The Best of Seattle: 3-Day Itinerary

Morning

Begin your day with an early-morning chef-led tour of the iconic Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, it’s one of the largest and longest-continuously running farmers’ markets in the country. Your tour includes a brief history of the market and several food stops along the way, so come hungry! The market covers nine acres and this tour is a great overview of the artisanal foods, seafood, fruit, vegetable, flower, and specialty stalls.

Tip: Don’t miss the fishmongers ‘throwing the fish’, the award-winning clam chowder and lobster rolls at Pike Place Chowder, and the famous blueberry cheesecake at Pufftown Bakers.

Afternoon

After your tour, take the Overlook Walk to the brand-new Waterfront Park, which looks out to spectacular Elliot Bay, has playgrounds, green spaces, art, sculpture, and amazing 360-degree views that include the Olympic Mountains. There are many seating areas for relaxing, and it is completely accessible with ramps and an elevator.

You can choose to ride the Seattle Great Wheel for more photos of the city. My recommendation is to visit the Seattle Aquarium, with its focus on Pacific marine life and conservation. There are hands-on exhibits and lots of educators about to answer questions. It’s always a thrill to see divers in the tanks with the sharks!

Evening

This evening, go to the coastal Ballard area by taxi. Here is a hip mix of old and new: boatyards, breweries, shops, and restaurants.

Have dinner at the Walrus and Carpenter, a simple space famous for their daily fresh offerings of oysters, clams, and other seafood. I sampled seven types of oysters, scallop crudo, and clams in a cream sauce with chanterelle mushrooms: all divine. The Walrusbar serves great alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Marvin’s Garden is a refreshing gin and elderflower concoction.

Walk fifteen minutes along Ballard Avenue to the Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks and Botanic Garden. These locks lift boats—like an elevator—from Puget Sound into Salmon Bay, and it is quite a remarkable sight. The gardens themselves are also quite beautiful and worth a visit. There was a string orchestra concert under a canopy of trees the evening I was there—that was an unexpected delight!

If you want to stay out late and enjoy beer, visit some of the microbreweries in Ballard with outdoor seating. Another option is the Pink Door at Pike Place Market with great live entertainment.

Morning

This morning head to the Space Needle, the most recognizable symbol of Seattle and the futuristic centerpiece of the 1962 World’s Fair, whose theme was “The Age of Space.”

The elevators are glass-fronted double-decker and the thrilling ride to the top takes 41 seconds! There is the world’s first revolving glass floor complete with a bar. The outdoor viewing deck offers panoramic vistas of the ocean and the city. The gift shop is a good stop for quality souvenirs.

Afternoon

Next door, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-see! Dale Chihuly is a Seattle native and the world’s foremost glass artist. He is known for his use of vibrant colors, dramatic compositions, and large-scale installations. The garden displays integrating glass and plant life are simply amazing.

Don’t miss the glass-blowing demonstrations and gorgeous café. The showstopper is the conservatory with its multitude of orange and yellow glass flowers.

Take the monorail to Westlake Center for a scenic ride.

Evening

Head back to your hotel to get ready for your early dinner at Canlis. This was named the number two restaurant in the United States earlier this year. Bookings must be made two months in advance, but it’s worth putting your name on the waitlist.

Founded in 1950, this fine dining icon sits atop Queen Anne Hill with unbeatable views of the mountains, Lake Union, and Downtown. Mid-century architecture, exceptional hospitality, and innovative, delicious Pacific Northwestern cuisine make this one of my all time favorite dining experiences.

After dinner, have the restaurant call you a taxi to nearby Kerry Park. It’s only a few minutes away, but you will thank me when you see the hills! Get here just before dusk, to see the buildings downtown light up in the night sky. Fans of the comedy Frasier will recognize the skyline as the view from his apartment.

Morning

On your third day in Seattle, visit at least one independent coffee shop. Famous for its coffee culture and known as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is a mecca for coffee connoisseurs.

However, many Seattleites forego the famous chain for independent roasters. One such coffee shop is Olympia Coffee. I visited its Downtown location on Fifth Avenue, and I was impressed not only by my iced mocha, but by the soothing ambiance and décor as well. There are entire tours devoted to coffee tasting as this city takes its coffee very seriously!

Afternoon

Travel by taxi to the Seattle Japanese Garden, part of the Washington Park Arboretum in the Madison area. This garden is three and a half acres, has been open since 1960, and is considered one of the most beautiful outside Japan. There is a central water lily pond with koi and turtles. The winding paths and benches invite us to take in all the details mindfully: stones, waterfalls, lanterns, bridges, and plants.

Lunch at nearby Café Flora’s covered patio is an experience in simple but delicious vegetarian food. Their fried green tomatoes with coriander yogurt and mushroom risotto were fragrant and delicious.

Travel by taxi to picturesque Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The Asian Art Museum here is a must-see with fascinating Indian, Chinese, and Japanese collections. When I visited, Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s depiction of Monet’s Waterlilies using 650,000 Lego bricks was mesmerizing. The gift shop has a great selection, including fair-trade items from India.

Tip: Not to be missed at the Park is the dahlia collection and the beautiful conservatory with its exotic plants.

Final evening

Enjoy dinner this evening at Noi Thai, or revisit Pike Place Market for one of the restaurants in Post Alley.