Nestled in the uppermost Eastern corner of mainland USA, Seattle, is simultaneously a thoroughly American city and an experience uniquely it's own. Despite being so large, there is a certain, almost small town, charm about the place, found in the independent shops, the cosy coffee shops, and local stalls that make up the iconic Pike Street Market.
Speaking of the latter, you'll even find the very first Starbucks here - though that sort of capitalist corporate megalomania is probably not very highly regarded in Seattle circles. Washington State's most populous city, it is known for being one of the country's more progressive (attested by the sheer number of LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter, and Anti-ICE posters, flags, and placards on almost every corner).
I did not visit Seattle with the intention of writing a guide. Rather, we ended up with a couple of days in the rainy city after a job in Alaska, with the intention of taking the time very much off to rest and recover. However it's the kind of city that is simply too enticing to explore, with a concise but worthy set of tourist sights, and an excellent dining scene to keep even the most discerning of foodies happily occupied.
My bar for whether something is "guide-worthy" is if I would recommend it naturally to a friend. By the end of our time in Seattle I had so many places racked up that met this threshold that it felt rude not to put them all together in this mini guide to the best things to do in Seattle. It is not, by any means, ample, however I hope it is suitably well curated to provide a robust starting off point for exploring the city.
Seattle 101
Money in Seattle: Seattle uses the US Dollar ($) - though I'd hope you'd already know that. Card is king, but keeping a couple of dollars to hand never hurts. Remember that in the US taxes get added on top of marked prices, and hefty tips (usually around 20%) are expected as standard for meals etc.
When to Visit Seattle: Seattle's Summer season (June-August) is it's most popular for warm weather, as well as making the most of events, festivals, and experiences across the city. Alternatively, time your visit to Spring blooms like cherry blossom, or Autumn (Fall) leaves.
How long to spend in Seattle: You could probably tick off the main sights of Seattle in 2/3 nights, but give yourself longer if you really want to discover the city in depth (and eat at all the fabulous restaurants!).
Getting around Seattle: Like many US cities, Seattle is very much designed for cars. That said, parking is not easy to find and often extortionate when you do, so I'd not recommend hiring a car unless you're planning on getting out of the city. The downtown areas are fairly walkable, with many sights in around a 30 minute radius. However for longer journeys there's a decent bus system, at $1 a ride which can be paid for with contactless payment cards. Uber is also available, although in my opinion rather expensive.
Safety in Seattle: It is impossible to avoid being confronted with the fact that Seattle has a serious homelessness problem. The number of unhoused on the streets may feel unnerving (though it is mostly just deeply sad). However by most reports this does not translate to increasing safety concerns, and in fact Seattle is considered a relatively safe US city. At no point whilst exploring did we feel threatened or unsafe. Like any major city, practice precautions - don't flash cash or expensive items, and stick to main roads at night.
5 Top Things to Do in Seattle: Short on time? Here's your cheat sheet. Admire the awe-inspiring work of Dale Chihuly, grab brunch at Oddfellows, eat and shop at Pike Street Market, see the views from Kerry Park and the Space Needle.
Where to Stay in Seattle
- MarQueen Hotel: This beautifully renovated property in an old Ford garage is one of Seattle's chicest mid-range stays. It's also conveniently located just a short walk from the Chihuly Gardens and Space Needle. The best perk, however? The chocolate chip cookies at reception, fresh out the oven at 3pm.
- Citizen M Pioneer Square: A reliable, relatively purse friendly option in downtown Seattle. Rooms are small, but clean and well stocked, and the location is ideal for exploring.
- Mayflower Park Hotel: A historic property with plenty of traditional charm. One for those who like their hotels with plenty of character.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco: Kimpton is a great option for hotels with the style and charm of a boutique hotel, but the service and amenities of a major brand. Their Seattle outposts (they have three) are no different.
- One Hotel Seattle: The green of the Emerald City is brought inside at this contemporary, foliage filled hotel, complete with Space Needle views.
- Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Every city has an icon, and in Seattle, it's this. A landmark property with some truly spectacular dining and drinking spaces, this is the ultimate Seattle luxury stay.
- Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt: Sleek, architectural features and a great waterfront view make this an excellent choice for aesthetes looking for a central Seattle base.
- Four Seasons Hotel Seattle: A modern, aesthetically minimal property from the US Hotel stalwarts, with a jaw-dropping rooftop infinity pool for a splash (gettit?) of very un-Seattle like glam.
Things to do in Seattle
- Head up the Space Needle: if you visit Seattle and don’t check out the view from atop the iconic Space Needle (pictured), did you really even go? Combine with the Chihuly Gardens (below) for discounted tickets.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass: An incredible exhibition (pictured below) of the breathtaking glass blown work by one of Washington States most famous artists, Dale Chihuly. Spanning an internal exhibition space, green house, and gardens, it’s an absolute must see and will leave you in awe.
- Take the Ferry: Any Grey’s Anatomy fans reading? Live out your McDreamy fantasies by taking the ferry from the Seattle Ferry Terminal to nearby Bainbridge or Bremerton. Tickets are round trip, and can be bought at the terminal.
- Pike Place Market: a true Seattle Institution, Pike Place Market spans several floors stocking a range of souvenirs and foodie items, as well as housing a number of restaurants and cafes. Check out nearby Post Alley for the interesting, if a bit gross, chewing gum wall.
- Kerry Park: the steep climb up to this small urban park is rewarded with great views out over the Space Needle and Mount Rainier beyond. Go for sunset on a clear day.
- Explore Neighbourhoods: if you don’t leave Downtown, you’re not getting the full Seattle experience. Head to Capitol Hill for great dining, drinking, and shopping, or Ballard for craft breweries galore. Make sure to pop by Good & Well Supply Co for a souvenir candle!
- Take a Cruise: Not satisfied with exploring all that Seattle has to offer? It’s a popular starting off point for Alaska cruises, particularly in summer, with many of the biggest names in cruising running regular sailings.
- Take a Hike: Seattle is also an excellent jumping off point for exploring the wider Washington State area, with a number of incredible natural parks to explore for hiking enthusiasts. Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park both offer a number of hiking trails and other activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Restaurants and Dining in Seattle
- Lioness: the kind of restaurant to impress the coolest person you know, weeping candlesticks and wall mounted plates make this vibey Italian a great date night spot. It's on the pricy side, however happy hour on a curated selection of drinks and snacks between 4-5pm makes it more reasonable. The chicken liver pate is particularly gorgeous - and this coming from a liver sceptic!
- Oddfellows: A Seattle brunch must, Oddfellows (pictured below) is a vast space filled with fun curiosities, and an excellent brunch menu. The green shakshuka packs a punch, or try American classics like biscuits and gravy.
- Le Pichet: A delightful little French bistro making up for a dearth of decent restaurants in Downtown outside the market. Charcuterie is their signature, but everything is delicious - I could bathe in the buttery sauce that accompanies their fish of the day!
- La Fontana Siciliana: A classic Italian taverna set around an atmospheric courtyard, complete with fountain. You'll find traditional Italian, particularly Sicilian, dishes here, served up in ample portions. Book ahead for a guaranteed spot as it can get busy.
- Matt's in the Market: You're spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants in and around Pike Place, but Matt's (pictured) is my pick. The views are worth it alone, but I could eat their seafood chowder every day.
- Harry's Fine Foods: I didn't quite make it here myself, but it's top of my list next time I'm in Seattle for their incredible looking weekend brunch.
- Monsoon: Another one on my list for next time, this cool East Seattle spot does is popular for it's Vietnamese menu that goes far beyond the usual Pho.
Seattle is perhaps not as immediately appealing as many of the flashier US tourist hotspots, but therein lies its charm. It marches to a beat all it's own, from independent progressive bookstores, to the best spot for a seafood chowder down the market. For those willing to dig a little deeper, there's plenty to keep you occupied. Roam the city's coolest neighbourhoods, try cocktails at it's best bars, or head out of town completely and discover Washington State's incredible nature.
Whilst far from exhaustive, I hope this small cheat sheet provides you with a solid starting point for exploring Seattle. As always, if you have any further recommendations or suggestions please pop them in the comments down below. And most of all, have an excellent time exploring all the wonderful things to do that Seattle has to offer.
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