Coupons Maps Getting Around Seattle Weather Canadian Border Contact Us

Seattle is known as one of the most walkable cities in the country and is one of the best walking towns you've ever set foot in.

1. Start your walking tour of downtown Seattle at the Citywide Concierge Center at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center on Pike Street between Seventh and Eight Avenues. The Citywide Concierge Center is on the first floor, adjacent to the escalators, and open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. through the winter.

2. Pick up a map, ask for directions and browse the racks of free publications, brochures and guidebooks. Don't miss the book of menus from Seattle restaurants that's open on the counter. Choose a place to dine later, and check with the concierge about theater tickets.

3. Exit the Convention Center onto Pike Street and head downhill toward the water. (You're strolling through the retail core, so if your goal is shopping, you'll be making lots of stops at major retailers such as Nordstrom, Macy's and Nike-town. If your goal is sightseeing, keep walking.)

4. At Fifth Avenue, detour a block north to Westlake Center (400 Pine St.), popular with both visitors and locals for its unique mix of shops on four floors.

5. Don't miss the walk-through (run-through if you don't want to get drenched!) fountain in Westlake Park at the corner of Fourth and Pine.

6. Continue west on Pine, and pop into the Nordstrom Rack on the corner of Second and Pine for bargains with that Nordstrom label.

7. Stop at the corner of First and Pine to admire the view of the Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay and the mountains beyond. Notice the Inn at the Market's roof garden on the north side of the street.

8. Take a photo or two before walking downhill to Seattle's most famous tourist attraction, the Pike Place Market.

9. But wait, if you haven't stopped for a latte yet, duck into Post Alley (on the left before you reach the Market) where you'll have a choice of a half-dozen cafés and coffee shops, including the original Starbucks store. The Made in Washington store, a good place to find authentic souvenirs, is also in Post Alley.

10. After your coffee, continue south through Post Alley, cross the street into the Market, and you'll find the bronze pig that is the Market's most popular rendezvous spot. Stop for a few minutes and watch the kids climbing on the pig, tourists taking photos, and friends meeting and greeting. There's usually a street musician playing, and watch out for the "flying fish" at the Pike Place Fish Co.

11. Spend an hour or more exploring the Market, one of the oldest farmers market in the United States. Pick up a generous armful of seasonal cut flowers, order some salmon to be shipped home, and just enjoy the bustle and controlled chaos that is the Market.

12. Depending on the weather, you may want to eat lunch at one of the Market's many restaurants, or buy the makings for a picnic and carry it with you as you continue on your way. Go for the basics: crusty bread, specialty cheeses, maybe a jar of honey or some raspberries.

13. Ask for directions to the Pike Street Hillclimb, where you can either walk down the stairs or use the nearby elevator to reach the waterfront.

14. Cross the street toward the Seattle Aquarium and head north on Alaskan Way. As you walk, turn back to admire the view of the Market and the stylish condos that overlook the water. (Note to self: Consider relocating/retiring to Seattle.)

15. Keep walking north, and you'll pass the Bell Street Pier, the Odyssey Maritime Museum, the Edgewater Hotel and the Victoria Clipper at Pier 69. Finally, just past Pier 70, you'll reach your goal: the new Olympic Sculpture Park, scheduled to open in fall 2006. Enjoy your picnic as you admire the setting - an 8.5-acre green space studded with public art, access to the water and views of the Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline. Relax. Feed your breadcrumbs to the seagulls and smile at the joggers.

16. Once you're ready to head back, you can retrace your steps on foot - south on Alaskan Way, up the Pike Street Hillclimb (or elevator!) and through the Market, then east up Pike Street to the Convention Center.

17. Tired of walking? Catch a cab, or ride one of the free yellow and green buses replacing the Waterfront Streetcar while it is closed for renovation. Seattle Metro buses are also free from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. within the Ride Free Zone bordered by Battery Street on the north, S Jackson Street on the south, Sixth Avenue on the east and the waterfront on the west (see map, page 124).

Length of tour: about 1.25 miles each way. Walking time: two to four hours, depending on individual pace and amount of time spent looking, gabbing and day dreaming.

Explore the online Visitors Guide for tour guides