, then hop on the Seattle Great Wheel for stunning harbour and skyline views. Sunset? Yes please.

Kerry Park
Tiny park, massive views. This is where to get that photo of Seattle’s skyline with Mount Rainier in the background. Pure postcard material.

Discovery Park
A peaceful escape within the city. With forests, beaches, and bluff-top views, this huge park is perfect for slow strolls or scenic hikes.

Seattle Underground Tour
Discover the city’s quirky past with a guided tour through the hidden tunnels beneath Pioneer Square. Strange, fascinating, and a little bit spooky.

Fremont Troll & Neighbourhood
This offbeat area is full of character. Snap a pic with the huge troll sculpture under the bridge, then explore indie shops, coffee spots, and local art.

Bainbridge Island (Day Trip)
Hop on a ferry and cruise across Puget Sound to this peaceful island. Expect boutique shops, wine tasting, and coastal charm — perfect for a slow day out.

You’re in for a treat — Seattle is the perfect launchpad for some truly unforgettable day trips. Whether you’re craving mountain air, island escapes, or coastal charm, the options are as dreamy as they are diverse.

Bainbridge Island
Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown, this laid-back island has wine tasting, cute cafés, beach walks, and beautiful boutiques. It’s a relaxing escape with a small-town feel — ideal for couples and solo explorers.

Snoqualmie Falls
A dramatic 268-foot waterfall is just 45 minutes from the city. Pair it with a visit to the Salish Lodge or a nearby hiking trail for a day of nature and chill.

Leavenworth
A charming Bavarian-style village tucked into the mountains. Expect bratwurst, beer gardens, alpine views, and cosy vibes — especially magical in winter or during Oktoberfest.

Mount Rainier National Park
An icon of the Pacific Northwest. Hike through wildflower meadows, walk on glaciers, or just soak up the mountain views. Around 2 hours by car, and totally worth the trip.

Whidbey Island
Drive north, then hop on a quick ferry (or take the scenic Deception Pass Bridge) to this peaceful island full of coastal trails, farm stands, and friendly small towns. Langley and Coupeville are must-visits.

Olympic National Park
Massive and magnificent. If you start early, you can hit the rainforest, mountain peaks, and rugged coastline all in one epic day. Perfect for adventurous travellers.

Woodinville Wine Country
Only 30 minutes from Seattle, this wine region is home to over 100 tasting rooms, plus craft breweries and distilleries. It’s a dream for foodies and wine lovers — without the long drive.

Tacoma
A creative hub just under an hour away. Check out the Museum of Glass, browse the local art scene, or stroll the revitalised waterfront. It’s got city vibes without the crowds.

San Juan Islands (longer day trip or overnight)
A bit further afield, but so worth it. Take a ferry or scenic seaplane to these peaceful islands for whale watching, kayaking, and total serenity. Friday Harbour is the go-to town.

Great question — because let’s be honest, no one wants to waste time figuring out transport when there’s coffee to sip, markets to wander, and skyline views to chase

Walking
Seattle is super walkable — especially downtown, Belltown, Pike Place, and Capitol Hill. Expect a few hills (this is the Pacific Northwest), but you’ll be rewarded with city views and hidden gems around every corner.

Link Light Rail
Fast, affordable, and great for getting from Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) into the city. It also connects key spots like Downtown, Capitol Hill, the University District, and Northgate.

Buses (King County Metro)
Reliable and well-connected. Perfect for reaching areas not covered by the light rail — like Ballard, West Seattle, and parts of Queen Anne. Pay with an ORCA card or via contactless payment.

Streetcars
Two short lines — the South Lake Union Streetcar and First Hill Streetcar — link key neighbourhoods. Not essential, but fun if it fits your route.

Monorail
A quick ride between Westlake Centre (downtown) and Seattle Centre (Space Needle, MoPOP, Chihuly). It’s fast, futuristic, and kind of fun — worth it for the novelty.

Uber, Lyft & Taxis
Plentiful in the city. Ideal if you’re headed somewhere off the main transit grid or out late at night. Expect surge pricing during big events or peak hours.

Bike & Scooter Share
Apps like Lime and Bird offer e-bikes and scooters all over the city. Great for zipping around neighbourhoods like Fremont, Capitol Hill, or the waterfront. Just watch those hills and always wear a helmet.

Ferries
The Washington State Ferries are an experience in themselves. Hop across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton for a relaxing ride and stunning views. Perfect for a scenic day trip.

Car Rental
Not necessary in the city, but a good idea if you’re planning day trips to Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, or Leavenworth. Tip: Pick up your rental after your city stay to avoid pricey parking.

3 days in Seattle is just right to get a proper taste of the city’s coffee, culture, and skyline. Whether you’re here for iconic sights or offbeat gems, this itinerary blends the best of the best, Virgin Atlantic Holidays-style: smart, stylish, and built for unforgettable travel.

Day 1: The Icons + Waterfront Vibes

Morning

• Grab coffee at Storyville (right above Pike Place Market)

• Explore Pike Place Market — don’t miss the fish toss, Gum Wall, and the original Starbucks

• Snack on a Beecher’s grilled cheese or fresh doughnuts from Daily Dozen

Afternoon

• Walk to the Seattle Waterfront for a ride on the Great Wheel

• Explore the Seattle Aquarium or hop on an Argosy Cruise for harbour views

• Lunch at Elliott’s Oyster House or Ivar’s (classic waterfront seafood)

Evening

• Head to Seattle Centre

• Ride the Monorail (fun and fast!)

• Go up the Space Needle for sunset views

• Explore Chihuly Garden and Glass after dark — it’s even more magical lit up

• Dinner at Taylor Shellfish or Toulouse Petit (Queen Anne area)

Day 2: Art, Pop Culture + Neighbourhood Feels

Morning

• Coffee at Ghost Note in Capitol Hill

• Take a stroll through Volunteer Park or visit the Asian Art Museum

• Grab brunch at Oddfellows or Tilikum Place Café

Afternoon

• Dive into the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) — music, sci-fi, gaming, it’s all here

• Optional add-on: Check out the Pacific Science Centre or Climate Pledge Arena

• Wander around Belltown or shop downtown (Nordstrom, local boutiques, and bookstores)

Evening

• Sunset views at Kerry Park — best skyline shot in the city

• Dinner in Capitol Hill — try Stateside (Vietnamese fusion) or Terra Plata (rooftop dining)

• Nightcap? Unicorn Bar or Canon for creative cocktails

Day 3: Nature, Nooks + a Scenic Escape

Morning

• Early coffee and pastries from General Porpoise

• Hop on the ferry to Bainbridge Island

• Enjoy a slow stroll through town, pop into indie shops, and grab brunch at Streamliner Diner

Afternoon

• Head back to Seattle and hit up Discovery Park for coastal trails and forest vibes

• If you’re feeling arty, check out the Olympic Sculpture Park on your way back into town

Evening

• Treat yourself to a final dinner in Ballard — try The Walrus and the Carpenter for seafood or Delancey for wood-fired pizza

• End the trip with a drink at Hotel Ballard's rooftop or Sunset Hill Park for views over Puget Sound

Seattle is an amazing destination for families, with tons of activities that are both fun and educational! From hands-on museums to outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age group.

Seattle Center
Home to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Seattle Centre has everything you need for a fun-packed family day. Start by exploring the iconic Space Needle and then wander over to the nearby museum exhibits, perfect for kids who love music, pop culture, or art.

Pike Place Market
A must-see for any first-time Seattle visitor. Grab some snacks, watch the fishmongers toss fish, and check out the quirky spots like the Gum Wall. You can even visit the Seattle Aquarium nearby, where kids can interact with sea life and learn about local marine creatures.

Woodland Park Zoo
This zoo is a gem for families, with over 1,000 animals from around the world. It’s easy to navigate, with beautiful exhibits, interactive animal encounters, and a great kids’ play area. Don’t miss the Tropical Rain Forest or the African Savanna.

Seattle Aquarium
Located right on the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium offers a close-up look at marine life native to the Pacific Northwest. Kids will love the touch tanks, where they can pet sea stars and sea cucumbers, and the underwater dome full of local sea creatures.

Museum of Flight
This museum is perfect for families with kids who are into aviation or space exploration. See historic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits, including a chance to sit in a flight simulator. There’s also a Mars Rover model that kids love!

Seattle Children’s Museum
Located at Seattle Centre, this hands-on museum is a wonderful choice for younger kids (ages 10 and under). The exhibits are all designed to spark imagination, creativity, and learning. There’s everything from a pretend play area to art projects and a water play zone.

Discovery Park
Seattle’s largest green space offers trails through forests, beaches, and bluffs, with plenty of space for kids to explore. West Point Lighthouse is a great spot for a family picnic or a walk. Plus, it’s an excellent place for a nature escape within the city.

Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
Watch boats pass through the locks and see salmon migrating up the fish ladder (depending on the season). It’s free and fun for all ages, and there's also a lovely garden to explore.

Seattle Great Wheel
For a family-friendly adventure with a view, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront. It offers breathtaking views of the city and Puget Sound, and the enclosed gondolas make it a comfortable experience for younger children.

The Seattle Great Wheel and Waterfront
Take a ride on the iconic Seattle Great Wheel for fantastic views of the city, waterfront, and beyond. Afterwards, explore the waterfront for an easy, relaxed day with ice cream stands, places to grab a quick bite, and beautiful views.

The Seattle Public Library – Central Branch
This is one of the coolest libraries you’ll ever visit! The architecture is impressive, and the kids’ section is full of fun books and interactive displays. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for a quiet, low-key afternoon.