SEATTLE’S BEST – SPACE NEEDLE & PIKES PLACE – TRANSIT
Get to know Seattle from the skies and on the ground during this excursion of approximately four hours, which transports you to the iconic Space Needle tower before letting you explore a historic farmers’market. There’s also a sightseeing drive to kick things off.
Excursion details
Located in the United States’far northwestern corner, Seattle has plenty to offer visitors, and you can uncover some key highlights on this excursion of around four hours.
Get an introduction to the ‘Emerald City’- a name that reflects Seattle’s abundant parks and green spaces – on a driving tour of about 45 minutes that departs from the cruise port. Accompanied by commentary from your onboard guide, you’ll pass city sights including sports stadiums, historic Pioneer Square (Seattle’s first downtown area, dating back in 1852), the vibrant Chinatown-International District – which also houses Japanese, Filipino and Vietnamese communities and various cultural hubs – and finally the Seattle Center arts and entertainment campus, home to your next stop: the Space Needle.
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this famous observation tower soars into the Seattle skyline at just under 185 metres tall, and you’ll have a chance to soak up those high-altitude scenes during approximately 60 minutes of free time here. Your entrance fee to the Space Needle (and its Observation Deck) is included in the excursion cost, so hop into the elevator, ascend to the top and start enjoying the panoramic views. Please note that what you’ll see on the day will depend on weather, but if conditions are good you may be able to spot mountains from both the Cascade and Olympic ranges, including Mount Rainier, an active volcano in the Cascades.
Following this, a drive of around 15 minutes – featuring further narration from your guide about the local area – moves to Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, the market spans 3.65 hectares and is believed to be one of the oldest and largest continually operating public markets in the United States, holding over 500 food stalls, restaurants, bars and specialty shops selling anything from books to jewellery to records to locally made crafts.
Arrive at the market hungry and ready to explore, because you’ll have approximately one hour and 45 minutes of free time to make the most of its varied offerings. Eat, drink, browse, buy or relax – it’s up to you. Food-wise, there’s a huge selection to choose from, including Portuguese-style tapas, regional French and Italian-style cooking, Bolivian cuisine, plus much more. Drinks options include cocktails, whiskies and locally brewed craft beer.
After filling up at the market, a transfer of around 15 minutes returns to the port.
Important Information: This tour is intended for those who are transiting in Seattle. Entrance fee to the Space Needle is included in the price of this tour. Pike Place Market is a popular attraction and may become congested. Food and beverages can be purchased for an additional charge at Pike Place Market. Views from the Space Needle are weather dependent. Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes adept for cobblestone areas that are uneven
