You do not have to break the bank when visiting a big city like Seattle in order to enjoy all that it has to offer. A place with as much personality and people as this city allows for many free ways to enjoy your time there. Seattle, Washington is a bustling city known for its art and music scene, cultural diversity, innovation and beautiful scenery. Situated between the Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Seattle offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Seattle is a great city for those who want to spend time in nature. However, it is also great for concert lovers, festival goers, thrill seekers, coffee drinkers and more. Discover free things to do in Seattle here that allow you to authentically enjoy the city.
Visit Pike Place Market
Stroll through Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of fresh produce, flowers, crafts and local food vendors. Even if you do not want to buy anything you can enjoy sampling food and meeting locals. Also, don’t forget to watch the famous fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market toss fish to each other while entertaining the crowd.
Explore Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park is a stunning outdoor sculpture park located along the Seattle waterfront, operated by the Seattle Art Museum. Opened in 2007, it showcases a diverse collection of contemporary sculptures, installations, and artwork by renowned artists from around the world. This outdoor sculpture park offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can explore sculptures ranging from large-scale works to intimate installations, with pieces that engage with themes of nature, ecology, and the urban environment.
Take a Walk Along the Waterfront
Speaking of taking walks, enjoy the scenic views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline by taking a walk along the waterfront. You can also visit attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel and the Olympic Sculpture Park along the way. Walking through these areas make for great opportunities to stumble across free things to do in Seattle or just a chill, serene time.
Hike in Discovery Park
Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle and offers miles of hiking trails through forests, meadows and along the rugged coastline. It’s a great place to enjoy nature and spot wildlife. Going to a park is an obvious choice for free things to do in Seattle, or anywhere but you have fun doing whatever you desire with great company (or on your own) while being surrounded by nature.
Visit the Seattle Public Library
Even if you’re not a bookworm, the Seattle Central Library is worth a visit for its striking architecture and design. You can explore the building and its many public spaces for free. Check out their events calendar to see what free events they could be holding while you are in town.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Seattle is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Take a self-guided walking tour of neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont or Ballard to experience the local culture, street art and shops. This is a great opportunity to ask a local to give you advice on where to visit and what’s around.
Attend Free Events and Festivals
Keep an eye out for annual/one time free things to do in Seattle like events and festivals happening around the city, especially during the summer months. From music festivals to cultural celebrations, there’s always something going on in this big city. Many events have already taken place this year, including festivals celebrating different cultures like Indigenous, Filipino and Chinese cultures, as well as street fairs, food trucks and more.
Visit the Volunteer Park Conservatory
Located in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill, the Volunteer Park Conservatory is a Victorian-style greenhouse that houses a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Admission is free on the first Thursday and first Saturday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Enjoy Free Museums
Another no-brainer for free things to do in Seattle is visiting museums, but they are all very unique and entertaining. Several museums in Seattle offer free admission on certain days of the month or during specific times. Check the websites of museums like the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Frye Art Museum for free admission days and times.
Take a Self-Guided Tour of Street Art
Seattle is home to a vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti adorning walls throughout the city. Take a self-guided tour to discover some of the best street art in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Ballard and Pioneer Square. Historical works of art throughout the city’s museums are incredible but you can learn so much about those living in Seattle by observing what the street art made in this city means.
Fremont Troll
One of the free things you can do in Seattle and nowhere else is see this quirky 18-foot concrete troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood. Constructed in 1990, the troll is a popular attraction and a symbol of Fremont’s quirky and artistic character. The sculpture depicts a troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle in its hand, as if it had just plucked it from the roadway above. Visitors can climb on and around the troll for photos and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Fremont neighborhood, which is known for its eclectic art installations, funky shops and vibrant community.
Washington Park Arboretum
Wander through the beauty of this 230-acre arboretum on the shores of Lake Washington, with trails and themed gardens. The Washington Park Arboretum is a 230-acre botanical garden located on the shores of Lake Washington, just south of the University of Washington campus. It features a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, Japanese maples, and conifers. Visitors can explore miles of trails that wind through gardens, forests and wetlands. The arboretum is a peaceful oasis within the city and offers educational programs, guided tours and special events throughout the year.
Explore the Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks)
The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, are a system of locks located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Completed in 1917, the locks provide a link for boats traveling between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of the Ship Canal, which connects to Lake Union and Lake Washington. Watch boats pass through the locks and visit the fish ladder to see salmon migrating. It’s a unique experience and offers a glimpse into Seattle’s maritime culture.
Visit the Seattle Center
While some attractions within the Seattle Center may have admission fees, there are still plenty of free things to do, such as wandering around the grounds, taking photos of the iconic Space Needle or watching the International Fountain’s water and music show.
Attend a Free Concert or Performance
Keep an eye out for free concerts and performances happening around the city. Many local bars, coffee shops and venues host live music and events. Be on the lookout for events especially in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Ballard.