Curator’s statement
Seattle left a strong impression on us after a full week of exploring. We spent our days enjoying the food scene, visiting Pike Place, and finding local spots that made the city feel warm and approachable. A ferry ride to Bainbridge Island became one of the highlights. It was like discovering a quieter, charming town tucked just across the water. The mix of city energy and peaceful escapes made the trip feel well-balanced and memorable. It’s the kind of destination that’s easy to recommend to anyone planning a visit.
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Things to do in Seattle
Photo by Jimmy Woo
Pike Place Market
This is one of the best places to experience the city up close. You can browse fresh flowers, sample foods from local vendors, watch the famous fish throwing, and walk through small shops that feel authentically Seattle.
Ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island
The ferry ride itself is peaceful and gives you great views of the skyline and the Sound. Once you arrive, the island feels like a charming small town with cafes, boutiques, and quiet streets to explore at a slower pace.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
This museum showcases stunning glass sculptures in bright colors and intricate shapes. The indoor galleries and outdoor garden both create a beautiful experience that feels creative and calming.
Kerry Park
This small viewpoint offers one of the most famous panoramic views of Seattle. It is a great spot for photos, and if the weather is clear you can see the skyline, the Space Needle, and even Mount Rainier in the distance.
The Space Needle
A classic Seattle experience that gives you a full 360 degree view of the city. The observation deck is modern and open, and it is especially nice if you want a clear look at the mountains and water surrounding the area.
Discovery Park
The park has wide-open trails, beach access, and scenic lookouts that make it easy to spend a few quiet hours outdoors. It is one of the best places in Seattle to get a break from the busy parts of the city.
Capitol Hill
This neighborhood has a great mix of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and local stores. It is lively but still approachable, making it an easy area to explore if you want good food and a fun atmosphere.
Museum of Pop Culture
This museum celebrates music, movies, and pop culture in a very interactive way. It has exhibits on artists like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, along with displays on film, sci fi, and gaming, which makes it a great choice for a rainy afternoon.
Lumen Field and T Mobile Park
Both stadiums offer exciting ways to experience Seattle sports culture. Lumen Field is home to the Seahawks and the Sounders and is known for its energy and crowd noise, while T Mobile Park hosts the Mariners and has a relaxed atmosphere with great views of the field and skyline.
The Comedy Underground
A longstanding comedy club in Pioneer Square that features local performers and touring comedians. It is a fun, casual place to spend an evening and a great way to experience Seattle’s sense of humor and nightlife.
Seattle Waterfront and Great Wheel
The waterfront is a relaxing area for a stroll with fresh air and views of the water. You can stop for seafood, browse nearby shops, or take a ride on the Great Wheel for a gentle, scenic look at the harbor.
Places to eat & drink in Seattle
Photo by Alexandra Tran
Breakfast
Portage Bay Cafe: A local favorite known for fresh, organic ingredients and a toppings bar that makes breakfast feel fun and customizable.
Biscuit Bitch: A casual and quirky spot serving biscuits, gravy, and hearty Southern-style breakfast plates with a Seattle twist.
Brunch
Tilikum Place Cafe: Famous for its Dutch babies and cozy atmosphere, this café is ideal for a slow, comfort food brunch.
The 5 Spot: A Queen Anne restaurant with rotating regional menus, relaxed vibes, and great brunch staples.
Lunch
Pike Place Chowder: A must-visit for rich, award-winning chowder served in the middle of Pike Place Market with plenty of seafood options.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Known for its fresh cheese curds, grilled cheese sandwiches, and creamy mac and cheese made right in Pike Place Market.
Dinner
The Pink Door: An iconic Italian American restaurant with great pasta, live entertainment on select nights, and a warm, romantic atmosphere.
The Walrus and the Carpenter: A well-loved Ballard oyster bar known for fresh seafood, small plates, and a lively dining room.
Spinasse: A Northern Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and a refined but comfortable feel, perfect for a special dinner.
Need to know
Seattle is easy to navigate, especially if you use the Link light rail, which connects the airport to downtown and several popular neighborhoods. The monorail is a quick and fun way to get between Seattle Center and the Westlake area, making it helpful for visiting the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, or MoPOP. Scooters and bikes are widely available throughout the city and are useful for short rides or exploring the waterfront paths. Seattle also has a major cruise port near downtown, which makes the city a popular starting point for Alaska sailings. The weather can shift throughout the day, so packing layers is always a good idea. Seattle is very walkable, and using a mix of transit, ferries, and rideshare can help you explore more without the stress of parking.
Travel Advisor
Payton Brown
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