Seattle is one of the biggest hubs for cruises sailing to Alaska. But before sailing off to one of the most scenic places on Earth, it’s worth staying a while in the iconic Emerald City.

The great thing about downtown Seattle is that all of the must-see attractions are within walking distance from one another. Start your day off by grabbing breakfast at one of the many Seattle-based coffee shops. Then take a stroll through Pike Place Market, home to the very first Starbucks ever opened, as well as a wide variety of fresh pastries, seafood, delicious bites, and artisan crafts. Chihuly Garden and Glass is a glasshouse exhibition featuring intricate glass designs that mimic a flower garden. End your day by taking an elevator up to the observation deck of the Space Needle, where you can observe 360-views of the city skyscrapers and the famous Mount Rainier. Before embarking on your cruise, be sure to stop by Ballard Avenue NW to pick up some designer branded goodies and souvenirs to take with you.

When you’re all done, make your way to one of the two cruise ship terminals, Bell Street Pier, or Smith Cove. Many popular cruise lines offer sailings from these terminals, including Carnival, Celebrity, Oceania, Princess, and more, so make your pick and have a relaxing time onboard.