What springs to your mind when you think of Seattle? Beautiful landscapes, the Space Needle, the famous fish-throwing market, and possibly the 90s/00s sitcom Frasier (if you’re old enough!). Seattle is a gorgeous, sprawling metropolis that, despite its size and grandeur, still holds onto a warm, and welcoming charm that many other cities have long forgotten.
But just because the Emerald City is a great destination for travelers, couples, and families, doesn’t mean that you have to have unlimited funds or be willing to blow your travel budget just to experience it. Seattle is a beautiful place that willingly shares its beauty and its charm without making you spend a small fortune – which is just one of the reasons why so many people flock there every year.
In Seattle, you can easily rent a car from the airport and enjoy a vast array of activities and attractions that are either low-cost or completely free to experience. From free museums and scenic walks to affordable dining options and more, let’s take a closer look at how you can experience Seattle on a budget and have some affordable adventures in the Emerald City.
Seattle on a Budget: Free Museums and Cultural Attractions
Seattle is positively bursting with culture and history and there are plenty of museums and places of historical interest that you won’t want to miss, and thankfully, you don’t need a huge budget to enjoy them either. Here are our top attractions to visit for a dash of history and culture.
Fisherman’s Terminal
Seattle’s maritime history is part of its foundations and if you head on over to the Fisherman’s Terminal you’ll get to experience a historic working waterfront that offers a glimpse into the city’s historic fishing industry. Once you’ve had your fill of strolling along the docks and watching boats come in, why not explore the nearby eateries and food stalls where you can try – you’ve guessed it – the freshest seafood in all of Seattle?
The Seattle Central Library
An architectural marvel in its own right, the Seattle Central Library was designed by Rem Koolhaas, and has a unique, modern design that gives it a futuristic look. The library is completely free to enter so if you consider yourself to a be bibliophile head inside and explore the multiple floors of books and public spaces.
On the 10th floor, you’ll find a reading room which boasts some pretty impressive views of the city. Keep a look out for any events that are happening during your visit too!
The Seattle Art Museum
A prominent and incredibly popular attraction, the Seattle Art Museum showcases a diverse collection of art from around the world. Amazingly, on the first Thursday of every month, the Seattle Art Museum offers free admission! So you can enjoy a lot of culture without breaking the bank.
The Seattle Art Museum is also famous for its rotating exhibitions, an interesting attraction that will certainly keep you busy for a couple of hours. Additionally, the Seattle Art Museum also has art installations peppered throughout the city, so keep an eye out for large sculptures, murals, and other impressive artworks.
Where to Eat and Drink on a Budget in Seattle
Seattle is a hub of culinary excellence, taking influence from its coastal location, its diverse population, and its abundance of fresh and local ingredients. Thankfully, eating well in Seattle doesn’t cost the earth either, and visitors can enjoy a real taste of authentic seafood dishes, Asian influences, Pacific Northwest cuisine, and comfort food. Here’s where we recommend to try if you want to keep things affordable.
Pike Place Market
A famous landmark for its history and its theatrical fish-throwing traditions. Pike Place Market is a hive of affordable eats that will blow your mind. Here you can sample all types of cuisines from a myriad of cultures. Try fish tacos made with fresh seafood, or try a classic clam chowder in a bread bowl for some real comfort food. You’ll also stumble upon plenty of produce stands where you can pick up pastries, local delicacies, and snacks at reasonable prices.
Coffee Shops and Cafes
When it comes to cafes and coffee shops, Seattle certainly isn’t lacking! The coffee culture in Seattle is world-famous (after all the world’s first Starbucks is here) so visitors on a tight budget will be pleased to know that there are plenty of options to choose from. If you want to avoid the tourist hot spots and eat and drink more like a local then check out Stumptown or Victrola Coffee for an authentic Seattle experience.
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Super Fast and Cheap Eats
Sometimes fast food can be the cheapest option, but fast food in Seattle doesn’t mean you have to miss out on local flavors or flavourful meals. For a classic Seattle foodie experience, head down to Dick’s Drive-In, a local fast-food chain famous for its tasty burgers, fries, and classic shakes that are oozing with nostalgia.
Or if you want something a little lighter and convenient, visitors can explore Seattle’s food truck scene, where they’ll find a variety of meals like Asian street food, gourmet grilled cheeses, Mexican food, and more.
Keeping Costs Down in Seattle
Whether you want to save money on your vacation with your kids, you’re backpacking across the Pacific Northwest or you’re spending the weekend here, there are plenty of ways you can keep your spending down.
- Use public transportation
- Stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, private rentals, or hotels outside the city center
- Check for free entry days to the bigger attractions
- Pack a reusable water bottle and bring your own snacks to avoid overspending
- Walk or rent a bike to explore walkable neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Ballard
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to think that to make the most of your trip to Seattle you have to be prepared to spend vast amounts of money or save for months on end. But that really isn’t the case. Seattle is a beautiful place that is warm and welcoming no matter what your budget might be.
