Seattle Private Music History Walking Tour

Seattle is synonymous with the music of the 90s, but on this walking tour of the city, we’ll discover not only the usual suspects of “grunge” style but other acts and performance venues that may surprise you!
We’ll start in Pioneer Square, home to several bars featuring live music, including a historic venue that has hosted the likes of Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix. Along with a background in the area’s music history, you’ll enjoy a little history of the city’s founding, evident in its 19th-century brick buildings.

On our Pike Place Market tour segment, we may catch a busker performance and learn about street musicians who got their start here as well as nearby music venues that have played host to renowned artists.

After a brief pass through the market, we may have time to catch a ride on the monorail to Seattle Center, home of the iconic Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture. Continue your own music journey by visiting the attractions or head downtown to enjoy some live music!

Meeting Point

506 2nd Ave

506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Outside entrance of Smith Tower, near intersection of 2nd Avenue & Yesler Way

What to expect:

Duration: 4 hours

Seattle

Seattle, Washington

Community Impact:
-Our tours are designed with our communities first in mind, meaning that we will always encourage supporting our local businesses including our city’s best record shops and live music venues

-Small-group and off-the-beaten-track experiences are practices in responsible tourism, reducing overcrowding in over-touristed areas and emphasizing visits to lesser-visted neighborhoods including Capitol Hill and Belltown

-The opportunity to add in walking segments to our tours reduces our carbon footprint and impact on the environment

-We strive to represent all voices in our storytelling, particularly those minorities who are often overlooked or underrepresented in the tourism industry, including black musicians who contributed immensely to Seattle’s music scene

Pass by without stopping

Pike Place Market

85 Pike St, Seattle, 98101, Washington

Your Seattle walking tour includes the maze that is the historic Pike Place Market, where you can enjoy Pacific Northwest eats, immigrant-inspired street food, plenty of shopping, and views of the Puget Sound. Your tour guide will give you an overview of the market’s history and its tight-knit community comprising a variety of cultures and generations-owned shops that continue to lure thousands of visitors and locals each year.

2 hours

Pioneer Square

Yesler Street & 1st Avenue, , Seattle, 98104, Washington

Your tour starts in the neighborhood known as Pioneer Square, where early white settlers founded the city of Seattle as we know it today. The area is rich with history of the city’s early mining and brothel days, evident in the late 19th and early 20th century buildings still standing, and contains subtle nods to its early inhabitants, the Duwamish and Suquamish peoples. Your tour guide will take you through the development of the city and capture the city in its pre-industrial and -settlement days as a Native American village and harvesting grounds.

2 hours

Smith Tower Visitor Experience

506 2nd Ave, Seattle, 98104-2336, Washington

This historic venue has its roots in the early 20th century and today features a fabulous bar and observation deck with views of the city skyline and Puget Sound. Visitors can pay admission to tour the building and enjoy drinks and small bites in its gorgeously decorated 35th floor.

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The Central Saloon

207 1st Ave S, , Seattle, 98104-3460, Washington

This historic bar has seen many legendary acts pass through its doors, and its indoor decor pays homage to some of the greats, including Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and many more. This is a must-visit for any music lover!

Pass by without stopping

Pike Place Fish Market

86 Pike St, Seattle, 98101-2025, Washington

Your Seattle city walking tour will pass by the lively market stall famous for its flying fish. Learn about the incredible variety of edible Pacific Northwest species as you watch trained fishmongers let loose whole salmon through the air!

Pass by without stopping

The Gum Wall

1428 Post Aly, Seattle, 98101-2034, Washington

Your Pike Place tour segment can pass by one of Seattle’s most unusual attractions, a 50-foot-long wall entirely covered with chewing gum! No matter how you feel about it, you’ll definitely want a few photos at this iconic spot and hear all about its history and present-day care and maintenance.

Pass by without stopping

What's included:

• Hear the history of Seattle’s jazz age and early 90s “grunge” phase
• Museum Admission
• Local guide
• Explore a historic neighborhood and its venues associated with famous musicians
• Learn about Pike Place Market and its ties to talented street busking artists

Not included:

• Food and drink
• Souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities for the guide