Best known for it's coffee, grunge music and impressive Space Needle, Seattle is a very culturally diverse and environmentally friendly city. Packed full of fascinating things to see, do and eat for every type of traveler, a stay in Seattle can put stress on a pocketbook. Here are some tricks for having the Seattle experience without breaking the bank.
Decide what you really want to see. There's a lot in Seattle and if you're only going to be there a short time and are on a budget, pick out two or three things that are must-sees for you.
Find lodging downtown or by the Space Needle. While you may pay a little more for a hotel in the downtown or Seattle Center area you'll save a lot of time and frustration if you don't have to drive around the city. Traffic is awful and most of the city's well-known attractions are within walking distance or can be accessed via public transportation.
Get the Seattle City Pass. This amazing little booklet gives you admission to the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, an Argosy Harbor Cruise, and admission to either The Museum of Flight or The Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum. The pass itself costs half of what you would pay in general admission to these fun attractions. As an added benefit, you even get to jump ahead and avoid most lines.
Take advantage of free activities. Stroll through historic Pike Place Market or along the waterfront. Olympic Sculpture Park, Asian superstore Uwajimaya, Seattle Central Library, The Center for Wooden Boats and cultural shows at the Seattle Center Center House are all great free activities. These activities can fill up several days of free time with all there is to see.
Eat a little earlier. It's no secret that restaurants raise their prices for the dinner rush. Eat great foot at lower prices all while beating the dinner crowds and having a better choice in seating. Try deli-style, on-the-go lunches and complimentary continental breakfasts at your hotel to round out your budget-friendly meal choices.
Skip the Space Needle. The Space Needle at Seattle Center is probably Seattle's most-recognized icon, but a 43 second elevator ride to the observation deck costs $20 and is only worth the money when the sky isn't overcast. If standing at the top of the Space Needle is important to you then you may want to make this one of your splurge activities. Otherwise try the Columbia Center or Smith Tower for equally stunning views of the city at budget costs.
