Looking for ideas of what to do in Seattle and Tacoma? Free tours can be a fun answer that residents and even travelers may not always consider, but why not get to know the city and its attractions in a whole new way? There is no reason for tours to be for tourists only. Many places, museums, attractions, and more offer free tours.
While many free tours are open to the public and do not require reservations, group tours often need to be arranged in advance. And if that’s not enough for free things for you, also check out these lists of free things to do in Seattle and Tacoma.
Free theater tours
Paramount Theater
Free 90 minute tours the first Saturday of every month. Meet at the corner of 9th and Pine before 10 am No reservations are required and can explore the history of the theater and the areas behind the stage.
Location: 911 Pine Street, Seattle
Moore Theater
Moore Theater has 90 minute tours on the second Saturday of each month. Meet at the corner of 2nd and Virginia before 10 am No reservation required.
Location: 2nd Avenue, 1932, Seattle
Neptuno Theater
The 90-minute tours take place on the third Saturday of each month. Meet at the corner of NE 45th and Brooklyn at 10 am No reservations are needed.
Location: 1303 NE 45 th Street, Seattle
Benaroya Room
Free tours are open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays at noon and 1 pm To join the tour, meet your guide at the Grand Lobby entrance in the Boeing Company Gallery (corner of 3rd and University).
Location: 200 University Street, Seattle
Wineries and Breweries
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Complimentary 30-minute winery tours are available during winery hours (10 am to 5 pm, closed holidays). At the end of the tour, you will also receive a free wine tasting. No reservations are needed.
Location: 14111 NE 145th, Woodinville
Redhook Brewery
At $ 1 per person, Redhook Brewery tours might also be free. Tours run Monday through Friday at 2 pm and 4 pm Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm Subject to change. Tours are one hour long, include beer sampling, and minors are allowed (but no sampling). Join in-store tours at the Forecasters Pub. No reservations.
Location: 14300 NE 145 th , Woodinville
Other free tours
Free tours in Seattle
In the spirit of free walking tours in most major European cities, Seattle Free Walking Tours offers exactly that. Tours include all of Seattle’s major landmarks: Pike Place Market, Waterfront, Post Alley, and more. Seattle Free Walking Tours is a non-profit organization supported solely through advice given to tour guides and donations. Tours run daily at 11 am and 2 pm and last approximately 2.25 hours.
Tours are located at 2000 Western Avenue.
Study Tours in Tacoma
In October, the Tacoma Arts Commission hosts Tacoma Arts Month, which includes many events, as well as dozens of free tours of artist studios. Keep an eye on the Tacoma Arts Month website for locations and other activities, which are generally free.
Heard for Art: Chihuly Glass Cell Phone Tour in Tacoma
Locations throughout downtown Tacoma are featured on this audio tour, available to anyone with a cell phone. Begin your tour at the Tacoma Art Museum, Union Station, Bridge of Glass, UW-Tacoma, or The Swiss Pub by calling 888-411-4220.
Wooden Boat Center
Entrance to the Wooden Boat Center is free. Visitors can also join in free public candles around Lake Union on Sundays. Registration begins at 10 in the morning. No reservations, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location: 1010 Valley Street, Seattle
Port of Tacoma
Learn all about the port and what happens there. Once a month, the 90-minute guided tours depart from the Fabulich Center. Reservations are needed. Call 253-383-9463 to reserve. Children 6 years and older welcome. Identification is required for those over 17 years old.
Location: 3600 Port of Tacoma Road, Tacoma
Seattle Central Library
Free self-guided cell phone tours help you appreciate this large and creative structure. Look for the cell phone tour signs posted in the library and dial 206-686-8564.
Location: 1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle
Tour guiado por la UW Seattle
Explore the historic campus of the University Washington Seattle. This tour is primarily intended for prospective students, but can be informative for anyone interested in campus. Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. M. And at 2:30 p.m. M. From Schmitz Hall, third floor lobby. Saturdays at 10:30 am from the George Washington statue. Reservations are needed.
