The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 844 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour worth booking?
The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour is a 4-hour experience in Seattle, United States, from $111 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 844 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (844)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $111 per person
Discover the Emerald City on our grand 4-hour Seattle tour. Experience the vibrant tastes and sights of Seattle, while exploring distinct neighborhoods such as Chinatown and catch the perfect views from Queen Ann Hill. This public tour provides an excellent overview of Central Seattle from a comfortable bus with large viewing windows. Our tour stops at least four times throughout the excursion. We allow you to get out some on foot to explore as we believe it helps in experiencing the city and neighborhoods properly. We only offer one tour a day so we thrive on making ours the most complete tour of Seattle without you feeling like you're being hurried. Another great benefit is there is NO extra charge to be picked up at 90 percent of Seattle hotels- we are the ONLY tour company to offer this benefit- GRATIS! IF PREARRANGED IN ADVANCE we can even offer drop-offs at Cruise Ports for an EXTRA FEE after the tour ends (AFTER 2:30pm).
What you get
About this experience
Discover the Emerald City on our grand 4-hour Seattle tour. Experience the vibrant tastes and sights of Seattle, while exploring distinct neighborhoods such as Chinatown and catch the perfect views from Queen Ann Hill. This public tour provides an excellent overview of Central Seattle from a comfortable bus with large viewing windows. Our tour stops at least four times throughout the excursion. We allow you to get out some on foot to explore as we believe it helps in experiencing the city and neighborhoods properly. We only offer one tour a day so we thrive on making ours the most complete tour of Seattle without you feeling like you're being hurried. Another great benefit is there is NO extra charge to be picked up at 90 percent of Seattle hotels- we are the ONLY tour company to offer this benefit- GRATIS! IF PREARRANGED IN ADVANCE we can even offer drop-offs at Cruise Ports for an EXTRA FEE after the tour ends (AFTER 2:30pm).
What's included
Included
- Fully narrated tour in English
- IF ARRANGED IN ADVANCE we offer Port drop-off for an EXTRA FEE after the tour ends
- Our phone lines are attended by a live Representative during Business hours
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional, local guide
- Fully insured Commercial buses
- Pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels
Not included
- Gratuities
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Seattle
Celebrate the Holiday's - “Holiday magic awaits with a festive bonus stop added to our itinerary.”
30 minutes here
Waterfall Garden Park
Birth of UPS commemorated here. A private garden with an unusually large water feature that looks like your at Mt. Rainier National park.
5 minutes here
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Seattle
After the Timber and Fishing industries the Klondike gold rush put Seattle on the map. Restroom opportunity.
5 minutes here
Pioneer Square
there is a lot going on here, Oldest glass blowing studio in Seattle where they are making glass art live, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, Waterfall Garden Park (birthplace of UPS), Occidental Park, Firefighter's Memorial, art galleries, antique stores, no chain- unique retail shops.
15 minutes here
Lumen Field
open air stadium where NFL Seattle Seahawks, and MLS Seattle Sounders FC play.
Pass by without stopping
Chinatown International District
this is a optional part of the tour that may or may not be done depending on time. Wing Luke Asian museum, Pin Ball Museum, Tong Buildings
Pass by without stopping
T-Mobile Park
Where the MLB Mariners play- unique retractable roof.
Pass by without stopping
A must stop if visiting Chinatown
Pass by without stopping
Seattle Public Library
a distinctive building designed by Rem Koolhaas.
Pass by without stopping
Pike Place Market
See and taste the soul of Seattle. Food vendors, flowers, fishmongers, spice merchants, foreign delicatessens, the first Starbucks store, and Seattle's grossest attraction the gum-wall. We try to stop and let you out to grab a bite to eat. Restroom opportunity. Local food traditions and specialties. If stop is not possible then food can be purchased at Fisherman's terminal.
20 minutes here
Hing Hay Park
Learn about the Iron Dragon
Pass by without stopping
Space Needle
Space needle, Mopop, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Grace Hospital (film location, Grey's Anatomy )
Pass by without stopping
Queen Anne Hill
one or two or three viewpoints of Seattle, both sides of the isthmus that is Seattle the Salt water side and the fresh water side. Kerry Park, the Lynn st. viewpoint.
25 minutes here
Kerry Park
Classic Seattle viewpoint, a photo here proves you are in Seattle. views of Mt. Rainier.
5 minutes here
Amazon Spheres
A unique building right in the heart of the Amazon Campus full of exotic plants.
Pass by without stopping
view from Queen Ann Hill
5 minutes here
Gasworks Park Marina
view from above. a cool park in Seattle where they used to make gas for the streetlights in Seattle.
5 minutes here
University of Washington
view from the Lynn St Viewpoint.
5 minutes here
Lake Union
view from above.
5 minutes here
Fremont
a funky neighborhood with diverting attractions: the Troll, Lenin statue (not John Lennon), Theo's Chocolates, part of the berlin wall and lots of art.
10 minutes here
See a giant art installation under at bridge inspired by the childhood book (3 Billy Goats Gruff)
Pass by without stopping
Olympic Mountain Range
view from Queen Ann hill
Pass by without stopping
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
basically, a lock is an elevator for boats- at the transition of salt and fresh water the locks allow the boats to back and forth between Puget Sound and the lakes. Additionally, Salmon, Seals, Sealions, nesting Great Blue Herons and other wildlife can be seen here regularly. Restroom opportunity.
30 minutes here
Seattle Waterfront
the Seattle aquarium, the Great Wheel, the Edgewater Hotel (the only hotel you can fish out of your window), Ferry Terminals, Victoria Clipper, and Ivar's Acres of Clams. Also the SAM sculpture garden park.
Pass by without stopping
Seattle Great Wheel
Lit up at night on the water makes for another place for great views and great fun too.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Seattle
Please contact Customized Tours to confirm your selected hotel location is within our pickup zone to receive a accurate pickup time.
Meeting point
Seattle
Please contact Customized Tours to confirm your selected hotel location is within our pickup zone to receive a accurate pickup time.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please contact Customized Tours to confirm your selected hotel location is within our pickup zone to receive a accurate pickup time.
Ends at
Please contact Customized Tours to confirm your selected hotel location is within our pickup zone to receive a accurate pickup time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Customized Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Comfortable walking shoes and a jacket are recommended
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- No City Tour is run the same. Each of our tour guides provide a unique spin on how they show you around the City. The day's itinerary is dictated by your guide and will be provided by your guide upon pick up.
- Please note that the duration of the City Tour may vary and could extend beyond the estimated time. Factors that may affect the length of the tour include your pick-up and drop-off location, traffic conditions, guest mobility, road construction, and other unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to provide the best possible experience for all guests.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 843 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
843 verified traveler reviews for The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
First time in Seattle
It was an amazing experience! Joe was so kind and knowledgeable. We didn’t know what to expect with the price but it was definitely worth it for those not from the area. It was a seamless process that was customized to what we wanted to see at the city. The city was amazing but Joe was the best part he knew all the things and made it a great trip all around.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that Joe made your trip so enjoyable and that he was able to personalize the experience around what you wanted to see. We truly appreciate your kind words about his knowledge and service. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
This is the perfect tour if you do not have a lot of time in Seattle. You will have a taste of everything. Joe was very knowledgeable and had a lot of stories for us.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and got a great taste of Seattle, especially with your limited time. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Joe—he’ll be delighted to know that his knowledge and stories made the experience even more memorable. We hope to see you again on your next visit to Seattle!
via Tripadvisor
What a ride '
We had the best time with Joe and the bus. Joe was so knowledgeable and had a very dry sense of humour he had us all laughing and lightened the mood. We enjoyed the history of Seattle and all the sights especially the seals at the lock. We appreciate the interesting stories along the way and Joe’s timing was amazing when telling a story and pointing out the relevant observation. The bottles of water were a bonus and we loved the glass shop and the stir stick thanks Joe. Really enjoyed the experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a wonderful and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great time with Joe. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him—he’ll be especially happy to hear that his dry sense of humor and storytelling kept everyone laughing throughout the day! We’re glad you enjoyed learning about Seattle’s history and seeing the sights, especially the seals at the locks. It’s also great to hear that you appreciated the stories along the way and Joe’s ability to bring them to life at just the right moment. We’re so happy you enjoyed the glass shop, the stir stick, and the little touches like the bottled water as well. Thank you again for choosing to tour with us and for sharing your experience. We hope to see you again on another adventure!
via Viator
Great experience!!
Awesome tour. Many interesting and fun things. Saw Sea Lions going after salmon. Lots of history and stops. Mark, our driver and tour guide was excellent! Highly recommend this tour.
via Viator
A great experience
I used to live in WA State but have been away for 8 years. I took the tour to see what has changed and what hasn’t. Our guide, Mark, was fun, informative and patient to make the whole experience a joy! I’m so glad I played tourist and took this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted that you chose to play tourist and revisit Washington after being away for eight years. It must have been wonderful to see what had changed while reconnecting with familiar places. We’re especially glad that Mark made the experience so enjoyable with his fun personality, knowledge, and patience. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. Thank you for joining us, and we hope your tour brought back some great memories while creating a few new ones!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 295
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Customized Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Customized Tours runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Seattle.
How much does The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour cost?
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Prices start at $111 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Seattle usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Seattle is not rushed.
Is The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 844 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Seattle, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour?
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Around 295 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Seattle can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Seattle and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Seattle within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Seattle?
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Seattle's best days leave the city: Mount Rainier, the San Juans, Olympic National Park and Snoqualmie Falls are all day-trip range, and each one lives or dies on the driver-guide. In town, Pike Place food tours, underground history walks and harbour cruises dominate. Our ranking favours operators with small vans over full coaches on the mountain runs. On Outty we rank every Seattle experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle, Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour, Pike Place Market Tasting Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
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June to September for clear Rainier views and reliable ferry weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Seattle?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour?
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Included: Fully narrated tour in English; IF ARRANGED IN ADVANCE we offer Port drop-off for an EXTRA FEE after the tour ends; Our phone lines are attended by a live Representative during Business hours; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Professional, local guide. Not included: Gratuities; and Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 63 listed pickup locations in and around Seattle. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Please note that the duration of the City Tour may vary and could extend beyond the estima. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about The Best of Seattle City Highlights Tour?
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Across 844 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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