Curator’s statement
Seattle is one of those cities that surprises you every time you visit and keeps getting better. Perched between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, with a food scene that punches well above its weight and a waterfront that just completed a decades-long, transformative overhaul, Seattle rewards the traveler who gives it more than a weekend. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a girls' trip, or a family adventure, this city shifts effortlessly from cosmopolitan to outdoorsy, sophisticated to playful. Don't sleep on Seattle—it’s one of the most livable, lovable cities in the country.
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Things to do in Seattle
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Waterfront Park
Seattle's waterfront has been completely reimagined with the completion of a 20-acre Waterfront Park. Stroll the Park Promenade from Pioneer Square all the way to Pier 62, stopping at Pier 58's marine-themed playground (look for the 25-foot jellyfish climbing structure), the Habitat Beach at Pioneer Square, and the Overlook Walk, which connects Pike Place Market directly to the water via a stunning elevated pathway. It's a genuine urban park achievement, and the views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains are reason enough to make the walk.
The Space Needle
No trip to Seattle is complete without a ride to the top of the Space Needle, the city's most iconic landmark, built for the 1962 World's Fair. The recently renovated observation deck features a stunning glass floor and rotating lounge, delivering 360-degree views of the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, and the Cascades. Book a morning visit for the clearest views, or time it for sunset for something truly spectacular.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium has always been a waterfront staple, and the August 2024 opening of its new Ocean Pavilion has elevated it to a must-see for all ages. The 50,000-square-foot pavilion houses nearly half a million gallons of water and more than 150 species, transporting visitors to the Coral Triangle with immersive habitats including The Reef, the Archipelago (a live mangrove forest), and a 360-degree One Ocean Hall. A rooftop plaza connects to the Overlook Walk, offering sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline. The Oculus window at street level gives even passersby a free glimpse inside The Reef, where eagle rays and leopard sharks glide overhead.
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the United States, Pike Place Market is a sensory experience unto itself. Watch fishmongers throw salmon, browse artisan crafts and local produce, and stop for a cup of chowder at Pike Place Chowder. Don't miss the original Starbucks location, the Gum Wall (oddly compelling), and the lower levels of the market, which most visitors overlook and where you'll find some of the best small vendors and hidden gems.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Designed by Frank Gehry and located at the base of the Space Needle in Seattle Center, MoPOP is unlike any museum you've been to. Its permanent collection covers the history of rock and roll, science fiction, and pop culture, and its rotating exhibitions have ranged from Nirvana to horror film to hip-hop. It's hands-on, loud, and genuinely fun. Perfect for music lovers and curious travelers of all ages.
Pacific Science Center
Also located at Seattle Center, the Pacific Science Center is a fantastic stop, particularly for families. It features interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX theater, a live butterfly house, and rotating special exhibitions. It's the kind of place where kids and adults can spend three hours and not notice the time passing.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Seattle's premier fine art institution anchors downtown with a world-class permanent collection spanning Northwest Coast Native art, African art, American and European works, and contemporary pieces. The building itself, with Jonathan Borofsky's famous "Hammering Man" sculpture out front, is a landmark. Check ahead for special exhibitions, which frequently draw major touring shows.
Take a ferry on Puget Sound
One of the most underrated Seattle experiences is simply hopping on a Washington State ferry from the downtown terminal. The short ride to Bainbridge Island takes about 35 minutes and delivers stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympics. Bainbridge has charming shops, good restaurants, and easy walkability, making it a perfect half-day excursion. The ferry ride itself, with a coffee in hand, is worth the trip.
Places to eat & drink in Seattle
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The Pink Door
A Seattle original since 1981, The Pink Door hides behind an unmarked blush door in Post Alley at Pike Place Market. They serve Italian-American cooking rooted in family recipes alongside Elliott Bay views, aerial performers, and live jazz. Book well in advance, as it was named Washington's Favorite Restaurant for 2025 and the state's only OpenTable Top 100 honoree.
Maximilien
One of Seattle's most intimate dining rooms since 1977, Maximilien serves French-inspired cuisine using local, sustainable sourcing while panoramic bay windows frame views of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains. The sunset view is hard to beat.
Place Pigalle
Tucked just behind Pike Place Market's famous fish throwers, this 1981 gem serves seasonal French-technique menus with sweeping Elliott Bay views from a barely-20-table dining room built on Prohibition-era bones. Reserve ahead, as it fills fast.
Canlis
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Canlis is Seattle's quintessential special-occasion restaurant, perched above Lake Union with unmatched service, a legendary wine list, and Pacific Northwest fine dining you'll remember for years. Reserve well in advance.
Pike Place Chowder
A Seattle institution that lives up to its reputation. Order the Chowder Flight to sample the New England clam, smoked salmon, and seafood bisque. Expect a line, but it moves quickly.
Ivar's
Skip the sit-down and head straight to the Fish Bar on Pier 54 for fish and chips and clam chowder eaten outdoors along Elliott Bay, ideally while feeding fries to seagulls. It's completely delightful and one of those only-in-Seattle moments.
Piroshky Piroshky
A Pike Place fixture since 1992, Piroshky Piroshky serves handmade Russian hand pies with both savory and sweet fillings. Get the smoked salmon pâté piroshky and eat it while wandering the market; expect a line, but it moves fast.
Hellenika Cultured Creamery
This Pike Place spot serves cultured gelato with a richer, velvety texture and a tangy finish, with 12 rotating flavors often made with ingredients sourced from fellow market vendors. Get the walk-around size and keep exploring.
Need to know
Seattle weather is famously misunderstood. Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket year-round. Summer (July through September) is genuinely spectacular and arguably one of the best urban summer climates in the country.
Seattle Center is a neighborhood unto itself. The Space Needle, MoPOP, the Pacific Science Center, and Chihuly Garden and Glass are all within easy walking distance of each other. Budget half a day at minimum.
The waterfront and Pike Place Market are walkable from most downtown hotels. Seattle's core is compact and very walkable, though the hills can be steep.
Buy ferry tickets at the terminal. The Bainbridge Island run is cash or card at the dock, and it's one of the best spontaneous half-days you can have in Seattle.
Book Canlis and The Pink Door early. Seattle's top restaurants fill weeks out, especially on weekends. Reservations open 30 days in advance at The Pink Door.
Seattle is genuinely great for all trip types. Romantic weekends gravitate toward the waterfront hotels, ferry rides, and candlelit dinners. Girls' trips do well with the market, the museum circuit, and the cocktail bar scene in Capitol Hill and Belltown. Families will find the aquarium, Pacific Science Center, and the new waterfront playground more than sufficient to keep everyone happy.
Travel Advisor
Suite Treat Travel
Courtney Bock
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