17 Amazing Things You Can Actually Do For Free In Seattle
Emerald City has so much to offer that's not just the Space Needle. You only have to know where to look. That's why we've scoped out all the hotspots and made a list of free things to do in Seattle. Who said having fun had to break the bank?
Thanks to the SeaTac airport, Seattle is likely to be your first stop in the Evergreen State. So before you go chasing waterfalls and hiking mountains, tour the city like a local.
Whether you're passing through or you're a Puget Sounder who'd like to play tourist for the day, we've got you covered. From unlimited skyline views and beach bonfires to sailing trips, this list comes with no strings attached, promise.
Go On A Free Sail
Price: Free
When: Every Sunday of the month at 10 a.m.
Address: The Center For Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Who wouldn't want to sail a yacht (or an electric boat) for free while taking in views of the city from the picturesque waters of Lake Union? All you need to do is make a reservation.
Live Up Your Harry Potter Dreams
Price: Free
When: Weekdays from 7.30 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekend timings here
Address: 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195
Why You Need To Go: You will feel like you're strolling through the Great Hall in Hogwarts at this insane spot.
Take A Free Walking Tour
Price: "Free" (pay what you want, if you want)
When: Every day, time varies
Address: Starts at Victor Stienbruek Park, 2001 Western Ave, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: You'll stroll through downtown, Pioneer Square, waterfront, and the Pike Place with a guide who'll give you insider info on pubs, restaurants, activities, and photo ops.
Indulge In Free Chocolate
Price: Free
When: Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Address: Chocopolis, 1631 15th Ave W., Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Their happy hour comes with a wide range of free samples from artisan bean-to-bar chocolatiers!
Tour An Indoor Rainforest
Price: Free
When: First and Third Saturdays of the month, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Address: Amazon Spheres, 2111 7th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Although the hybrid greenhouse is Amazon's workspace, there's a thriving rainforest within its glass walls that you've got to see to believe.
Explore One Of America's Oldest Markets
Price: Free
When: Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Address: Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Whether you want to watch fishmongers throw around fish, get yucky at the Gum Wall, window shop for handcrafted knick-knacks or take a self-guided food tour to where Tom Hanks ate, this is your spot.
See A Hidden Waterfall
Price: Free
When: Every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.Address: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: You can see an urban waterfall on a concrete canyon in the heart of the city.
Report A Troll Sighting
Price: Free
When: Open 24 hoursAddress: Fremont Troll, N 36th St, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: See a ginormous, Beetle car-crushing local celebrity hidden under a bridge!
Get Insane Views Of The Skyline
Price: Free
When: Every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Address: Bell Street Pier Rooftop Deck, 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: This is a secret spot to get free views of downtown + the waterfront as you eat takeout and watch ferries go by.
Have A Beach Bonfire
Price: Free
When: Every day from 4 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.Address: Alki Beach Park, 1702 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy endless beach views as you party up with ghost tales, kegs or marshmallows around a first-come-first-serve bonfire pit.
Get Trippy At The Musical Fountain
Price: Free
When: Every day from 4 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.Address: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Sit in the mists of a massive fountain that changes colors and dances to the tunes of everything from Beethoven to trance music for up to 12 minutes at a time.
Stroll Through Massive Sculptures
Price: Free
When: Every day between sunrise and sunsetAddress: Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Massive sculptures + secret nooks and beaches on 8ish acres of gorgeous lands.
Take A Hike In The City
Price: Free
When: Every day, 4 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.Address: Discovery Park, 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: Explore 11.81 miles of hiking trails that are dog-friendly + chase sunsets near the lighthouse overlooking the Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound.
Enjoy A Free Museum Day
Price: Free
When: First Thursday of every month, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Address: Seattle Art Museum, 1300, 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: If you enjoy checking out art (including Italian masterpieces) and sculptures, this is your spot to geek out.
Check Out Mummies & Mermaids
Price: Exploring is free
When: Every day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Address: Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, Pier 54, 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: This ancient souvenir store from 1899 has odd-ball curiosities like real mummies, genuine shrunken heads, and two-headed calves!
Revel At A Silent Reading Party
Price: Free
When: First Wednesdays of every month, at 6 p.m.Address: Hotel Sorrento, First Hill, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: This weird, yet wonderful party will let you sit, read, or contemplate by the fireplace in silence while waiters bring you drinks (you have to pay for those).
Explore A Former Gas Plant
Price: Free
When: Open every day between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.Address: Gas Works Park, Seattle, WA
Why You Need To Go: You can walk through a former gasification plant + have a picnic with stunning city views, fly a kite or watch others do it.
There are stories everywhere! If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityUSA on Facebook and Instagram.