How to Spend 48 Hours in Seattle

One of America's greatest advantages is how each state is so unique. There's no place quite the same and Washington State holds one of the funkiest cities on the West: Seattle.

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Seattle also plays host to some of our favourite summer camps in America. One of them is actually based on an island just off the coast, where summer camp staff get a ferry over to start their summer of a lifetime.

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Known as the “Emerald City” due to its extensive green scenery which envelopes the entire city, Seattle provides a stunning backdrop to any North American road trip.

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The city is iconic for its cultural history, hip chic and cool vibes. To spend 48 hours in this cosy corner of the US is a privilege, so you'll want to make use of your time. To make sure you make the most of your trip to the ‘Emerald City’, here's a guide on where to go, how to get around and the best things to do in Seattle when you’re restricted to a whistlestop 48-hour trip.

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Getting Around

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Although the main city of Seattle isn’t too large and walking will normally suffice, there are also other ways of getting around the city. We’d also recommend looking at hiring a city bike, which is a cheap, cheerful and environmentally friendly way of getting around, while also being a fun thing to do.

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If you’re travelling a bit further, the public transport system is super easy to use and provides a cheap way of getting around.

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The Metro is Seattle’s huge network of buses and can take you a long way north and south, depending on where you want to go. Grab yourself an ORCA card which you can pre-load with money, or get a transit GO ticket, which you can get through their app. You can pay with change on the bus but they don’t give change, so you’ll have to pay the fare exactly or you’re giving away your change. They operate 7 days a week so you’ll be fine for getting around.

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There is also Sound Transit, which is simply another group of public transportation options for the city, which also include trains and light rail. Most will use this when coming from the airport and it’s a quick way to jump about the city.

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Of course, there are the likes of Uber in the city, if you’re preferring a more direct and private journey.

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You can also use Seattle’s ferry system or water taxi’s if you’re taking your adventure off the main city and these are also frequent and easy to use.

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Day 1, 10am - Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

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You may as well kick off your time in Seattle with the hippest and most interesting museum you'll ever visit.

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The Museum of Pop Culture features some of the most brilliant exhibitions. From horror and science fiction movies to Nirvana and Prince, there's something to make any fan weak at the knees.

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If you like Back to The Future, Harry Potter, and Monty Python, you'll be as ecstatic as I was to visit MoPOP and it provides a perfect first activity on your list of things to do in Seattle.

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Day 1, 1pm - Space Needle

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You've seen some history, now it's time to see the bustling city, so why not do it from 605ft?

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Seattle's most treasured icon, the Space Needle, is the most stunning way to get a 360-degree view of the city. One of it's most amazing features is the glass floor which allows you to feel the height (and the fear!)

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Take some sky-high pictures of the view whilst snacking from the Space Needle Atmos café.

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Day 1, 3pm - Kerry Park

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After being indoors all day, you'll want to breathe in some fresh air and go for a nice walk.

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Kerry Park is the ideal place to relax, and it gives you the chance to take in the gorgeous Seattle skyline view. Have a sit down on the grass and enjoy the sunshine with a book or some music (depending on what time of year you visit!).

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Even though you may only have 48 hours in Seattle, you need to keep your energy and enthusiasm up and connecting with nature is the best way to do so.

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Day 1, 7pm - Deep Dive

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Who doesn't love a secret bar?

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There's something mysterious and infatuating about having a drink in a cool, yet publicly undiscoverable, atmosphere. It's very pleasant to be away from the high street bars, where you’re trying to find a seat in the most popular places. Located underneath The Spheres in Seattle, there's a sophisticated bar called Deep Dive. As if it's straight out of a game of Cluedo, Deep Dive is a dimly-lit thing of beauty, with a very unique menu. It's the ideal place to finish off a busy day of roaming around the city.

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The drinks can be quite pricey, but you'd be at a loss if you didn't stop by the finest bar in town.

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Day 2, 10.30am - Biscuit B*tch

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Rise and shine! You need to start your second day in Seattle with some good grub.

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One of the most unique places I've ever been for breakfast is the one and only Biscuit B*tch. Anyone is welcome with open arms to try some of their favourite sweet and savoury American biscuits. Cooked fresh to order, these biscuits will melt in your mouth, yet stay on your mind forever.

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I'd recommend the Nutty B*tch - a sweet biscuit served with Nutella, banana, and whipped cream. I've honestly been considering travelling back to Seattle purely for this delicious creation.

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Day 2, 12pm - Gum Wall

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Who doesn't love a good wall? Seattle's Gum Wall is so gross it's good.

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Yeah, you heard that right. It's a wall covered in chewed gum. The colours and creativity make it perfect for those Instagram shots, too. Why not be a part of history and put your gum on the wall? I can guarantee you'll never remember which piece is yours, but it's a chance to be a part of the community!

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Day 2, 1pm - Pike Place Market

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It should be against the law to visit Seattle without visiting Pike Place Market.

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It happens to be a short, two-minute walk away from the Gum Wall, too. With numerous stalls of fresh food, flowers, and crafts, there's so much to look at and your senses will be pleasantly overwhelmed. You can spend hours tasting samples from Beecher's Handmade Cheese shop, or smelling freshly caught fish. There's local crafters, beautiful flower stalls, and anything to tickle your taste buds.

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Day 2, 3pm - The Original Starbucks

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During your travels, there's nothing wrong with the taste of familiarity every once in a while.

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One of the world's most beloved food chains has got to be Starbucks. Seattle's Pike Place Market is home to the original Starbucks, founded in 1971. You can walk across the street from the fresh food stalls and grab a coffee from where it all began.

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It’s a major tourist attraction within the city and is certainly worth ticking off.

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Day 2, 5pm - Seattle Chinatown - International District

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There is no other better way to conclude your time in Seattle than at the heart of Chinatown.

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Take a stroll through the district and immerse yourself in the culturally-rich environment, which is displayed through its incredible range of food available. You can check out the Hing Hay Park, and take a look around the many shops that line the area. If you've still got room after your Starbucks and also your dinner, you can even try a famous bubble tea.

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Other Mentions

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If some of the above aren't for you, or you've got even longer in the city, then check out some of our extended list of things to do in Seattle:

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• Sleepless in Seattle Set (South Lake Union)
• Seattle Center Monorail
• Pacific Science Center
• Chihuly Garden & Glass
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
• Seattle Art Museum
• Museum of History and Industry
• Smith Tower
• Seattle Aquarium
• The Future of Flight Aviation Center
• Seattle Great Wheel
• T Mobile Park

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Even if it’s a quick trip to the city on your time off from summer camp in America, your trip to the Emerald City will be a memorable one and this itinerary is just the tip of the iceberg on things to do in Seattle. There is still an incredible variety of other views, sceneries, areas and activities to sample, so if your itinerary is longer, you’ll have no problem in filling it.

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By following this guide and completing your own research, you'll be able to see everything the Emerald City has to offer.

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The final, awesome aspect of the city is that the people aren't afraid to be who they want to be. It's a super chilled place and you're free to be yourself, which is a vibe that you’ll find incredibly welcoming.

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Seattle is a safe place for everyone; I'd revisit in a heartbeat!