Seattle can be an expensive city to visit, but if you know where to look and how to entertain yourself, you can save a lot of money. Between exploring lively markets and heading out on outdoor excursions, the Emerald City has a variety of activities that will leave your wallet in your pocket and your traveler's heart full. Here are the top free things to do in Seattle.
Touristy, but justifiably so, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's top sights and absolutely free β except for the money you'll be tempted to spend here. The range of stalls, from fishmongers and florists to food stands, demonstrates the Port of Seattle's importance and why it became such a valuable jewel in the Pacific Northwest's crown.
This is a great place to shop and people-watch any day of the year. You don't need to pay museum entrance fees to see some of the city's best and most iconic art. Fremont is an art gallery in and of itself, with public sculptures sharing sidewalk space with pedestrians and cyclists throughout the neighborhood. Each of the 10 or so pieces here is totally unique, and you'll often find them dressed up for holidays or other special events. Together they represent a window into Fremont's golden era of counterculture bliss.
Local tip: While in the neighborhood, pay a visit to the iconic Fremont Troll. The 18ft-high cement figure snacking on a Volkswagen Beetle is a popular spot for late-night revelry. Organized as a nonprofit, these intimate two-hour walks give you a chance to learn more about corners of the city like Pioneer Square, the waterfront and downtown.
Visitors also hear the stories of many notable people who have called Seattle home, from the native Duwamish to the city's biggest celebrities. The tours may be free, but any tips you can spare at the end will be very much appreciated by the informed guides. The Space Needle isn't the only large-scale metal construction in the city; Olympic Sculpture Park , managed by the Seattle Art Museum , is home to over a dozen large artworks, with access free and open to the public every day from dawn until dusk.
