10 Budget-Friendly Tips for Exploring Seattle

Seattle may not be the cheapest city to visit, but with the right planning, you can explore the Emerald City without overspending.

While hotels and some attractions can be pricey, there are numerous free or low-cost activities available, and smart planning can help you maximize your experience. These tips will enable you to enjoy Seattle without stretching your wallet.

Plan your trip during the shoulder season

Seattle's stunning summers make June, July, and August the busiest months for tourists. However, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October offer similar weather, reduced travel costs, and fewer crowds.

Don’t worry if rain is in the forecast—during the shoulder season, the rain is usually light (more drizzle than downpours), and it tends to pass quickly. Just keep an umbrella handy and enjoy exploring the city while saving money.

Utilize public transportation

Instead of renting a car, take advantage of Seattle’s public transit system. You'll need an ORCA card, which you can purchase online for delivery or buy at various locations throughout Seattle.

Once you receive your ORCA card, create an account on the ORCA website and load funds onto it, so it's ready for immediate use upon your arrival. Your ORCA card is valid for the Link Light Rail, bus, monorail, streetcar, and ferry services.

Choose a hostel instead of a hotel

Finding budget accommodations in Seattle can be challenging, but there are affordable options. Downtown Seattle is near popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the waterfront, and it's well-served by public transit. While hotels in this area can be expensive, staying in a hostel is a cost-effective alternative.

The Green Tortoise, situated right across from Pike Place, offers great value. A single bed in a dorm room starts at $41 per night, while private rooms begin at $139. If you prefer a hotel, Ace Hotel in downtown offers rates around $190 per night. Always aim to book well in advance.

Choose farmers markets over restaurants

Seattle offers plenty of upscale dining options, but dining on a budget is also quite feasible. Instead of sticking to traditional restaurants, consider grabbing meals and snacks from farmers markets and food trucks.

Take advantage of the Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets, where you can find ready-made meals and essential items like bread, cheese, and sweets. Pack your goodies and head to Gas Works Park for a scenic picnic.

Dine out during happy hour

You’ll want to explore some of Seattle's amazing restaurants, and there’s a budget-friendly way to do it: take advantage of happy hours. Along with drink specials, food options are also attractively priced. Notable happy hours can be found at Serious Pie, Toulouse Petit, Ocho, and Japonessa.

Take advantage of the Seattle CityPASS

If you plan to visit the Space Needle and the Seattle Aquarium, be sure to use Seattle’s CityPASS. It’s priced at $119 for adults (ages 13 and older) and $89 for children aged 5 to 12, which reduces admission fees by 46%.

The CityPASS provides entry to the Space Needle and the Seattle Aquarium, plus three additional attractions of your choice: Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Museum of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. It’s valid for nine consecutive days from your first use at an attraction.

Experience breathtaking views from Columbia Tower’s SkyView Observatory.

While the Space Needle is a symbol of Seattle, it's not actually the best spot for panoramic views of the city. That distinction belongs to the SkyView Observatory on the 73rd floor of Columbia Tower, which is nearly double the height of the Space Needle. General admission is $30, compared to $30-$42.50 for the Space Needle.

The observatory at Columbia Tower is spacious, allowing you to stroll around and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the city.

If you’d rather skip the $30 admission fee, visit the Starbucks on the 40th floor of Columbia Tower. Though it's lower than the observatory, you'll still enjoy great views with just the price of a latte or pastry.

Explore the Washington Park Arboretum and Volunteer Park Conservatory

Spanning 230 acres, the Washington Park Arboretum is free and a must-see during your Seattle visit. Wander through miles of nature trails in forests and wetlands while enjoying nearly 6,000 plant species. Spring is particularly enchanting when the azaleas are in full bloom.

The Seattle Japanese Garden, found within the arboretum, is definitely worth the admission fee of $10 for adults and $6 for children 17 and under, as well as students and seniors. Children five and under can enter for free.

Covering acres, it’s a serene place for a leisurely walk around the garden’s central pond, featuring a variety of plants, charming bridges, unique architecture, and vibrant koi fish.

Located in Capitol Hill, The Volunteer Park Conservatory charges only $6 for adults 18 and over and $4 for children aged six to 17. If you plan it right, you can visit for free on the first Thursday and Saturday of each month.

The conservatory features a botanical garden and several indoor display houses, including a Seasonal House, Palm House, and Cacti and Succulent House. While visiting, don't miss the Volunteer Park Water Tower, which is free to enter. Climb to the top for stunning 360-degree views of the city.

Plan a day trip to Bainbridge Island

If you have time for a day trip, consider taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. The walk-on fare is $9.45 for adults, and children 18 and under can ride for free, depending on the season. The return trip to Seattle is complimentary.

The ferry arrives near Winslow, a charming village where you can explore attractions like The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, boutique shops, Eagle Harbor Book Co., restaurants, and MORA Iced Creamery.

Enjoy the water activities

One of Seattle’s greatest assets is its blend of culture and nature, offering plenty of budget-friendly water activities. The Waterfront Activities Center at the University of Washington, located near the Arboretum, rents canoes for $16 per hour, single kayaks for $19 per hour, and double kayaks for $23 per hour.

The Northwest Outdoor Center provides rentals for stand-up paddleboards and kayaks (single, double, and triple) to explore Lake Union. The first hour costs $23 for a single kayak or paddleboard, with a prorated rate for additional hours.

Catch the water taxi to West Seattle for a scenic and economical commute, with a fare of only $5 when using your ORCA card. West Seattle boasts Alki Beach and Alki Kayak Tours, where single kayaks are $25 per hour and double kayaks are $40 per hour.

Average daily expenses in Seattle

Hostel room: Starting at $41–139 Basic room for two: Starting at $190 Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): Starting at $150 Public transportation ticket: $2.25 for a single ride; $8 for a regional day pass Coffee: $3–5 Sandwich: $8–15 Dinner for two: $60–100 Beer/pint at the bar: $7–10