Backpacking across America is one of the best travel experiences you will ever have. With so many states to visit, each with a huge selection of stunning cities and beautiful vistas to explore. You will never be short of new things to do or places to see. But, with so many options at your feet, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Today we are going to be focusing on Seattle. The largest city in Washington State. People often associate Seattle with the modern tech industry since both Amazon and Microsoft have their primary headquarters here. But the city is also an ideal place for any backpacker. Boasting an amazing array of tourist attractions, a varied selection of restaurants and bars, and a nightlife that will be sure to thrill. This guide will help you make the most out of your visit to beautiful Seattle.
The Best Hostels
The first step is finding the right hostel for you. Seattle is an extremely popular destination for backpackers and staying at a hostel is the best way to, not only save money, but to meet other travelers.
The Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel is undoubtedly the most popular in the city. It is located centrally, right across the street from Pike market. The rooms are reasonably sized and affordable. It has a very lively atmosphere and is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy their nights partying or socializing.
If you’re looking for all the social aspects of a hostel without the need for a shared dorm then you will want to book the Hotel Hotel. A laid back central hostel that only offers private rooms. It is affordable, clean, and ideal for digital nomads or those who value their privacy.
Most Hostels in Seattle don’t offer laundry services. But there are a number of ideally located wash and fold laundry services in Seattle. These are ideal as you can just leave your laundry and go explore. And it’ll be done and ready for you later. Meaning you aren’t wasting any valuable travel time.
The Space Needle
The most iconic building in Seattle. The Space Needle is an impressive feat of engineering that towers above the Seattle skyline. The view from the observation deck is stunning and not to be missed. Tickets usually range between $20-$50 dollars. Depending on the time of year and day of the week. Keep in mind that the popular Space Needle restaurant closed back in 2017 and has yet to reopen. So manage expectations accordingly.
Green Lake Park
If you’re looking for somewhere to go for your morning run or just want to spend some downtime enjoying the sun then Green Lake Park is not to be missed. It is a truly beautiful bit of natural beauty where locals and travelers alike congregate. It is also close to the Woodland Park Zoo. Which is a must see attraction for animal lovers.
Seattle Nightlife
Seattle was recently ranked among the top ten cities in America for partying. It is home to a diverse and thriving nightlife scene. With a huge range of bars and clubs to visit, alongside some of the best restaurants in the whole of America.
If you are looking for a good nightclub then you should try Monkey Loft or Sarajevo Nightclub. Both are renowned in the city for offering amazing music in a social and safe atmosphere. I highly recommend starting your night with a bar crawl organized by your hostel before venturing out to the clubs.
Seattle is also home to a number of amazing comedy clubs. My favorite is the Laughs Comedy Club. They host an amazing array of acts, including some big names on the comedy circuit. It also has a restaurant attached so you can enjoy a hearty meal with your show.
Historic Attractions
Seattle has a huge number of historic attractions and museums on offer. I recommend taking a free walking tour to learn more about the rich history of this amazing city. During these tours you will also be able to scope out some potential attractions you want to revisit on your own.
The Seattle Art Museums is a must see for art lovers. Right now they are hosting an amazing exhibit on West Coast Counterculture. The museum regularly changes their exhibitions, meaning you are guaranteed to see something fresh and amazing if you ever revisit the city.
The Museum of Flight is perfect for any fans of aviation history. Boasting one of the largest collections of air and space flight memorabilia in the US, you will get to examine some of the most influential designs in aviation history up close and personal. They also offer guided tours which are ideal if you’ve made some friends at your hostel and want to explore the museum together.
