17 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Seattle
Let’s face it, Seattle isn't a cheap city to visit. Between hotels, restaurants, attractions, bars, etc, it adds up. While a lot of them are worth their cost, it helps to have free or cheap options to offset that.
We visited the Emerald City in 2020 and 2021. Between the two visits we experienced everything listed below and some! Because we saved so much doing these, we just had to share them with you.
The following list is of 17 attractions, activities, or eateries that are either free or close to it. In each listing we list the cost (or as close to it as we can) so you’ll have a good idea of what to expect.
1. The Fremont Troll
Cost: Free
If you’re going to visit Seattle, you’ll need to pay toll to the Fremont Troll. It was constructed by four local artists in an attempt to help rid the area of drug dealers and other undesirables.
It’s made up of steel rebar, concrete, and wire and weighs 13,000 pounds. While it’s free to check out, parking is limited and there are no public restrooms. You’ll also be contending with crowds during the tourist season as this spot is popular with Instagrammers.
2. Gas Works Park
Cost: Free
Located on the north end of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a 19-acre public park that was once the site of the Seattle Gas Light Company. Nature has been slowly overtaking the rusted process equipment and makes for an excellent place to explore and photograph.
Near the entrance of the park is a small playground for kids, partially made up of the abandoned equipment. This park is a wonderful place to hang out, enjoy a picnic, or to take in the views of the downtown lights at night.
3) Eat Your Way Around Pike Place
Cost: Less than $10 per item
Man oh man. If you haven’t experienced any of the many awesome eateries in and around Pike Place, you’re missing out on some goodness. From Rachel’s Ginger Beer (pictured above) and Pike Place Chowder to Beecher’s and Piroshky Piroshky, you’ll never go hungry.
Best of all, most of these places offer small entrees below $10 bucks and they can be split between two people. When you compare that to most other restaurants throughout the city, it’s a cheap activity for the foodie in your group.
4) Photograph the City at Night
Cost: Free
My personal favorite activity in Seattle is grabbing my camera, heading out to nearly anywhere in the city, and photograph the area at night.
Yes, Seattle isn’t without its problems and you will need to be mindful of your surroundings, but I have never been in a position where I felt like I was in danger.
Pike Place and the surrounding downtown areas are my personal favorite locations. You will need the proper equipment but as long as you have those, this activity is totally free.
5) UPS Waterfall Garden
Cost: Free
Also known as UPS Park, this pocket park was built in the 1970’s in Pioneer Square near the original United Parcel Service building. It features a man-made, 22-foot waterfall surrounded by colorful floral and greenery. There is seating in the upper deck providing a wonderful place to sit and relax for a bit. The waterfall wasn’t operating when we were here so unfortunately, we have no photos to show you. You can follow this link to the official website of Pioneer Square to see one.
6) Downtown Murals
Cost: Free
There are murals literally all over the city. So much so, you’d be hard pressed to not see one. While my personal favorites are in the Greenwood neighborhood (as stated in this article), the downtown area has a lot worth searching for.
There’s no real starting point. Especially if you’re staying in the downtown area. If so, simply leave your hotel and start walking around. It won’t take long.
7) The Post Alley Gum Wall
Cost: Free
It may be called the gum wall, but it really should be called, “Gum Alley”, because it is far more than just one wall. A good chunk of this section of Post Alley is covered floor to ceiling, on both sides, in gum.
It’s quite gross if you think about it, especially considering the times we’re in. Regardless, it’s still something you have to see at least once. You can even add to it, if you wish. There’s a gumball machine further down the alley.
8) Support Local Coffee Shops
Cost: Around or less than $10
Supporting local restaurants, shops, operators, etc, is super important. Now more than ever. Even if you’re a Starbucks diehard, you’re in Seattle. The practical birthplace of the coffee shop.
There are dozens of amazing shops in the city. My personal favorite being, “Anchorhead”. Ever had a “Quaffle”? It’s a waffle and croissant combination. You’re not going to find anything like that at Starbucks.
9) Snoqualmie Falls
Cost: Free parking available and free entry. We spent just over $9 bucks in gas, round-trip
While not in Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a simple, 30-40 minute drive from the downtown area and is more than worth the trip.
If you’ll need to rent a car, then this would not be a super cheap outing (although our rental only costs us $45 bucks for 24 hours). If you already have a vehicle, it’s just gas.
There’s a free parking lot at the falls across the street, no entry fee, and it’ll cost you a minimal amount in fuel. Check out our article here for all the information you’ll need to plan a visit.
10) Take in the Views
Cost: Free (mostly)
I say ‘mostly’ because while you can go to dozens of spots throughout the city to get an amazing view, a lot of them will charge you for the privilege.
The Space Needle, Columbia Center, etc, all come at a fairly significant cost. If you want free views; the waterfront, Kerry Park, the ferry (small fee), Lake Union, and Gas Works Park are great options.
11) Seattle Public Library
Cost: Free
Chances are good that during your visit to the emerald city, it will rain at least once. That’s just a fact of life in Seattle. If the weather service is predicting a particularly heavy rain day during your visit, you may want to consider checking out the Seattle Public Library. There’s no admission fee and you’re free to read all you want while you’re there. What draws locals and visitors here is the architecture. The interior is simply stunning and unlike any Library you’ve seen.
12) Check out Historic Boats on Lake Union’s South Shore
Cost: Free
Located on the south shore of Lake Union you’ll find, “The Center for Wooden Boats”. They’re an indoor/outdoor museum showcasing the history and modern use of wooden boats.
They feature free programs for all such as providing a one-hour rental in one of their peapod rowboats that accommodate up to 5 and toy boat building lessons for kids.
Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit in 2021. You can visit their website for up-to-date information.
13) Take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Cost: $9.05 per adult and $4.50 per youth (6-18) and seniors (65 +)
A ride on the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and back is reasonably priced and once you’re on the island, it’s an easy walk from the terminal to the main strip where a lot of the shops, restaurants, and museum are.
There’s also a few taxi services available to take you around. We took “Viking Taxi” from the terminal to Bloedel Reserve and we paid $15 for a one-way trip.
If you have kids, the ferry ride alone will probably excite them. You can visit the Bainbridge Island website for a complete listing of all there is to do.
14) Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Cost: Free
Since we’re on the subject of Bainbridge Island, while you’re there be sure to stop by the Museum of Art. It is located at the beginning of the main strip and is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
On the second level, they have multiple paintings from Kimberly Trowbridge of the Bloedel Reserve and some Native American art pieces. The bottom floor features artwork inspired by social justice.
The pieces are truly beautiful and inspiring. Visit their website for current hours and exhibits. Admission is free but they do appreciate donations.
15) Tour the Amazon Spheres
Cost: Free
Amazon built the spheres for their employees as a place they can go to escape the typical office environment and be inspired by this urban jungle that houses over 40,000 plants from 30 countries.
Non-employees (tourists) are allowed to visit this amazing place on the weekends and can take part in guided, informative tours. Currently, due to covid, the spheres are temporarily closed to the public.
16) Shop the Pike Place Vendors
Cost: Varies, but usually not much
Pike Place has a variety of vendors and after a rough 2020, they need your support now more than ever. You’ll find vendors of all kinds here.
Produce, jams, artwork, jewelry, spices, seafood, flowers, and more! If you can think of it, Pike Place will likely have it.
17) Stroll the Waterfront
Cost: Free
There a fewer things more beautiful than Seattle’s waterfront. Especially at night. With so many shops, restaurants, and attractions to choose from, you could spend a full day here.
No money is required to walk along the multiple piers, go for a jog, or break out your camera and shoot away. Currently, there is a lot of construction going on as the city works to improve and add to the area.
*Side Note…
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