Sure, Seattle has famous landmarks like the Space Needle and Great Wheel, but you can enjoy stunning views and other unique Seattle experiences without the crowds and high prices. If you have a few hours between sessions, check out these off-the-beaten-path attractions near the Washington State Convention Center!
Downtown Central Library from 5th Avenue & Spring Street.
The Downtown Central Library opened in 2004 and is a feat of design and engineering; it is a short 10-minute walk from the Convention Center. Take a self-guided cell phone tour, wander the stacks, or enjoy free Wi-Fi and stunning city views on the 10th floor reading room. Chocolati Cafe on level 3 serves delicious mochas and locally made truffles.
One section of the view from Sky View Observatory on a foggy night.
Continue two blocks past the library to Seattle’s tallest skyscraper, the Columbia Center, which, at 937 feet, looks down on the Space Needle. The Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor is open to the public and affords breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and sound. Compared with $22 admission to ascend the Space Needle, the Observatory offers fewer crowds and arguably better views for $14.75; seniors 55+ and students with ID are $9. Tip: due to the architecture of the building, you’ll have to transfer elevators to get the top!
The ferry Wenatchee bound for Bainbridge Island from downtown Seattle.
If heights aren’t your thing but you still want some sweeping city views, head over to the Ferry Terminal at Colman Dock, a 20-minute walk from the Convention Center. The Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry only takes 35 minutes to cross each way, or the Seattle to Bremerton ferry is a more leisurely 1-hour sail each way. Both cost $8 for walk-on passengers ($4 for seniors 65+) and offer a truly unique glimpse of the city and surrounding island system.
No trip to Seattle would be complete without visiting Pike Place Market, a straight shot down Pike Street from the Convention Center toward the water. This historic semi-outdoor market sells everything from vegetables to handcrafted soaps to magician's supplies and comic books. It is also home to several gourmet food shops, a cheesemaker, a cabaret, and countless good restaurants. The Crumpet Shop offers affordable bites and unlimited refills on tea with to-go cups. Victor Steinbrueck Park at the north end of the Market is the perfect place to enjoy a snack, people watch, and take in Puget Sound views on a sunny day.
Entrance gate to the International District at S. King Street & 5th Avenue S.
Three light rail stops from Westlake Station near the Convention Center is Seattle’s lively International District. This neighborhood is packed with small shops, restaurants, bakeries, and a great late-night bubble tea shop. If you’re short on time, head just one block south of the light rail tunnel entrance to Uwajimaya, a large Asian grocery and variety store. There you will find a food court, elaborate deli, extensive selection of fresh & live seafood, plus Asian linens and housewares. Next door is a big Japanese bookstore, Kinokuniya, whose books, magazines, and stationary are equally fun to browse.
While this list is a start, there are many more unconventional and cheap ways to enjoy the city! Have any questions or other ideas? Comment below!