Seattle · SEATTLE WALKING TOURS
The 12 seattle walking tours below are the ones to book first, each with its price, how long it runs and who it suits. The top spot is there for a reason.
Beneath the Streets leads a one-hour walk through three underground passageways beneath Pioneer Square, with stories of Seattle’s 1889 fire and the street-raising that reshaped the city. Guides including David, Dave, Mark, Patti, Jim, Sarah, and Terrilyn have led tours. Expect historic spaces, a few stair climbs, and a mix of underground and street-level stops.
“Was amazing! So much history, the guide was brilliant!”
Explore Pike Place Market with a local guide and sample eight or more foods, from clam chowder and smoked salmon to Persian kebab and Italian gelato. The two-hour walk visits small shops and back corridors, with guides such as Woody, Nola, Chip, and Dani among those who have led past tours. Groups are capped at 12.
“This was a great introduction to the market. Our guide Woody was fun, knowledgeable and took us to a variety of delicious treats. Definitely recommend to travelers of all ages.”
This two-hour Seattle walk visits Top Pot Doughnuts, Doce Donut Co., Dahlia Bakery, and Daily Dozen Doughnuts, with a stop by the Amazon Spheres. A local guide leads a group of up to 15, adding Seattle history and neighborhood stories along the way. Tastings are included; coffee is not listed as part of the tour.
“We had a blast! Amanda was super knowledgeable & fun! The donuts were delicious. Great way to try some delicious treats & learn about Seattle’s history.”
Walk the Pike Place area with a costumed guide, hearing Seattle ghost stories and local history between three atmospheric bars. The roughly 2.5-hour tour begins near Pike Place Market and ends at Kells Irish Pub. Guides named in recent experiences include Emily, Nisha, Katherine, Kai, and Mary Ellen. Drinks cost extra, and you must be 21 or older with photo ID.
“This tour is great if you want to go some cool bars and learn a little bit more about the history of Seattle. It didn't feel like there was a lot of ghost activity in that area and they chose it more for the bars. Our guide was fun and did have some good historic facts to share.”
Follow a local guide through downtown Seattle’s haunted corners, including Union Street, Post Alley and the Gum Wall, the Butterworth Building, and the Market Theater. You’ll hear ghost stories alongside accounts of the city’s darker past. The walk starts and ends outside the Four Seasons Hotel, costs $27 per person, and is listed as 1.5 hours.
“Laurel was very interactive and knowledgeable. We loved it!”
Walk about 2.5 miles from Pioneer Square to Seattle Center with a local guide, exploring early Seattle, the Chinatown International District, Pike Place Market, and more. The tour includes a monorail ride and ends at KEXP, where you can browse records or buy a coffee. Tours run in the morning or afternoon and are limited to 15 people.
“Great way to learn how Seattle became Seattle and to get a good overview of downtown. Our guide, James, was fantastic.”
Spend two hours walking 1.5 miles through Capitol Hill with a local English-speaking guide, tasting three coffees or teas and learning about roasting, Seattle coffee culture, and the neighborhood’s music history. Guides such as Lee have shared detailed coffee tips, while private groups are available.
“Some interesting coffee shops and a good tour of a less touristy part of Seattle”
Start at 321 9th Street for an English-language walk through Leavenworth’s history, from the area’s first people to the town’s industries and present-day appeal. Guides Coco and Tom share stories, point out notable buildings, and offer dining and activity tips. The tour lasts about an hour, returns to its starting point, and is limited to 12 people.
“Energetic, knowledgeable, fun. Gave insight which added value to where and when u can venture to activities in and around Leavenworth”
Walk downtown Tucson with a guide who is a James Beard competition-winning chef. The one-hour route begins at the Pima Historic Courthouse fountain and connects the Dillinger gang, a haunted hotel, custom murals, a rebuilt Spanish fort and Tucson’s long food history. A snack is included; drinks are not.
“It was great. If I had known everyone closed up so early, I would have booked an earlier tour, but we were very satisfied .”
Walk six stops in Seattle’s Pioneer Square with guide Carter Lee Churchfield, whose stories trace a Native princess, a gay icon, a swindler, a zealot, a madame and a mayor. The route covers ground within five blocks and uses historic settings, photographs and storytelling to reveal a side of Seattle’s past that standard city tours may skip.
“The six women tour with Carter was amazing! Carter knew all of her history, stories, and was able to answer all of the questions that we had that went beyond her normal tour. Carter presented information and stories about women that we did not know before and impacted Seattle as it is today. We take lots of tours in Seattle and would rate both the tour and the guide a full 10. I fully recommend both this tour of the six women of Seattle and Carter as a tour guide. Any chance you can get to take a tour with Carter would be well worth both the time and money…”
Spend about two and a half hours walking Leavenworth with a guide, then taste a beer flight at Icicle Brewing Company, Blewett Brewing Company, and Doghaus Brewery. You’ll hear about the village and Blewett Pass’s gold rush, receive a seven-day Greater Leavenworth Museum pass, and finish back at the starting point.
“Tour guide Coco was excellent, full of knowledge, humor, and suggestions. She told us about the history of Leavenworth and answered our many questions. The 3 breweries had great beers to taste and the hosts were friendly and knowledgeable about the beers.”
Walk about half a mile through South Lake Union with an English-speaking chef guide and a group of up to eight. The one-hour tour includes five food tastings and a drink, with stops such as Rubinstein, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, and Mamnoon Street. Expect local food stories and a look at the district’s tech-driven change.
“The food. Eric was also very good at information.”
Pick a pier, a trailhead or a market stall.
