Are you looking for free things to do in Seattle? Seattle can be costly to travel, especially for students. But, with some savvy planning and a keen eye for hidden gems, you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank. The Emerald City offers numerous activities that are both budget-friendly and profoundly enriching for any traveller.
Is Seattle Worth Visiting?
Seattle is situated on the Pacific coast, in the northwestern state of Washington in the United States, between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic Mountains to the west and Lake Washington to the east. Seattle is like a bright pearl, shining with unique light. As one of the few cities in the world facing the ocean and with snow-capped mountains behind it, Seattle has a mild and humid oceanic climate all year round and is known as the “Emerald City”.
Is Seattle Worth Visiting? The answer is YES! The bustling economic hub of the northwestern United States is a melting pot of innovation and creativity. It’s a city that has given birth to numerous top global companies. Beyond its economic prowess, Seattle also has a treasure trove of tourist attractions. From its breathtaking natural landscapes to its vibrant culture, every corner of Seattle is infused with a unique charm that beckons tourists to explore.
Among those treasures, there are a few highly recommended free places to go in Seattle where you can “clip coupons.” We have found you some free things to do in Seattle. Read more to find out.
Top 4 Free Things to Do in Seattle
Develop Aesthetic Sensibilities
#1 Tacoma Art Museum - 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
The Tacoma Art Museum is one of Washington’s premier art museums. The exterior of the museum was designed by the famous architect Antoine Predock. He later designed the Benaroya Wing on both sides of the museum. The Benaroya Wing, a 6,596-square-foot expansion of the Tacoma Art Museum, has the function of striking a balance between transparency and vibrancy. It showcases 350 glass, painting and sculptural artworks by international artists. The expansion provides a new platform for visitors to appreciate the cityscape in a better way. Visting TAM every Thursday evening is stuff to do in Seattle for free, and it can significantly improve your aesthetic ability.
#2 Henry Art Gallery - 15th Ave NE & University of Washington, NE 41st St
Henry Art Gallery is one of the free museums in Seattle. This contemporary fine art gallery at the University of Washington has no fixed admission fee and depends entirely on donations. You can voluntarily donate money ranging from $0-$20. In addition, the gallery is free and open to the public on the first Thursday and every Sunday of the month. Children, students, military personnel, and University of Washington community members receive free admission year-round. There are frequent free outdoor exhibitions for those interested in art shows. You can participate in these free events in Seattle to widen your horizons and develop your aesthetic sensibility.
Swim in the Sea of knowledge
#1 Seattle Central Library - 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Seattleites have given their libraries the hallowed title “Libraries for All.” The Central Library is the largest and most comprehensive flagship of the Seattle Public Library system, ranking fifth in the world. Seattle Central Library is a contemporary building designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. Not only does the exterior of the building look magnificent, but the library’s interior is even more impressive. The entire building is made of light-transmitting glass, dramatically increasing the light in the room. The library is one of the most famous green buildings in the United States. The renowned neon escalator is the highlight of the extensive library. Seattle Central Library has no cramped reading rooms; every reading place is as open as possible. High ceilings, warm daylight, no dividing walls.
The 11-story building is not a traditional library. On April 27, 2023, the Seattle Public Library joined the Books Unbanned program. In addition to more than 1.45 million book materials, it offers open multimedia applications, with thousands of e-books and audiobooks available for consultation. You can attend one of the most meaningful free activities in Seattle by downloading the Libby app on your computer, Kindle, or phone and reading books on your electronic devices.
#2 Little Free Libraries
Meditate to Seek Peace and Balance
Frye Art Museum - 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Do you need to take some time to find your true self? Frye Art Museum offers a free thirty-minute drop-in sessions of Mindfulness Meditation. It is held on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Taking a meditation class will surely be one of the most relaxing free things to do in Seattle Washington.
After or before attending the class, you can take some time to see the exhibitions in the museum. Established in 1952, Frye Art Museum is Seattle’s first free, private museum of modern art. It has exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as exhibitions of old oil paintings and ancient musical instruments from around the world.
Freeze Beautiful Moments with Camera
#1 Columbia Hills State Historical Park - 85 Washington 14, Lyle, WA
Columbia Hills State Park is located on Horseshoe Lake, a reservoir of the Columbia River. The park covers 3,637 acres. The site was once a Native American village, many rocks in the park have been left with hieroglyphics carved by Native Americans. The views here is full of primitive charm. Taking a hike at Dalles Mountain Ranch is one of the must free activities to do in Seattle! Patches of flowers compete for attention, and the roads are always covered with fine petals. With rolling hills and unobstructed views of Mount Hood, this ranch is a paradise for photographers. In addition, the diverse natural landscape offers visitors a variety of fun activities such as rock climbing, boating, camping, swimming, and fishing.
#2 Olympic National Park - 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles
Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the northwest corner of Washington State. It is known for the diversity of its ecosystems. Visiting Olympic National Park is definitely one of the fantastic free activities to do in Seattle, for you can experience all four seasons here at once. There are Glacier-covered mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests, and over 70 miles of rugged coastline. You can’t miss the beauty of Hurricane Ridge, Rialto Beach, and Cocoa Rainforest. Remember to wear enough clothes to keep you warm, no matter what season you come here, and don’t forget to bring a raincoat.
#3 Mount Rainier National Park - 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford , WA
Mount Rainier National Park, centred around Mount Rainier, was established in 1899 and is the fifth national park in the United States. Mount Rainier is the highest volcanic peak in the United States, at 14,410 feet. It stands far off from the city with a bustling urban backdrop. The view is a perfect combination of motion and stillness. In the summer, the rolling hills and hillsides full of wildflowers make Mount Rainier look like a wonderland on Earth. One more of the free stuff to do in Seattle is taking a hike on Mount Rainier. Hundreds of hiking trails are available for everyone, and each hiking route rewards you with a different view.
Conclusion
There are many free things to do in Seattle to enrich your 2024 experience, ensuring you can explore the city’s unique charm without financial constraints. Choose from enjoying art exhibitions to develop aesthetic sensibilities, swimming in the sea of books in Seattle Central Library, meditating in Frye Art Museum to seek peace and balance, or freezing beautiful moments in Seattle parks with a camera. These free things to do in Seattle not only highlight the city’s diverse cultural tapestry but also invite you to connect with the community and the stunning Pacific Northwest landscape.
FAQ
What is the most famous thing in Seattle?
Seattle is most famously known for the iconic Space Needle. Erected for the 1962 World’s Fair, it stands as a testament to Seattle’s forward-thinking spirit and engineering prowess. This architectural marvel offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Emerald City, the expansive Puget Sound, and the towering Mount Rainier.
Is Seattle a walkable city for tourists?
Seattle is indeed a highly walkable city for tourists. The city’s well-planned streets and scenic waterfront paths make exploring on foot a delightful experience. Neighbourhoods like Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and Capitol Hill are bustling with activity and rich with history, showcasing Seattle’s vibrant culture and culinary delights.
Why do tourists go to Seattle?
Tourists flock to Seattle for its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit. The city offers breathtaking vistas that captivate visitors year-round. Seattle’s rich cultural scene, highlighted by its eclectic music history, renowned museums, and bustling Pike Place Market.
