Top 12 Free Attractions to Explore in Seattle

There are many free and fun things to do in Seattle. Some are obvious: Getting out to a city park is always free, and Seattle’s parks are beautifully unique. Moreover, most Seattle-Tacoma museums have free days at least once a month. However, there is much more to do that’s free or cheap and unique to the Puget Sound and Seattle, like Pike Market and Ballard Locks.

Do be aware, though, that Seattle parking is not always free. Therefore, researching the cheapest lot ahead of time can help keep your day inexpensive. On Sundays, street parking is free, but finding a spot can be tricky in some locations. Consequently, public transportation may be your best answer.

Wander Seattle Center

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

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Phone: +1 206-684-7200

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Many of Seattle’s major landmarks are free to visit. You can wander around the Seattle Center, view the Space Needle, go into the Seattle Center Armory and art galleries, and hang out by the International Fountain— all for free.

The Seattle Center Armory, originally built in 1939, features fresh, local foods and beverages and offers cultural celebrations and free performances. Enjoy the view of Seattle Center from the 60-foot outdoor deck.

Shop at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Address: Pier 54, 1001 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98104-1028, USA

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Phone: +1 206-682-5844

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Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is not only a store but also a bit of a museum. Here, you can see Sylvester the mummy, a collection of shrunken human heads, and other surprising and interesting items.

The shop is currently located on Pier 54 but has a long history. This curio and souvenir shop first opened in 1899 and has had several locations since then, all along Seattle’s Puget Sound waterfront.

Take Advantage of Free Museum Days

Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

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Phone: +1 206-654-3100

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On designated free days or free evenings (some specifically for teens and/or seniors), head to the museums in Seattle and Tacoma, such as the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Bellevue Art Museum, and Tacoma Art Museum.

The diverse array of museums includes natural history and science to local history and are located in both Seattle and Tacoma, to the south.

Cruise From the Center for Wooden Boats

Address: 1010 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109-4444, USA

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Phone: +1 206-382-2628

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The Center for Wooden Boats is a haven for sailing and wooden boat enthusiasts, offering many free activities. Admission is free and provides the opportunity to get close to a collection of non-motorized boats. Additionally, free sails take place every Sunday on Lake Union. Participation is only possible in person on the day of the sail, so arriving early is recommended.

See the Fremont Troll and Other Weird Sights

Address: North 36th Street, Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

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The Fremont Troll is a giant sculpture residing under the Aurora Bridge in Fremont, located near N. 36th Street. The Troll shares the space north west of the bridge with a quaint park and community garden. While there isn’t much to do with the Troll, he makes for a great photo opportunity.

Enjoy the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection

Address: Pacific Rim Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

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Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all year round, visitors can view the impressive bonsai collection at Weyerhaeuser in Federal Way to the south of Seattle.

The collection houses over 100 bonsai trees from China, Japan, Canada, Korea, Taiwan, and America, displayed in an outdoor setting with gravel paths. Free public tours are held every Sunday at 1 p.m., and no reservations are required.

Parks and Green Spaces

Address: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

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Phone: +1 206-654-3100

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Seattle is filled with parks and green spaces that are free to access. Depending on the park, you might relax on a beach, enjoy scenic views, hike, or explore unique places like old water towers or glasshouses.

• The Olympic Sculpture Park offers views of the Puget Sound and features large-scale outdoor art installations. It is located at 2901 Western Avenue.
• Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill is especially noteworthy, as it houses an old water tower (with great views), the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and a vintage glasshouse at 1400 E Galer Street.
• Gas Works Park is unique due to its preserved remnants of a former gasification plant. Visitors can interact with some of the ruins while enjoying the park, which is also ideal for kite-flying on windy days, located at 2101 North Northlake Way.
• Washington Park Arboretum is a vast urban green space near Lake Washington boasting over 200 acres of trails. This shady park can be found at 2300 Arboretum Drive East.
• If you’re looking for a beach day, consider visiting Carkeek Park or Golden Gardens.
• For excellent walking trails, both Greenlake Park and Alki Beach Park are ideal options.

Many of the public parks are popular tourist attractions with stunning views, but many are hidden in neighborhoods, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Walk the Seattle Waterfront

Address: Seattle Waterfront, Seattle, WA, USA

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The Seattle Waterfront area encompasses numerous attractions, including Pike Place Market, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.

While there are several attractions that charge admission, walking along the Puget Sound is free. Visitors can stroll along the piers, watch tour boats navigate the waters, photograph the Seattle Great Wheel, and observe the iconic ferries as they come and go.

Peruse Pike Place Market

Address: Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, USA

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Pike Place Market overlooks the Seattle Waterfront. Although parking here incurs a fee, you can explore the market, witness the famous fish throw, and take a leisurely stroll to the waterfront area— all for free.

Officially recognized as a National Historic District, the market operates year-round, home to established businesses and restaurants, seasonal stalls, and crafts vendors.

It’s a vibrant and exciting place to explore, offering visitors a chance to experience the local culinary delights and floral bounty. A favorite free activity is to watch the “flying fish show” at the Pike Place Fish Market. When a customer chooses a fish, the fishmonger tosses it to the cashier, creating a spectacle that draws crowds eager to see the catch.

Metropolitan Market

Address: 2320 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA

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Phone: +1 206-937-0551

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Metropolitan Market may be a grocery store, but it stands out as an extraordinary place. Regularly, they offer samples of cheese and other foods. Additionally, free cheese classes are held for the community about once a month, along with special wine and cheese tastings.

Seattle Public Library

Address: 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-1109, USA

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Phone: +1 206-386-4636

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Exploring the Seattle Public Library offers an unexpected adventure, as this eight-story structure is filled with colorful hallways and captivating viewpoints.

Within, you can encounter displays in the gallery, sometimes focused on the rich history of Seattle itself.

Watch the Boats Go Through the Locks

The Ballard Locks, or Hiram M Chittenden Locks, are a National Historic Site. These locks, located between Puget Sound and Lake Union, are the busiest in the nation and a notable tourist attraction. The locks are open daily 24/7 for vessels, with visitor hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Watching the large boats and smaller crafts, including kayaks, navigate through the locks is an entertaining experience.

A visitor’s center and museum are located within the historic administration building. The grounds are beautifully maintained and worth exploring. You can even have a picnic while observing the boats.

Free walking tours are available starting at the Visitor Center, lasting approximately one hour, with no reservations required.

Moreover, the locks feature a fish ladder where visitors can see migrating salmon from June through September.