Your 1-Week Seattle Itinerary: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore, with Rental Car & Flight Deals
Welcome to Seattle, the perfect blend of urban charm, natural beauty, and endless adventures! Whether you’re drawn to the iconic Space Needle, the fresh seafood of Pike Place Market, or the lush green landscapes surrounding the city, Seattle has something for everyone. Plus, it’s an ideal jumping-off point for side trips like Woodinville, where you’ll find everything from beautiful wineries to warm communities like Woodinville Baptist Church.
With one week to explore, you can enjoy the best of what Seattle has to offer without rushing. From top places to stay and must-visit eateries to flight and rental car deals, I’ve got you covered with this Affordable Luxury Travel Guide. Ready for an adventure? Let’s dive in!
Getting to Seattle: Flight Deals & Rental Cars
Flight Deals to Seattle
Seattle is a major travel hub with frequent flights from across the U.S. To find the best deals, start your search with Skyscanner. Set up price alerts and be flexible with your travel dates to score some killer deals. Look out for off-peak flight times and midweek travel for the lowest fares. Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA) is well connected, so you’re likely to find a convenient direct flight no matter where you’re flying from.
Rental Car Deals
Once you land, renting a car will make it easy to explore not just Seattle but also surrounding areas like Woodinville, Bothell, and even a trip out to the Olympic Peninsula. Use Skyscanner to book a rental car at Sea-Tac for a variety of options, from eco-friendly vehicles to luxury SUVs. Having a car allows you to be flexible with your itinerary and explore nearby attractions at your own pace.
Day 1: Arrive in Seattle and Get Settled
Where to Stay: The Edgewater Hotel
For your first night in Seattle, kick off the week in style at the iconic Edgewater Hotel, located right on the waterfront with stunning views of Elliott Bay. It’s Seattle’s only over-water hotel, so you’ll be immersed in Pacific Northwest beauty the moment you check in. Plus, you’re just a short walk from major attractions like Pike Place Market.
Dinner at The Pink Door
After checking in, head over to The Pink Door, an Italian-American restaurant tucked away near Pike Place. With its cozy, eclectic decor and a view of the waterfront, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some hand-made pasta while watching the sun set over the Sound.
Day 2: Explore Pike Place Market & Downtown Seattle
Breakfast: Le Panier
Start your morning with a coffee and fresh pastries at Le Panier, one of Seattle’s best French bakeries, conveniently located right in Pike Place Market.
Explore: Pike Place Market
Spend the day exploring Pike Place Market. It’s famous for fish-throwing vendors, fresh produce, and local crafts, but there’s so much more. Be sure to stop by the original Starbucks for a coffee, watch the gum wall, and sample the incredible local seafood at Pike Place Chowder.
Afternoon: Seattle Aquarium & Waterfront
After exploring the market, head down to the Seattle Aquarium. Located along the waterfront, it’s home to local marine life and offers a great introduction to the natural ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.
Dinner: Elliott’s Oyster House
End your day with dinner at Elliott’s Oyster House on the waterfront. Their seafood menu is one of the best in the city, featuring fresh local oysters, crab, and more.
Day 3: Space Needle, Museums, and Chihuly Garden
Breakfast: Tilikum Place Café
Located near the Space Needle, Tilikum Place Café serves up delicious European-style breakfasts. Try their famous Dutch baby pancakes.
Morning: Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the iconic Space Needle. Take the elevator up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and the mountains. Afterward, stroll through the adjacent Chihuly Garden and Glass, featuring stunning glass sculptures that blend art with nature.
Afternoon: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Just a short walk from the Space Needle is the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Dive into exhibits on everything from music history (think Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix) to sci-fi movies, fantasy, and gaming.
Dinner: Canlis
For a special dining experience, book a reservation at Canlis, one of Seattle’s most iconic fine dining restaurants. Set in a mid-century modern building with views of Lake Union, Canlis offers an unforgettable culinary experience that is well worth the splurge.
Day 4: Day Trip to Woodinville & Bothell
Explore Woodinville and Bothell
Today, hop into your rental car and take the scenic 30-minute drive to Woodinville. Known for its wineries, it’s a relaxing getaway from the city. But before you dive into wine tasting, stop by Woodinville Baptist Church to check out their community and attend a service. Located close to Bothell, this church is a welcoming place for a spiritual break during your trip.
Wine Tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle
Once you’ve recharged, it’s time for some wine. Woodinville is home to over 100 wineries, but the famous Chateau Ste. Michelle is a must-visit. Take a tour of the beautiful grounds, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, sample some of their best wines.
Lunch: Barking Frog
Stop by Barking Frog, located at Willows Lodge, for a locally sourced meal featuring Pacific Northwest flavors. Their truffle fries are a local favorite!
Evening: Return to Seattle for Dinner
Head back to Seattle in the evening and grab dinner at Serious Pie, a local hotspot known for its gourmet wood-fired pizzas.
Day 5: Take in the Outdoors — Discovery Park and Ballard
Morning: Discovery Park
Start your day with a scenic hike at Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest green space. Offering breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, it’s a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
Afternoon: Explore Ballard and Ballard Locks
After a morning in the park, head over to Ballard. Visit the Ballard Locks, where you can watch boats pass through and see migrating salmon (depending on the season). The surrounding area is full of cafes, boutique shops, and parks.
Dinner: Ray’s Boathouse
For dinner, grab a table at Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard. This Seattle institution serves incredible seafood and offers gorgeous sunset views over Puget Sound.
Day 6: Visit Capitol Hill and Volunteer Park
Explore: Capitol Hill
Today, take a trip to Capitol Hill, one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Start with brunch at Oddfellows Café, known for its eclectic charm and hearty breakfast.
Afternoon: Volunteer Park Conservatory
After brunch, explore Volunteer Park, where you can stroll through the Volunteer Park Conservatory and visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum. This neighborhood also has great shopping and quirky vintage stores to check out.
Dinner: Lark
End your day with dinner at Lark, a chic yet laid-back restaurant that serves locally sourced seasonal dishes. The menu focuses on fresh, simple ingredients that highlight the Pacific Northwest’s bounty.
Day 7: Last Day — Shopping and Departure
Morning: Fremont Sunday Market
If it’s Sunday, head to the Fremont Sunday Market, where you can shop for unique local crafts, antiques, and food truck bites. Be sure to check out the iconic Fremont Troll sculpture nearby.
Afternoon: University District
For your last afternoon, explore the University District. Stroll through the beautiful University of Washington campus, visit the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, and grab a coffee from one of the many cafes.
Dinner: Shiro’s Sushi
End your Seattle adventure with a bang at Shiro’s Sushi, one of the best sushi restaurants in the city, located in Belltown. Treat yourself to some of the freshest sushi you’ll find in the U.S.
Staying Safe in Seattle
Like any major city, Seattle has areas that require extra attention to safety. Here are a few quick tips for staying safe:
- Stick to well-known areas: Downtown, Pike Place, Ballard, and Capitol Hill are generally safe and well-traveled.
- Watch your belongings: Always keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas like Pike Place Market.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Seattle’s downtown can get a little rough late at night, so it’s best to use rideshare services or your rental car if you’re out late.
- Weather prep: Seattle’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for rain. It’s also a good idea to have waterproof shoes and a jacket.
- Emergency contacts: Save local emergency contacts in your phone, and keep an eye on weather alerts if you’re planning to hike or venture out of the city.
Bonus: Visiting Woodinville Baptist Church
As part of your day trip to Woodinville, take some time to visit Woodinville Baptist Church, located near Bothell. It’s a great way to connect with the local community and take a peaceful pause in your busy travel schedule. The church is known for its warm, welcoming congregation, and you can even plan to attend a service or Bible study while you’re in town.
Final Thoughts on Your Seattle Adventure
With its mix of outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, and incredible food, Seattle is the perfect city for a one-week getaway. From the iconic Space Needle to the lush wine country of Woodinville, you’ll experience the best of both city life and the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. And, of course, use Skyscanner to grab those flight and rental car deals, and rely on my Ultimate Travel Guide for a stress-free, well-planned adventure.
Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace
Travel Hack Guy
ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel
- One-week Seattle itinerary
- Best places to stay in Seattle
- Top restaurants in Seattle
- Things to do in Seattle in 7 days
- Skyscanner flight deals to Seattle
- Affordable luxury hotels in Seattle
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- Pike Place Market must-see spots
- Space Needle and Chihuly Garden tour
- Best car rentals in Seattle (Skyscanner)
- Woodinville Baptist Church visit
- Wine tasting in Woodinville, WA
- Road trip to Woodinville from Seattle
- How to stay safe in Seattle
- Top Seattle neighborhoods to explore
- Best seafood restaurants in Seattle
- Seattle to Woodinville day trip
- Exploring Capitol Hill and Volunteer Park
- Downtown Seattle hotel recommendations
- Must-visit places in Seattle for first-time visitors
