What to do in Seattle during layover?

Question

My husband and I are flying to Honolulu on Nov 4 for a vacation (yeah!!!) We have a six hour layover in Seattle but we've never been there before. Are there any cool places and restuarants we can check out during this time? Is the airport close enough to downtown and the big needle building...sorry I don't know the name of it.

Answer 1

The Space Needle is about 30 minutes from the airport.  November may not be the best time to spend the small fortune they ask to go to the top. If you land and see rain, you will not likely see much from the top.  I think the fee is something like $14 to get to the top.  Check The Space Needle's website for details.

There are busses for downtown Seattle at the south end of the airport.  Go to the end that has airplanes hanging from the ceiling in case you are directionally challenged.  Busses are on the top floor, the floor to check in on.

If you have 6 hours, 2 of those are when you have to be back to the airport.  Check in lines for security can take a long time too.  A simple ride from Seattle is 30 minutes or less, but some busses are not expresses.  You can find the bus schedules at Seattle Metro.  There is construction at the airport too.  It is driving me crazy, but bus drivers know the short cuts.

Most busses go through the bus tunnel. Check to see if the airport ones do.  I do not think they go in it on weekends, but that might have changed.  

Bus Tunnel Stops: (South to north) Airport is south

1.  International District: 2 blocks south of the ground level, is Uwajimayas and fantastic Asian shopping center.  This whole area is cool.  It is a few blocks to walk to the stadiums...long blocks..they have tours.  Check out Seahawks and Mariner's websites for details.  I have done the Mariner's one and loved it.   Did it in English and in Japanese as we had an exchange student.

2. 3rd and Jackson: Up hill t the tallest building.  You can go to the 74th floor for a nice view.  Glass is ceiling to floor.  Small fee.  Go down the hill to Seattle's old town area called Pioneer Sq.  They have Underground Seattle tours, quaint shopping...lots of homeless.  Safe during the day, but do not go there at night unless clubbing

3. University Street: No Universiity there, but they own lots of the land.  Mostly a banking area, but the Seattle Art Museum was there, but I think it may have moved..who knows.

4. Pike Place Market and Westlake Mall: The Mall is a 4 storey or so shopping Center..some high end some not.  Top floor is a food court and as far as food courts go, it has nice choices.  The top floor is also where you catch the Monorail to the Science Center, Children's museum and another food court as well as the Space Needle.  To be honest, I love the monorail, but it is old, and breaks down all of the time.  I would not risk it if you have a flight.

Go down the hill, towards the water to go to Pike Place Market.  It is a 100 year old farmer's market.  If you saw Sleepless in Seattle, or Kramer this is where they throw the fish.  Lots of stalls selling handmade goods and a nice place to go.  This is also a good place to take the stairs or elevator to the waterfront.  Fun shops and an aquarium there.

5. Only the convention center and theatre...not places for a shrt visit.

I think if you really have time for one thing, I'd either go to Pike Place Market, or go to the Seattle Center (monorail/Space Needle) and go up for a great view.  I think the Ride the Ducks program ends before you arrive or I'd suggest that.  A ride on a ferry across the Sound would be nice, but risky time wise.