Only Have 48 Hours in Seattle? Challenge Accepted.
Whatever you do, you must visit Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market and ….
48 Hours in Seattle? Here’s what to sip, see and do…
But before I dive into the details, we must discuss how this trip even came about. I decided to take a last-minute cruise to Alaska with my nana in early October — and because Alaska cruise lines take a break in October, our only departure option was Seattle, Washington. While Seattle was just meant to be a short stopover for us, I, of course, had several “must-see” spots on my list, and I made sure to hit them all so you don’t have to.
1. Downtown & Pike Place Start your morning at the historic Pike Place Market, arriving early (8:30 AM) to beat both the crowds and cruise tourists. Watch the famous fish-throwing spectacle, grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, and wander through rows of fresh flowers, local crafts, and artisanal foods. Pro tip: Don't miss the mac and cheese at Beecher's Handmade Cheese – it's life-changing.
Head underground for the quirky Seattle Underground Tour in Pioneer Square to discover the city's fascinating history. For lunch, make your way to the waterfront for fresh seafood at Ivar's Fish Bar – their clam chowder is a must-try Seattle tradition.
2. Spend your afternoon ascending the Space Needle for panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and (on clear days) Mount Rainier. The newly renovated rotating glass floor adds an extra thrill. The adjacent Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit is worth every minute – especially during golden hour when the glass sculptures catch the setting sun.
Day 2: Pre-Cruise Prep & Local Flavor Start your morning in the charming Ballard neighborhood. The Sunday Farmers Market here is a local favorite, but even on other days, the area's boutiques and cafes make for excellent browsing. Grab breakfast at Portage Bay Cafe, famous for their breakfast bar loaded with fresh berries and toppings.
Since you're cruise-bound, use the late morning to stock up on essentials at Target or Bartell Drugs downtown. Both are conveniently located and perfect for last-minute supplies.
For your final Seattle lunch, head to Capitol Hill's Melrose Market for local flavors. Taylor Shellfish offers the freshest oysters in town, while Sitka & Spruce serves up Pacific Northwest cuisine at its finest.
Cruise Logistics: Most ships depart from either Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 or Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91. If you're staying downtown, you're looking at a 5-minute ride to Pier 66 or a 15-minute ride to Pier 91. Plan to arrive at your terminal 3-4 hours before departure.
Where to Stay: Book accommodations downtown – you'll be walking distance from major attractions and have easy port access. The Westin Seattle provides….
Travel Tips:
Pack layers – Seattle weather can shift quickly
Store luggage at your hotel if arriving early/departing late
Consider purchasing a Seattle CityPASS if you plan to hit multiple attractions
Download Uber/Lyft for easy port transfer
Most cruise terminals offer baggage check services
Seattle's compact downtown means you can experience the city's highlights even on a tight pre-cruise schedule. Just remember to leave plenty of time for port arrival on departure day – then get ready for your Alaskan adventure!