Where To Spend Your Morning In Seattle
One day to explore Seattle and not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we got you covered!
While it may be impossible to see everything the city has to offer, you can still pack a punch and see some of its most iconic sights. To make the most out of your short trip, we’ve put together a jam-packed itinerary with some of the best things to do in Seattle.
So, wake up and smell the coffee (or the breakfast), and let’s make the most of your day in the Emerald City!
Best breakfast in downtown Seattle – Fonté Cafe
Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, Fonté Cafe offers one of the best breakfasts to be found and superb coffee to match.
Feeling hungry? Start your morning off right with a tasty breakfast from our menu. From avocado toast to cinnamon roll French toast, and from biscuits and gravy to so many more options, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
But don’t just stop there, take a sip of something exotic and order a sage or rose latte, it’s a perfect companion to your delicious breakfast.
Downtown Seattle has more than a few breakfast options for you. Just take a stroll in any direction and you’re sure to come across a breakfast joint or two.
Looking for more than breakfast? Why not take a food tour with Savor Seattle Tours and their Signature Pike Place Market Food Tour
Ideal morning tourist attraction – Pike Place Market
Alright, breakfast is in the bag! Now it’s time to conquer some of Seattle’s must-see sights.
First stop, Pike Place Market – Seattle’s top tourist destination and a place you simply can’t miss. To beat the crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning. It opens at the crack of dawn on weekdays, so make sure you set your alarm and head on over.
Don’t forget the donut shop or Three Girls Bakery, A local’s favorite hangout spot and sandwich shop nestled in the heart of the Historic Pike Place Market!
Take a sip from your coffee from the original Starbucks location and take a stroll through the vibrant stalls, you won’t regret it!
Avoid the lines by visiting early – Space Needle
When in Seattle, a trip to the Space Needle is a must-do! The iconic tower is a symbol of the city and visiting it is like taking a trip to Seattle 101.
Early bird catches the worm, and to avoid long lines, we recommend visiting the Space Needle as soon as it opens at 8 am. Trust us, it’ll be worth it to see the stunning views of the city before it gets too crowded.
Don’t miss the lower level with its rotating glass floor
Seattle Highlights For Your Afternoon
Continuing your one day Seattle itinerary, let’s explore some places to visit during your afternoon in Seattle.
Best cheap lunch in downtown Seattle – Market Grill
Feeling peckish? Take a quick pit stop and refuel at the Market Grill, a lunch spot that’s perfect for a quick bite. Offering up sandwiches and seafood delicacies, it’s definitely one of the top lunch spots in downtown Seattle.
Since we are in the land of seafood, you can’t miss this opportunity to taste the freshest catch of the day!
Just like Seattle, seafood is practically a religion here, and Market Grill is the perfect place to pay your respects to this delicious tradition, especially with their Wild Salmon Sandwich.
Top-rated green space in Seattle – Seattle Japanese Garden
With a satisfying lunch in your stomach, it’s time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in some serenity and nature. If that’s your cup of tea, the Seattle Japanese Garden is a must-see.
Despite being a bustling metropolis, Seattle knows how to prioritize its green spaces. And one of the best examples of this is the beautiful and peaceful Seattle Japanese Garden. Take your time and explore this gem, it’s definitely worth an hour or two of your day.
A combination of water & nature – Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a historical landmark in Seattle, and a must-see destination for history buffs, photographers and those who enjoys an outdoor recreational area. This unique park is a relic of the city’s industrial past, featuring remains of the former Seattle Gas Light Company, which once produced coal gas used for heating and lighting homes.
Since its decommission in 1956, the site was transformed into a public park and it’s been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its vast green spaces, picnic areas, waterfront views, playgrounds and many opportunities for photos. It’s a great place to go for a stroll and explore the history of the city and its industrial past, that has now been reclaimed by nature and it’s open for everyone to enjoy
With its scenic view of Seattle across Lake Union, Gas Works Park is the perfect place for photographing the city’s skyline or just taking a nap on the grass.
Best Seattle Sights For The Evening
There are a number of Seattle sights that are best visited at night. As always, let’s start with food first.
Dinner in Seattle with a view – Salty’s on Alki Beach
Offering a stunning view of Seattle, Salty’s is an upscale seafood restaurant with a gorgeous aesthetic and mouthwatering menu.
I can’t think of a better way to finish off one day in Seattle than by eating delicious, local seafood with a view of Seattle.
Best bar in downtown Seattle – The Pike Brewing Company
If you’re seeking a spot that truly embodies the Seattle vibe, look no further than The Pike Brewing Company. This downtown bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique atmosphere and a taste of local culture.
Boasting a moody and industrial decor, The Pike Brewing Company serves up some of the best craft beers in the city and delicious pub grub. If you’re a fan of craft beer and want to get a taste of Seattle’s nightlife, this bar is a highlight you won’t want to miss
Tallest view in the city – Sky View Observatory Columbia Center
Open until 8 pm, Sky View Observatory Columbia Center offers visitors a breathtaking night view of Seattle. The observatory gives you a bird’s eye view of the city and is sure to be one of your favorite Seattle highlights.
A combination of city and sea – The Great Seattle Wheel
Get ready for a birds-eye view of Seattle like no other! The Great Seattle Wheel is an iconic giant Ferris wheel on Pier 57 that will take you to new heights and give you an unforgettable panoramic view of the city and the Puget Sound. It’s a favorite among tourists and a must-see attraction in Seattle.
If you’d like more information on ticket prices for The Great Seattle Ferris Wheel, here is a blog post with details on prices for various Seattle attractions.
Create The Perfect 1-Day Seattle Itinerary
One of the best ways to get the most out of your day in the city is by partnering with a Seattle downtown tour company. Here at Shutter Tours, our expert guides know this city like the back of their hands and will ensure that your trip to the Emerald City is memorable and stress-free.