Free Attractions in Seattle
It turns out that most of Seattle's major attractions are free. Here are some highlights:
- Pike Place Market - Wandering through Seattle's public market is a feast for all your senses.
- Seattle Center - While the museums and entertainment venues, as well as the Space Needle, all charge an admission fee, it's free to wander Seattle Center's lovely grounds. Many of the annual festivals held at Seattle Center are free, including Festal and the Northwest Folklife Festival.
- Seattle Waterfront - It doesn't cost a cent to stroll along Seattle's downtown waterfront, checking out the people and scenery.
Other free Seattle fun includes wandering through the International District, touring the University of Washington campus, and checking out the cool architecture at Seattle's Central library.
Free Museums in Seattle
Seattle is rich in fascinating museums, where you can learn about everything from aviation to history to science fiction. These Seattle museums offer free admission on some days or evenings of each month:
- Seattle Art Museum (first Thursday)
- Seattle Asian Art Museum (first Thursday and Saturday)
- EMP/Sci Fi (first Thursday evenings)
- Bellevue Art Museum (first Friday)
- Museum of Flight (first Thursday evenings)
- Museum of History and Industry (first Thursday)
- Burke Museum (first Thursday)
- Wing Luke Museum (first Thursday and third Wednesday)
These Seattle museums are always free to the public:
- Frye Art Museum
- Coast Guard Museum
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Seattle Unit Visitor Center
Be sure to check with each museum for the most current admission and ticketing information.
Free Concerts in Seattle
- Watjen Concert Organ Recital-Demonstrations - As part of a free tour of Benaroya Hall, you can enjoy the music from the Seattle Symphony's 4,490-pipe Watjen Concert Organ.
- Seattle City Hall Lunchtime Concerts - Free noontime concerts are held throughout the year.
Free Outdoor Fun in Seattle
- Olympic Sculpture Park - Wander through the outdoor sculptures and enjoy magnificent views of Seattle, the Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains.
- Green Lake Park - Take a walk around Green Lake and enjoy lively people watching at this Seattle community hot spot.
- Washington Park Arboretum - A network of trails winds through the 230-acres of this official state arboretum. Note: While visiting the arboretum is free, there is a fee to enter the Japanese Garden.
Getting to Seattle's Free Fun
One thing that is rarely ever free is transportation. If you drive yourself, you must pay for gas and parking. If you take public transportation, you have to pay a fare. To reduce your transportation expense, consider taking advantage of King County's Rideshare program. The King County Metro buses are also free when riding within the downtown area.
Watch Your Spending on Food and Drink
A meal, or even a snack, can turn your free Seattle adventure into an expensive outing. Many of the places that are free to visit, like Pike Place Market and Seattle Center, provide a wealth of tasty treats to tempt money out of your pocket. To avoid temptation, be sure to bring your own bottled water and a snack.
