Welcome to the Downtown Seattle Walking Tour
Experience breathtaking scenery, history, and eccentric culture with this Downtown Seattle Walking Tour. Visit the majestic Seattle Aquarium, explore the heart of downtown, shop at Pike Place Market, and learn how the city rose from a single homestead! Plus, dig into the details behind coffee culture, grunge music, and much more. As a bonus, this package also includes a tour around the Space Needle!
About the Tour
Your walking tour of Seattle begins at the 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59. Here you’ll discover the rich aquatic life that abounds in Puget Sound. From there, you’ll pass the Seattle Great Wheel and hear how a shrewd businessman transformed a pier into a tourist hub, full of bakeries, restaurants, and other shops. As you keep walking, you’ll learn about Puget Sound and the history of the Coast Salish.
Up next, you’ll revisit the founding of modern Seattle. You’ll get the story of the Denny family, their dangerous trek west, and a homestead that grew to become the city it is today! Speaking of danger, you’ll also get to know the shrewd Chief Si’ahl, his friend David “Doc” Maynard, and other essential figures from Seattle’s past.
Your journey next takes you to Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, where you’ll be introduced to Joseph Stanley. Uncover his fondness for all things odd and take a peek inside… if you dare! Plus, go back in time and hear how a bucket of glue started a devastating fire that transformed the city!
As you stroll through the bustling downtown, you’ll see the majestic Smith Tower. At 38 stories, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi upon its completion in 1914! You’ll get to unearth some of the stories and rumors associated with it, including connections to Imperial China, stuntmen, and Prohibition!
The journey next takes you to majestic Pioneer Square, heart of modern Seattle. You’ll learn about the city’s first steam powered sawmill and the rise of logging, Seattle’s first major industry. Here you can also admire the 60-foot totem pole, which came all the way from Alaska! As you continue, listen to accounts of the famous World Fair, a battle of technological might at the height of the Cold War. You’ll also learn how Microsoft and Amazon arose and forever changed the city of Seattle.
As you head toward Pike Place Market, uncover the history of Starbucks and get to know the mind behind its explosion: Howard Schultz. Hear how he transformed a small local chain into the biggest name in coffee! Then pass Benaroya Hall and hear how grunge arose, with Nirvana putting Seattle on the musical map! The journey concludes at bustling Pike Place Market, a historic market where you’ll find anything your heart desires.
BONUS TOUR: This tour also includes a bonus walking tour around the Space Needle! Learn its history, explore the surrounding attractions, and see a whole different side of Seattle!
Traveling for the Football World Championship?
Great timing. Several host cities also happen to be Action Tour Guide destinations. Use flexible self-guided audio tours to explore more between matches, with GPS-triggered stories that fit your schedule and pace.
With the Downtown Seattle Walking Tour, you can wander Pike Place, waterfront views, and skyline streets before or after the match.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Nearby Tours
Driving 60+ Stories 7 - 8 Hrs 
Driving Per Entrance 85+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs 
Driving 100+ Stories 4 - 5 Hrs 
Driving 33+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs Driving 90+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs Where To Start?
We recommend Starting From: 1415 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The tour begins at the Seattle Aquarium.
The Seattle Great Wheel, which was transformed by a shrewd businessman into a tourist hub.
The Smith Tower was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi and holds intriguing stories and rumors.
The Coast Salish are indigenous people with a significant history in the Puget Sound region. The tour shares insights into their history.
The tour recounts the Denny family’s dangerous trek west and how their homestead grew into the city of Seattle.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is home to Joseph Stanley’s collection of oddities, and the tour offers a glimpse inside this unique shop.
The totem pole, originally from Alaska, is a highlight in Pioneer Square, and the tour provides insights into its history
The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant
Yes, explore the impressive museums like the Seattle Aquarium, Benaroya Hall, and the nearby National Museum of African American History and Culture.
These shops and eateries have transformed a pier into a bustling tourist hub, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours. Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever. Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators. At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace. Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction. Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems. Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks. Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route. Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station. 