Seattle is home to famed attractions including Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. It’s where the grunge scene broke from dark dives into the mainstream sound of the nineties, and one of the few places in the United States where you can wander hallways lined with Chihuly glassworks, catch a rock show, and eat the day’s freshest oysters, all in one outing. To do so, you’ll need to be properly positioned — and these are the best Airbnb Seattle options in the coolest Seattle neighborhoods to experience the city in depth.
We hope you love the Airbnb Seattle vacation rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Houseboat Airbnbs in Seattle
When staying near the coast, you might as well stay on the water. These houseboat Airbnbs in Seattle, or more accurately, just offshore of Seattle, make that possible.
Seattle houseboat stay on the water
This wooden boat is what on-water dreams are made of. Right at Ballard/Fremont, you can hop on shore and stroll to some of Seattle’s best restaurants and nightlife, before retreating to your houseboat to rock yourself to sleep. The interior is well-kept and comfortable, and with the benefit of the attached kayak, you and your partner can make your way up and down the water with ease.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $86 per night
Classic Seattle houseboat Airbnb
With a nice elevated patio and a modern interior, this Seattle houseboat Airbnb offers up all the trimmings you’d expect at Lake Powell, right here at Lake Union. The Seattle houseboat rental comes with two kayaks to explore the surrounding waters, and when you do decide to hang out onshore, the entertainment and dining of the Lake Union area are within walking distance. Get out to Orcas Island easily on the nearby ferry.
Two guests, one bedroom
Airbnbs in West Seattle
West Seattle puts you close to the sound, Pike Place Market, and much of downtown. This is a great area if walkability is a priority but you don’t want to sacrifice neighborhood vibes, as opposed to simply placing yourself among the high rises.
Modern Airbnb Seattle apartment with Space Needle view
Modern Seattle is a destination for foodies, for wine enthusiasts, and for those who appreciate a contemporary touch when it comes to interior and exterior design. This apartment satisfies all of the above, as it is close to farm-to-table dining and the Chihuly museum. The Space Needle itself is visible from the window — an easy wayfinding point for you throughout your stay. If you can see the Space Needle, you can get back to the apartment. This is a great property for escaping on day trips near Seattle.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $147 per night
Spa retreat with Finnish sauna and saltwater hot tub
Upon reading the title of this property, you may have thought we’d fallen off the map and re-appeared thousands of miles away on the other side of the Atlantic. But we’re still in Seattle — and this is one of the best Seattle Airbnbs for those seeking relaxation. Take advantage of the Finnish sauna, soak in the saltwater tub, and then take a nap outside in the grass — it’s an oasis for the wellness-inclined in the middle of the big city.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $205 per night
Alki Beach studio with private coastal deck
Often overlooked by visitors caught up in all the oysters, coffee, and live music, Seattle is actually one of the most picturesque big cities in the US. This apartment in southwest Seattle encapsulates the best of the views, looking out over Alki Beach onto Elliot’s Bay and the mountains beyond. You may see whales. You will certainly see ships passing by between Bainbridge Island and downtown Seattle, as you take in the bustle of the city from one of its most picturesque vantage points. This is a great property for easy access to the airport as well (if you have an early flight, check out these SeaTac hotels).
Two guests, studio
Price: $221 per night
Airbnbs in Downtown Seattle
If Pike Place Market and the heart of the city center are your priorities, an Airbnb in downtown Seattle is the place to be. From here, you can walk or take the train anywhere you need to go.
Belltown neighborhood condo with Elliott Bay views
Part of any urban adventure is gazing out at the cityscape, preferably from an elevated position. You can do just that from this luxe apartment. Here you have an Airbnb Seattle masterpiece with the bonus of not needing to depend on the city’s unreliable weather to enjoy it. The city presents itself in grand fashion through the large living room windows gazing out over Elliot Bay. When you do wish to venture out to explore, the location is ideally set between the Pike Place Market (here are the best hotels near the Pike Place Market) and the Space Needle, with ample options to stop for lunch, a brew, or a photo op in between.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $253 per night
Downtown designer suite with Space Needle view
You can have your cake and eat it too, and this downtown Seattle suite is proof — central location, walkable to restaurants, music venues, parks, and Pike Place Market, but also with the stunning optics of the Space Needle visible out the window. On-site is a pool, hot tub, and parking, each a win in its own right as anyone who has ever lived in a city can attest to. And for the price, there’s no better option to ensure you can spend your budget taking in the food culture and sights having not drained it all by booking lodging.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $101 per night
Airbnbs near Capitol Hill, Seattle
Seattle’s Capitol Hill is an area steeped in history and modernity. It’s at once rich in Pacific Northwest culture, but also a good spot to base yourself for urban experiences.
Mini-mansion in heart of Capitol Hill
Within walking distance to everything in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, this mini-mansion is the best place to be. It’s got room for your entire crew and comes trimmed with modern amenities. Stroll just north to Volunteer Park and visit the Asian Art Museum and take in sights of the city from the Water Tower Observation Deck, a peaceful alternative to the Space Needle. At home, enjoy plenty of space to lounge, a yard, and easy access to the best restaurants in the city.
Eleven guests, six bedrooms
Price: $960 per night
Art-filled industrial loft in South Lake Union
Seattle is a place imbued with a rebellious, artistic spirit, from the grunge era to the kilns and easels of the Historic Central Area Arts & Cultural District. What makes this apartment one of the best Seattle Airbnbs is that you can sleep amongst the products of that spirit. Double-height windows illuminate artworks throughout the day. The fact that the apartment itself is super chic and modern — and close to Uptown, downtown, and Capitol Hill — makes it a slam dunk of Durant-esque proportions (sorry, Sonics fans).
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $167 per night
Bright and spacious house off Broadway in Capitol Hill, near stadiums
As is the case in many major American cities, Broadway in Seattle is a cultural hub of unparalleled proportions. Kurt Cobain himself undoubtedly strolled its banks once or twice back in the day, and combine this with the home’s Capitol Hill roots and you have the makings of a top-tier Seattle stay. This house is a great place to stay for sports and music fans as there are ample clubs, venues, and stadiums within walking distance. Off-street parking is included, and if you don’t have a car, the light rail is a few minutes’ walk.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $267 per night
Treehouse Airbnbs near Seattle
Everything looks better when viewed from above. This is especially true in the Pacific Northwest, where the trees are taller and the scenery lusher.
Urban treehouse Airbnb in Seattle
Treehouses tend to pop up in the forest. This one is an exception, putting you up among the branches right in the heart of the city. You’ll be just off Lake Washington and only eight miles from downtown, but with the luxe amenities on the inside and natural surroundings outside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into North Cascades National Park.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $219 per night
Squirrel House treehouse nestled in the woods
Near Redmond, about a half hour from Seattle, this unique property is the best treehouse Airbnb near Seattle. It’s cozy, warm, and the perfect retreat into nature after your time in the big city. You’ll love the modern aesthetic and easy access to hiking trails and other cool outdoor activities in Redmond.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $237 per night
Cottage within walking distance of top restaurants, food experiences
The best way to get to know a city is to experience its neighborhoods. This bright cottage is a good place for just that, located in a residential area but not lacking in amenities including a quick drive to the coast. The surrounding Fairmont Park and West Seattle neighborhoods host some of the city’s top restaurants including Mashiko for sushi and the Italian-inspired Raccolto. You’ll be inspired by the ease of access to kayaking and swimming, picnicking in the surrounding parks, and relaxing after checking out the tourist hotspots on the other side of Harbor Island, including Pike Place Market and downtown. 
Three guests, studio
Price: $152 per night