In a single day, look at great art, tour an architectural masterpiece, climb a look out for a wide sweeping view of the city, eat delicious burritos, and attend a reading, all for less than the price of dinner and a movie.
Visit Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill
1247 15th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98112
Volunteer Park, located on the top of Capitol Hill, is the perfect place to start the day in Seattle. Climb the steps of an old water tower—the top floor has been converted to a scenic viewing deck with windows offering an expansive, and hard to find, view of downtown. On the edge of the park, to the right of the water tower, there is a donation-only conservatory full of local flora and fauna. Feast your eyes on carnivorous plants and bright, blooming fuchsia blossoms.
Rancho Bravo, on Pine Street
1001 E Pine St., Seattle, WA 98122
Rancho Bravo is a favorite with money-saving Seattleites. Order a filling, veggie-stuffed Rancho or Bravo Burrito for 4.25, or a 3.75 Quesadilla and take it to go. Walk across the street to the baseball park, and eat lunch watching practice from the sidelines. Rancho Bravo is nothing fancy, but they make a damn good burrito for under 5.00.
Tours of Seattle Central Library
1000 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Next, Walk or Ride the bus downtown to the library from Pine and Harvard Streets, just past Rancho heading down the hill. The Seattle Public library is a stunning architectural feat of glass and steel, and is an absolute must visit for anyone passing through town. Free tours run throughout the day, and include viewing the library’s 11 floors, collection of 2 million books, records, and movies, and 400 public use computers.
Visit The Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
1300 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
The Main Branch of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is located just a few blocks from the Library. The Museum is a comfortable three floors—not large enough to make a person feel overwhelmed, not small enough to make a person feel jipped. There is real art in there on permanent display, including Indigenous Pacific Northwest, Australian, Ancient Mediterranean, Japanese, Chinese, African, European, and American art. Right now there is a spectacular Andrew Wyeth exhibit. Check the website for show updates. Entry is suggested donation—don’t be fooled by the elaborate price listings—you are perfectly allowed to pay a quarter if you so choose.
Literary Readings at Richard Hugo House
1634 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122
After a full day of sight seeing, relax and listen to a literary reading at either The Richard Hugo House or one of the branches of the Seattle Public Library. Readings are generally free and open to the public. Check the appropriate websites for events overlapping with your trip.
This provides only one day of cheap Seattle fun. There are countless more waiting for an adventurous traveler looking to see the city without breaking the bank.
Read about a day in New York City for less than ten dollars here.
 |
