A First-Timer’s Weekend in Seattle

Space Needle

Iconic for a reason, and the views from the top are genuinely worth it. Right in the backyard of the Space Needle, you’ll find the Museum of Pop Culture, Artists at Play playground, and the Monorail—great hidden gems behind the Space Needle headliner and all worth experiencing.

Gas Works Park

A unique park where the old industrial gas plant structures sit right next to Lake Union, where you can see the full skyline from the top of the hill. If you catch good weather, bring a picnic and enjoy the views.

Fremont Troll

One of those quirky things about a city that sticks with you. The giant sculpture lurking under the Aurora Bridge is very on-brand for the Fremont neighborhood, and completely free to visit.

Underground Tour

After a fire in 1889 destroyed over 25 square blocks, Seattle rebuilt right on top of what was left of the city. In some places, you’ll see glass on the sidewalks where you can take a peek down below, but I recommend taking an Underground Tour where you can actually walk through the original street level.

Meredith Grey's house

Grey's Anatomy fans (speaking as one myself) will love spotting the iconic house in the beautiful Queen Anne neighborhood. Bonus: Right down the street is Kerry Park, which has arguably the best panoramic view of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier on a clear day.

Professional women's sports teams

Seattle made history as the first West Coast city with a team in the WNBA, NWSL, and PWHL; so if your trip lines up with a Storm, Reign, or Torrent home game, I'd absolutely build your itinerary around it. If you can’t make a game, stop by Rough & Tumble Pub, Seattle’s home for women’s sports.

Pike Place Market

A first trip to Seattle isn’t complete without an early-morning visit to Pike Place. I recommend getting there before 10 a.m. to beat the crowds.

Japonessa

Don’t miss the happy hour at this Japanese-Latin fusion sushi that is genuinely delicious. Great for a date night or group dinner, and be sure to grab some hot sake.

Von's 1000 Spirits

Von's is the kind of place that's been around long enough to have real character. They have over 1,500 spirits behind the bar! Don't leave without spinning the Wagering Wheel to see what cocktail fate has in store for you.

Retreat at Green Lake

This is my pick for a casual morning or afternoon stop if you're doing a lap around Green Lake. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you feel like a local rather than a tourist.

Day Made Kaffe Bar

This barista-owned cafe in Pioneer Square serves light, aromatic roasts sourced from Coffee Collective in Denmark. The care behind the coffee is obvious, but don’t miss out on the affogato.

Rough & Tumble

Seattle’s very first sports bar dedicated to women’s sports, this is a must-stop for any sports fan. The larger, original location is in the Ballard neighborhood, and they just expanded to a second location in Columbia City.

Unicorn

A visit to Capitol Hill is a must, and Unicorn delivers exactly the experience you’d hope to have: a French circus-themed bar with striped walls, taxidermy, arcade games, Jell-O shots, and carnival food.