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 230+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Nearby Tours
Driving 8-10 Hours 55+ Stories 115+ Miles 
Driving 5-6 Hours 75+ Stories 70+ Miles 
Driving 5-6 Hours 100+ Stories 125+ Miles 
Driving 2-3 Hours 30+ Stories 42+ Miles Driving 3-4 Hours 75+ Stories 70+ Miles Tour Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at the suggested starting location provided below.
1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Tour begins near the Seattle Aquarium at 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
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 230+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included. Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours. 
