What to see in Seattle with limited time: My few hours in the largest city in Washington State
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- Join me on a dash around Seattle, Washington on my short stopover. I'll visit a cool market, eat a very American breakfast, visit the original Starbucks coffee shop, ride a monorail above the streets of downtown and head to the top of the city's 1960s Googie masterpiece. Not bad for a cold, damp November day!
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com ('The Softest Breeze' by Autumn Cheek)
Filmed in Seattle, Washington, USA on 6th November 2022
Hi, I’m Steve, a travel reviewer from Scotland. Join me on my adventures as I discover my own country, often visiting places for the first time, so hopefully it's as much of an eye-opener for you as it is for me! Don't expect expert opinion, just a very honest journey of discovery. Sometimes featuring my intrepid sidekick Alicja, sometimes featuring adventures beyond the borders of Scotland. Enjoy!
Donate here to future videos: (thank you!)
www.paypal.com...
Or why not become a SteveMarsh Supporter?
/ stevemarsh
#Seattle #SteveMarsh #USA
“Who would stand in a queue for an hour for a $7 Starbucks coffee?”
Classic!
Idiots like me are the reason for the queues :D
@@steve-marsh, well, to be fair, it’s not like you’re in Seattle all that often . . .
@@steve-marsh I went to the wrong Starbucks on my visit in 2019, which was near the market and looked like the original.
@@xr6lad, well, to be really fair, I don’t drink coffee, I wouldn’t visit any Starbucks, the original or not, and the only point I was trying to make, and that you missed, is that Steve’s comment and the timing of his coffee cup were clever.
overpriced swill... i never understand why people love the place... give me a greggs coffee anyday!
Steve, thank you, I lived in Seattle for 40 years, raised a family and had a great work life. My wife of 53 years and I now live in Tacoma, 30 miles south. All we hear in the news is the bad stuff and the depressing comments. This video brought back so many memories. It’s so refreshing to see The Emerald City through the eyes of a traveler. Wonderful glimpse into the city I loved. Thanks!
Sorry to have to tell you, but the original Starbucks was a block north, at Virginia and Western, the north end of Pike Place Market.
I wouldn't queue for 5 minutes for a Starbucks🤣 Nice tour and video. Thanks
Haha I agree! :D
Steve - Excellent job. Great information. Glad you loved our Emerald City!
Incredible place, far too short a stay!
Walking through downtown Seattle used to be my regular commute. It's a weird feeling to see somebody appreciate an area that's become so mundane to you personally. It kind of slaps the blinders right off.
P.S. If you ever find yourself at Pike Place Market, GO DOWNSTAIRS!!! The top level is mostly fresh seafood and produce, which is great if you want to do some cooking but AWFUL if you're a tourist. The lower levels have all kinds of other stores with clothes and books and all kinds of stuff you can actually take home with you. One of the world's great comic book shops is down there too.
P.P.S. There's an Indocino at Westlake now?!?!
No way, how did I miss it! I sure won't next time! Thanks for watching somewhere so familiar!
@@steve-marsh You found Honest Biscuit and that's all that really matters
AHH this is just one of the best yet! As I'm unlikely to ever get to the USA anytime soon, this video is great! Seattle tower is supreme! And that flight! Wow! Cheers me dear! 🙋🏴🇨🇮🙏👍
Seattle looks to be a really good place. Of course it spawned some of the most remarkable music of the late 20th century so is worthy of a pilgrimage for that reason alone. That tower is way cooler than I imagined. The Americans know how to do a visitor experience don't they? Another cracking film, Steve.
So true Peter! Loved that tower! Especially the architecture
Such a cool video! And i love your sense of humour, starbucks man lol. Very courageous. The monorail and needle look excellent for their age! THANK you.
Thanks so much! :)
Seattle Center has changed so much. Too bad the Bubblevator and the Food Court are long since past. You would have loved those.
It's also a shame Starbucks has taken such a prominent role in the world, because we have TONS of great local coffee roasters here in the Pac NW. (Batdorf and Bronson, Delanos, Caffe D'arte..just to name a few..) that are head and shoulders above Starbucks, IMO..
Glad you got to come visit us!
Safe Travels, friend!
Totally agree with you about Starbucks! They have just arrived in our wee town in Scotland too. The Bubblevator!!!! Wow!!!! Sounds amazing :D
@@steve-marsh no good will come of this Steve
A very brave man 😮
Love your videos and humor. Kind regards from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 ✌️
Brings back some great memories of my trip to Seattle. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
I can't believe you actually went out on the Space Needle's glass walkway! The things you do for your viewers! My bottom clenched up just watching! In 1962 my parents and I traveled to Seattle from our home in Kansas City, Missouri to visit the World's Fair. I was only 14, but I remember riding the monorail and the ferry to Bremerton and back. Since I've lived in the area for 6 years, I still love riding the ferry on our infrequent trips into "the city". As my grandmother used to say, "Come back when you can stay longer!"
OMG I'm so jealous you went to the World's Fair!!! And love that saying :D
Just getting back from visiting Seattle for 5 days. Beautiful scenery. I was taken away by it. Enjoyed Pike Place, went to T Mobile Park to watch the Mariner's, Saw the Gum Wall, went to Leavenworth about 2 hrs outside of the city. Ballard area was gorgeous. Didn't see it all. Can't wait to go back.
Well that was fun Steve. Bit disappointed you didn’t bump into Frasier, Niles, Daphne and Roz!! Loved the space needle, reminds me of when life was optimistic rather than today’s doom and gloom. 🤓
Haha - I lived in Seattle for my career (1996-2020) before I started wandering our orb. This almost made me miss it. Steve - you are so good at what you do !!
Greetings from Kiel, Germany :))
Apart from the monorail and the Space Needle, my memory of Seattle includes the trolleybuses, and also the free public transport within the central area. Truly a unique city. Wish Edinburgh did the same!
Aye good point Tom!
As I am sufficiently ancient, I get the free bus and tram ticket in Edinburgh. (When they have done the tram, it is dug up at the moment for the Leith Walk bit). Seattle has two of my children plus their beloveds, and four grandchidren. I am rather attached to the place.
Unfortunately the policy of offering free transit in the city center has ended.
…the decimation of our retail core, except for Pike Place and a small section of First Avenue retail nearby..is a painful reality.
The free zone is no longer....
A wee trip to Seattle this morning on breakfast break at work, certainly not "sleepless"watching it Steve 👍
Haha as much as I tried to get that title into the video, I failed :D
I hope you wasn’t too ‘Sleepless in Seattle?’ Due to jet lag. Sorry Steve, I couldn’t help myself!
Great vlog!!!
Haha you wouldn't believe how much time I spent trying to get that movie reference into the video :D
I smiled all through watching this video. It really was a treat. Thanks.
As a Seattle native I can vouch that it rains a lot but not much. I always feel at home in the rainy UK. Great job showing some of the downtown sights and accurate geographical descriptions.
All these jollies without Alicja. You owe her big time. Another amazing video as always.
Haha she wouldn't thank me for flying 10 hours each way and spending only a day there :D
Thanks for taking me to the places I would never be able to visit!
i visited a friend in seattle 30 years ago, he is dead now but your video brought back a lot of happy memories both of my friend and the city, so thank you for this one.
Marvellous Steve, didnt realise Seattle is such a beautiful city. Thank you for taking us along. ❤
I have to wonder how many times that girl in the lift has to give that speach every day. Whatever she's being payed, I doubt it's enough. Bless her.
Are loving floor in a high-rise building I can deal with....but a glass floor underneath would give me the wobbly knees !!!🤣
Seattle from the perspective you took in this video, came over as far more easy going and relaxed city, than many in America.
Thankyou
Thanks Heather! I really enjoyed my day there, but certainly not long enough for that stunning part of the world!
You avoided the rain, Steve, but laid the nostalgia on very heavily for me. 👍 In 1962 I attended the world's fair, rode the monorail and visited the space needle when they were brand new. Don't recall what it cost to ascend the space needle back then, but it was considerably less than the price you paid. 💲
What an absolute dream time to visit - if I could go back on time, that very trip would be high on the list!
You would not catch me ever leaning on that glass at the Space needle to take a picture, Nope no way! It seems Cloudy skies and rain are a 365 day forecast for Seattle lol :( Thanks for taking us on this wee tour of Seattle Steve!
Haha yes! I was relieved to miss all that forecast rain though, I could possibly have done the ferry out to Bainbridge after all!
A large coffee followed by ginger beer and walking past running waterfall. I'd be looking for a loo next stop!
Haha good point, I did well :D
Managed 3 nights in Victoria, VI and 5 nights in Vancouver itself - certainly plenty to do, Steve
Some beautiful places there. Loved the view from the Seattle Needle.
Aye, beautiful views from up there!
I've lived in Seattle 17 years and was delighted to see you did a video here. I still need to go back up the Needle to experience the glass floor.
Cheers for watching :)
Here in my part of Canada (province of Quebec), what really does a job on cars is the salt we spread in the streets to melt the ice and make them less slippery!
Ah, I see you have the same Barclaycard design as me. I'm absolutely convinced I'm going to mistake it for a hotel keycard and throw it in an express check-out box before I've had coffee.
This is a classic comment :D
My mom and dad met here in 1962.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Love Seattle
It looks an interesting city
We are proud of our Seattle. Glad I found your channel and thank you for coming for a visit!
Wonderful city in an incredible setting! :)
Have to say the comment re who would stand in a queue for an hour for a coffee and then said Sir shows coffee 😂😂 hilarious. Another great video, thank you 😊
Mirrored my recent trip over there from the UK. I was there specifically for a gig at the Moore Theatre. But I liked the fact everything I needed was in close proximity.
It pays to stay at the top of Space Needle for a while if the weather is changeable. Then suddenly an amazing view reveals itself.
The fish market is entertaining, and so are the Irish Pubs on or around 1st Avenue. My favourite being the Owl n Thistle, tucked away off the main thoroughfare.
Thanks for posting that was a nice momento.
Cheers Michael! Glad to show something familiar to you :) The Manics were playing at the Neptune the night I was there, should have gone!
My husband and visited many years ago, and really enjoyed. Thanks for jogging my memories today Steve.
Glad you enjoyed some familiar places Glenys!
Thank you Steve for sharing this Seattle video. You just help me plan my next vacation in 2025! 💫
Lived in Seattle fall 61-summer 62 and drove past the Space needle every day as it was being built. Somewhere I have a couple of “slides” which I always meant to print. Season tickets were cheap so I went to the fair many times. Many changes at the space needle to attract tourists, I guess. Moved to SF Bay Area soon after, but this elicited many memories. Too bad “the Mountain” was hiding. It’s glorious.
You are the first TH-cam person I know that's traveled away from Britain Ireland and Europe
Great video. I love Seattle and if you ever get back you MUST visit the Chihulyi (famous glass sculptor) museum right next to the space needle. Lots of glass related stuff in Seattle. Worth a trip just to see them.
Always love an excuse to return :) Thanks!
I love the fact you were in my home state, just four days before my birthday! Excellent video! So great to see familiar territory! :)
Good to see Seattle again. Thanks for the Space Needle tour. I spent about 30 seconds there one time. No motion sickness on planes, trains or ships. But moving buildings get me every time!
I really did love your last dash cam video. Those driving tours really are terrific. Posted a link to it on Twitter. Hope others find it too. Cheers
Hey thanks so much Lynne! I really want to do more dash cams, hoping to do a snowy winter one next :)
To thee, and anyone else, you can get the float plane up to Victoria BC. About a 40 minute flight in a deHavilland Beaver, best bush plane ever. Or fly over Seattle for a jolly. Or even just go to Gas Works Park and watch the planes. Walk down there, lots of non-Starbucks and good breakfast.
(No, I live in Edinburgh but lots of family are in Seattle. A good city. Somewhat damp on occasion. Unlike Edinburgh....er)
Oh that sounds fantastic! But I could barely afford the coffee :D
Hi, I'm Scotland among others following your videos! I can't find the video where you visit a fishing village or area not far from Edinburgh. Thank you
Thanks for the tour of Seattle. It’s been many years I’ve been in downtown Seattle! There used to be a restaurant at the Space Needle where it rotated while you ate your meal. live in only about 3 hours drive away. ❤️ from 🇨🇦
That sounds so cool! Although I'm a Scotsman, it would've been FAR too expensive for me :D
Excellent thank you...the market is massive 😱Monorail super cool...but $7 for a coffee ...wow 🥺
I was shocked by the prices since last time in US - especially with the weak pound!
I was so hoping to see Ann & Nancy Wilson pop out somewhere in the video. 😉 ❤
1:26 great to see you in the neighborhood relatively speaking. I know you love movie locations! Tom Hanks, and Rob Reiner had a lunch scene at the Athenian in sleepless in Seattle.
Steve, next time you're in Seattle, check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery (much more worthwhile than Pike Place Starbucks), Top Pot Donuts, Macrina Bakery/Cafe, the Chihuly museum, the Pop Culture museum and the Amazon Go store! And even though it's more of a Chicago thing than a Seattle thing, The Wreck at Potbelly's is amazing! --- Thx for the great videos!!!
Ah, you visited my old home town. Would have loved to have been there to show you around a bit, but you found the market and got a good feel for the place.
Thanks for my day trip Steve, love the monorail reminds me of butlins, not too sure about the chewing gum wall though
Yeah, don't worry, I didn't lick the wall :)
Thanks for bringing us to Seattle. I'll never visit there (have no need to) but will watch the Mariner's so maybe I would travel to see a game. The morning biscuit looked good eh? Did you keep the $7.00 Starbucks Cup? What, no fish and chip dinner? A Scotsman in America, now that is a story in itself! Many thanks!
Haha well a friendly local told me where to buy Irn Bru!
Love your tour video's Steve. You are a brave man to ly back on those windows, not for the fait hearted lol.
Haha I got very brave :D cheers!
Seattle, the Scotland of America.
I lived in Seattle for 8 years. I'm going back next week for a visit. Can't wait! Locals love Pike Place Market as much as tourists. (Locals would never stand in line at that Starbucks though ;) )
Haha true - I wouldn't either if it wasn't for the video :D Have a great trip back to Seattle!
You have inspired me to go here. My favourite TH-camr and always excited to see your trips. Thanks Steve.
Cheers as always Richard! :)
An American must-see city. Love visiting there.
Superb as always. On my bucket list. Also have a look at Whuppertal Germany. Very unique sky train and history. I’m going April
I would LOVE to ride the Whuppertal!
I used to visit Seattle all the time! Whenever I visited the original Starbucks the line was always short and I would enjoy my venti hot chocolate with a warmed up croissant. My original Starbucks Seattle coffee mug was stolen from my work from a mysterious colleague that also would steal our lunches.
I guess COVID changed a lot of things. I would always visit the entertaining old Seattle Underground (I later found out that they had the same thing in Port Angeles) someone drowned falling off the wooden sidewalk and you could only flush the toilet safely depending on the tides. Ride with the Ducks was also entertaining because like the Seattle Underground the staff are like stand up comedians.
Washington state has a lot to see including Poulsbo close to Bainsbridge where the Main Street is like Old Norway, Lynden practically beside the Canadian border is like The Netherlands & Canadian & American Dutch Reform Church members will cross the border twice on Sundays to attend church (because of the frequent conflicts with the choice of bible, the pastors sermons, etc), then there’s a town that’s like visiting an Alpine town in the mountains whose name escapes me at the moment.
Thanks for sharing and bringing back so much wonderful memories!❤
Leavenworth
I never knew Starbucks was so popular on American but I definitely wouldn't stand out side for along time
It’s only very busy because it’s the very first Starbucks ever so it’s a place lots of tourists go, most Starbucks aren’t that crowded :)
Well done Steve 👏. I visited Seattle back in 1991 enroute to visit relatives in Oak Harbour
I finished off an Alaska/Washington State vacation in Seattle in 1997, and due to fly home from SeaTac, and I promised myself a lobster dinner at Pike's Market on my final evening. Yummy.
All the way to Seattle to enjoy Scottish weather🤣well not proper Scottish weather, its pouring down here today😉Quite a view from the Space Needle👌You wouldn't get me on that glass floor😱Cool video once again Steve👍
Cheers Rab! Although the forecast said heavy rain all day so I got lucky :)
Greetings from Australia ,Steve, As always a great video. The reflections of lights at 13:06 looked like UFO's at first glance.
Haha I had to go back and look at the UFOs! If I make the footage grainy it would be even better :)
Excellent video absolutely great trip round Seattle 👍 thanks Steve
Glad you enjoyed it James!
Another great video Steve - always enjoy the content.
Fab stuff looked well worth the long flight not sure I would have queued for an hour for Starbucks though
Haha idiots like me are the reason for the queue :D
Steve should say “I did it so you guys don’t have to”😄
Good video. Been to many places in USA, but never have been to Seattle. On my bucket list as a lot of my favourite music originated from Seattle. I'd probably walked past the original Starbucks and not realised its (in)significance 😂
I wish I'd had time to visit some music related spots!
I wouldn't waste time for Starbucks. Throwing the fish is pretty cool. Monorail gives you a good look at the city. The space needle tour was really good. I could have stayed quite awhile in there. Views are fabulous. Safe trip back to the UK
I've always enjoyed your videos and was pleasantly surprised to see a video filmed almost in my back yard. I've lived and worked in/near Seattle for years. Would have loved to have bought you a beer when you where in town. Great video!
Cheers Alan! Appreciated mate, and I'll need to come back now for that beer, any excuse :)
Indeed - if you're only going to be in Seattle for 1 day, Downtown and the Seattle center are probably the most "dense" places to go in order to experience Seattle - and they are conveniently connected by monorail. While I'd agree that the Space Needle is indeed an iconic thing to visit at the Center, I'd argue that the EMP (The Experience Music project - that weirdly-shaped building near the bottom of the Space Needle) and the David Chihuly glass garden/gallery, are probably more interesting and fun than the needle itself.
However, frankly that's probably a bit too much to do in a single day - I've found that 2 big "things" a day, as a tourist, are sufficient. (Usually a "walk around the city" thing, and a "be in one place for a while" thing.)
You hit some of the best highlights in Seattle and I enjoyed tagging along. In sixty-seven years as an American, I've never stood in line for a meal. A few minutes at the hostess station is about it. Thanks for sharing.
I'm always amazed to see the lines for breakfast :D Thanks for coming along!
I’m watching this on what would have been the 80th birthday of Seattle’s own Jimi Hendrix! Great video.
Ahhh no way! Perfect timing :)
Love Seattle!! Now I want to go back!! Great vlog as always Steve, hope all is well and hope you have a great weekend
Cheers Peter! you too!
i'm guessing the 777 in your user name means there is a far greater interest just outside Seattle for you?!
Great visit, felt like I was there with you.
Cheers for coming along Colin!
What brought you there of all places? bargain plane flights spotted?...Absolutely fantastically well preserved that sky view feature
Thank you for taking the trip up the needle for us - the views & experience are appreciated (as is you trying the outwards sloping windows) - and always got to love a monorail ride!
Monorails are the best! Cheers Tom :)
I grew up in Washington State, it’s great to see the best of Seattle. But a Awful for the gum. I hope your coffee was worth the wait. It’s shocking to pay so much to go up into the space needle, but that’s progress. It does have amazing views. Thanks for all your great vlogs, I always enjoy where you take us. Take care. Janet
Thanks Janet! I must admit I found everything expensive but that's the price of a weak pound!
We've been lucky enough to visit Seattle and the Pacific North west on a number of occasions and always enjoyed it. You would have enjoyed the Troll Under the Bridge and Lenin's statue. Maybe next time in better weather. Imagine a Scot complaining about rain, we should be immune. The Cascades are something else. Thanks for the video and the memories.
Haha true Gerry! A lot of reasons to go back for sure!
I just booked my flight and Airbnb to go to Seattle this April!!
That was so COOL!😁
Seattle seems like a retro futuristic yuppies dream, will have to visit some day!
Haha well said!
The observation deck in Columbia Tower (Seattle's tallest building) is also a good place from which to get an aerial view. Next time you come for a visit, i'll take you up in the Cessna and we'll fly over the Sound to the peninsula, over part of the Olympic range and to the Pacific coast. It's a great flight and not many people over near the coast.
Excellent informative video, but glad I never need to go there
Thanks Peter! It was good to get a wee look around while I was there
Another cracking video the views are amazing Steve nice to see you leaning against the window your a brave man revolving floor looks so cool
Cheers! Really enjoyed the Space Needle!
I'm so glad you didn't melt in that rain! You're a very brave man.
It’s about filming, but you wouldn’t understand
Hi Steve paul from Kent great video love the mono rail.
Cheers mate! Aye, that was a bonus wee trip for sure!
So cool to see your video from my city -- I could just about see my house in the shot of Gasworks Park. Next time you're here, check out the Ballard Locks, you'll dig them!
Beautiful. Thanks for giving my city such a good turn!
Cheers Thomas! :)
You are brave to lean on that glass. I never quite pictured seattle as such ( a lot more crowded) fab job and educating on the finer points of the city...now time for a cuppa starbucks but no queuing ☕
Using the glass floor footage for the supporters was *chef's kiss*
Took me back Steve. I cannot remember how many years ago it was. My brother, sister in law, my wife and myself did a west coast of America cruise. We did 2 x7 day cruises, stitched together. The second cruise was from Los Angeles to Vancouver via Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria (Oregon), Seattle, Vancouver Island and Vancouver, flying back to the UK from Vancouver. We loved Seattle. The sun was shining and we visited Pike Street Market (amazing), the Space Needle (view from the top, as you saw, was amazing), and out towards the Seattle Seahawks stadium. There was a glass museum next to the Space Needle, but we didn't have time to visit it. Love Seattle from what I saw of it.
Love frasier so was great seeing where it was supposed to be based cheers Steve from a fellow Scot
Brings back memories. I was born and raised in Washington state. Been many years ago, but it was nice to revisit. Thank you!
Hey thanks for watching along some very familiar places Barbara :)
Lived in Seattle years and was impressed at how you got the locations correct.even stating “looking towards GasWorks Park”.