Frequently asked questions.
FAQ
Tours
Q: Can I do both a Seattle 101 and Market Experience tour on the same day?
A: Yes, absolutely. The tours are designed with this in mind and it's the best way to see Seattle! Please ensure when you are making your reservation that the days and times of the tours you are booking do not overlap, as we do occasionally have multiple times available for each tour daily.
Q: What is the difference between the Market Experience and Seattle 101 tours?
A: The Market Experience tour puts a microscope on Pike Place Market, and is an hour long excursion specifically designed to show guests the detail and history of our country’s longest running farmers market. Seattle 101 is our flagship tour showcasing our grand vision of Seattle, and does not repeat any aspects of the Market Experience tour. It features downtown, Pioneer Square, and the waterfront to ensure you have the best time during your stay in Seattle.
Q: What is the recommended contribution for a tour?
A: These tours rely entirely on gratuities. Comparable tours in Seattle run $25 per person and still ask for a tip. Your contribution is completely voluntary, and is what sustains Seattle Free Walking Tours and our employees – it is our job to inspire!
Q: How long and strenuous are the tours?
A: The Market Experience tour is just over an hour in length and about half a mile in distance. Seattle 101 is about two hours long and two miles in distance (mostly downhill). Both tours include uneven surfaces on the city streets of Seattle. There are minimal stairs and hills involved.
Q: Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes and no. Both the Market Experience and Seattle 101 tour have staircases and uneven surfaces involved. Some have been manage these without issue, others have not. Wheelchair accessibility on these tours would be considered moderate to difficult, please assess accordingly and contact us with any questions you may have.
Q: Where do the tours end?
A: The Market Experience tour ends in Pike Place Market, just a few minutes’ walk from where it begins. The Seattle 101 tour ends at Pier 59 on the waterfront near the Seattle Aquarium, just a five minute walk from where it begins.
Q: What if I can't find the guide?
A: Please check your ticket date and time to make sure you have arrived on the correct day and in the correct meeting place. The tour guide will try and show up 5 – 10 minutes before the tour begins. Please email info@walk-seattle.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Q: Is there an age limit for the tour?
A: The tours are kid-friendly, and we welcome guests of all ages! Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about a guest’s ability to attend the tour.
Ticketing
Q: How do I register for a tour?
A: Easy! Click the "Book Now" button, or select the Tour Calendar link on the homepage and select the tour offered for the desired day/time. On the booking page, select the day and amount of tickets you want, and fill in the requested information. A ticket confirmation will be sent to you via email.
Q: Can I show up without a ticket or when it's sold out?
A: For the Seattle 101, yes! The only real limit to this tour is how loud the guide can be, and we have some of the loudest guides in Seattle
For the Market Experience Tour, we have size limits set in place by the Market. If you show up without a ticket or when the tour is sold out, you will be on “stand by”. If the tour guide is able to get you a spot on the tour while also obeying the tour limitations, our guide will be happy to do so - however we are unable to guarantee you a spot in this situation.
Q: Can I reschedule or cancel my reservation?
A: Yes. As a courtesy to others, please cancel or reschedule your reservation as far in advance in possible so others may book your spots if needed.
Q: I don't see the date I'm interested in listed on the Calendar?
A: Tours do not always run every day, depending on the season and availability. Our available tours follow the Tour Calendar available on our webpage. For dates and times outside of normal tours, we do offer pre-paid private tours, recommended for groups of ten or more.
Q: How far in advance can I purchase a ticket?
A: Tour dates and times are typically posted a minimum of 1 month in advance. Check back if you don't see your dates listed yet.
Q: Do I need to print my tickets and bring them with me?
A: No. It isn’t necessary to bring a paper copy of your tickets with you, as the tour guide will have an electronic guest list available to them.