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Seattle runs on coffee. It’s the birthplace of Starbucks (although you won’t find any locals there), and with the sky gray for most of the year, the rest of us retreat to the cozy coffee shops scattered all over the city.

I live in Seattle, and I’m obsessed with all things coffee. I’ve been to most of the coffee shops in the city, and in my opinion, we have one of the best coffee scenes out there. So what better way to explore it than on a Seattle coffee tour?

Seven coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino and lattes, arranged in a circle on a Capitol Hill coffee tasting tour in Seattle

Don’t have time to read the entire article? Book this Seattle Coffee Tour: Capitol Hill Coffee Culture & Tastings, with a 5-star ⭐️ rating.

All four tours below last about two hours. Two are in Capitol Hill, and two are downtown around Pike Place Market. One even includes breakfast, so come hungry. Pick the one that fits your schedule and book ahead, since most of these fill up a few weeks in advance.

Short on time? Here is a quick look at all the tours and who they are best for:

☕ Most popular: Seattle Coffee Tour: Capitol Hill Coffee Culture & Tastings

🥐 Best with breakfast: Coffee Crawl & VIP Morning in Pike Place Market

📍 Best for first-time visitors: Roasted in Seattle: Bean to Cup Coffee Tour

💸 Best budget option: Seattle Coffee Walking Tour: Specialty Cafes and Local Stories

#1 Top Pick

Seven coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino and lattes, arranged in a circle on a Capitol Hill coffee tasting tour in Seattle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seattle Coffee Tour: Capitol Hill Coffee Culture & Tastings

✔️ Three coffee tastings
✔️ Coffee roasting lessons
✔️ Local nightlife tips

#2 Pick

Three hands toasting with lattes and an iced cold brew on a Pike Place Market coffee crawl in Seattle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Coffee Crawl & VIP Morning in Pike Place Market

✔️ Breakfast bites included
✔️ Ethiopian coffee tasting
✔️ Beat the crowds

#3 Pick

Latte with tulip latte art in a dark cup and saucer on a Capitol Hill coffee walking tour in Seattle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seattle Coffee Walking Tour: Specialty Cafes and Local Stories

✔️ Three independent cafés
✔️ Hidden local favorites
✔️ Small group tour

4 Best Seattle Coffee Tours to Book

1. Seattle Coffee Tour: Capitol Hill Coffee Culture & Tastings

Seven coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino and lattes, arranged in a circle on a Capitol Hill coffee tasting tour in Seattle

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 📍 Departs: Jimi Hendrix Statue, 1604 Broadway | ☕ Check Rates and Availability

This tour takes you on a 1.5-mile walk through Capitol Hill, stopping at three locally owned cafés and sampling a different coffee at each one. You might try an espresso, an infused coffee, or a café’s signature. Your guide also talks about how coffee is grown, roasted, and brewed.

Along the way, you’ll learn about Seattle’s role in global coffee culture and the history of Capitol Hill.

“Very educational about the history of the Seattle area and culture, centered around coffee. Great walking and tasting tour.” – read more reviews

You’ll be in a small group of no more than 12 people. It is wheelchair accessible, and kids under six join for free. Food isn’t included, so eat beforehand.

2. Coffee Crawl & VIP Morning in Pike Place Market

Three hands toasting with lattes and an iced cold brew on a Pike Place Market coffee crawl in Seattle

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 📍 Departs: Anchorhead Coffee, 2003 Western Ave | ☕ Check Rates and Availability

You get to see Pike Place Market wake up before the crowds arrive, so if you are an early riser, this would be the perfect tour for you.

You’ll taste a cold brew, a pour-over, two drip coffees, and Ethiopian coffee from small-batch roasters, along with breakfast bites like a waffle, a scone, donuts, and a cookie. You’ll also catch the famous flying fish at Pike Place Fish Market.

“A great way to start your morning and orient yourself with the market.” – read more reviews

Groups max out at 10 people, and the route is wheelchair accessible. It’s not a good fit for gluten-free diets. Make sure you go to the Anchorhead at 2003 Western Ave, since there are other locations in the city.

Since you’ll already be near the waterfront, this tour pairs nicely with one of these Seattle boat tours later in the day.

3. Seattle Coffee Walking Tour: Specialty Cafes and Local Stories

Latte with tulip latte art in a dark cup and saucer on a Capitol Hill coffee walking tour in Seattle

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 📍 Departs: Oddfellows Building, 915 E Pine St | ☕ Check Rates and Availability

Capitol Hill is the heart of Seattle’s coffee scene, which makes it the perfect place for a coffee tour. After meeting in the lobby of the historic Oddfellows Building, you’ll hop between three independent local favorites, sampling a different drink at each stop.

Capitol Hill is also known for its nightlife and counterculture, and your guide shares stories about the neighborhood as you walk from café to café.

“He was very knowledgeable about all things ‘coffee’ and provided us with a fun experience.” – read more reviews

Groups are capped at 12 people, and kids get a discounted rate. It isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are fine. If you’re driving, street parking nearby has a two-hour limit, so it’s best to rideshare or take public transport if you can.

4. Roasted in Seattle: Bean to Cup Coffee Tour

A latte and a matcha latte with latte art on a wooden café table during a bean to cup coffee tour in Seattle

⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 📍 Departs: Anchorhead Coffee, 2003 Western Ave | ☕ Check Rates and Availability

This downtown tour winds through Pike Place Market and the surrounding streets, with coffee tastings at local cafés and roasteries. One of the stops is Ghost Alley Espresso, where you try their mystery mocha and see if you can guess what’s in it. It’s a personal favorite of mine!

You’ll also pass the Starbucks at Pike Place Market, which everyone thinks is the original, even though it isn’t actually the company’s first location.

“Nice education about the coffee making process and Seattle coffee history, plus some great shops.” – read more reviews

Up to 15 people can join, and the guide’s tip is already included in the price. The tour starts at 11 a.m. It isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for anyone with food allergies.

Where to Stay in Seattle

The tours in this post start in two areas: Capitol Hill and downtown near Pike Place Market.

Downtown and Belltown are the easiest bases for first-time visitors. You’ll be close to Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and the Space Needle, and the Pike Place tours meet just a few blocks away.

Capitol Hill is a better fit if you want to stay somewhere that is more local. It’s full of cafés, restaurants, and bars, and has an incredible vibe, especially at night if you want to experience some of the best nightlife in the city.

Wherever you stay, getting between the two areas is easy. Capitol Hill is one light rail stop from downtown’s Westlake Station or about a 20-minute walk (although you do need to go up a steep hill, and it isn’t the prettiest of walks). It’s also a quick rideshare away!

If you’re staying longer and have a car, Whidbey Island and Leavenworth both make great weekend getaways from Seattle.

Book accommodation in Seattle by searching for hotels below!

Seattle Coffee Tours: FAQs

Why is Seattle known for coffee?

Starbucks opened its first store in Seattle in 1971, and the city has been packed with independent cafés and roasters ever since. The gray weather plays a part too. When the sky stays cloudy for months, a warm cup of coffee becomes part of the locals’ daily routine.

Can I do a coffee tour if I don’t drink coffee?

Yes. All four tours in this post include tea as an option, so non-coffee drinkers can still join in. The Pike Place morning crawl also offers non-caffeinated drinks if you let them know ahead of time. It’s a good idea to mention it when you book so your guide can plan for it.

How much walking is involved?

Not a lot. Most of these tours cover about 1 to 1.5 miles over two hours, with plenty of breaks at each café. Seattle is hilly, though, especially around Pike Place Market and Capitol Hill, so wear comfortable shoes.

Are there private coffee tours?

Yes. The Capitol Hill Coffee Culture tour has a private option you can select when booking, and it requires at least two people.

Can I buy coffee beans on the tour?

Yes. Most of the cafés and roasteries you visit sell bags of their own beans, so you can take your favorites home.

Is the Pike Place Starbucks the original Starbucks?

Not quite. The first Starbucks opened in 1971 on Western Avenue, just a block away, and moved to its current spot at 1912 Pike Place in 1976. It’s still the oldest Starbucks in operation. It now offers timed reservations for entry, but there’s still usually a line, especially on weekends, so book ahead on the Starbucks website or app if you want to go inside.

Are Seattle coffee tours worth it?

Yes, especially if it’s your first time in Seattle. In two hours, you get several tastings and a local guide’s recommendations.

How far in advance should I book a coffee tour?

About three to five weeks ahead. The tours in this post are usually booked 22 to 38 days in advance, and groups are small, so popular dates sell out. All four offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so there’s no risk in booking early.

Was this article helpful to you? Well, go ahead and save it by pinning it so you can reference it later on.

4 lovely Seattle coffee tours Pinterest pin with lattes on a wooden table and the Pike Place Market neon coffee cup sign
4 lovely Seattle coffee tours Pinterest pin with a latte in a dark cup and a matcha latte on a café table

Travel Resources

First off, if you want to browse all my favorite travel resources, check out my Travel Resources page.

Trip Planning: I have put together the ultimate trip planning guide that will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

Book your Flight: Check out Momondo! They are my go to for booking flights. Airfarewatchdog is also a favorite of mine. I get notified by email every time there is a good deal from my local airport. WayAway is also a good option. They list mistake fares so many times; you can get an international ticket for as little as $300!

Book your Transportation: Busbud is usually where I check first. They check hundreds of different transportation companies all over the world and find you the best bus deal. Flixbus is one of my favorite cheap options for Europe. The buses generally aren’t too bad, and they go to most countries around Europe. It’s the perfect option for short distances. Train travel is my favorite mode of transportation, and I always use Rail Europe to book my tickets. If you need a transfer from the airport or if you are going somewhere where transport is limited (like a festival in the middle of nowhere or even a day trip), Welcome Pickups is a great option. I have used them on multiple occasions, and you can book a ride 5 hours in advance!

Book your Accommodation: My number one is Booking. If you book enough hotels from them, you can get huge discounts and perks like free breakfast and room upgrade. On a budget and looking for cheap accommodation? Hostelworld is my preferred site to book cheap and reliable hostels. Hotwire has a fun mystery to it. It’s a great site to use for last-minute bookings. They don’t actually tell you the name of the hotel when you are browsing. You will just get the area of the city it’s in, the price, and how many stars it has. I love the surprise aspect of it! Traveling to Asia? Agoda is the best accommodation booking site! If you are traveling with a big group, Vrbo is a good option. They have a huge selection of vacation rentals. Hotellook allows you to compare hotel prices around the world, so you can find the best deal!

Book your Travel Insurance: Getting travel insurance is such a crucial part of preparing for a trip. You never know what could happen, and why take the risk? Before I travel anywhere, I always book my insurance through Visitors Coverage.

Book your Activities: Now, you have planned all the logistics; time to think about what you will do once you get to your destination! These are a few of my favorite trip planning sites. I always use Get Your Guide and Viator when I am looking for tours. If you are traveling to Asia, Klook is widely used to book activities. Go City sells tickets to top attractions for up to 65% off. Eat With allows you to book dinners or cooking classes with local families. If you enjoy self-guided walking tours, We Go Trip has audio guides you can download. Big Bus Tours offers open-top sightseeing tours.

Store Your Luggage: Do you have a long layover or a late flight and need to store your luggage? Radical Storage has got you covered.

Get an eSim: Airalo has been an amazing way for me to stay connected on the road. They have eSims in 200 countries, and the setup is super easy.