From famous attractions to stunning scenery, you can see it all on a convenient guided tour.
Whether you want to see as much as possible during your time in Seattle or simply want to relax and enjoy a different view of the city, there are plenty of tour operators here ready to lead your next adventure. For extra time and cost savings, pair your excursion with Seattle CityPASS or the Seattle C3 ticket, which allow you to select either five or three major attractions for steeply discounted admission.
City Tours
There are a variety of ways to see the city, from air-conditioned rides to leisurely walking tours. Glimpse all the top attractions with a three-hour trip around the city center and notable neighborhoods on a Show Me Seattle shuttle, which picks up passengers from area hotels. The company’s pre- and post-cruise tour option includes transportation to or from the airport, cruise terminals, and hotels for extra convenience. Prefer to walk? Seattle Free Walking Tours leads travelers on an easy stroll to major downtown sites and through Pike Place Market. It’s a great way to enjoy the city at an affordable price—the only fee is a tip for the guide. For those who want the convenience of a guided tour as well as the freedom to explore on their own, the hop-on, hop-off appeal of City Sightseeing Seattle is the perfect fit. During summer, open-air double-decker buses ferry visitors to 17 different stops throughout the city, all near major attractions. Hop off to explore on your own, or just sit back and enjoy the ride.
City Sightseeing Seattle Can Pac Swire / Flickr
Underground Tours
Seattle’s original downtown was destroyed in a fire in 1889, and the city was rebuilt on top of the old remains, leaving buildings and sidewalks intact below today’s sidewalks. Underground Tour and Beneath the Streets take guests down below to explore this unique piece of history. Tour guides start with a humor- and trivia-filled history lesson about old Seattle and the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood before leading groups underground to walk through structures from more than 100 years ago.
Serge Yatunin / Shutterstock
Seaplane and Helicopter Tours
In a city surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that seaplanes, which take off and land on water, have become a local icon. Kenmore Air, Seattle Seaplanes, and all offer flights on these special aircraft. Take off from Lake Union in the heart of Seattle or majestic Lake Washington to enjoy this thrilling experience. Another option for sightseeing by air is on a helicopter ride. SeattleHeliTours and Atomic Helicopters offer aerial tours for small groups of up to four guests, with city flights that feature downtown sights like the Space Needle, sports stadiums, and more.
Courtesy Kenmore Air
Boat Tours
Seattle is surrounded by water, with Elliott Bay to the west, Lake Washington to the east, and plenty of lakes throughout the region. All that shimmering water means unique opportunities to sightsee by boat. , an option on both the Seattle CityPASS and , offers several tour options, including on Elliott Bay from the waterfront’s Pier 55 and through the Ballard Locks from Lake Union. Soundview Sunset Cruises specializes in boat tours for every type of interest, from a one-hour photo cruise around Lake Union to a three-hour sunset cruise between Lake Union and Lake Washington during that gorgeous golden hour. For the old-school adventurers, Sailing Seattle takes boating up a notch with private sailboat charters. Their 21-meter yachts are powered by wind and can be booked for two-hour trips around Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, near scenic Bainbridge Island, and during the quiet beauty of sunset.
Argosy Cruises iStock
Travel Professionals:
Discover more inspiration for curated itineraries including sightseeing tours with options for every traveler, from families to students. View a list of tours or explore step-on options here.