Top Culture in Washington

For a budget-friendly experience, I suggest exploring the lower levels of the market. There are some indie shops and food stalls that are way cheaper than the main ones.

I think checking the weather before you go is key. If it’s drizzly, you’ll want a good umbrella; some areas are covered, but you’ll still want to be prepared!

Check out the seasonal events. I stumbled upon a fresh flower festival during my visit, which was a lovely surprise and made for great photos.

I recommend bringing cash. Some vendors only accept cash, and you can often get better deals that way. My debit card was a hassle at several places.

My advice is to grab lunch at one of the food vendors in the International Fountain park. It's a nice break from walking and doesn't break the bank.

Make sure to wear comfy shoes! You'll be doing quite a bit of walking, and trust me, your feet will thank you later.

If you want to save some time, plan your route using the maps at the entrance. I missed out on a few spots 'cause I didn't have a plan at first.

Check out the café there for lunch – it’s not overpriced like I thought it would be, and the food is pretty yummy. Perfect spot to recharge!

Don’t miss the outdoor glass garden, especially around sunset. The lighting is stunning and all those colors pop like crazy!

I suggest buying your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines when you get there. It saved me tons of time, and I got in right away!

I recommend visiting on a weekday if you can. I went on a Saturday and it was super crowded. Weekdays seem much quieter and you can enjoy everything better!

Make sure to bring a bottle of water! There's a café but it’s pricey... You can refill your bottle inside, and it’ll help you stay hydrated while you explore all the cool stuff

My advice is to visit on weekdays if possible. I went on a Saturday and it was really crowded. If you're like me and hate waiting, try to plan your trip around midweek!

if you're into music, don’t miss the memorabilia section. even i wasn’t expecting to get so much nostalgia looking at old guitars and outfits. next time i’ll make sure to take more pics in there!

I suggest wearing comfortable shoes because you'll do a lot of walking. I wore sandals and my feet were killing me by the end.

Check out the Boeing 747 tour if you can! It's like stepping into aviation history. I kinda rushed it, so I recommend taking your time here.

If you’re into photography, try to catch the sunset here. The colors reflecting off the water are stunning, but just be ready for an early evening!

Don’t forget to check the schedule for the lock openings beforehand. Seeing boats being raised or lowered is so fascinating!

My advice is to grab lunch at the café on-site. It's decent and saves you from trekking to other food places which can eat into your time!

I noticed that the exhibits can be kinda crowded on weekends. Try visiting on a weekday if you can. It’s way less hectic, and you get a better experience!

Get there right when it opens at 10 AM. The lines for popular exhibits like the planetarium can get super long later in the day! I barely waited when I got there early.

Take your time exploring the wall and its colorful gum art. I rushed through my visit and missed some neat pieces, so soak it all in!

Check out nearby Pike Place Market before or after. It adds to the experience and you’ll find lots of food options that won’t break the bank.

Make sure to bring a camera! The architecture is stunning, and there are lots of great spots for pics. I missed a few good shots because I didn’t plan ahead.