Historic Ballard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Seattle's Quirky History
Active
30m - 45m
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Who says history has to be boring? Enjoy this saucy self guided audio tour of the historic Ballard neighborhood from a veteran tour guide who has heard all the great stories.
I fell in love with Ballard the first time I was introduced to it – so much so that I stayed in Seattle, learning about the city. That was over 14 years ago now! Find out for yourself why this charming city of salmon, coffee and music is so magical.
Some of the highlights that I cover on the tour:
• A brief introduction to Seattle's early history
• Bergen Place and its Scandinavian Connection
• How Ballard was annexed by the City of Seattle
• What "Snoose Junction" was
Whether you've lived here all your life, are visiting for the first time – or anything in between – this tour is for you. You’ll find so much of the history of this quirky 19th century boomtown on Ballard Avenue. It’s an authentic slice of Seattle, with some of its most iconic buildings and establishments. Let’s take a stroll down it together.
Available options
Historic Ballard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Seattle's Quirky History
What's included
VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Detailed itinerary
1
The tour passes by the Tractor Tavern.
2
The tour passes by Hattie's Hat.
3
The tour passes by Bastille Cafe & Bar.
4
The tour passes by Little Tin Goods & Apothecary Cabinet.
5
The tour passes by Ballard Sunday Farmer's Market.
6
The tour stops briefly in Bergen Place.
7
The tour passes by Vera's Pizza and Bar.
8
The tour passes by Marvin's Garden.
9
The tour passes by La Carta de Oaxaca.
10
The tour passes by The Ballard Smoke Shop.
What's not included
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food/Drink
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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1 reviews
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Seattle
Seattle, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban culture, is a city where innovation meets nature. Nestled between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it offers a unique blend of tech-driven progress and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for a diverse range of travelers.
Top Attractions
Space Needle
An iconic symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from its observation deck.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Expensive ($35-50 for adults)
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest and most famous public markets in the U.S., Pike Place Market is a vibrant hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Market
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining
Chihuly Garden and Glass
A stunning exhibit of Dale Chihuly's glass art, featuring intricate and colorful installations in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Museum
1-2 hours
Moderate ($24-32 for adults)
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
A museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture, featuring exhibits on music, science fiction, and video games.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate ($24-32 for adults)
Seattle Waterfront
A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and attractions, offering beautiful views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Scenic
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for attractions and dining
Discovery Park
The largest park in Seattle, offering beautiful trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nature
Half-day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Seafood
Fresh seafood is a staple in Seattle, with local specialties including salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters.
Main course
Contains seafood, may contain allergens
Coffee
Seattle is famous for its coffee culture, with numerous coffee shops and roasters offering high-quality brews.
Drink
Vegetarian/vegan options available, may contain caffeine
Marionberry Pie
A local favorite, Marionberry pie is made with Marionberries, a type of blackberry grown in the Pacific Northwest.
Dessert
Vegetarian, may contain gluten
Philly Cheesesteak
A Seattle twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique toppings.
Main course
Contains meat, may contain allergens
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Spa treatments
Yoga
Picnicking
Scenic drives
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. The weather is generally pleasant, and there are numerous festivals and events taking place.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT) (GMT-8)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Seattle is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour guides and taxis
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
Getting there
By air
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport • 14.5 miles (23.3 km) from downtown
By train
King Street Station
By bus
King Street Station Bus Terminal, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Link light rail is clean, efficient, and covers many key areas of the city. It's a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Belltown
Pike Place Market
Capitol Hill
Fremont
Ballard
Day trips
Mount Rainier National Park
85 miles (137 km) from Seattle • Full day to overnight
A stunning national park featuring the iconic Mount Rainier, as well as beautiful trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Snoqualmie Falls
28 miles (45 km) from Seattle • Half day
A breathtaking waterfall and park featuring beautiful views, hiking trails, and a historic lodge.
Bainbridge Island
12 miles (19 km) from Seattle (by ferry) • Half day to full day
A charming island featuring beautiful scenery, local shops, and a variety of dining and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) • Late May to early June
Bumbershoot • Labor Day weekend (late August to early September)
Seattle Pride • Late June to early July
Pro tips
- Visit the Space Needle at sunset for the best views of the city and surrounding landscapes
- Explore Pike Place Market early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the famous fish throwing
- Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic and relaxing day trip
- Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for a unique and interactive experience
- Try the famous Seattle coffee and pastries at local cafes and bakeries
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
