City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Locks or Harbour Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience its iconic sights, but a hop-on hop-off bus tour combined with either the Locks or Harbour Cruise offers a convenient and flexible way to get a broad sense of this vibrant city. We’ve looked into this tour to see how it stacks up for travelers seeking both comfort and authentic local flavor.

What we love about this experience is the ability to explore at your own pace, and the inclusion of detailed audio guides that help you learn about Seattle’s landmarks without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets. The scenic cruises—either through the locks or around the harbor—add a wonderful maritime perspective that’s often missed on standard city tours. A potential challenge is that the tour’s duration (roughly 80 minutes for the bus loop) might feel a bit short for those hoping for an in-depth discovery of every neighborhood, but overall, it’s a good value for those wanting a quick, rundown.

This experience suits first-time visitors, those with limited time, or travelers who prefer a relaxed, guided approach to exploring Seattle’s must-see sights without the stress of planning their own route. If you enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and seeing the city from both land and sea, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Flexible Scheduling: Choose 24, 48-hour, 1-day, or 2-day tickets to best fit your plans.
• Scenic Cruises: Options include a scenic Locks Cruise or a Harbour Cruise, both offering different perspectives on Seattle’s waterways.
• Informative Audio Guide: Helps you learn about the city’s landmarks while you relax.
• Strategic Stops: Close access to major sights like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Seattle Art Museum.
• Authentic Local Experience: Audio-guided walking tour through historic districts adds a deeper layer.
• Price for Value: At $94 per person, the package combines multiple activities but may be considered moderate in cost relative to the experiences provided.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Moving Through Seattle’s Highlights

Starting from Stop 1 at 8 Broad Street, the bus route is designed to cover what most travelers want to see without the hassle of city driving. The route’s stops near Seattle’s best attractions—including the Space Needle, Seattle Center, the historic Pioneer Square, and the Pike Place Market—make this a practical way to orient yourself.

The audio guide in English is a significant advantage. It brings you stories and facts about each landmark as you pass by, helping you appreciate the city’s character. It’s especially helpful for first-timers who might not be familiar with Seattle’s layout or history.

The bus frequency every 30 minutes and the duration of about 80 minutes mean you won’t feel rushed. Plus, the mobile or printed voucher makes it easy to hop on whenever it suits your schedule, within the 12-month window.

The Scenic Waterway Cruises: Different Perspectives on Seattle

The Locks Cruise is a unique feature, departing daily at 10:30am from Pier 55. It includes a one-way cruise through the locks, giving travelers a chance to see the interplay of water, ships, and engineering. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s a glimpse into Seattle’s vital maritime infrastructure.

Conversely, the Harbour Cruise offers a panoramic boat tour around Elliott Bay, providing expansive views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier (if visible), and the Olympic Mountains. This option is perfect for those who want to combine land and sea vistas, especially since the cruise can be used up to five days after the bus tour.

The reviews indicate that the guides on these cruises are knowledgeable, adding valuable context to the sights. One reviewer mentioned that they wished they had done the Locks cruise—they appreciated the extra perspective that it offered.

Walking Tours and Additional Insights

Included in the package is a downloadable audio-guided walking tour of Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic district. It’s a nice bonus, allowing you to explore the neighborhood at your own pace and learn about its early days. The images displayed on your smartphone during the tour help bring history to life, making it more engaging and informative.

Stops and Sights: What You’ll See

From the Seattle Center with the Space Needle and the Sky View Observatory to the Pike Place Market, each stop offers a glimpse into Seattle’s culture, history, and modern vibe. Notable mentions include:

• Pier 66 Cruise Terminal and Pier 55 for maritime activities.
• The Seattle Central Library and Seattle Art Museum for culture and architecture.
• The Amazon Spheres—a modern icon of Seattle’s tech scene.
• The Panama Hotel & Tea House and the Chinatown Gate for a taste of the city’s multicultural roots.

The stop near Pike Place Market is particularly popular, as it’s easy to spend time wandering the market stalls, watching fishmongers toss salmon, or grabbing a coffee at the original Starbucks.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

Most reviews highlight the knowledge of the guides as a key strength. One reviewer called out the helpfulness of the bus drivers, noting that they made the experience smoother, especially during hot days or when walking too much.

While the tour doesn’t include entry to attractions, it offers a solid framework to explore later on your own. You can use the audio-guided walking tour to deepen your understanding of the historic district, and the routes are conveniently close to major sights.

Pricing and Value

At $94 per person, the tour offers a combination of land and water experiences, saving you the effort of booking separate tickets. For travelers on a limited schedule or those who prefer guided commentary, this cost can be justified by the convenience and scope of sights covered.

However, for those who enjoy a more in-depth exploration or want to spend more time at each stop, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, when considering the scenic cruises and audio guide, it provides good value for a day’s worth of sightseeing.

Who Will Love It?

If you’re a first-time visitor or someone who appreciates organized, guided experiences, this tour is a strong choice. It’s also ideal for travelers who want to avoid the stress of public transportation or navigating the city on their own. The combination of land and sea views makes it particularly appealing for those interested in Seattle’s maritime culture and iconic landmarks.

Final Thoughts

This City Sightseeing Seattle combo tour offers a convenient, flexible, and scenic way to see the city’s highlights. The audio guides and strategic stops help you learn about Seattle’s history and culture without feeling overwhelmed. The water cruises add a memorable dimension, giving you a different perspective on the city’s relationship with Puget Sound.

While it might not be the perfect choice for travelers seeking an in-depth, slow-paced exploration, it’s a solid option for those wanting a broad overview with the ease of hop-on hop-off flexibility. The knowledgeable guides and the stunning views make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re pressed for time but want to get a good sense of what makes Seattle special.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a hop-on hop-off bus ticket (lasting 24 hours, 48 hours, 1 or 2 days depending on your choice), with stops near major sights. If you select the Locks Cruise option, you’ll also get a two-hour one-way Locks Cruise. The Harbour Cruise option includes a one-hour cruise around Elliott Bay. An audio guide and headphones in English are provided, along with an audio-guided walking tour of Pioneer Square.

Can I use my voucher on any day?
Yes, your voucher is valid for any day within 12 months of purchase, allowing you to plan your sightseeing at your convenience.

What are the start times?
The first departure from Stop 1 is at 10 am, and the last is at 4 pm. The cruises have specific departure times, with the Locks Cruise departing daily at 10:30 am.

Are hotel pickups included?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. The tour stops are near public transportation and central locations.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect city landmarks, waterfront views, and scenic waterway passages. The Harbour Cruise provides panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline and possibly Mount Rainier, weather permitting.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed for flexibility, but keep in mind that walking is involved, particularly with the audio-guided walking tour.

Are there any hidden costs?
Food, drinks, and attraction entries are not included. You might want to budget extra for meals or additional attractions.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a jacket for the water cruises, and a fully charged smartphone or device for the audio tours are recommended.

How long does the full tour last?
The bus tour itself runs about 80 minutes, but with the flexibility of hop-on hop-off and the additional cruises, your overall experience can stretch across most of the day.

In the end, this combo tour balances convenience and scenic variety, making it a practical choice for those who want a taste of Seattle’s highlights without the hassle. It’s especially well-suited for first-timers or travelers with limited time, eager to see the city from both land and water with the guidance of knowledgeable hosts.