Tours

For more than 30 years, SAF’s architecture walking tours have served to entertain and educate locals and visitors about Seattle’s rich architectural and cultural history.

All of our guided tours are led by talented volunteers who serve as ambassadors for our beautiful metropolis. Our expert guides are excited to share their knowledge with the public to advance a better understanding of architecture, landscapes, and urban design practices that shape our city. All tour ticket purchases directly support our educational programs for youth and families.

Tours are approximately two hours in length and run Saturdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. See our FAQs page for more information.

Please note: A minimum of three people must be registered for tours to take place. Tours with fewer than three registered attendees on the Thursday before the tour will be cancelled.

See what people are saying

The Foundation runs really great walking tours where they cover various neighborhoods/areas around Seattle. You needn't have a background in architecture to enjoy it (though it can help), but really it's a great way to see some unexpected details around town with a great mix of people and led by a knowledgeable guide.

The Greatest Hits tour of Downtown Seattle offers a really comprehensive history of Seattle's rapid development from a pioneer town, to an earnest fledgling city, to a nascent metropolitan area. The neighborhood tours offer fantastic conversation-starters about the residents of the city, and how each place got its character.

The stone to steel tour by Nancy Day is a fabulous way to get to know Seattle architecture. It’s apparent from the gut-go that Nancy knows her stuff. The two hours passed quickly. The pace was perfect not too fast but not slow. I would highly recommend this tour.

Great introduction to houses and history in the Harvard Belmont neighborhood. So much to see and learn about pockets of the city that I have been in many times. Now I will know so much more about what I am seeing as I pass by. Very enriching. Thank you!

Nancy is an incredible guide — her knowledge, insight, and enthusiasm made the tour fantastic. It was helpful how she placed the architectural information into the context of other historical events — also really enjoyed the unique connection with fashion. Thanks Nancy!

Tour design, tour leader were excellent and the contributions of fellow tour members were very beneficial

Can't wait do another tour

I absolutely loved Nancy - she was a wonderful guide. I am sold on SAF tours and will definitely be signing up for more from you!

Our Tours

Ballard Branch Seattle Public Library - Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

Ballard Landmark District

Columbia-City-Library-A- photo credit Swenson Say Fagét

Columbia City: Expect Random Encounters

Diamonds & Gold: The Art Deco Skyscraper Northwest Style

Federal Avenue: Understated Elegance on the Park

StonetoSteel_Interurban Building, Roger Williams

From Stone to Steel: Seattle Style from Then ‘til Now

Harvard Belmont District: The Rich Life on Capitol Hill

Hidden Spaces/Public Places

EvanChakroff_greatest-hits or High Ambitions

High Ambitions: Concrete, Steel, Glass & Egos

Madrona Neighborhood: Streetcar Suburb; Model for Neighborhood Involvement

Modern Beauty and the Pedestrian Experience

Mt. Baker: More Than A View

Purple and Gold: From Gothic to Modern at the UW Core

Queen Anne: Evolution of an Urban Neighborhood

Seattle Skyline: History, Context & Culture

SAF_StonetoSteel2024_alessandrabrescia-5

Skid Row to Skyscrapers | Youth Tour

South Lake Union: Then & Now

Through The Looking Glass

SAF also offers private tours for up to 10 guests at a starting rate of $200. Larger groups may be accommodated upon request and cost an additional $20 per person. Please schedule 2–4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and note we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

Request a Private Tour Today!