Tips to Plan a Trip to Seattle on a Budget

The Edgewater Hotel's Fifty Shades of Grey-inspired package includes exploring the city in an Audi, a romantic cruise on Puget Sound and a bottle of Bollinger Rosé champagne.
Of course, you're expected to bring your own Christian Grey along!

E. L. James' epic novel definitely has a minor contribution towards an increasing number of people visiting Seattle, mainly wanting to get a slice of the city that provided the setting for Ana and Christian's steamy encounters.

All of that apart, Seattle is a vibrant and fun city to be in; be it a weekend, or longer. And no, you wouldn't need to break the bank to have an enjoyable trip here either. Just follow our lead and plan a fabulous holiday in Seattle.

While booking a flight, it is always recommended that you book early in order to get a decently affordable fare. However, it has also been observed that last-minute booking can also yield fairly low prices.

Seattle has an array of budget hotels and hostels to choose from, whatever your tastes and expectations may be. Here are a couple of options:

City Hostel | 2327 2nd Ave. Seattle, WA 98121
This place has dorm-styled as well as private rooms, priced between USD 30 to USD 75, breakfast included. This is a quirky, artsy kind of place located close to the Pike Place Market.

Hotel Hotel Hostel | 3515 Fremont Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103
Fremont is a fantastic neighborhood to live in while you're here, so here's an option. Hotel Hotel is actually a hostel, so you have the option of living in a dorm, or have a private room to yourself. It will cost you anywhere between USD 30 and USD 70 to stay here.

Ah! Where to start? Seattle has quite a reputation when it comes to dishing up some delectable seafood, considering its proximity to the Pacific. Anyway, here are a few must-eat-ats in Seattle.

The Walrus and the Carpenter | 4743 Ballard Ave. NW. Seattle, WA 98107
Yes, it is a bit on the pricier side, but this restaurant is the pride and joy of Seattle, if you can call it that. Locals and tourists throng this little place that serves some delicious oysters, and also a tasty grilled octopus.

If your budget is too tight, visit the place during happy hour when they've got those one dollar oysters.

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery | 5427 Ballard Ave. NW. Seattle, WA 98107
Further away from The Walrus... lies this wonder of a bakery that sells some heavenly molten chocolate cakes in tiny jars. The milkshakes, spiked or otherwise, are also a delight.

More grub on the cheap can be found in the International District/Chinatown area, where you can down a stomach full for as low as USD 10. A mandatory trip must be taken to the original Starbucks | 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101 for a steaming hot cuppa, Starbucks-style.

The most affordable way to explore Seattle is on foot or riding a bicycle, as the city's roads are quite easy to navigate. Ferries are an excellent option as well, as they take you along the waterways to view the most picturesque parts of the city.

Other low-cost options include streetcars and monorail. Renting a car is recommended for those who also plan to explore the city's outskirts.

For all you artsy ones, Seattle's museums including the Seattle Art Museum | 1300 First Ave. Seattle, WA 98101, along with the Museum of History and Industry | 860 Terry Ave. N. Seattle WA, 98109 are a must-see.

Pike Palace Market | 1st Ave. and Pike St. Seattle, WA 98101 is a landmark of this city, and has no entry fee. You'll find the city's best produce here, along with a long line of shops and restaurants.

The Seattle CityPASS booklet (USD 74 for adults, USD 49 for kids) will let you enter the city's 6 prime attractions, including Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, EMP Museum, etc.

On a concluding note, do not get bogged down by reports of Seattle's perpetually dank weather. Yes, it does rain a lot, but the weather here is susceptible to change by the hour. Unpredictable as it is, you can get that coveted spot of sunshine at the end of a cloudy day.